I MOVED TO Seattle in the ’90s during the heyday of its grunge music scene, when it was a much smaller city and the globally known companies founded here were still considered local startups. A lot has changed since then; the population has nearly doubled, and new hotels and restaurants pop up all the time. But one steadfast element is the region’s natural beauty; it shapes the city’s character and appeal. It’s what makes me happy every day to live here and what I like to impress upon anyone who comes to visit. Even a casual gaze across our urban landscape makes it stunningly obvious why it’s called the Emerald City — canopies of green weave around skyscrapers and homes, and the lakes and sound are a part of our everyday lives. On a clear day (yes, we have them … and more than you’d think), catching a view of the majestic mountain known as Tahoma or Mount Rainier, which is actually an active stratovolcano, is a breathtaking experience.
Within this lush metropolis are hundreds of worthwhile places to eat, behold, and stay. The Pike Place Market alone, an absolute must-see place for visitors, offers a seemingly endless skein of incredible shops, unique vendors, and delicious foods. This guide provides a taste of the spectacular environment and unique character of Seattle.
Where to Stay
Inn at the Market
A quiet boutique hotel with water views
This boutique hotel is the only hotel located inside the heart of the Pike Place Market, a jewel of our city. This beautiful and surprisingly quiet respite has gorgeous water views and is just steps away from coffee shops, including the very first...
This boutique hotel is the only hotel located inside the heart of the Pike Place Market, a jewel of our city. This beautiful and surprisingly quiet respite has gorgeous water views and is just steps away from coffee shops, including the very first Starbucks, and other local vendors, as well as a variety of nighttime entertainment. My mother stayed here years ago, and to this day, she talks about feeling pampered by the friendly staff. The branded coffee mug she bought here is one of her most cherished possessions.
The Edgewater Hotel
An upscale hotel with a rock ’n’ roll past
The Edgewater, as its name suggests, is literally on the water’s edge. It has a rich history of hosting legendary performers and musicians: The Beatles purportedly fished out of the hotel’s windows, and Led Zeppelin threw the hotel’s furniture into...
The Edgewater, as its name suggests, is literally on the water’s edge. It has a rich history of hosting legendary performers and musicians: The Beatles purportedly fished out of the hotel’s windows, and Led Zeppelin threw the hotel’s furniture into the sound. The upscale lodge decor is replete with rustic wall hangings and cozy fireplaces throughout the common areas and guest rooms. I happened across a derelict recording studio in the building, which may have been functional at some point. Very appropriate for a hotel that blends high-end accommodations with a wild rock ’n’ roll past.
W Seattle
An inclusive hotel highlighting new music
This magnetic downtown hotel is a hub for dynamic and inclusive events. Rotating DJs set the mood in their lobby Living Room Bar on Friday and Saturday nights. The hotel, in partnership with KEXP, a local radio station, acts as an incubator for new, local music...
This magnetic downtown hotel is a hub for dynamic and inclusive events. Rotating DJs set the mood in their lobby Living Room Bar on Friday and Saturday nights. The hotel, in partnership with KEXP, a local radio station, acts as an incubator for new, local music acts on the first Friday of each month. A podcaster friend made use of their private recording studio and creative space for artists, complete with a vocal room, state-of-the-art mixing equipment, and rock ’n’ roll decor by Seattle-based graphic designers, Ames Bros. The W was the first hotel in Seattle to raise a rainbow flag above its revolving door in support of the LGBTQ community, and they’ve been the headquarters hotel for Seattle PrideFest since 2007.
Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
The region’s most exceptional five-star hotel
For a truly luxurious stay in the city, the Four Seasons is the region’s singular five-star hotel. The artfully designed interiors are worthy of being directly across from the Seattle Art Museum, and the outdoor heated infinity pool is the only...
