I met and fell in love with my husband in Seattle, so the city has a special place in my heart. Some of our best friends in the world and family live there still, so we visit often. With such a familiarity, there is inevitably a long list of favorite places to see and things to do, so I wrote up an itinerary for six days in the Emerald City for when you are visiting Seattle. There will be another post about it soon since we are visiting there again this month for a couple weeks and will undoubtedly be collecting new ideas! And if you want to see all the places we visit as it happens for my American summer, follow me on Instagram or check out the #evinoktravels tag.
Seattle, Washington, is perched on the western coast of the United States and enjoys its Pacific Northwest weather to the fullest. Nine months of the year, it enjoys lush rain and in the summer months the sun is out most days. In the winter, the temperatures can drop below freezing, but snow accumulation is rare. June, July, and August are paradise with long hours of sunlight, moderate temperatures, and the occasional bout of rain.
The style in Seattle is casual, comfortable, and true to yourself seem to be the best ways to dress for Seattle. To keep up with the changing weather, layers are key. In general, those I know in Seattle don’t like to subscribe to labels and though they may have brand loyalty, style is very individual in the Emerald City.
One thing that surprised me most is that few people carry umbrellas since the wind can flip one inside out quite easily, leaving it useless against the downpour. On my first visit to Seattle, I ended up out on a stormy night and took out my umbrella, feeling rather proud to have remembered it in the first place, only to have the storm laugh at the attempt and flip it backward then rip bits of it from their spokes. A raincoat is definitely the wise choice and helpful for a chilly day as much as a rain or blustery one. If you forget your raincoat, REI’s flagship store is among the many shops carrying durable outdoor gear.
If I only am in Seattle for a long weekend, my priorities are seeing my friends and family, visiting Rachel (and Billie) at Pike Place Market, and eating at: Piroshki Piroshki, HoneyHole Sandwiches, Monsoon
However, if you want to do more than just eat while you are in Seattle, here is a six-day itinerary I cooked up that lets you see the city.
Day 1 – Welcome!
You have arrived in Seattle and are ready to start your vacation. Perhaps you arrived through the nearest airport, SeaTac, which is located closer to Tacoma than Seattle. You may have even driven yourself as part of a Pacific Northwest road trip vacation or arrived by train after a bit of railroad exploration. No matter your mode of transportation or budget level, Seattle has something for everyone.
If you want to stay in a social and budget-minded hostel, Seattle’s Green Tortoise Hostel (1525 2nd Ave.) is the place to be. It is located one block from Pike Place Market and close to most downtown attractions. Dormitory-style accommodations cost $23 to $25 per person per night. Private rooms are available for a single or couple for $48 and rooms accommodating three people cost $65 per night. Special offers for discounts are posted on their website. If you prefer to stay in an inn or B & B, focus your search on Capitol Hill or Madison Park. These neighborhoods have a more residential feel and historic architecture. For a standard hotel experience or a boutique hotel stay, there are scores of places within walking distance of Pike Place Market.
One thing to keep in mind while in Seattle is that summer is its time to shine. The slight, but nearly constant rainfall the rest of the year nourishes the city’s lush landscape to be emerald green. To get a feel for local music and the city’s passion for it, tune your radio to 90.3 FM, KEXP. It’s a listener-supported station that is known for its independent thinking and appreciation for up-and-coming and legendarily talented folk, blues, and alternative musicians.
Day 2 – Pike Place Market
Start your day at The Pike Place Market, a nine-acre gem and home of the first Starbucks. To get an overview of Pike Place Market’s history and what it has to offer, visit its website. With so many options, you will undoubtedly find a breakfast you’ll enjoy. Grab a Russian pastry from Piroshky Piroshky. They have delicious a smoked salmon piroshky that costs about $5 that has its pastry shell shaped like a fish. Both places cater to on-the-go eating with limited in-shop seating. Both bakeries are a good value and are located on Pike Place directly across from Pike Place Market.
Roam the shops of Pike Place Market. This is a historic and expansive market that embodies the spirit of Seattle – fresh, local, and friendly. There is something for everyone and many hidden hallways with curious and amazing items. Don’t forget to stop and admire the World-Famous Pike Place Fishmongers as the fish fly. The fresh seafood can be ice-packed and mailed or packed for your return travel so you can bring some real Pacific Northwest Salmon home with you. For a less perishable souvenir, buy some smoked salmon or a coffee mug. If you love fresh sausage, look for Uli’s Famous. His non-pork spicy sausage raises the standard for sausage. To check out his work, visit: www.ulisfamoussausage.com. Don’t forget to say hello to Rachel, the life-size piggy bank who stands guard near the World-Famous Pike Place Fish Market.
For a quick and casual lunch costing less than $10 per person, order up a sandwich and soda at Sound View Café, where my husband and I enjoyed our first date in tandem with a visit to Seattle Art Museum (aka SAM). There is an amazing view of Seattle’s Elliot Bay. If you don’t mind taking a little time to stop and smell the fresh air, dine at The Pink Door (1919 Post Alley, behind Piroshky Piroshky). It is not well-marked so just look for a peachy-pink door in the alley. It is closed on Mondays. Lunch ranges from $8 to $15.
