I may be biased considering this is my hometown, but Seattle is one of the best (if not the best) cities in the world. Located in a perfect location where the ocean meets the trees and the mountains, here you will find a setting and a culture that is unique to the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Add in the tech-savvy and entrepreneurial environment that gave rise to companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Costco, and Boeing, and you will find a city that is looking towards the future, while remembering its historic roots. People tend to ask about the rain right off the bat when I mention that I’m from Seattle, but let’s just say (1) it doesn’t rain as much as you would think, (2) it adds to the unique culture that is PNW, and (3) you’ll probably miss the rain if you go anywhere else.
WHAT TO DO
University of Washington (4000 15th Avenue NE) – This beautiful campus (and my alma mater) is consistently rated among the most beautiful college campuses in the world and for good reason. While it is beautiful at any time of the year, stop by in the spring if you can to see the cherry blossoms blooming in the Quad. Mt. Rainier can be seen from multiple places on campus, with an especially spectacular view from Drumheller Fountain, and Suzzallo Library is known worldwide as the “Harry Potter library” for its breathtaking gothic architecture. With a massive campus covering 634 acres in North Seattle, the campus mixes classically beautiful historical buildings with new, modern buildings, much like the culture that is Seattle. When you’re done taking in the views, stop by Dick’s Drive-In and stand in line amongst UW students to get cheap burgers that are greasy in the best way possible.
Pike Place Market (1912 Pike Place) – Yes, it’s crowded and full of tourists, but no trip to Seattle is complete without a trip to Pike Place. Check out the flower stalls with their gorgeous arrangements at reasonable prices and of course, don’t miss the seafood vendors as they toss fish and scare tourists throughout the day. If you happen to be there on a sunny day, there’s a great open area in the back where you can grab a bite to eat outside or just enjoy the view.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room (1124 Pike Street) – Skip the lines at the original Starbucks at Pike Place and head to the Roastery instead. There are five other Roasteries throughout the world (Shanghai, Milan, New York, Tokyo, and Chicago), but it’s only fitting that the first was built in Seattle. Take some time to admire the decor, peruse the merchandise, learn about the roasting process, and enjoy a menu that you won’t find at any other Starbucks.
Kerry Park (211 W. Highland Drive) – Located in the Queen Anne neighborhood, Kerry Park has sweeping views of the entire city. Make a quick stop at the viewpoint to capture the perfect Seattle skyline photo that includes the Space Needle, the ports, and Mt. Rainier. The streets getting there are at a steep incline and narrow though so keep that in mind while driving through this historical neighborhood.
Alki Beach (1702 Alki Avenue SW) – Accessible by crossing the West Seattle Bridge, Alki Beach provides amazing views of downtown Seattle from across Elliott Bay. Take in the views, day or night, and watch as the ferries move in and out of the terminal. On warmer days, check out the boat / kayak rentals or pack a picnic to enjoy at Alki Beach Park.
Snoqualmie Falls (6501 Railroad Avenue, Snoqualmie, WA) – Located just 30 miles from downtown Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is an amazing sight any time of year. Nature lovers can hike the short and easy trail from the bottom of the falls to the top or vice versa. The Salish Lodge located at the top of the falls has in-house restaurants with breathtaking views and provides a warm spot to take in the views on those cold winter days.
WHAT TO EAT
The London Plane (300 Occidental Avenue South) – This restaurant/cafe/florist/gift shop is located in Pioneer Square and is the perfect brunch stop. With a facade straight out of a storybook, the interior decor and concept is the epitome of effortless chic. Grab a seat by the window to people (and dog) watch as you enjoy menu items like baked eggs, ricotta toast, and quiche, all along with their amazing housemade bread.
Bakery Nouveau (137 15th Avenue East) – Stop by one of their three locations in the greater Seattle area to pick up pastries, cakes, bread, macarons, sandwiches, and chocolates. With everything made in-house, you really can’t miss with any of their selections. The stars of the show for me personally are their twice-baked croissants - flaky croissants stuffed with a filling and then baked again.
