Travel Guide: Seattle
Seattle and the surrounding area is the birthplace of and home to many of today's business empires: Amazon, Starbucks, Boeing, Nordstrom, Microsoft and more. The city is notoriously laid back in comparison to many other booming tech and business hubs on both coasts, yet it has a distinctive creativity and residents clearly aren't afraid to strike out with their unique ideas and try and build something interesting. From geography to industry, to architecture and food, Seattle is both unique and curiously magnetizing.
{Get There/Get Around}
The Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) airport has service from most major U.S. cities and a number of international cities as well. The Seattle light rail connects directly to the airport and will get you downtown in no time. There is a public transit system in Seattle but it is more geared towards commuters getting into the city from the surrounding suburbs. You can easily walk most of the downtown area and Uber and Lyft are easy to get for any further afield destinations.
One thing to keep in mind when selecting a place to stay is the divide between the core downtown area and many of the residential neighborhoods. On the more traditional end, the Four Seasons and Grand Hyatt are both lovely, for something a bit more contemporary, there is a Kimpton and an Ace, and if you're willing to sacrifice a bit of convenience and take a few more Ubers there are some great deals to be found on Airbnb in the nearby and farther afield neighborhoods.
{See & Do}
Pike Place Market is probably the most recognized and recommended spot in Seattle and with good reason. Yes, its very touristy, however, it has a really fun and vibrant atmosphere and is well worth a visit. I'd actually recommend going a couple of times if you can swing it to experience it at different times of day. Early in the morning is my favorite as you can watch all of the vendors setting up and get phenomenal, uninterrupted photos. The flower sellers in particular are stunning and if you are staying for a few days you should grab a bouquet of the most enormous Dahlias you've ever come across to brighten your hotel or rental. Later in the afternoon the market is more lively (and crowded) but its fun to see the action in full swing. Sure the fish sellers cater to the captive audience with their well-practiced antics and acrobatic shows, but take it for what it is and enjoy the bustle.
The Chihuly Glass Gardens exhibit was an unexpected treat. The tickets are not inexpensive, but they are timed so you are assured a relatively crowd controlled experience with some of the most astounding glass sculptures. The Seattle Art Museum is also well worth a visit. Check out what special exhibits will be on during your stay, but the permanent collections are also quite good. Be sure you don't miss the floating driftwood tree in the reception hall.
Kerry Park offers picture perfect panoramic views over downtown and the water and is well worth the Uber ride to get there. Sunset is a popular time to visit and the park is quite small so be prepared to wait a bit
if you want a front row seat.
Hop on the ferry to Bainbridge Island for jaw dropping views of Elliot Bay and the city. Its not uncommon in the Seattle area for people to work in the city but live on one of the surrounding islands, so most of the ferries are designed to handle cars as well as people passengers and watching the loading and unloading process is an experience in itself! Once you arrive on Bainbridge, the main street is a short walk from the ferry terminal and is full of cute cafes and shops. I'd recommend Fork and Spoon for a light lunch on the back patio, followed by a scoop of Pacific North West blackberry ice-cream from Mora Ice Cream next door.
The Pacific Northwest is home to amazing views, hikes, waterfalls, and trails that make you forget you are just a short distance from a major metropolitan area. There are so many beautiful hikes and trails in and around Seattle that choosing just one can be daunting. Many of the parks require permits to park and hike. Have some cash on hand to pay.
Seattle is sandwiched between two bodies of water and nearly cut in half by Lake Union that connects Elliot Bay and Lake Washington. Gas Works Park lines the northern shore of Lake Union and is a great spot for an afternoon picnic. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, along the southern shore there are a number of aquatic sports rental facilities. Kayaking and sailing are both popular on the lake and a fun way to get a different perspective on the city. We rented kayaks from Moss Bay which I would highly recommend. They have all the equipment you need and are happy to give novices a lesson before you set off. Pro Tip: it is a LOT harder to steer a two-person kayak than you might imagine! If you're craving a bit of a different experience (and are a more experienced kayaker) head up to the University of Washington Arboretum where you can paddle through some of the small islands and channels.
{Eat & Drink}
Westward for oysters and wine overlooking Lake Union
Oddfellows is a great café/workspace in the Capitol Hill neighborhood
Don't miss Molly Moon ice cream shop, right next to Oddfellows
If you're looking for a nice but not super fancy place specializing in seafood, Bar Melusine is your spot. (Bonus points for the very chic interiors.)
General Porpoise is a local doughnut institution and also serves up a delicious latte
The London Plane is a delightful cafe, coffee shop, bar, flower shop and bakery all in one. On a nice day, try and snag a table outside and watch the passerby in and around Pioneer Square
Check out Volunteer Park cafe for fresh, local fare
Needle & Thread is a speakeasy cocktail bar hidden upstairs at Tavern Law. Go on the early side as it is a very small space
Lark Restaurant is a more upscale experience and highly recommended
For fans of cured Italian meats, Salumi is a must-visit for sandwiches and take away. The line is intense and when they are out of bread for the day they close up shop.
Coffee is big business in Seattle and something locals take very seriously! New spots are constantly cropping up but a few that made our list were:
Uptown Bell Espresso
Elm Coffee Roasters
Moore Coffee Shop
{Things to Know}
Seattle weather is known for one thing: rain, and lots of it. No matter what time of year you visit, you can expect some overcast skies and probably a drizzle or two. But when the sun does come out, typically in the summer months, the city takes full advantage of the waterfronts and green spaces.
{What to Pack}
Seattle is pretty laid back on the fashion front and the variable weather necessitates a degree of practicality. You really can't go wrong with a pair of dress up or down boyfriend jeans, a rain-proof layer and sneakers. Don't forget your hiking gear and a packable backpack to stash your snacks and other gear.
