Fifteen Reasons to Love Downtown Seattle
Image taken from one of three terraces at Fifteen Twenty-One Second Avenue, downtown Seattle’s finest residential tower.
Known as the Emerald City, Seattle is enveloped by natural beauty: panoramic vistas of the Olympic Mountain range plus the Cascade Mountains on the horizon with Mt. Rainier, and waterfront recreation on Puget Sound and the shores of Lake Washington. With an everchanging, expanding skyline, Seattle is among the top international centers for commerce, development, and culture. The city is anchored by global health, philanthropy, technology, and international businesses with the headquarter offices of Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and more.
Seattle’s economic prosperity and love for the arts has fostered more cultural offerings per capita than any other US city. It is home to the Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Seattle Symphony, the Seattle Art Museum, numerous performance halls and two professional sports stadiums drawing dedicated fans of the Seahawks, Sounders, Mariners, and coming soon, The Kraken hockey team. Additionally, popular attractions like Seattle Center and the Pike Place Market—one of the nation’s largest and longest running public markets drawing more than ten million visitors a year. And notable are the celebrity chefs of renowned restaurants, scores of music lounges (the home to Nirvana) and of course, more coffee shops on any corner than any other city its size.
Now that vaccines are readily accessible Downtown Seattle is reverting to its pre-COVID state. With businesses and the arts reopening, we can feel the energy shifting—take a walk into Downtown Seattle and we promise you will feel it, too. Here are some of our favorite spots to visit in the Emerald City.
Pike Place Market
Known as one of the best farmers market nationwide, this is must-see in Downtown Seattle. Between the renowned fish market, “gum wall,” and the variety of vendors, there is something for everyone. Be sure to pick up a fresh bouquet of flowers while you are there.
The Pink Door
A true Seattle delight, this Italian restaurant is a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. Enjoy burlesque shows and trapeze entertainment to complement delicious Italian bites while overlooking Elliott Bay from the terrace.
“Drinks on the Deck” at the Space Needle
Take in the beautiful Seattle skyline at the Space Needle’s sky-high bar—Drinks on the Deck. Enjoy fixed menus that spotlight local Seattle artisans, like Dungeness crab Beecher’s Mac and Cheese while relishing a wine flight on the roof of the Needle.
Chihuly Glass Garden
Located at Seattle Center, this glass garden is truly a sight to be seen. A world-renowned artist, you can find Dale Chihuly’s beautiful and colorful glass sculptures all around the globe, but where else can you see so many in one place?
Storyville Coffee
Tucked away in Pike Place Market, this local coffee spot has fantastic coffee and even better views overlooking the Market and the Sound. Ask the baristas for help choosing a coffee drink—they are coffee experts!
Matt’s in the Market
Right beside Storyville Coffee, you’ll find a local favorite, Matt’s in the Market. The restaurant overlooks the activity of Pike Place Market where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner with a glass of wine.
Rachel’s Ginger Beer
With a couple locations around Seattle and one in Pike Place Market, this ginger brewery is a local staple. You can even get a cocktail made with their famous ginger beer! Try the El Diablo next time you are there.
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
After temporarily closing due to COVID-19, our beloved SAM officially reopened its doors on March 5th. If you find yourself venturing that way, go explore the new exhibit, Jacob Lawrence: The American Struggle, available until May 23rd.
Canlis
Regarded as one of the best culinary destinations in Seattle, Canlis has been a front-runner in terms of their response to COVID-19. Their latest dining experience involves a tasting menu in their beautiful and creative “Yurt Village.”
Olympic Sculpture Park
Just a short walk away from the heart of Downtown Seattle, this park is set on the Puget Sound and is brimming with sculptural art created by a variety of artists. You can enjoy a picnic on the beach or stroll along the water looking for eagles, seals, and an occasional whale!
Maximilien
Offering classic French food, this Pike Place Market restaurant has adapted to pandemic life by installing clear bubbles on their patio, allowing diners to enjoy their meals in a secluded bubble, all while overlooking the water and taking in the scenery.
Ben Paris at the State Hotel
Situated in the State Hotel on Second Avenue, Ben Paris is offering delicious to-go cocktail kits created by the renowned bartender Abigail and a market-inspired chef tasting menu on their eighth-floor terrace or in the main restaurant. Be sure to ask for their screen-printed cocktail made from cotton candy!
The Nest’s Supper Club at the Thompson Hotel
What was once a beloved Downtown Seattle rooftop bar is now hosting a special pop-up that offers their hand-crafted cocktails, along with a unique and interactive dining experience—only for a limited time!
The Smith Tower
Experience stunning, 360-degree views from the iconic and historic Smith Tower observatory, which just reopened. Don’t forget to visit the speakeasy-style bar that features a locally inspired menu of drinks and shareable bites.
Nordstrom Flagship
Downtown Seattle is home to the original Nordstrom store, and we just love perusing the main floor, which features designer pop-ups that rotate every season.