A few other famous “S” words probably come to mind when you think of Seattle: Seahawks. (The OG) Starbucks. Space Needle. While those are fun reasons alone to put up with the drizzly weather (it rains about 150 days out of the year), the Emerald City, which earns its moniker for all the year-round greenery, has even more to offer. For starters, Seattle loves to throw a party — there are more than 100 annual festivals that range from the Washington State Fair, Bite of Seattle, Seattle International Film Festival, and Emerald City Comicon. Seattle has a big city feel, but you’re still immersed in nature with access to the ocean, rainforests, deserts, mountains (Mount Rainier can be seen in the distance on clear days), islands, and even volcanoes in just a couple of hours drive.
Seattle is also known for its music scene, being one of the few cities with bragging rights to create its own musical genre — grunge. Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Foo Fighters are just some major musical players that hail from the city. And probably the greatest perk of all is the incredibly diverse food scene, from locally caught fish to Seattle-style hot dogs to the best mac and cheese you’ll have in your life (more and that one below). We have a feeling you’re already booking your next trip to the Pacific Northwest, but just in case you need some specifics, here’s where to stay, what to eat, and what to do during a long weekend in Seattle.
Where to Stay
Hotel Max ($)
If you want to be in the center of it all, this trendy boutique hotel that’s within walking distance to Pike Place Market is full of personality. Each of its budget-friendly, colorful rooms are decorated with edgy artwork from local artists — and while most of the rooms are on the small-ish side, you’ll love the bohemian vibe (there are vintage turntables and Tivoli Bluetooth clock radios to stream your music), free craft beer during happy hour in the lobby, and the James Beard award-winning restaurant next door at Miller’s Guild that provides 24-hour room service. They also offer a “spiritual menu” with a diverse variety of books that you can deliver directly to your room, Peloton bikes and MIRROR in the fitness center, free Shinola bikes to borrow, and a virtual concierge to help you any time of day.
Thompson Seattle ($$$)
This contemporary waterfront hotel is the chain brand’s first Pacific Northwest property. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows make you feel like you’re transported over the Puget Sound and the furnishings are comfy and cozy with a mid-century inspired style. Thompson Seattle is all about those little touches that make a difference: A minibar featuring crackers from Beecher’s, dark chocolate sea salt caramels, and Thompson-branded candles to make the room feel more homey. The great views don’t stop there — head to the rooftop bar, The Nest, for fancy cocktails (you can even get a punch served from a copper flamingo) and a rare birds-eye view of Pike Place Market.
Palihotel Seattle ($$)
Another wonderfully located hotel, Palihotel Seattle, was recently named one of the best new hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure. The building on the National Register of Historic Places was reincarnated with moss-colored walls and eclectic decor (think: mixed-matched fabrics, vintage suitcases, fresh greenery, and walls of books). The on-site retro-looking diner, The Hart & The Hunter, features a Southern-inspired menu, plus a bar that serves up local wines and brews.
Where to Eat and Drink
Pike Place Market
This 108-year-old farmer’s market (one of the country’s oldest) attracts over 10 million visitors every year. It’s famous for the fishmongers who fling fish from the display cases up to 200 times a day. After you escape from getting hit by some flying salmon, Pike Place is the perfect destination to spend a few hours on a self-guided food tour. We recommend including the highly addictive beef and cheese Piroshkies at Piroshky Piroshky, a cup of the hot mac and cheese from Beecher’s Handmade Cheese (one of Oprah’s favorite things!), and a decadent mini cheesecake at The Confectional in your itinerary. There are also great places to shop local, find groceries, and more. Open daily at 9 a.m., and most individual businesses within the market close by 5 p.m.
The Pharmacy
What started as a pop-up bar in the summer of 2013 is now a go-to speakeasy for couples looking for an intimate drink. Featuring an extensive cocktail menu, the ambiance will take you back to 1960’s Palm Springs — a mix of vintage and funky. It’s located in the heart of Pioneer Square underneath Temple Billiards (look for a neon sign that says “basement stairs”). Open Thursday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Canlis
If you want a dining experience that’s a little extra, look no further than this sprawling, family-owned restaurant where the floor-to-ceiling windows give you a sparkling view of the city and the canal below. Chef Aisha Ibrahim, previously of three-Michelin-star restaurant Manresa, is the first female executive chef of the iconic restaurant’s 71-year history. Your four-course meal has an Asian-inspired flair. Highlights include shaved wagyu, Dungeness crab salad, and saké baba for dessert. Open every day except Sundays from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
La Rue
This new Capitol Hill creperie is reminiscent of the ones you’ll find in Paris. Stop by the crepe window for either a sweet or savory version (ham and cheese is a classic; brie with candied walnuts and pears is decadent) folded neatly into a paper cone so you can continue on your Seattle adventures. Open Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
General Porpoise Doughnuts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these light and fluffy donuts that are filled with seasonal jams, custards, jellies, and creams. James Beard award-winning chef, Renee Erickson, creates mouth-watering flavors like chocolate marshmallow, peaches and cream, and vanilla custard. Wash it down with quality espressos, drips, and draft cold brew. There are currently three locations (Capitol Hill, Pioneer Square and Laurelhurst) open as early as 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Watson’s Counter
With cereal French toast on the menu (your choice between the colorful “Fruity Pebs” or “Frosty Flecks”), it’s hard not to do a happy dance when it’s time for brunch. Seattle locals James Lim and chef Scott Lukehard add a Korean inspiration to the majority of the menu with Fried Chicken Sandwiches that feature pickled daikon kimchi, a KBBQ Pork Plate (marinated pork belly with ssamjang), and banchan sides that include patates frites and house kimchi. They also have wonderful coffee, matcha, and kombucha on tap. Open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. by reservation.
What to Do
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Your Instagram feed is about to explode. There are nearly 200 art galleries throughout the streets of Seattle, but no trip to this city is complete without stopping by this museum that showcases the glass-blown art by Pacific Northwest artist Dale Chihuly. The long-term indoor/outdoor exhibit opened in 2012 and integrates his glass-blown pieces with lush shrubbery and gardens to create a colorful contrast. The museum’s highlight is the 100-foot long sculpture in the Glasshouse that captures the light in indifferent ways throughout the day. Plus, it’s just a hop and skip away from the famous Space Needle. Open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m.
Discovery Park
Don’t let the gloomy skies fool you: There’s plenty of things to do in Seattle for those who like to stay active and be in the great outdoors. Start with this 534-acre park (the city’s biggest) with pretty views of the Puget Sound and its twelve miles of walking trails. If you need something a little shorter, the Loop Trail is just shy of three miles. If the skies are clear, you can even get views of Mt. Rainier across the water. Make sure not to miss out on the West Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1855 and is still active.
Seattle Great Wheel
Located on Pier 57, this 175-foot high Ferris wheel is one of the biggest in the U.S. It also lights up at night with over 500,000 LED lights, so it’s hard to miss. You’ll enjoy one of the best views of the city from the top of your ride, and if you’re a party of four, you can now even enjoy a lovely four-course dinner (the pods don’t swing) courtesy of The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar. It’s fully enclosed so that you can enjoy it even on rainy days.
Château Ste. Michelle
Less than half an hour from Seattle is the state’s oldest winery, once named Wine Enthusiast magazine’s American Winery of the Year. This French-style mansion features a tasting room where you can purchase wine by glass or bottle. During the summer months, there’s an on-site amphitheater where concerts are held. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
