This put up was written by Chelsea Loren, one among our Professional Journey Contributors!
Seattle: the top of the Northwest, recognized for its espresso recreation, and notoriously gloomy climate.
Going into this 3-day journey, I knew I wished to go to the legendary Pike Place Market and was extraordinarily eager about its historical past and meals stalls — however quite a few the opposite issues that made this itinerary have been strategies I picked up from locals!
For these of you which can be devoted followers of the ‘Bucks, I’ll contact on Starbucks’ origins…after which steer you to a special place for espresso. 😉
As a observe, I selected to not go to the House Needle, however reasonably respect it as a part of Seattle’s iconic skyline. Nonetheless, if you wish to embody it in your go to, I’ve famous the place I believe it could mesh properly.
For people who love indulging in native delights and discovering cool locations to snap pictures, right here’s the last word 3-day Seattle itinerary!
Earlier than You Go
I went on the finish of Might for Memorial Day Weekend and was greeted with attractive climate. There was a light-weight mist once we received in, however apart from that we have been greeted by sunshine.
The climate (and whether or not it’s raining or not) will certainly influence a few of the out of doors actions. When it comes to climate, the very best instances to go to Seattle are Might to mid-October for sunnier skies and fewer rain.
Bear in mind that for the reason that summer time tends to be the excessive season, there could also be extra crowds and also you’ll possible discover fewer offers on the subject of lodge charges.
The place to Keep in Seattle
We stayed on the Alexis Royal Sonesta, about 10 minutes from Pike Place. The rooms have been beautiful, visitor service was nice, and it was a great strolling distance — would positively advocate its central location.
Wherever you select to remain, I’d extremely recommend someplace near Pike Place, as it’s fairly central to most stuff you’ll be doing, and staying on this common space makes strolling to issues fairly manageable.
Just a few different lodge choices:
Getting There
Getting Into Seattle from the Airport
Getting to our hotel from the airport, we took the Seattle Light Rail and it was about $5 to get into the center of Seattle and took about 50 minutes.
Ubers and Lyfts are available; will take about 20-25 minutes without heavy traffic and the price without surge was roughly ~$50. I’ve been told by locals that rideshare prices are not super reliable and can quickly surge…which I experienced firsthand.
My flight out of Seattle was an early morning one, and the first Uber slated the price at $60. It then canceled a few minutes later and the price jumped to $90. So just keep that in mind.
The Neighborhoods in Seattle
To get a lay of the land, here’s a quick overview of some of the neighborhoods:
- Ballard: Hip waterfront area, lots of breweries
- Belltown: Cool dive and cocktail bars, some storied music venues
- Fremont: Kind of a hipster vibe with vintage shops, this is where the iconic Fremont Troll is located
- Queen Anne: Lots of older Victorian architecture, can get great views of the city
- Capitol Hill: LGBTQ+ friendly, lots of fun bars and restaurants
- Pike: Where the famous market is located, quite touristy
- Pioneer Square: Downtown vibes, some of Seattle’s origins, older area, as a note, there are a lot of homeless in this area
*There are a bunch of other places but these are the main ones that came up when talking to locals about where to visit and what to see!
Your First Night
I’d recommend making a reservation at Pink Door on your first night time! After you examine in to your lodge and get your bearings, make your method over to Pike Place Market.
The market itself closes round 5 pm, so that you’ll possible be seeing it after it’s closed. You’ll be able to snap a number of photos of the enduring signal and get a style of what the world will likely be like…earlier than the hustle and bustle of the morning.
Hold strolling till you discover Publish Alley. Now, there’s NO signal for the restaurant. There may be only a pink door.
Dinner at Pink Door
Should you’re capable of snag a reservation — accomplish that! This place books up weeks (and perhaps months) upfront.
Whereas I didn’t handle to make a reservation, I did learn that Pink Door usually retains half the restaurant accessible for walk-ins.
For reference, we have been there on a Thursday night time round 6:30 pm and put our names on the waitlist (they mentioned it could be about 1 hour half-hour); different instances of the yr the waitlist is perhaps too lengthy.
