Are you ready for the perfect weekend in Seattle Washington?! In the U.S. Pacific Northwest, there is a city. The city is surrounded by the pacific ocean, mountains, and spectacular diverse forests. Inside the city, there are thousands of acres of parkland with beautiful views of the city, Mount Rainier, and the ocean. Seattle’s iconic Space Needle stands tall in the iconic skyline.
So how do you fit all your must-sees into the perfect weekend in Seattle?
I met up with one of my best girlfriends and we spent the perfect weekend in Seattle. We both live in different states- and I arrived a couple of days earlier, giving me time to explore the city solo. We spent a couple of days in the city and then ventured off for a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park. A few years later my friend Grace and I took a cross-country road trip to Seattle for her big move and I’ve visited countless times. So after spending lots of weekends in Seattle, the city quickly became my favorite.
The Perfect Weekend in Seattle Washington
How to get to Seattle
Where to Stay in Seattle
Where to stay in Seattle depends on your plans for the city. Staying in the downtown area is going to be the most convenient. All the prime spots are close by if not within walking distance, and staying there will keep you in the center of everything saving you some cash on transportation.
Motif Seattle, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel ★★★★
The Motif is an upscale independent hotel inspired by the Seattle scene. Elegant rooms, with views for days, make this hotel a top contender in downtown. The rooftop restaurant scene is filled with art and music with views across the city and surrounded by the city’s top attractions. Grab a drink and hang out on the rooftop deck for handcrafted cocktails and bites. This is a perfect hotel for a girls’ weekend in Seattle.
W SEATTLE ★★★★
Soak up the vibrant colorful scene from the Living Room Bar. Get in the mix with live music and a DJ series as you lounge around fireplaces with a delicious craft cocktail. Dine in at TRACE Market for breakfast or lunch. The restaurant’s market-driven menus include Artisanal, fast, local, and earth-friendly cuisine offering dine-in, take-out, and grab-and-go options. Workout at FIT®, the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center. Wander out to explore the city attractions just steps from the hotel, like Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and the Seattle Art Museum.
THE EDGEWATER ★★★★
Perched on top of Pier 67, The Edgewater hotel is an easy walk downtown and filled with vibrancy, stunning views, and luxury. Enjoy the beauty of the Olympic Mountains, the sparkling waters of Elliott Bay, and the stunning sunsets from oceanside balconies.
HYATT HOUSE ★★★
Located in the shadow of the Space Needle, this hotel is the picture-perfect location for your next vacation. Suites of all types are available with full kitchens and living spaces if you prefer to cook your own meals. If not then unwind at H Bar, where you can order creative cocktails and apps.
Best Brunch Restaurants in Seattle
Brunch is my absolute favorite meal when I travel- and just so happens to be the ideal time for planning your adventures for the day. The hard part will be choosing where to go-Seattle has foodie-approved eateries across the city. I didn’t have a bad meal the entire trip.
The Fat Hen: Innovative french low country cuisine made with freshly provided ingredients from their local friends and neighbors in the farming community. (Whittier Heights)
Skillet: This award-winning diner has delicious stuff like maple braised pork belly and waffles with a fried egg on top. (Multiple Locations)
Americana: Cozy bistro famous for its diverse brunch menu and mimosas. Bonus: a dog-friendly patio for your fur babies. (Capitol Hill)
Biscuit Bitch: A coffeehouse as funky as its name that serves southern-inspired foods specializing in biscuits, BITCH. (Pike Place Market))
Citizen: Café and bar with all types of crepes (sweet & savory) that serves Nutella hot chocolate- need I say more? (Queen Anne)
The Perfect Weekend in Seattle
Drink Local at Seattle’s Best Breweries
Seattle takes its beer seriously. The microbrewing scene has been going strong for decades-with over 60 breweries in the city. With so many options- it’s tough to go wrong when deciding which ones to try. If you’re like me and prefer anything other than beer- no worries, you’re also in luck! Washington state is one of the top five cider-producing states in the country (victoryyyyy).
