Seattle, the Emerald City, stands out as the most popular destination in the Pacific Northwest. Its appeal lies in a perfect blend of tech innovation, cultural richness, natural beauty, diverse cuisine, and an outstanding quality of life. Join me as I share my recent 2-day escapade in this vibrant city, offering you a curated adventure in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Waterfront Downtown Seattle
Getting There
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac)
Navigating Sea-Tac is a breeze, especially for ground transportation. Options include King County Metro Transit, Link rail, rideshare, and taxis. Note that rideshare may be pricier than taxis, which offer a flat rate of $40 to downtown. Public transportation is a budget-friendly alternative, even though it takes over 30 minutes.
I like that in sea-tac when you call a ride share there is a designated stall with numbers where drivers park when they arrive and you receive a text about what stall number they are in, this saves you the hustle of trying to locate where the driver is, etc.
Where to Stay
Downtown Seattle
Seattle Marriott Waterfront
For a seamless exploration, opt for downtown accommodations. I chose Seattle Marriott Waterfront for its cleanliness, convenient location, and proximity to key attractions such as ferries, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Aquarium.
Day 1: Morning – Pioneer Square & Underground Tour
Pioneer Square
Kickstart a day in the historic Pioneer Square. With cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture, it’s a charming neighborhood. Explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park for a dive into Seattle’s past.
Places in Seattle Underground tour
While there take Bill Speidel’s underground tour, and enjoy a mix of education and entertainment, revealing the city’s history through passageways dating back to the 1889 Great Fire.
Day 1: Afternoon – Pike Place Market & Waterfront
Pike Place Market
Around Pike Place Market at night
Head to Pike Place Market for food adventures, this famous market is filled with fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and local delicacies. Usually, when I go out of my city, I like to try things that are not in my city. Things that are popular in the city such as Primanti Sandwich in Pittsburgh or Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago. In this case, I saw a long line in this place called Piroshky Piroshky Bakery they have a unique taste from Eastern Europe from Sweet to Savory. While there I tried Chicken, Curry & Rice Piroshky, Smoked Salmon Pâté Piroshky, Cinnamon, and cardamom hand-braided, and Rhubarb Piroshky. Lol, I know that was a lot I did carry some.
Another place I tried was Etta’s Big Mountain BBQ where I had Nachos with beef brisket pickled jalapenos +queso fundido+taco spice cream was so good and different never had it before. There are a lot of places to eat. Also, don’t miss the iconic Pike Place Fish Market where fishmongers entertain with their lovely fish-tossing performers
Waterfront Stroll
Seattle Aquarium
Take a stroll from Pike Place Market to the waterfront. It’s not far, within walking distance it is good exercise too. Explore the Seattle Aquarium, ride The Seattle Great Wheel, and experience “Wings over Washington” for an aerial adventure.
I did this and I like it, I recommend it. These are located in Miner’s Landing Pier 57.
Day 1: Evening – The Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass
Space Needle
Around Space Needle
As evening falls, ascend the Space Needle for panoramic views. Enjoy fine dining at The Loupe Lounge and absorb the city lights for a reflective experience. The city lights make for an amazing photo backdrop, setting the scene for a reflective and memorable experience. For the Loupe Lounge, you need to make a reservation, however, there are also some bars and cafes that you can sit and enjoy.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden
Adjacent to the Space Needle, immerse yourself in Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures glowing against the night sky. Bundle tickets with the Space Needle for savings.
Day 2: Morning – Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill
Start your day in Capitol Hill, Seattle’s eclectic neighborhood. Visit the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) to understand the city’s evolution. If you are into nightlife this place has a diverse nightlife in Seattle.
Volunteer Park
Stroll through Volunteer Park, visiting the Volunteer Park Conservatory and ascending the Water Tower for breathtaking views. Optionally, explore the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
Day 2: Afternoon – Technology and Innovation
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Guitar Sculpture at MoPOP
Immerse yourself in pop culture at MoPOP, featuring exhibits on music, science fiction, and interactive displays. Currently showcasing the Contact High Exhibit, A Visual History of Hip Hop celebrating 50 years of hip-hop.
Also, you can see memorabilia from your favorite TV shows and movies from Horror to Sci-Fi. This was one of the most amazing experiences I had in Seattle there are a lot of interactive features in this museum you can spend a lot of time if you are not careful.
Amazon Spheres
Visit the Amazon Spheres for a guided tour into a lush botanical environment, showcasing Seattle’s tech prowess and commitment to sustainability.
This place is open to the public during the first and third Saturday of each month free of charge, I’ll recommend booking a visit if you want to go due to the high demand of visitors.
Seattle, with its rich history, diverse culture, and forward-thinking innovation, promises a dynamic experience catering to every interest. This 2-day itinerary offers just a glimpse into the city’s wonders. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, art enthusiast, or tech aficionado, Seattle invites you to explore, discover, and be inspired.
Additional Recommendations
For Food:
- Market Diner: Great for breakfast, try the Crab Avocado Omelette.
- Bacco Cafe: Classic eggs benedicts for breakfast.
- Cafe Campagne: A French restaurant offering unique dishes like Oeufs en Meurette.
Places to See:
- Seattle Museum of Art (SAM)
- Seattle Center: Home to iconic attractions like the Space Needle and MoPOP.
- Olympic Sculpture Park
Note: Prices and availability mentioned in this itinerary may vary; it’s recommended to check with respective establishments for the latest information.