For a truly luxurious stay in the city, the Four Seasons is the region’s singular five-star hotel. The artfully designed interiors are worthy of being directly across from the Seattle Art Museum, and the outdoor heated infinity pool is the only one of its kind in Seattle. The spa is remarkable and can be booked even if you’re not a guest. Banquets and meeting rooms are available for gatherings of any size, and the Goldfinch Tavern, an Ethan Stowell restaurant, has top-notch dining with live music accompaniment.
Where to Eat and Drink
Glo’s
A much-loved breakfast and brunch spot
For decades, Glo’s on Capitol Hill had been a mainstay for breakfast and brunch with lines down the block. A collective gasp was heard last year when the original location closed due to building redevelopment. But this beloved eatery reopened in a new location with...
For decades, Glo’s on Capitol Hill had been a mainstay for breakfast and brunch with lines down the block. A collective gasp was heard last year when the original location closed due to building redevelopment. But this beloved eatery reopened in a new location with a classic-diner look, triple the space, and windows that overlook Cal Anderson Park. Favorite items have been kept on the menu (I suggest the Eggs Blackstone: spinach, bacon, tomato, and poached eggs on an open-faced English muffin, drizzled with hollandaise sauce), the staff is still as friendly as ever and independently unionized, and it’s much easier to get in. Make sure to order the Sour Cream Coffee Cake.
Marination Ma Kai
Hawaiian-Korean fusion
If you take the water taxi over to Alki from downtown, Marination Ma Kai is there to greet you as you disembark. This laid-back counter-service restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and a delicious Hawaiian-Korean fusion menu featuring Spam sliders,...
If you take the water taxi over to Alki from downtown, Marination Ma Kai is there to greet you as you disembark. This laid-back counter-service restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and a delicious Hawaiian-Korean fusion menu featuring Spam sliders, miso chicken tacos, and kimchi fried rice. Marination has other locations around the city, but this one is my favorite. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard from Alki Kayak Tours on the other side of the building before or after your meal.
Terra Plata
Sustainably farmed food from regional producers
Terra Plata is another special place with a strong connection to local communities. The restaurant is committed to sourcing ingredients from regional growers and artisan producers who practice organic, sustainable farming. And they give back through...
Terra Plata is another special place with a strong connection to local communities. The restaurant is committed to sourcing ingredients from regional growers and artisan producers who practice organic, sustainable farming. And they give back through charitable philanthropy to groups such as the Food Is Love Project, which provided support to restaurants affected by the pandemic. Terra Plata’s food is exquisite, the cocktails are delicious, and the verdant rooftop garden seating is available (and heated) year-round!
Deep Dive
An underground bar with a carefully curated menu
Amazon’s terrarium spheres building may be controversial, but this speakeasy bar down below is an inarguable treasure. The unassuming entrance (it’s only as you get close that you’ll see the writing on the door), starts you on the descent into the plush, curved...
Amazon’s terrarium spheres building may be controversial, but this speakeasy bar down below is an inarguable treasure. The unassuming entrance (it’s only as you get close that you’ll see the writing on the door), starts you on the descent into the plush, curved intimate lounge. The cocktail menu is categorized to help you find the beverage to match your mood and taste, and I appreciate the inventive mocktail list (I highly recommend the Snake Oil Sour, a blend of hemp and root non-alcoholic spirits, orgeat, and lemon). An extensive list of spirits and countless objet d’art around the bar ensure that there are new things to discover on each visit. I’ve enjoyed small plates from the exquisitely curated menu (I suggest the asparagus salad), and my friend raves about the hot dog with caviar, jalapeño, and cream cheese. Reservations are encouraged.
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What to Explore
West Seattle Water Taxi Pier
Exploration and sightseeing on the water
Seattle has no shortage of commercial boat tours, but I always encourage people to ride what really is one of the most beautiful public ferry systems in the world. For a short trip and the opportunity to explore the Alki beach area, you can...
