Welcome to Seattle, a diverse, tech-forward hub with blue collar roots where you can experience the world’s best coffee, live music, and natural wonders all in a single day. But lucky you, you’ve got several weeks ahead in this great city—and this guide can help you decide how to spend ‘em.
Your friends and family back home are gonna want proof you’ve seen “the sights.” Below are some classic Seattle attractions you can hit during your first weekend in the city—then, keep scrolling to get to the real Seattle.
Perhaps one of the most postcard-perfect places in Seattle, Pike Place is home to hundreds of floral, fish, and food vendors. After strolling through the market and taking in a view of the waterfront from the upper level, be sure to stop by the original Starbucks—founded in 1971—for a cup of coffee or just a selfie. On your way out, journey through Post Alley—where tucked-away breweries and cafes feel like hidden gems away from the hustle and bustle of Pike Street—to check out the colorful-yet-kind-of-gross Gum Wall (you’ll know when you’ve found it).
A hub for summer festivals, live music, and afternoon coffee meetups, Seattle Center is a tourist must. Check the Space Needle, the International Fountain, and the Seattle Monorail off your list all in one location—and if you have time, a trip to the Museum of Pop Culture or Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum are worth an afternoon visit.
Fremont was one of Seattle’s first neighborhoods with its own identity, and even today, that quirky energy is still present. Check out the vintage vendors at Fremont Mall, visit eclectic cafes along 36th Street, and even get a tour of a chocolate factory at Theo—the sweet smell of which you can sense from anywhere in the neighborhood. And, of course, no trip to Fremont is complete without a photo in front of the Fremont Troll, an 18-foot sculpture under the Aurora Bridge.
Now that we’ve got the postcard version of Seattle out of the way, let’s turn you into a local—you know, the kind of person who has a preference between MiiR and Elm Coffee Roasters and knows that if you want solitude at Deception Pass, you should get up early to hike the Headlands instead of walking the bridge.
As the “original downtown,” Pioneer Square features unique Romanesque Revival architecture rarely found elsewhere today.
Wake up with a coffee roasted right in the back of Elm Coffee Roasters. Elm serves farm-to-table pastries from Salmonberry Goods and even makes their own nut milks.
In 1889, a massive fire burned most of Pioneer Square to the ground. The streets were raised and a new neighborhood was built, creating what’s now known as Seattle’s “underground.” You can explore the buried city on the Seattle Underground Tour, which leaves on the hour from Doc Maynard’s Public House.
The London Plane is an Instagrammable cafe that serves small plates, salads, and bowls—and sells specialty groceries for the foodie, too.
The half-acre Occidental Park is a great place to check out a festival or simply sit and people-watch. If you’re in the mood for dessert, pop into nearby General Porpoise for a cream- or custard-filled doughnut.
With the Puget Sound to the west and Salmon Bay to the south, bustling Ballard is a trendy neighborhood that’s just as great a hangout for outdoor enthusiasts as it is for cocktail aficionados.
Running diagonally from Market Street to 17th Avenue, Ballard Avenue boasts cute shops, cool bars, and great restaurants. Grab coffee at Anchored Ship, then spend your morning perusing boutiques like Found, Horseshoe, and Woodland Mod.
Choose your own adventure for lunch: For delicious Northern Thai food, check out Pestle Rock. Or, for a quintessential Seattle brunch, head to Hattie’s Hat for down-home classics. Craving Mexican? The Matador is the place to be for Tex-Mex, or get a little classy with elevated tacos and tostadas at Gracia.
Take yourself on a self-guided tour of Ballard’s best breweries: Urban Family, Stoup, Reuben’s Brews, and Fair Isle. If you’re more of a craft cocktail fiend, Hotel Albatross or Hazelwood are your go-tos.
After a day of wandering and drinking, it’s time to chill—and Golden Gardens, a coastline park perfect for sunbathing or strolling, is an especially great place to watch the sun disappear over the water.
If you’re up for it after a busy day, Tractor Tavern and Sunset Tavern are both great venues for live music and a nightcap.
Escaping to an island is a common weekend activity for Seattleites. Bainbridge is a great choice for those who won’t be taking a car across the water—most attractions are a short walk apart.
Especially for visitors from landlocked states, taking a ferry from Seattle to one of the islands is a must. To get to Bainbridge, buy a single-ride ticket and board at the Seattle Ferry Terminal in downtown Seattle. The ride is just 35 minutes, and if you’re super lucky, you may even see orcas (killer whales) along your journey.
Spend your morning walking along Bainbridge’s main street, Winslow Way. Grab coffee at one of the many cafes before popping into shops like Salt House Mercantile, Petit & Olson, Danger, and Eagle Harbor Books.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, snag a cured meat sandwich at Hitchcock Deli, a casual vegetarian meal at Emmy’s, or British-style fish and chips at Proper Fish.
Bainbridge is a haven for casual hikers. While your food digests, take a stroll through Grand Forest, a network of easy walking trails.
Before you hop the ferry back to the city, stop at one of the island’s many wineries for a flight of vino. We love Bainbridge Vineyards and Eleven Winery.
Head to Sunset Hill to rent kayaks at Ballard Kayak ($20 per day) and paddle out for a sweeping view of the Space Needle and downtown Seattle.
Never hiked a day in your life? Love cocktails, but hate concerts? Choose your persona below for a list of adventures customized to fit your vibe.
