Rain or Shine: Seattle

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Kristen Epperly
Curated By

Kristen Epperly

  • Arts & Culture

  • City Travel

  • Weekend Getaways

  • Seattle

  • Sightseeing

Advisor - Rain or Shine: Seattle
Curator’s statement

My friend and I went to Seattle just for a weekend trip. Neither of us had been there before but we definitely made the most of it. From classic tourist spots (the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, etc.) to some amazing food, we had an absolute blast. We definitely got rained on, but that didn’t stop us from seeing everything we wanted to.

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Where to stay in Seattle

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Things to do in Seattle

View of the city from the ferry to Bainbridge

Elliott Bay Book Company

I wouldn’t say I’m a big reader, but I do love a good book, and this bookstore was so cozy. With the coffee shop in the back, you can grab a drink and browse. They had so many staff-recommended books, which is my favorite way to find a new book. It's definitely worth a stop if you’re on Capitol Hill.

Ferry to Bainbridge Island

The ferry to Bainbridge gives you amazing views of Seattle. It is about $10 if you don’t bring a car, but it’s free on the way back to Seattle. Bainbridge is such a cute little town with so many shops and just easy to wander around and stop in different places.

Chihuly Garden & Glass

This was probably my favorite spot on the trip. It was so incredible to see all the different glass works on display, and it’s almost hard to believe it’s all glass. This museum reminded me of Blown Away on Netflix, and they also have glass-blowing demonstrations.

Pike Place Market

This is a classic stop and you really can’t miss it. They had so many fresh (and dried) flowers, seafood, art, etc. Definitely stop by and maybe pick up some dried flowers to bring home with you.

REI

REI was such a cool spot to visit. I know it might not sound like the place to go because you can probably go in your hometown, but they created a little oasis in the city that was so fun.

Space Needle

Another classic can’t-miss. You can get a combo ticket with the glass museum and check both off the to-do list. When you make it to the top, there is a café and a bar and you can hang out a little bit with a drink. Make sure you go on a clear day to get a good view of the city from the top.

Places to eat & drink in Seattle

View of the Space Needle from Altitude Sky Lounge

Top Pot Doughnuts, Belltown

Such a cute doughnut and coffee shop. I got the seasonal fritter and it was absolutely incredible. There is a loft with a bookstore vibe to hang out in, drink your coffee, and avoid the rain.

Deep Dive

Cocktail bar located in the Amazon Spheres. The door is a little hidden as it has its own entrance from the outside of the sphere. Highly recommend Lady in Red or Farrah's Foster if you're wanting a cocktail, but they also have a good selection of mocktails!

Kati Vegan Thai

This was probably my favorite spot for dinner. Even if you're not vegan, this place is incredible. I got the pad kee mao, and I'm typically not a huge fan of tofu but this was so good. Highly recommend giving this a try even if you're not vegan and just want some good fresh food.

Blackbird Bakery

Bakery on Bainbridge Island. This is a classic stop for everyone that goes over on the ferry. The line can be long but it's definitely worth the wait. I got a chai, which was just absolutely perfect to warm up on a cold, rainy day. It might be hard to find a spot to sit inside, so plan to walk around or you might get lucky and get a table.

Cactus

Mexican restaurant that was right by our hotel. I got shrimp tacos and they were easily some of the best I have ever had. They gave us flan since it was our first time visiting.

Altitude Sky Lounge

This is the rooftop of Astra Hotel, and you can see the Space Needle from the top. I would definitely recommend one of their hot toddies if it is a little chilly out. They also have fire pits and warmers outside, and they even have some blankets if you get really cold!

Kaarage Setsuna

Stopped here for lunch (another cold, rainy day). Highly recommend the ramen to warm up; or, if it's nice out, they also have sushi. Even if it's not cold out, I would still recommend the ramen—it was just a nice cozy meal.

Need to know

Ubers and Lyfts can be expensive, so plan ahead for walking, public transportation, or you can get Lime or Bird bikes and scooters pretty much anywhere around the city. Bring either a rain jacket or umbrella (or both!), so the rain doesn’t slow you down.

Kristen Epperly

Travel Advisor

Kristen Epperly

Advisor - Kristen Epperly

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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Seattle page.