Notable Breweries
Notable Cideries
Things to do in Seattle
Go Shopping at pike place Market
Yes- it can be as touristy as you fear… but it’s worth the visit if it’s your first time in Seattle. The Pike Place Market is WAY bigger than I thought it would be. This nine-acre historic district is filled with local farmers, a crafts market, and over 200 specialty shops- all locally owned. The market was originally established in 1907 to connect citizens and farmers. Farmers’ markets take place year-round with bakeries, fish markets, butcher shops, produce stands, and FLOWERS! My suggestion would be to buy some of the famous tulips while you’re there to color up your life a bit 😊
taste award-winning chowder
Located within the market, Pike Place Chowder makes the perfect snack while you’re shopping up an appetite. This chowder has earned dozens of wins in regional AND national competitions! Now, I’m not a huge chowder fan, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try this famous chowder, and I’m so glad I did- it was so creamy and delicious! With awards coming out of the ass- it’s no wonder there was a line out the door and around the block!
Visit a Park in Seattle
During your weekend in Seattle, you should try to see Discovery Park. The park is Seattle’s largest public park at 534 acres. The park is in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle and has around 12 miles of walking trails. It has a lighthouse- and I’m from Michigan (so many lighthouses) so this park was at the top of my list. The West Point Lighthouse was my favorite part of the park.
To visit the lighthouse, your best bet is to stop at the Visitor Center- they can direct you to the walking trails that will lead down to the beach of the lighthouse. Warning: The hike back up can be strenuous, there’s a shuttle bus that runs from the Visitor Center down to the beach as well. (Magnolia)
Kerry Park: This park is popular for its incredible view of downtown- the city skyline against the green of the park is just breathtaking. (Queen Anne Hill)
Gas Works Park: What I love about this park, is that it could have been left as a forgotten industrial wasteland, like so many others- but instead was turned into a beautiful park. This park is so unique- the rusting remains of the manufacturing plant that once stood remain. The park has a picture-perfect view across the lake to downtown Seattle that’s worth the visit. (Lake Union)
Olympic Sculpture Park: Take a stroll along the waterfront and admire the outdoor sculptures. Located right by the Space Needle and Seattle Aquarium, the park is in a great location.
Visit the Chihuly Garden & Glass
Located next to the Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden & Glass is a magical place. The glass wonderland is breathtaking and bursting with colors. The venue combines glass with the natural beauty of the gardens. The glasshouse occasionally closes for private events, but the rest of the exhibition and the garden remain open, so check the calendar before you’re heading over. If you plan on visiting the Space Needle- save some cash, and buy a combo pass for the Glass Garden + Space Needle.
Take a Ride on the Space Needle
The Space Needle has tilting glass benches leaning out over the city, making it the world’s first and only revolving glass floor, with unmatched views of Seattle and beyond.
Treat Yourself To The Best Dessert in Seattle
The local’s favorite ice cream shop has rotating seasonal flavors. Molly Moon has 8 different locations around the city so it’s an easy detour wherever you’re at.
best restaurants in Seattle
The food scene in Seattle is starting to gain some movement. When you’re there, forget about chain restaurants, and go where the locals go.
Uneeda Burger: Do you need a burger though? Located just .04 miles away from Seattle’s Fremon troll, Uneeda Burger is a casual, roadside-style burger shack with seriously delicious burgers, sandwiches, sides, and shakes. (Fremont)
The Pink Door: Equal parts Italian-American dining, with eclectic entertainment such as trapeze, cabaret, music, and tarot. If it’s a nice day when you visit, opt for outside on the view deck overlooking Elliot Bay. Located at 1919 Post Alley the restaurant has no sign, but look for the pink door on the waterside of the Post Alley promenade. (Pike Place Market)
Lola: With the cooking styles of Greece; the menu offers modern Mediterranean and North African riffs on local ingredients such as Anderson Valley lamb, Penn Cove shellfish, and wild King salmon. (Belltown)
Northlake Tavern – If you crave pizza always like me- then you know where to go. The pizza is an old local favorite, having been around since 1954! The pizza is served with an “old Italian recipe.” Not only is the pizza incredible, but it’s also a local dive bar with cheap pitchers and a laid-back Seattle attitude. (North Lake)
How to Cook a Wolf: This rustic Italian-inspired small plates restaurant is sure to impress. Best to go family-style and order a couple of plates for a person to share, that way you get to try a little of everything!
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28 comments
Sounds like such a great weekend destination. From the food to seeing the sites. I especially would love to visit the market, it’s so famous to Seattle.
