Seattle Travel Guide
I’ve visited Seattle a few times now and each time discover something new and wonderful. This city has so much to offer whether you’re a foodie, outdoor enthusiast, coffee-lover, like antiquing, and much more.
Where to Stay
It really depends on what you are looking to do. For exploring, the Ballard and Fremont neighborhoods are great! If you’re looking for more of a night-life scene, then Capitol Hill is a good area. Those 3 neighborhoods would be my top recommendations.
This was one of my favorite places I stayed in the Ballard neighborhood.
Getting around Seattle
If you’re staying in Seattle the whole time and not going hiking or skiing or whatever else, you could probably get away with Ubering everywhere or walking. The airport is a bit outside of Seattle but a lot of other places are somewhat close together. I have always had a car when I’ve gone so I would say it is definitely more convenient, and you might end up spending just as much on Ubers as renting a car, but if you’re really not wanting to rent a car, you can get around without one.
Things to Do in Seattle
#1 – Fremont Troll
I visit the Fremont Troll every time I’ve gone to Seattle. It’s something quick to swing by and see. You might have to wait in line to get your picture, but everyone goes pretty quick.
#2 – Troll’s Knoll Forest
When looking at the Fremont Troll, to the right you’ll see an entrance into the Troll’s Knoll Forest. Highly recommend walking around it quick and don’t forget to water the moss turtle and make a wish!
#3 – Pike Place Public Market
I’m not one for super packed/tourist areas but I don’t mind Pike Place. It’s such a unique market and has some really great food spots! Definitely get a cup of chowder from Pike Place Chowder and a piroshsky from Piroshsky Piroshky! Grad your food and eat at one of the tables that overlooks the Puget Sound and Seattle Great Wheel. And don’t miss the guys throwing fish at the seafood stand right by the main entrance (under the famous “Public Market Center” sign).
#4 – Visit the Gum Wall
Some people are grossed out by this and some people love it. I fall in between. I’ve seen it once and that was enough for me but if you’re in Pike Place Public Market, it’s right by it and worth swinging by quick.
#5 – Visit the Original Starbucks
If you’re a Starbucks aficionado then I would recommend waiting in line to get Starbucks at the oldest Starbucks. It’s located in Pike Place Public Market. If you go during a busy time you will most likely be waiting in line for a while. The line was about 100 people long the last time I went but the first time only about 20 people.
Fun Fact: This isn’t “technically” the original Starbucks. The original Starbucks was at a different location. When they moved it, they actually moved it (meaning the original was gone after that). So it’s sort of true that the Pike Place location is the original Starbucks — it was one of the first stores, but not the first.
#6 – Space Needle
I will be honest, I’ve never paid to go up in the Space Needle so I can’t speak for that experience but I’ve explored the area and in the nicer months, there’s often markets and activities happening around it. More info on tickets to go up in the Space Needle here.
#7 – Seattle Great Wheel
If you want some spectacular views of the city while riding in a ferris wheel over the water, take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel. Ticket info here.
#8 – See the Best Views of Seattle from Kerry Park
I was lucky enough on my last trip to have clear weather so you could see the Seattle skyline and in the far distance, Mount Rainier! This is usually just a quick stop but very much worth it even if it’s not clear out that day.
#9– Hang out at Gas Works Park
Overlooking Lake Union, this park is a great spot to relax if you’ve done a bunch of walking or maybe grab some to-go food from a nearby restaurant and have a little park picnic!
#10 – Shop in the Fremont Neighborhood
The Fremont neighborhood is a great spot to walk around and explore. A couple of my favorite stores I’ve been to are the Fremont Vintage Mall & Jive Time Records!
#11 – Explore the Ballard Neighborhood
Ballard is much less touristy compared to other areas of Seattle and is filled with great coffee shops, restaurants, record stores and more. Caffe Umbria, Venture Coffee, Sonic Boom Records, The Blue Glass, Macleod’s Scottish Pub are a few places I’d recommend!
#12 – Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden
This botanical garden is filled with trails and rare plants. You can also watch boats go through the Ballard Locks (pending the weather), which is a pretty cool thing to see if you’ve never seen before!
#13 – Visit leavenworth!
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled mountain town about 2 hours and 15 minutes East of Seattle. Enjoy German beer & sausages, check out the shops, and depending on what time of year you go, you could experience a wild Oktoberfest, a Christmas Market, or some extreme heat in the Summer. I have a whole guide to Leavenworth here.
Restaurant Recommendations
Pike Place Chowder
Chowder Restaurant. This place is a little hard to find as it’s down an alley in Pike Place Market but if you’re a chowder-lover, you have to try it! Try New England Clam Chowder or a sampler of different kinds. It’s the best clam chowder I’ve had to date!
Tip: If you don’t want to wait in line you can order ahead on their website and then go inside, past the line, down the hall a bit, and pick it up from a window. It will save you a ton of time but know you can’t eat in the restaurant then.
Piroshsky Piroshsky
Piroshsky. I had never heard of a piroshsky until coming here and now I always make a stop when in Seattle. I would recommend the Smoked Salmon for something savory and the Chocolate Cream Hazelnut for something sweet!
Local Tide
Seafood, sandwiches, & small plates. This is a combo counter service/sit-down restaurant and was much better than I was expecting so now I tell everyone to go here when in Seattle! The Albacore Tuna sandwich & Dover and Fries were fantastic!
The Blue Glass
Meat & Seafood. For a chic, modern vibe in the Ballard neighborhood, this is a great place for anyone that likes meat or seafood!
Lady Yum
Macarons. For your sweet tooth, check out Lady Yum for some delicious macarons!
coffee shops
Caffe Umbria
Locations: Ballard, Queen Anne, Downtown
Venture Coffee Co.
Location: Ballard
Olympia Coffee Roasting
Locations: West Seattle, Columbia City
Ampersand Café on Alki
Location: Next to Alki Beach (West Seattle)
Current Coffee
Location: West Seattle