If there’s a wait — don’t fret! Make your method proper throughout the alley to the wine tasting room, actually referred to as “The Tasting Room.”
Go in, do a wine tasting, share a charcuterie board that has Beecher’s Do-it-yourself Cheese on it (positively advocate getting this native cheese because it’s on the listing of musts to attempt in Pike Place — however the line is normally CRAZY lengthy. So if you happen to can pattern some right here, accomplish that).
When you’ve imbibed a few glasses and your desk is prepared, put together your self for a decadent meal.
Pink Door’s menu options Italian delights and is very recognized for his or her lasagna — made from skinny layers of spinach pasta with bechamel sauce and pesto, after which topped with marinara sauce.
It’s mentioned that Invoice Gates as soon as requested the proprietor for the recipe and she or he mentioned no! So, do your self a favor and take a look at it whilst you’re right here. 🙂
Make reservations for Pink Door here!
Day 1: Pike Delights + Victorian Views
Hopefully you’re hungry as that is fairly a foodie-centric day!
Stand up early and head to Pike Market — it typically opens at 9 am. I’d recommend getting there earlier reasonably than later as queues begin rapidly filling up and the place is flocking with vacationers.
There could also be supply vans and vans in entrance of the enduring signal and flying fish stand, so simply preserve that in thoughts (if you happen to’re attempting to snap an epic photograph, you might want to come back at a later time or be affected person).
Take Your self on a Meals Tour
I’m all for occurring meals excursions! There are guided ones you can book — which if you wish to attempt numerous issues, is perhaps the very best wager. Plus, you’ll get a few of the historical past and enjoyable information about every factor.
Wish to do your individual tour? I’ve listed out a few of the high picks so that you can pattern for your self!
Professional Tip: get the small sizes of no matter you possibly can to avoid wasting room for all the things.
- Strive Ellenos Greek Yogurt proper on the opening of the market. We received there very first thing — like 9:15 on a Friday morning and there was already a small line. It’s positively price ready for and can possible be the very best Greek yogurt you’ve ever had. You can even combine flavors if you happen to’d like! I beloved the Marionberry Pie (which is a sort of blackberry).
- Mee Sum Pastry for bao, or you possibly can go for Piroshky Piroshky Bakery (didn’t get to attempt both however was tremendous eager about Mee Sum Pastry)
- Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is the cheese I discussed on the wine bar. The road was at all times out the door and up the block, however I’ve heard it’s unimaginable. In addition they have to-go cups of mac and cheese.
- Daily Dozen Donuts for heat cinnamon sugar donuts
Book a guided food tour of Pike Place Market here!
About the “First” Starbucks
Regardless of your feelings about Starbucks, it does appear on a number of itineraries when visiting Seattle. So, if this is something you’d like to do — do it!
It’s located just outside of the covered market at 1912 Pike Place.
The line seemed to stretch down the street and up the block at all points of the day. I snapped a photo outside, for prosperity, but headed elsewhere for some brew.
If you’d like a more in-depth experience, you may want to check out The Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room at 1124 Pike Avenue.
Enjoyable Information
The founders of Starbucks, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, met on the College of San Francisco and have been skilled within the artwork of roasting espresso beans by none apart from Alfred Peet of Peet’s Espresso and Tea.
Their preliminary mission was to create a spot the place they might promote teas, espresso beans, and spices — espresso wasn’t really brewed within the first retailer!
They drew on nautical mythology for the theme—seen of their signature siren emblem—and the title “Starbucks” got here from Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick.
Time for a Espresso Break
Take a break from sampling scrumptious treats! Head to Ghost Alley Espresso, situated in Publish Alley.
It’s proper subsequent to the bubblegum wall, which is a bit of gross…but additionally spectacular. Snap a photograph right here if you happen to’d like! The espresso store does have gum accessible if you wish to make your mark on the wall.
At Ghost Alley Espresso, I’d extremely advocate getting the Thriller Mocha (Barista’s Selection)!
They may ask when you have most popular flavors or something you don’t like, and the one I sampled was INCREDIBLE. We requested they usually mentioned it had a mixture of white chocolate, coconut, and rose.
