Known for its picturesque waterfronts to mountains beyond the city, Seattle is a major hub of the Pacific Northwest. Both a buzzing city as well as an outdoor lover’s paradise, Seattle is lined by the Puget Sound, Lake Union and Lake Washington, which is one of the reasons it’s home to some of the best seafood in the country. Beyond the food, the city has a long and storied music history and boasts legendary artists like Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Macklemore, Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam, among others. From strolling Pike Place Market while listening to Nirvana and sipping a hot coffee (yes, from that place that started here, or any other incredible coffee shop the city has to offer) to taking the monorail between sites like Olympic Sculpture Park to the Space Needle, there’s lots to experience in the Emerald City. To help you plan your next stay, we’ve put together a mini-guide of some of our favorite Seattle spots.
EAT & DRINK
Dick's Drive-In
Zylberschtein’s
Daneil's Broiler - Enjoy waterfront views as you dine on the shores of South Lake Union (a 4-minute drive from Level South Lake Union). Enjoy USDA prime steaks as well as traditional steakhouse favorites with an award-winning wine list while taking in the stunning views of the lake, Gasworks Park and Queen Anne. Learn more.
Dick's Drive-In - Setting the standard for the best fast food in Seattle, Dick’s has been serving burgers since the early 1950’s. Unlike competitors who went national, Dick’s has remained a Seattle institution with just a handful of locations. With a very simple menu that hasn’t really changed (why mess with perfection), it’s a great way to taste a bit of Seattle history while also satisfying your cravings. Dick’s does not allow for any modifications of their menu items because they stand firm on the tastes they’ve created.
Zylberschtein's - Although the city isn’t known for its bagel scene, Pinehurst’s Jewish deli and bakery represent a strong part of the renaissance. Zylberschtein’s offers comfort food and nostalgia, from their house-made breads and bagels to their cured meats and pickles, which make a perfect addition for a weekend brunch from the comfort of your suite (about a 15-minute drive from Level South Lake Union. As with any popular deli and bakery, make sure to visit close to opening hours to avoid long lines and sellouts of popular items. The deli also is famous for its bagel club, a monthly bagel subscription that can be delivered or picked up locally.
Xi'an Noodles - This no-frills noodle shop located in the U District has been serving some of the city’s best Chinese food since it first opened in 2016, with its recent expansion downtown. At Xi’an Noodles, you will find bowls of hand-pulled, wide biang biang noodles, made from scratch daily. The prices are more than affordable, and the food is incredibly authentic, a perfect match for budget conscious foodies. Learn more.
Plum Bistro - Capitol Hill’s vegan restaurant from celebrated chef Makini Howell is absolutely magnificent and presents a drool worthy menu (even for carnivores). Favorites include Mac & Yease (a mac’ n’ cheese spin) and the Buffalo Cauliflower bites, served with vegan ranch. Learn more.
PLAY & EXPLORE
Pike Place Market
Boatsetter
Climate Pledge Arena - Climate Pledge Arena, a 6-minute drive away from Level Seattle - South Lake Union, is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue with a strong focus on sustainability. Originally known as KeyArena, it underwent a major renovation and reopened in 2021 with a mission to become the world’s first net-zero carbon certified arena. The arena is home to the NHL's Seattle Kraken and the WNBA's Seattle Storm, as well as a popular venue for concerts and events.
Rooftop Bars - Once the sunshine is out, it’s hard not to want to be outside, and what better place to be than on a rooftop bar with a hand-crafted cocktail? Check out the Fog Room in downtown and Mbar, which overlooks downtown Seattle, the Olympic Mountain Range, Queen Anne Hill, South Lake Union and beyond. For a quirkier experience, head over to Rooftop Brewing in Queen Anne for downright delicious brews (food trucks available or BYOF). But wherever you end up, make sure to take in the views (and sunlight).
Pike Place Market - Pike Place Market is the soul of Seattle, a place to shop local and to get to know the hardworking vendors who make it the vibrant shopping destination that it is. The 9-acre historic district has one-of-a-kind shops, iconic landmarks (the first Starbucks being one of them), housing, social services and has always been and will be an essential establishment for locals. The market is a vibrant neighborhood composed of hundreds of farmers, craftspeople, small businesses, and residents, each vital to keeping the market going.
Golden Gardens - Located in Ballard on Puget Sound, Golden Gardens makes for a gorgeous PNW day-trip and offers not only extraordinary views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains but also has two wetlands, a short loop trail and sandy beach access. Golden Gardens offers rugged coastline, hikes through forested trails, sunbathing on sandy beaches, fishing from a pier and a boat launch.
Boatsetter Seattle - When the sun is out, it’s time to get on the water! Start your journey at the docks with the Boatsetter and prepare for an over-the-top tour of Lake Union. Did we mention the tour is self-guided? Sights you’ll see are Gas Works Park, Space Needle, Fisherman’s terminal and more (depending on where you cruise to since you are the captain)!
SHOP
South Lake Union Saturday Market
University Village
QA Marketplace - The QA Marketplace is truly a one-of-a-kind retail space (that we definitely love to see and need more of). Here you will find ten businesses under one roof in this women’s collaborative retail space, all run by women business owners from the Queen Anne neighborhood.
International District - The International District, or the "ID," as it’s known in the city, was originally settled in the 1880s by a group of Chinese railroad workers and has since become a mecca for Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean cultures that have come together to form the Asian-American district of Seattle. Here you will not only find trendy boutiques but also an assortment of delicious Asian cuisine and authentic shops. One that might be of interest is Uwajimaya, an enormous market where you can find everything from arts and crafts to live fish to fresh produce and herbs.
South Lake Union Saturday Market - Located adjacent to Denny Park and the SLU Discovery Center in the heart of South Lake Union neighborhood, this incredible Saturday market features over 45 makers, finders and foodies, making it the perfect place to browse for local eats to either enjoy on the spot or to take back to your suite to enjoy.
University Village - The hub of Seattle's University District shopping scene, University Village is an open-air complex that features popular hometown outdoor clothier Eddie Bauer along with other chain retailers. More than two-dozen local merchants also maintain stores here, providing shoppers a touch of Northwest flavor. Check out Glassybaby for unique hand-blown glass candle holders and drinking glasses, as well as Fran's Chocolates, chosen as one of Oprah’s favorite things in recent years. Attractive garden areas, numerous restaurants, and ample free parking are additional draws. Or check out The University of Washington campus, a iconic spot to view cherry blossom trees in the spring.
