Curator’s statement
Seattle combines lush Pacific Northwest landscapes with a bustling city vibe. Tucked between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, it's more than just famous for coffee and the Space Needle. This diverse city beckons exploration with its history, varied neighborhoods, great food, and thriving arts scene. Whether you're at Pike Place Market or by the peaceful parks and waterfront, Seattle guarantees an exciting adventure blending city life with natural beauty for every type of traveler. This guide also provides a list of the best places to stay in Seattle.
The Fora Difference
Book with Travis to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Seattle
Unlock perks by contacting Travis to book your trip.
Things to do in Seattle
While everyone knows Seattle for the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and Starbucks, the city has so much more to offer. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including mountains, waterways and parks.
A few things to see near the Seattle Space Needle
Starting downtown, hop on the Seattle Monorail that travels up to the Space Needle. Originally built for the 1962 Century 21 Exposition, the monorail now serves as part of the city's public transportation system.
Chihuly Garden and Glass is an art museum and sculpture garden displaying Dale Chihuly's vibrant and large-scale glass artworks.
The Pacific Science Center in Seattle is an interactive science museum offering diverse exhibits covering topics from space and animals to technology. It's a place where you can explore hands-on displays, visit the planetarium and IMAX theater and enjoy learning about various scientific fields. It's a fantastic spot for families and curious minds eager to engage with science in an entertaining and educational way.
The Museum of Pop Culture is a vibrant museum dedicated to celebrating popular culture in all its forms. It showcases exhibits that explore music, science fiction, fantasy, video games and more. The museum's architecture, designed by Frank Gehry, is itself a piece of art. Inside, visitors can find exhibits featuring iconic artifacts from music legends, immersive displays on sci-fi and fantasy franchises, interactive experiences exploring video game history and design and showcases celebrating the evolution of pop culture.
The area's surroundings are stunning and definitely worth exploring. You can find a food market where you can grab some delicious food, create a picnic, and relish it in the expansive park.
Places to eat & drink in Seattle
Dining Around Seattle: here are a few of my favorite restaurants:
Nestled in Capitol Hill, Ristorante Machiavelli is loved by locals for its classic Italian fare served in a warm atmosphere. I recommend their delicious tuna carpaccio and lasagna—plus, they have strong drinks.
M Bar: Moving closer to Union Lake, this rooftop spot presents a blend of modern Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines along with beverages and stunning panoramic views. I highly suggest trying the harra frites seasoned with aleppo, served with za'atar mayo and spicy ketchup. Grab a fantastic cocktail and enjoy the view!
Inside Passage is an incredible lounge, a nautical-themed tiki bar in my book. They offer plenty of Rum-based cocktails and have lively decor. This is very popular and they start a waitlist at 4 pm, managed by the host, with the venue opening at 5 pm. A few daily reservations are available online six weeks ahead. But remember, they're big fans of walk-ins and always welcome them warmly, depending on available space.
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
Travel Advisor
Travis Tanner
Get in touch with Travis
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Travis within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Discover the Best of Munich: Guide to Bavaria's Vibrant Capital. In need of further inspiration? Check out Elizabeth Coffey’s guide, The Best Hotels in Vancouver, British Columbia.
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Seattle.