Wander the Market
The Pike Place Market opened in 1907, and whereas I’m guessing most locals don’t really store right here in the present day and it’s extra geared in the direction of vacationers, it’s simply as cool as I believed it could be.
Whereas right here, see the enduring fish throwing sales space, Pike Place Fish Market, after which wander the alleyways of the market.
Relying on the season, seize a bouquet of flowers on your lodge room. Flowers right here go extremely properly and the peonies have been tremendous low-cost! Later in the summertime, it’ll be dahlia heaven all through the market.
For Souvenirs
There’s a spot referred to as Rings-N-Issues that’s type of unassuming, however the proprietor, Chad, grew up available in the market! He mentioned it was his dad’s stall and he took it over a number of years in the past. He now designs tremendous cool shirts, mugs, and stickers.
I actually appreciated these as they weren’t the everyday vacationer shirts, reasonably they have been designed by a neighborhood artist.
Plenty of his designs are actually cool and spell out “Seattle”’ in curious ways in which you wouldn’t actually know at first look — like an octopus whose tentacles coil to spell out Seattle.
End Out Pike with a Bowl of Chowder
Haven’t had sufficient but and persevering with on together with your meals tour? Whilst you could also be stuffed by this level, Pike Place Chowder is price it! You’ll be able to order for pick-up or wait in line (the road could look lengthy however isn’t as dangerous because it appears).
I received the Unique and that appears to be the most well-liked alternative, however I’ve heard they’re all unimaginable! If you will discover seating, eat right here, or take it to go and eat on the benches that overlook the water!
Afternoon in Queen Anne
After you’ve labored your method out of a meals coma, make a visit to Kerry Park. We selected to stroll — needed after all of the meals from the morning — and it positively received the blood pumping.
Kerry Park has unimaginable views of the town and is a primary place for pictures!
Proceed on to see all of the Victorian homes within the Queen Anne space. The neighborhood towers above the remainder of Seattle and is a mixture of residential streets and quaint procuring blocks.
There are a number of must-sees within the space, however my recommendation could be to wander and admire all of the unimaginable structure!
The Coleman Home is a spectacular cottage that appears like one thing out of Alice in Wonderland. Heads up, it’s a personal residence, so please be respectful if you happen to’re snapping pictures!
Make your technique to the principle road of the world and discover a snack! There are a handful of espresso outlets and bakeries, however most of them shut round 4/5 pm.
Olive Oil Tasting
Should you’ve by no means carried out an olive oil tasting (and even when you have!), cease by A Bit of Taste.
They’ve so many distinctive flavors and concepts for pairings that you simply wouldn’t ever consider, however they’re great! They provide journey sizes of olive oils and totally different sorts of vinegar in case you simply have a carry-on. 😉
Day 2: Pioneer Sq. + Alki Seashore
London Aircraft for Breakfast
Make your technique to Pioneer Sq. and head to London Plane for breakfast! It’s an lovable brunch spot that doubles as a floral store and place to select up homewares and an assortment of different goodies.
Get a essential dish and do your self a favor by ordering a Kouign-Amman (it’s a buttery and candy Breton (France) pastry that’s an absolute delight.
In case you’re questioning how one can pronounce it, it’s like “queen ah-mon.” (I’ve received your again!)
After breakfast, wander round Pioneer Sq.. There are some actually distinctive murals and artworks within the space, together with previous bookstores, bars, and classic outlets.
Only a observe that the homeless inhabitants is powerful in Pioneer Sq. and sadly it’s gotten worse due to COVID.
E book the Underground Tour of Seattle
Beneath the Streets has a brief and candy tour (simply an hour) that will provide you with an excellent glimpse into Seattle’s origins!
You’ll study a bit of concerning the Nice Seattle Fireplace and the “amethyst” blocks that line the sidewalks, what occurred throughout the Klondike Gold Rush, and see a little bit of the underground.
Definitely book this tour in advance!
