Washington
Seattle rewards wandering by neighborhood, from the market stalls downtown to the quiet trails and viewpoints scattered across the city.
Sights & Neighborhoods
| Name | Info | Details |
|---|
| Pike Place Market | must-do | The classic Seattle stop, with fishmongers, produce stalls, and the original Starbucks all packed into one lively market. Wander down into the lower levels for quirkier shops most tourists skip. |
| Kerry Park | must-do · sunset | A small viewpoint on Queen Anne hill with an unobstructed view of downtown, the Space Needle, and Mount Rainier on a clear day. One of the best spots in the city for a sunset photo. |
| Discovery Park | hiking · free | Seattle's largest park, with forest trails, open meadows, and sea cliffs on the Magnolia bluff overlooking Puget Sound. A good escape from downtown with views of both the Cascades and Olympics. |
| Ballard Locks (Hiram M. Chittenden Locks) | free · fish ladder | Watch boats move between saltwater Puget Sound and the freshwater lakes, plus an observation window where salmon climb the fish ladder in season. Pair it with a walk around the Ballard neighborhood. |
| Fremont Troll | quick stop · free | A giant sculpture of a troll crushing a Volkswagen Beetle under a bridge in the quirky Fremont neighborhood. Good for a quick photo stop on the way to or from Ballard. |
Food
| Name | Info | Details |
|---|
| Piroshky Piroshky | $ · Pike Place | A Pike Place Market institution turning out Russian pastries, both sweet and savory, with a line that moves fast. The smoked salmon pâté piroshky is a local favorite. |
| Beecher's Handmade Cheese | $ · Pike Place | Watch cheese being made through the window, then order the famous mac and cheese or a grilled cheese sandwich. A reliable, filling stop while working through the market. |
| Paseo | $ · Caribbean sandwiches | Known for Cuban-style roast pork sandwiches, especially the tostones version, and frequently cited as a Seattle favorite. Expect a line at peak lunch hours. |
| Ba Bar | $$ · Vietnamese | A Capitol Hill spot known for congee and other Vietnamese comfort food, good for a casual meal any time of day. Popular with locals rather than just tourists. |
| Annapurna Cafe | $ · Indian/Nepalese | A no-frills Capitol Hill spot serving Indian and Nepalese dishes with a devoted local following. Good for momos and a hearty curry after a day of walking. |