Downtown Seattle

Explore

The city’s vibrant urban core features stately buildings and welcoming businesses, plus water access, mountain views, and some soothing greenery. The Seattle Art Museum (1300 First Ave) is a trove of remarkable works with an especially remarkable Indigenous art collection—there are always outstanding rotating exhibits too. Pop inside the 11-story Seattle Central Library (1000 Fourth Ave), a fascinating architectural wonder filled with interesting spaces to read or chill out. After taking in the sights, treat yourself to a relaxing Seattle Coffee Sugar Scrub and Massage at the restorative Elaia Spa (1635 Eighth Ave). Downtown’s stellar performance spaces include—among several others—striking Benaroya Hall (200 University St), home to the Seattle Symphony, and the acclaimed Paramount Theatre (911 Pine St), which presents touring musicals as well as pop concerts and comedy shows.

Eat and Drink

Begin with a hearty feast (like a smoked salmon Benedict) at Conversation (110 Stewart St) in the Thompson Seattle hotel. For a picnic to enjoy at Victor Steinbrueck Park (2001 Western Ave), pick up local provisions at Kitchen & Market (1926 Pike Pl). Just across the way, belly up to the sushi bar at Sugo Hand Roll Bar (2001 Western Ave), a Japanese street food eatery with craft sake cocktails and tasty rolls packed with king salmon, snow crab, and bay scallops. Stroll up to nearby First Hill for a happy hour cocktail in the Hotel Sorrento’s historic Fireside Room (900 Madison St), or enjoy a pint at the Market’s Pike Brewing Company (1415 First Ave), which has been going strong since 1989. Later in the evening, take in one of the wildly entertaining shows at Can Can Culinary Cabaret (95 Pine St).

Shop

As you wander the more than 500 colorful stalls of historic Pike Place Market (85 Pike St), be sure to continue beyond the sections at street level to discover the interesting vendors tucked away on different levels. Among the highlights, find vibrant bouquets of flowers from local farmers, unique jewelry at Magpie Mouse Studios (1517 First Ave), and exquisite blankets at Eighth Generation (93 Pike St), an art and lifestyle brand operated by the Snoqualmie Tribe. Pacific Place (600 Pine St) mall has been reimagined and is now home to several independent retailers, including art-filled Gallery ONYX and WOW Gallery; watch for pop-up shops and events as well. Next you’ll find a diverse array of top-name fashion labels at the flagship location of Nordstrom (500 Pine St). Nearby UNIQLO (300 Pine St) Japanese clothing boutique carries simply stylish, high-quality fashions.