Take the Ferry to Alki Seashore
To see the opposite facet of Seattle, take the ferry to Alki Seashore. The ferry is $5.95 a method, and takes about quarter-hour to recover from to the seaside.
You’re welcome to wander the world or have a cocktail at Salty’s. We have been advised by locals that Salty’s isn’t recognized for its meals however is a spot the place folks go to have fun or for a flowery meal.
You possible will want reservations for Salty’s!
I’ll agree, the meals was simply okay; I wasn’t tremendous impressed, particularly for the value. HOWEVER, if you happen to’ve by no means had the crab cracking expertise — this isn’t a foul place to attempt it for the primary time.
So my suggestion could be to come back right here for one crab cluster and a glass of wine.
Once more, you come right here for the views and the expertise, not essentially the meals.
Smith Tower for Drinks
Apart from Pike Place Market, if there’s one factor you completely should do in Seattle, I’d say go as much as Smith Tower for drinks!
The 38-story constructing was accomplished in 1914, making it the oldest skyscraper within the metropolis, and was one of many tallest skyscrapers exterior of NYC on the time it was constructed.
The tower is regal, to say the least, it’s replete with gilded interiors and marble. It seems like one thing out of an Previous Hollywood film.
The viewing platform presents a few of the most lovely 360-views of Seattle. Plus, the cocktail bar has a type of speakeasy model, which is significantly cool.
Speak about swanky!
It’s $16 per particular person to go as much as the commentary deck/bar, after which one other price for whichever drink or meals you select, however for my part, properly price it.
Useful Tip:
You’ll be able to put your title and quantity on the waitlist (day of) and wander the world till you’re referred to as. I imagine they final let people up round 8:30 pm, so that you’ll wish to be on the listing properly earlier than then to make sure you can go up.
Attempt to put in your title as early as doable, this may very well be an excellent time to seize a snack or dinner within the Worldwide District (a number of good Asian meals choices).
Seize Dessert at Shug’s
Should you’ve received a hankering for one thing candy, cap your day without work with an ice cream sundae at Shug’s!
(They shut at 8 pm)
Day 3: Fremont + Capitol Hill
Classic Market
Fremont has a large vintage market on Sunday mornings! Should you’re into classic threads and enjoyable goodies, this can be your cup of tea. It appeared to cater to locals, so that you gained’t discover numerous typical touristy garb right here.
See the Troll
The long-lasting Fremont Troll below the bridge is situated right here. It’ll possible be coated in folks snapping pictures, so snag your photograph when the coast is evident!
Different Issues to Do in Fremont:
- Gas Works: Steampunk-looking former gasification plant of Seattle, has a park constructed round
- Fremont Brewing: Household-owned craft brewery and beer backyard
- Theo Chocolate: You will have seen this model in shops, or not, however the natural chocolate model has its flagship retailer in Fremont
Afternoon
Is the Space Needle in your lists of musts for Seattle?
You can fill the afternoon by heading there after which testing the Chihuly Garden and Glass, which is correct subsequent door.
Capitol Hill for Cocktails
Later within the day, head over to Capitol Hill for an evening of cocktails and funky meals!
Unicorn is a lurid carnival-themed bar with an arcade beneath. They’re recognized for his or her corn canine, suggestively named drinks, and sugary delights.
(Strive the fried peanut butter balls — they don’t look appetizing however they’re delish!).
Ensure that to observe Macklemore’s “Thrift Store” earlier than heading right here to hype you up — quite a few the scenes have been filmed contained in the bar.
It’s positively a vibe and possibly not for everybody, however we had fun!
The Capitol Hill space has a ton of enjoyable bars and cafes. Chophouse Row caught my eye with its string lights and array of eateries. Take your choose!
Bonus
Have one other day or two in Seattle?
These are the issues I’m planning on doing on my subsequent journey: take the ferry out to Bainbridge island, hire bikes, and go wine tasting!
I’d like to hire a automobile and hike Mount Rainier — this was advisable to me by quite a few locals.
And there you’ve gotten it, people! My 3-day itinerary for Seattle! What’s in your Seattle agenda? Let me know within the feedback beneath!
