…They don’t lead anywhere you need to go, but take the trails anyway. You need no more destination, just meander until you’ve forgotten you’re in the middle of a booming city.
Where freshwater meets saltwater, there are nice hillsides to picnic and watch the boats go by, and a small botanical park on the grounds. The fish ladder gets quite busy during salmon season.…
One of the most Seattle things about Seattle is the neighborhood farmers markets… Ballard’s is the most famous, but there are many, so look for one that fits your schedule and location.
…the ferry from Pioneer Square to downtown Bainbridge Island gives you an excuse to visit both areas and the 30-minute ride across Puget Sound is an attraction of its own.
Both of the highways that cross Lake Washington use floating bridges. The older one isn’t elevated above the water, which makes the views from the bike trail even more dramatic.…
This is where the future lived 50 years ago. It still o ers a nice view. Trivia: the needle is privately owned, and images of it are copyrighted. This is why you don’t see it on local business logos.
…the park extends into the water to create salmon-friendly areas. Of course, it’s also full of nice sculptures. This is a very Instagram-ready place, but don’t forget to be there, too.
This retired coal gasification plant was converted to a park which is beautiful in its own right. It also has amazing views of the skyline over Lake Union…
The nicest way to do cross I-5 is Freeway Park, which sits atop the highway and uses waterfalls and trees to conceal the traffic noise. Don’t plan on it being easy to find your way through, though.
…this hall where the Symphony performs is comfortable and has amazing acoustics. This is a building you go to hear, not see.
It’s cheesy and only shuttles you between Seattle Center (at the needle) and the Downtown shopping district, but it’s good at doing that, and still retro-fun.
…You haven’t really been until you get lost inside. Best to go hungry and have lunch on the east side of Pike Place. To establish yourself as a tourist, call it “Pike’s Place”.
…If they’re busy, you might have to sit in the “library” which is a small room with benches, but even that has a great vibe. Don’t be afraid to ask for help choosing a drink.
…Everything is fresh, organic, local, and otherwise Seattle compliant. The 8-course tasting menu with wine pairings is the way to go.
It’s a little over-the-top, but the trapeze show and waterview terrace aren’t the real reasons to nd this place. The fresh seafood and pasta are.…
A bit hidden, it looks like it should be a neighborhood bar. Within, though, you will nd cocktail connoisseurs from all over town, in a comfortable space to chat with a few friends.
Seattle has a lot of Japanese influence, and this is one of the best places to eat and drink it. Or try their other location, Momiji.
This is one of those vegan places that leaves carnivores questioning their lifestyle.… Be sure to try the Mac and Yease.
…With a menu full of favorites, filling dishes, and tempting daytime cocktails, it’s a good thing Sunday brunch only happens once a week.
I learned to eat crumpets here. Then I was excited to spend time in London and have “proper” crumpets. I was misled. The Crumpet Shop makes the best crumpets anywhere.
There’s nothing particularly “Seattle” about these doughnuts, except that they are really, really good. Order whatever is fresh, unless it’s pumpkin doughnut season. Then get those.
If you love Indian food, you’ll enjoy Himalayan. And you owe yourself a visit to Annapurna. This basement restaurant has been richly decorated and the flavors match.…
This little coffee window is a Seattle icon and where the bike messengers get their caffeine. Enough said.
Tom Douglas is the local celebrity chef, and you’ll find he is behind many well-known eateries in town. … This is the flagship, which is classy but unpretentious.
They overplay the “speakeasy” thing a bit… But the bartenders are top notch and the drink menu inspiring. Be sure to ask for the lower bar, which has much nicer ambiance than street level.
…This will involve 388 stairs before you reach 10th Ave E, and you’ll pass locals using them in lieu of a gym.…
…see if the water tower is open. It’s more inviting than it looks from outside and the extra climb is worth the view.…
…consider walking north on 15th Ave E to E Gar eld St, where you’ll nd a nice lookout over Lake Washington at Boren Park.
