Curator’s statement
Seattle welcomed us with a perfect blend of urban charm, cultural depth, and postcard-worthy waterfront views. With our hotel conveniently located near major attractions, we wasted no time diving into the city's vibrant atmosphere. The hotel itself offered great value for the area—it felt safe, required keycard access for added security, and was surprisingly affordable compared to other nearby options.
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Just a 19-minute walk from the hotel brought us to the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), a standout stop that far exceeded expectations. Immersed in exhibits that paid tribute to Seattle’s legendary music scene, we found ourselves especially captivated by the Nirvana collection. Seeing Kurt Cobain’s original sweater and Polaroid concert tickets felt like stepping into music history. Thanks to discounted tickets through our Fora partners, the experience was not only deeply enriching but also a great value. We spent nearly three hours exploring the immersive displays and could have stayed longer.
Nirvana exhibit at MoPOP
Guitar tower at MoPOP
Sweater worn by Kurt Cobain, MoPOP
Even the museum café (Culture Kitchen) held its own. Expecting typical attraction fare, we were pleasantly surprised by high-quality offerings. My salmon poke bowl was a standout—healthy, fresh, and satisfying—well worth its $20 price. The only gripe? A steep $5 bottled water, made unavoidable due to the museum’s no outside beverages policy.
Lunch at MoPOP
To cover more ground, we hopped on the hop-on hop-off bus tour, which proved both informative and convenient. The ride looped through Seattle’s highlights with engaging recorded commentary, and ran all day from 10 am to 4 pm. The option to alternate between open-air views and air-conditioned comfort was a welcome touch after hours of walking. We later transitioned smoothly onto the nearby train at Chinatown Station, making our way to the airport with ease—a testament to Seattle’s surprisingly seamless transit options.
Chinatown dragon
Another must-do? Visiting the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market. Although famously touristy, the quick-moving line and nostalgic charm made it worthwhile. We picked up two souvenir mugs featuring the classic store design—affordable and meaningful keepsakes from Seattle’s iconic coffee institution.
And of course, no trip to Pike Place would be complete without sampling the seafood. We treated ourselves to a lobster roll and chowder in a sourdough bowl at the world-famous Pike Place Chowder. The roll, priced at $37, was on the pricier side and might be a one-time indulgence. But the $17 chowder was hearty, delicious, and a satisfying way to close out our market experience.
Dinner at Pike Place Chowder
Need to know
Make sure to wear tennis shoes because you will do lots of walking.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Seattle page.
Travel Advisor
Stacey Smith
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