SEATTLE, WA
Seattle, Washington is renowned for its coffee, rainy weather and breathtaking lakes, waterfront and greenspace. My roommate’s sister, Grace has lived in Seattle for the past four years while she attended the University of Washington to get her PhD. A lot of her favorite spots are in Northern Seattle around the university, but she has recommendations for all parts. Happy traveling!
Travel Tip:
- Public transit is great in Seattle. If you’re flying into town take the Link Light Rail from the airport – it’s cheaper and faster than taking a taxi or Uber. The Link Light Rail runs from the airport to the northern University District, with more stations opening soon.
One fun thing:
- Are you a food lover who likes cooking and cookbooks? If so, you have to check out The Book Larder. It’s a cookbook store with a kitchen in the back for events and classes.
- The Westin Seattle: a hotel in downtown Seattle. It’s in a great location and is made up of two funky towers.
- AirBnB: always a good option if you want to be flexible in price or where you stay.
- Pike Place Market: the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the country. Yes, it’s become a bit touristy, but it’s worth confronting the crowds to wander through the market by the Seattle waterfront. The fish vendors like to put on a show and pull pranks on tourists. It’s also where the original Starbucks is located along with 500 other shops, vendors, restaurants, bars and more.
- Burke-Gilman Trail: a paved trial that loops around the northern parts of Seattle and neighboring towns. It used to be a railroad, but the city acquired the track after it stopped running. It’s fun to rent a bike and see Seattle’s lakes throughout the ride. It’s about 19 miles long, but there are spots to jump on and off.
- Chihuly Garden and Glass: a gorgeous indoor and outdoor space dedicated to everything Chihuly. There are galleries, a “glass house,” garden and theater area. Chihuly’s glass sculptures depict nautical settings and animals, plant life and more. On your way out or in, check out the International Fountain about a block away. The fountain was built for the World’s Fair and it squirts water at random intervals. The Space Needle is also in the area.
- Columbia Center’s Sky View Observatory: the better skyscraper. Seattle is known for the Space Needle, and while it’s interesting to see, the Columbia Center is an even taller skyscraper with a better panoramic view. The Space Needle is pricey and crowded so if it’s not #1 on your list, check out the Sky View Observatory instead. Fun fact, it has the elevator from the elevator scene in 50 Shades of Gray.
- Olympic Peninsula: a day trip outside of the city to visit a UNESCO heritage site. It’s home to Olympic National Park, beaches, seals, the Western-most point of the contiguous USA, lavender fields, hiking trails, waterfalls, and more. It’s everything you could want in an outdoor experience. It’s about a 2 hour drive or ferry ride. Check out Finnriver Farm and Cidery for delicious cider, fruit wines or apple brandy. They also have pizza and other food.
- Top Pot Doughnuts and Coffee: a perfect spot for a morning sweet treat. It’s a casual, quick stop café. The apple fritter is amazing. There are several locations around the city
- Barrio Mexican Kitchen and Bar: a fun brunch spot. Barrio is located in Capitol Hill and has a good-sized brunch menu. The exterior has cool wooden garage doors that open up to a partially-lit interior with a wall of candles. Their Mexican brunch food is delicious and they have an exciting drink menu.
- Macrina Bakery: a bakery with amazing breads, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. They have several options for gluten-free eaters. Macrina has a few locations around Seattle and absolutely everything is delicious.
- All the cafés: you can’t go wrong with any of the local cafés! While Seattle is home to Starbucks, don’t let the touristy hype pull you in, there are better coffee options around every corner. Go check out the original Starbucks shop in Pike Market, but purchase a coffee and baked good elsewhere. A favorite includes Zoka Coffee, a cozy shop with fantastic coffee. The University location has lots of seating, a fireplace and comfy armchairs.
- U:don: unreal noodles with locations in the University District and Capitol Hill. U:don has a casual cafeteria-style setup and is an affordable pick. Their broth is incredible as is their vegetarian option. They put tempura flakes on top of the noodles, which brings the dishes to a whole other level.
- Din Tai Fung: home to the best dumplings. It’s hard to get into, but trying to get in for lunch is a bit easier than dinner. Their extensive dumpling menu has options for soups, noodles, and rice dishes which means there’s something for everyone.
- Zaina’s: a spot for inexpensive but delicious Mediterranean food. It’s a bit out of the way, but worth it. Try their falafel or gyros. They are open for a late-night snack too!
- Musashi’s: a hole-in-the-wall authentic sushi restaurant in the Wallingford neighborhood. They only take cash or checks. Try the Chirashi rice bowl, a bowl containing a bunch of fresh fish loaded up with tasty toppings. The restaurant itself seats about three people and doesn’t offer drinks beyond water and tea.
- The Pink Door: an upscale Italian spot in Pike Place Market. Search an alley for a pink door and walk on in! Occasionally, they have aerialists perform in the restaurant. The restaurant looks out over the water.
- Mamnoon: a high-end Middle Eastern restaurant in Capitol Hill. The food is flavorful and was featured on Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. They also have a window where you can get falafel to go.
- Monsoon: a Vietnamese restaurant in Capitol Hill. Their food is fancy and they have fun tropical cocktails. Get the clay pot catfish that is served with sticky caramelized sauce and scallions.
- Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream: the best spot for ice cream in Seattle. Molly Moon’s has a couple of locations scattered around the city. They have creative rotating flavors like Pie-den Kam ala Mode (apple pie, chai).
- Pie Bar: a fun concept with delicious pies. You can get pie and sugary cocktails at all hours of the night. Located in Capitol Hill.
- Agua Verde Café: a combination Mexican restaurant and kayak rental place. Yes, you read that right. They have a fantastic tequila happy hour and really good homemade salsa. Before or after you get a drink, rent a kayak and go out on Portage Bay/Lake Union.
- Capitol Hill: a neighborhood perfect for bar hopping. Unicorn is a favorite bar in the area. They have crazy eclectic decor with zebra heads on the wall, specialized house shots, and ridiculous sounding cocktails.