Seattle is my favorite city in the US. My best friend lives there so i’m very familiar with it. There are SO. MANY. things to do in the city surrounded by THREE national parks just a short distance away.
Seattle has all that is required for a perfect weekend. Some really great hotels to stay in and eateries to enjoy food. There are so many nice places to visit. I really loved the look of Discovery Park, the Lighthouse looks nice and serene. The Gum wall too looks quite colourful and nice to know that it is not actually gross.
Wow! I had no idea a weekend in Seattle could sound so rewarding. I was drooling over all those fabulous food pictures. In fact the skillet has just inspired me to create something similar for tomorrow’s breakfast. Yum!
are you sure this isn’t a guide to the perfect weekend of food and cocktails in Seattle? I mean don’t get me wrong, all the places to eat and drink look amazing and I love to eat!
I took my mom to Seattle a few years ago and we had a blast walking around that city! We loved how easy it was to get around as well as all the cool things to see and do both inside and out. The city is pretty much a walking art gallery in most places.
I’ve thought about visiting Seattle before and always thought it seemed like it would be a really great place with lots to do both in the city and around it too. Seems that was right! I grew up watching Fraser too so it would be cool to visit!
The food in Seattle is SO good! I really love the city and your list makes me want to plan my next visit.
In Stavanger, Norway there is a park built from a petroleum factory. Cool to hear the US has something similar. I would also love to see the glass factory.
I would never have thought of Seattle as a place to stepp when visiting the US, but should consider it !
Molly Moon is to die for! My favorite is when they make the waffle cones right in front of you, and it’s still warm when they hand it to you. As a Seattle native, I always loved popping down to Pike Place or Discovery Park for a day out. The Chihuily exhibit is amazing. 🙂 Great Seattle adventure post!
Chowder, Ice Cream, Pikes Place… sign us up!! We cant wait for air travel to be 100 percent ok Seattle was one of the places we were looking forward to exploring especially during fall 🙂
This is a great itinerary! I’ve been to Seattle a few times and don’t think I’ve seen everything in the city.
I have always wanted to visit Seattle, but I typically venture overseas. Looks like this might be the year to visit.
I’ve always wanted to visit the Seattle area. We have a plan to drive up the coast of PNW on a road trip and make our way up to Seattle, then Vancouver. Lovely post.
I had a 1 day layover in Seattle and loved the city. Eager to go back as it looks like there’s plenty more to do there. I’d also add the underground tour to the itinerary. It’s really great fun
I want to visit Seattle! This looks so fun and those flowers are enough to get me to go to Pike Place Market 🥰
What a great guide! I’ve never been to Seattle (or much of the states actually) but I’ll be bookmarking this for when we finally go! I would love to marvel at all of that glass art!!
I’ve always heard good things about Seattle – adding to my wishlist for our next road trip. Will be referring back to this when we visit, thank you.
I wish I had known about the Biscuit Bitch when I visited Seattle years ago. The name is so funny! The food scene there is awesome and I agree that staying downtown is the perfect place since you can pretty much walk to anything. I love Chihuly exhibitions and would love to visit the Chihuly Garden & Glass.
I have never been to Seattle. I hope to cover the entire West coast starting from Seattle and going all way to the end of SoCal. Mount Rainier National Park definitely seems like a great place. Even Discovery park looks promising. I hope I can visit it sometime soon.
I’ve never been to Seattle. It looks like a great stop for a weekend. Pike Place Market is huge!!! I’d love to spend an afternoon there just wandering. And that bubblegum wall!!! Crazy!
I really don’t think I could contribute to the gum wall! Yuck!! But I would love to visit Seattle on day. It’s definitely on my list of places to visit!
I had no idea about the gum wall! Wow! Thanks for the restaurant tips as well!
Seattle looks like a great place to visit! Definitely adding it to my bucket list!
Seattle had been popping up so many different places and I have never been! I can’t wait to go! I’ll have to keep all of this in mind when I go (hopefully) soon!
The biggest bummer for me when I went to Seattle was that the Pike Place market was closed that day! But loved your guide because you’ve covered everything!
I’ve never been to Seattle but it’s definitely on my list to visit!
Great post! Never really had Seattle on my radar, but now it’s on my list! The bubble wall! Love it!