Seattle has no shortage of commercial boat tours, but I always encourage people to ride what really is one of the most beautiful public ferry systems in the world. For a short trip and the opportunity to explore the Alki beach area, you can take the West Seattle Water Taxi. Or take a slightly longer trip on a large ferry to visit the charming, nearby Bainbridge Island. Winslow Way, the heart of Bainbridge’s downtown area, is just a short walk from the ferry terminal and has plenty of eclectic shops, museums, and great places to eat. On either vessel, you’ll see marine life and gorgeous scenery and get to experience the best view of the Seattle skyline as you sail between destinations.
Volunteer Park
An Olmsted-designed park
This Olmsted Brothers-designed 48-acre park located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood is actively used throughout the year. Locals stroll and jog along paths that wind around the lily ponds, flower beds, and meadows, and the recently redesigned amphitheater...
This Olmsted Brothers-designed 48-acre park located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood is actively used throughout the year. Locals stroll and jog along paths that wind around the lily ponds, flower beds, and meadows, and the recently redesigned amphitheater sets the stage for outdoor Shakespeare and musical performances. The colorful and fragrant Volunteer Park Conservatory’s Victorian-style glass greenhouse is modeled on London’s Crystal Palace, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum has superb exhibits within the 1933 art deco building. In front is one of my favorite sculptures in the city, Isamu Noguchi’s “Black Sun,” which is a five-minute walk to the famous gravesites of Bruce Lee and Brandon Lee in the adjacent cemetery. Pro tip: The 1906 water tower provides a free 360-degree view of the area. Some say the view is better than the Space Needle’s, and the winding spiral staircase will help you get your steps in.
Smith Tower Observatory Bar
Seattle’s first skyscraper with an elegant cocktail bar
Speaking of towers, the iconic Smith Tower was Seattle’s first skyscraper in 1914 and for decades was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Shortly after I moved here, I had a meeting in the Smith Tower, and I’ll always remember...
Speaking of towers, the iconic Smith Tower was Seattle’s first skyscraper in 1914 and for decades was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Shortly after I moved here, I had a meeting in the Smith Tower, and I’ll always remember having to call out to the passing elevator operators to “hitch a ride” back down as they manually controlled the cars. They’ve modernized things since then, but visiting the Smith Tower is still a blast from the past with a splash of sophisticated elegance. The speakeasy-inspired Observatory Bar is worth a visit for the craft cocktails alone.
Chinatown-International District
A self-guided cultural walking tour
Walking through the Chinatown-International District is a feast for the senses. Start with a visit to the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience for immersive, engaging exhibits in an aesthetically inspiring space....
Walking through the Chinatown-International District is a feast for the senses. Start with a visit to the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience for immersive, engaging exhibits in an aesthetically inspiring space. Enjoy the Seattle Pinball Museum and, as you walk the streets, find dragons wrapped around lampposts. Visit dim sum restaurants, bubble tea cafes, and Uwajimaya, a huge supermarket with imported goods, a distinctive gift shop, and an unrivaled Pan-Asian food court.
The AMP: AIDS Memorial Pathway
A hidden gem with purpose
It may seem strange to recommend a memorial to visitors, but The AMP is as much about celebrating creativity, hope, strength, and courage as it is about tragic loss. I worked with a community group to bring this vision to fruition, and the...
It may seem strange to recommend a memorial to visitors, but The AMP is as much about celebrating creativity, hope, strength, and courage as it is about tragic loss. I worked with a community group to bring this vision to fruition, and the result is a remarkable and moving site. Four artists created artworks: portraits and quotes within a community space, illuminated glass sculptures in the park, colorful protest signs along paths, and a magnificent centerpiece artwork made of stereo speakers in the form of an imposing “X.” An augmented-reality app provides more context and can be accessed by scanning QR codes on the artwork plaques. The Capitol Hill light rail station under the plaza makes it easy to get to this inspirational installation from many parts of the city.
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Our Contributors
Jason Plourde Writer
Jason Plourde has worked with various communities in Seattle. He was director of the LGBTQ nonprofit Three Dollar Bill Cinema for 20 years, has been an American Sign Language interpreter on stage and in academia, and was public art project manager for the AMP: AIDS Memorial Pathway. He is currently a teacher in Highline public schools.
