More than just rain and coffee, Seattle is filled with a range of unique activities and attractions for culture vultures, nature lovers and everyone in between. The pacific northwest city is known for its eclectic art and music scene, farmer’s markets, lush parks, lakes and outdoor spaces, and incredible seafood. You can never get too far without picking up another latte or nibble along the way to your next stop.
DAY 1
8AM THE FIRST STARBUCKS
1912 PIKE PLACE SEATTLE, WA 98101
The coffee shop that has taken over the world first opened in Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market in 1971. Stop by for a scone and a java at the flagship store that still maintains its original look and feel. Be sure to go early to beat the crowds (that do line up) and see the market just waking up.
9AM PIKE PLACE MARKET
1ST AVE. & PIKE ST. SEATTLE, WA 98101
The historic Pike Place Market is Seattle’s first and largest farmer’s market that’s been in business since 1907. Known for its fresh produce stalls, local artisans, giant flower bouquets, and famous flying fish, the market is popular with both tourists and locals alike. You could easily spend a few hours exploring all the wonderful vendors.
12PM MATT’S IN THE MARKET
94 PIKE ST. SUITE 32 SEATTLE, WA 98101
While there are plenty of places to eat at Pike’s Place, Matt’s on the top floor of the Corner Market Building offers delicious Pacific Northwest seafood and stunning views of the water and West Seattle. Not only will you get fresh, seasonal food, but the ingredients are coming directly from other market merchants - it doesn’t get more local than that.
4PM PIONEER SQUARE
1ST AVE. & YESLER WAY SEATTLE, WA 98104
Continue south on 1st Avenue, Pioneer Square is the birthplace of the city and where Seattle’s founders settled in 1852. Wander through the historical neighborhood known for its Renaissance Revival architecture, discovering quirky boutiques and cafes as you go. If you keep heading south you’ll reach the arenas where the Seahawks, Mariners and Sounders play.
6PM UMI SAKE HOUSE
2230 1ST AVE. SEATTLE, WA 98121
Fresh seafood and Asian cuisine abound in Seattle, and you can get the both of best worlds at Umi Sake House in Belltown. With both traditional sashimi and inventive specialty rolls, the place gets packed nightly - be sure to try the signature tempura Crunchy Seattle Roll with salmon and avocado. (They also have an excellent happy hour from 4 – 6 p.m.)
8PM CATCH A SHOW
SEATTLE, WA
At night, see what the Seattle Theatre Group has going on at one of its three historic theatres: The Paramount, Moore or Neptune Theatre. The opulent Paramount hosts theatrical performances while the Moore and Neptune bring in a range of music acts to aid in Seattle’s artsy vibe.
DAY 2
8AM PORTAGE BAY CAFE
391 TERRY AVE. N SEATTLE, WA 98109
Ask any local where to go for breakfast and chances are, they’ll say Portage Bay. The popular brunch spot is dedicated to using local, organic and sustainable ingredients and is famous for its “breakfast bar” – order any pancake or French toast plate and take it to the bar to load up on fruit, nuts, maple syrup and whipped cream. Portage Bay gets busy, especially on the weekends, so try calling ahead for a reservation.
10AM SPACE NEEDLE
400 BROAD ST. SEATTLE, WA 98109
Any trip to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the iconic Space Needle. Take the elevator up to the observation deck 605 feet in the sky for panoramic views of the city. If heights aren’t your thing, you can always stay on the ground and visit the Experience Music Project or Chihuly Garden and Glass museum, both located at the base of the Needle.
2PM VOLUNTEER PARK & CONSERVATORY
1427 15TH AVE. E. SEATTLE, WA 98112
Spend the afternoon enjoying a stroll through Volunteer Park. With more than 45 acres of leafy greenland, paths and play areas, the park is also home to a conservatory, the Asian Art museum and a picture perfect view of the Space Needle.
9PM CAPITOL HILL DRINKS OR DESSERT CRAWL
E. PINE & E. PIKE ST. SEATTLE, WA 98101
Sitka & Spruce isn’t the only good place to eat on Capitol Hill; the neighborhood is packed with excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and watering holes. In fact some of the city’s favorite local dessert chains, like Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop (917 East Pine) or Cupcake Royale on (111 East Pike), are on the hill as are a range of bars, breweries and distilleries. For a drink, try Tavern Law (1406 12th Ave.), known for its craft cocktails and speakeasy vibe, or The Pine Box (1600 Melrose Ave.), with more than 30 beers on tap, many from local microbreweries.
WHERE TO STAY: THE EDGEWATER HOTEL
2411 ALASKAN WAY SEATTLE, WA 98121
A Seattle institution, The Edgewater Hotel places you right in the downtown area with views of Elliott Bay and the majestic Olympic Mountains. The waterfront property combines elegant style with a Pacific Northwest feel and has been a popular getaway spot for decades – The Beatles even stayed here in 1964.