Piroshky Piroshky (1908 Pike Place) – Most days you will find two lines across from Pike Place Market - one is for the original Starbucks and one is for Piroshky Piroshky. Russian bakeries probably aren’t the first thing that come to mind for you with you think Seattle, but you are missing out if you skip past this one. Yes, the line can be long, but it does move quickly, and it gives you just enough time to decide on your order. If you still can’t decide, the cheddar cheese & garlic roll is always perfect, and the beef & cheese and apple cinnamon rolls are always crowd favorites as well. The pastries warm up remarkably well too so if you’re full from all of the other fantastic food options, grab a couple to go and enjoy the next morning.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese (1600 Pike Place) – As you approach Pike Place, you’re likely to see people crowded around a corner window. Join the crowd and watch as fresh cheese is made before your eyes at Beecher’s. Head inside to sample the cheese and grab a bowl of their famous Mac & Cheese or one of their grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. While the food is cheesy and flavorful as expected, the real stars here are the different varieties of cheese for sale. Their signature Flagship comes in cow or sheep’s milk, and you can also pick from various years of aging. The Flagship is guaranteed to be the highlight of any charcuterie platter with little salty crystals that pop in your mouth. If you don’t feel like lugging around pounds of cheese while you sightsee, there is also a Beecher’s located at SeaTac airport on Concourse C for all of your cheese needs.
Cafe Flora (2901 E. Madison Street) – A vegetarian spot with vegan options, Cafe Flora presents inventive menu items in a dining area filled with live foliage, beautiful wallpaper, and windows all around. Their seasonal menu has offerings such as portobello wellington, winter squash polenta, and roasted vegetable spaetzle, and even meat lovers will find themselves enamored with the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus.
Storyville Coffee (94 Pike Street) – If you are in need of some coffee after wandering around Pike Place, head up to Storyville Coffee, located on the top floor of the Corner Market Building, directly across from Pike Place and Rachel the Pig. Beautiful, arched windows peer down into the market and out towards the water. Soft ambient lighting, a warm fireplace, and the amazing smell of their coffee all lend to a cozy and comfortable environment. You may even see their servers walking around offering free slices of their famous chocolate cake so curl up with a cup of their top-notch coffee and enjoy the views.
Rhein Haus (912 12th Avenue) – What was once a 1940s candy factory is now a slice of Bavaria in central Seattle. A perfect place for a fun night out with friends, Rhein Haus offers an authentic Bavarian menu full of sausages, pretzels, and beer fondue, as well as indoor bocce ball courts, an outdoor biergarten, and a bier hall. It can get very loud and crazy, especially on the weekends, so steer clear if you are looking for a place for quiet conversation.
Marination Ma Kai (1660 Harbor Avenue Southwest) – If you find yourself on Alki, make sure to stop by Marination Ma Kai for Korean-Hawaiian fusion by the water. Marination started as a food truck and currently has additional locations in Seattle, but this location comes out on top for the views of Seattle across the bay. Located right next to the West Seattle Water Taxi, you’ll find items like kimchi fried rice, loco moco, and musubi. There isn’t a ton of seating inside, but there is ample seating outside on the patio for those sunny Seattle days.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Andra (2000 4th Avenue) – A Scandinavian-inspired hotel in the artsy Belltown district, Hotel Andra shows up on best hotel lists from Travel + Leisure and Conde Naste. It is centrally located within walking distance to downtown shopping areas and Pike Place, and the rooms have been newly remodeled. The staff is always a delight at this boutique hotel and go out of their way to ensure your comfort. Lola is an excellent restaurant by Tom Douglas next to the lobby, serving breakfast favorites, Mediterranean entrees, specialty cocktails, and homemade doughnuts. However, take note that the restaurant does tack on a mandatory 20% service fee on top of all their bills, which may be disconcerting for some diners.
The Edgewater Hotel (912 12th Avenue) – If you are looking for water views from your hotel, check out the historic Edgewater Hotel. Originally known for hosting music legends such as the Beatles, Pearl Jam, the Rolling Stones, and many others, the hotel’s large “E” sign is a mainstay on the Seattle waterfront. Many of the rooms include a balcony overlooking the water, and every room comes with a fireplace for a cozy cabin feel. No car is needed while staying here as it is located within walking distance to the Space Needle, the Seattle Center, the Monorail, the MoPOP, Pike Place, and so much more.
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