Seattle is the poster child city for the Pacific Northwest. Its laid-back attitude welcomes you with open arms, making you feel like a local in just a few days.
Because of its geography, Seattle has a reputation for being rainy and gloomy. Luckily for you, it doesn’t rain in Seattle nearly as much as people want you to believe. The average rainfall in Seattle is much lower than in cities like New Orleans or even Miami.
Get ready for sunny days and walks in the park as you explore surprisingly sunny Seattle with this two-day itinerary.
Day 1: The City Center
On your first day in Seattle, you’ll explore Seattle’s walkable city center.
Go to Pike Place Market
You’ve probably seen a video of a fish being flung in the air in Seattle. This seafood spectacle happens at the one and only Pike Place Market. The market sells fresh seafood that can be shipped all over the world, fresh flowers, art, and more. A walk through the famous market is an essential part of any Seattle itinerary.
Around Pike Place
The Gum Wall
On Post Alley, underneath Pike Place Market is The Gum Wall. It’s become a tourist attraction where people can add their mark (and saliva) on Seattle with a piece of chewed gum. It is disgusting yet intriguing.
Cobb’s Popcorn
For a snack, grab a bag of popcorn from Cobb’s. They have a bunch of different flavors that you can snack on while wandering the streets of Seattle.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
For more of a meal, grab a bite to eat at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese across from Pike Place Market. Beecher’s specializes in all things cheese from mac ‘n’ cheese to grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s a great option for grab-and-go but if the line is too long, don’t wait in it. There are plenty of other great food options around Pike Place Market.
The Original Starbucks
Across the street from Pike Place Market is the original Starbucks. The line is only worth it if you’re a Starbucks fanatic looking to buy limited-edition Seattle merch. For the rest of us, go to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery up Pike St. on your way to Capitol Hill.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
If you’re looking for a Seattle Starbucks experience, go to the Starbucks Reserve on Pike St. Here you can taste specialty coffees that aren’t found at the regular Starbucks in your hometown. Many cities now have their own Starbucks Reserve but this was the first one Starbucks opened.
Explore Capitol Hill
From the Starbucks Reserve, walk down Pike St. until you hit 10th Avenue, one of the main streets of Capitol Hill. Capitol Hill is a cool, LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood with many parks, shops, and eateries. It used to be more indie and grunge, but like many neighborhoods, it’s been gentrified over the years.
In the heart of Capitol Hill, you can walk through Cal Anderson Park and down Broadway East and 10th Avenue. You’ll find vintage shops, bars, and bookstores like Elliot Book Bay Company.
Grab a book at Elliott Book Bay Company
Elliott Book Bay Company is a Seattle institution. It’s an independent bookstore with character. Many books on the shelves include a recommendation from the staff. Stop to get inspired and grab your next read.
Relax at Volunteer Park
At the northern end of Capitol Hill is Volunteer Park, a 48.3-acre park with a botanical greenhouse and lots of space to lie in the grass. The Volunteer Park Conservatory charges $6 for admission to the greenhouse. It’s a great escape that makes you feel like you’re inside a mini botanical garden.
Dinner at Homer in Beacon Hill
For some of the best Mediterranean food, go to Homer in Beacon Hill for dinner. Order a mix of small and large plates with pita bread for a shareable Mediterranean feast. Make sure to leave room for dessert because their homemade soft serve is incredible.
Homer is walk-in only except for parties of six to 10 people. It’s a small restaurant, so if you’re traveling with a big group, be sure to make reservations on Tock well in advance.
Day 2: The Outskirts
On Day 2, you’ll get to know all the great areas directly outside of the city center. We got around in a rental car but you can opt for an Uber to reach each of these destinations.
Enjoy the view from Kerry Park
The best view of Seattle’s skyline is from Kerry Park in Queen Anne Hill. From here, you can capture a perfect photo of the Space Needle, Seattle’s most popular landmark. After your photo opp, walk around the neighborhood of Queen Anne Hill to see beautiful Tudor- and Victorian-style homes.
Brewery hop around Ballard
With over a dozen breweries in a one-mile radius, Ballard Brewery District is home to the most breweries in the Pacific Northwest. Start at Stoup Brewing and make your way to other spots like Opec Brewing and Wheelie Pop Brewing. Many locals hang around the breweries and bring their dogs for a pint after work.
Stroll around Downtown Ballard
After enjoying a beer or two in the brewery district, head to downtown Ballard to pop into shops. Ballard Ave NW is dotted with cute boutiques and places to grab a sweet treat like Salt & Straw Ice Cream.
Unwind at Gas Works Park
Before dinner, head to Gas Works Park on the northern end of Lake Union to lie in the grass and take in the views. Gas Works Park is on a hill that makes for a great vantage point to see the city.
Dinner at Rock Creek Seafood in Fremont
For dinner, enjoy fresh local seafood at Rock Creek Seafood in Fremont. Some of the best West Coast oysters I’ve ever had were from here. Every dish was delicious, so you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Where to stay
The best place to stay in Seattle is in the city center, specifically south of Lake Union and north of Pike Place Market.
To be closer to the action, stay at the Hyatt Regency, closer to Pike Place Market. It’s right in the middle of everything.
The Astra Hotel in South Lake Union is also a great spot to stay. It’s close to the main attractions and neighborhoods but still far removed enough to be peaceful.
Other things to do
If you have more time in Seattle here are some other things to check out during your stay.
Belltown
Belltown is another lively neighborhood in Seattle, just north of Pike Place Market. Here, you’ll find boutiques, restaurants, bars, and the Olympic Sculpture Park (a free outdoor museum that has nothing to do with the Olympic Games).
Lake Union
Lake Union is the main lake in Seattle. You can kayak on it or even rent a floating hot tub boat.
Mount Rainier
About two hours from Seattle, you can visit Mount Rainier, the snowcapped volcano that can be seen from the city. Mount Rainier National Park has hiking trails and alpine vistas that make you feel like you’re in the Swiss Alps.
Discovery Park
For nature close to the city, go to Discovery Park, a park with bluffs overlooking Puget Sound. Visit West Point Lighthouse and enjoy the views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges.
Planning a trip to Seattle? I’m happy to answer any questions in the comments below.
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