Sit down for a casual, but elegant dinner at Alibi Room in Post Alley (85 Pike St.). The entrance is in an alcove of the brick alley somewhat beneath the World-Famous Pike Place Fish Market, so it’s not obvious to passerby, but worth seeking out. The portions always seem smaller on the plate than in your stomach. For something you will remember for years to come, try their Caesar salad to start and their “New Mac” as your main course. A full bar is available. Meals at Alibi Room cost less than $25 per person.
To enjoy a late-night pint, visit Owl ‘n Thistle in Post Alley. They have large screen TVs for big game nights, but also host live local music.
Day 3 – U District & Fremont
Go to the U. District and have your morning coffee and a bite at one of the eclectic bakeries then check out the Burke Museum. Admission to this museum on the University of Washington’s campus costs a few dollars, but once inside, you will enjoy a feast of Pacific Northwest art and artifacts.
I also enjoy a cup of coffee at Zoka, a three-café company that sticks close to its mission to make good coffee. Zoka’s menu and location information can be found on its website.
Head over to Fremont to enjoy lunch with a Caribbean flair at Paseo (4225 Fremont Ave N). Some say they have the best sandwiches on the planet, but you will have to decide that for yourself after dining at the HoneyHole on Day 3. Paseo is cash only and averages $25 or less per person for a full meal.
Drive to see the Fremont Troll and the statue of Lenin.
Then go to the neighborhood of Ballard to take visit the Hiram M. Chittenden Government Locks (3015 NW 54th St.). While in Ballard, visit the zany, retro, and eclectic Archie McPhee store (2428 NW Market St.). If you can’t get enough of the store while you’re there, you can shop online too!
Make your way back to Fremont for dinner at Bizarro (1307 N. 46th St.). An amazing Italian place with a quirky decor. If you are a group of six or more, it is a good idea to call ahead and get reservations. After dinner, have an imported beer at Brouwers Café (400 N. 35th St. at Phinney). With a wide selection of brews, this Flemish grand café has a beer to suit your taste.
Day 4 – Capitol Hill
Go to Fuel (610 19th Ave. E) on Capitol Hill for a cup of authentic Seattle coffee and a freshly baked something for breakfast. This place is one of a kind so you will be enjoying a genuine Seattle morning, but rest assured they also serve tea and a variety of other beverages.
Browse the unique shops on 15th Avenue East and on Broadway then visit the Washington Park Arboretum located between the bottom east side of Capitol Hill and Madison Park. If you’re there on the third Saturday of the month, enjoy the Ceremony in the Japanese Tea Garden at 1:30pm.
Have lunch at HoneyHole Sandwiches (703 East Pike St.). This little find is only for locals so appreciate the reasonable prices and funky décor. Every sandwich is a delicious experience. HoneyHole is open late and table service is available after 5pm when it takes on a nightlife vibe.
If you want a sit-down meal to remember, make reservations at Monsoon (19th Ave. E).
As the day winds down and happy hour winds up, have drinks at Coastal Kitchen (429 15th Ave. E) or Linda’s Tavern (707 E. Pine St.). These spots get crowded after 9pm so if you want a table, arrive early.
Day 5 – Music
Sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast at Biscuit Bitch (1909 1st Ave). Arriving after the breakfast crowd and before the lunch-goers leaves you not having to wait for a table.
Check out the Space Needle on the grounds of the Seattle Center, which was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. At 605 feet tall, it is a great navigation tool and a fun part of Seattle’s skyline. A ride to the top to enjoy the view from the observation deck costs $13-29 per person.
Have late lunch around 1pm at one of the restaurants in nearby Belltown. If you like Greek, try Lola (2000 4th Ave in Hotel Andra).
After lunch, your adventures in Seattle music begin. Take a tour of the Experience Music Project at Seattle Center. Admission is just under $20 per person with special events and shows as a separate admission fee.
That night, attend a musical performance. To Seattle residents, music is like water or air or organic food. Check out a venue’s calendar and if you see something you like, you have a plan for the evening. Showbox (1st & Pike by Pike Place Market) is a great venue that tends to host established musicians who still prefer the small club vibe. Chop Suey (1325 E. Madison) has shows nightly.
Day 6 – Alki
Sleep late recover from your night out on the town. After a cup of the nearest coffee, drive to Alki Point, which is southwest of downtown Seattle. Stroll along the promenade and enjoy a different view of the Seattle skyline. Explore the shore-front shops and bask in Seattle’s amazing summer weather.
Depart the Emerald City having had a glimpse into what it is like as a resident, not as a tourist.
Again, follow along on my Seattle adventures and American summer on Instagram or check out the #evinoktravels tag.
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Note: This post was scheduled to go live just before I flew to Seattle, but I missed a click or something because it did not go live and I was packing and traveling and child wrangling so did not notice for a couple weeks, so I am publishing it now without updating the date.
I love this. The day by day itinerary is such a great idea.
Thanks so much!