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Central business district of Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Photo: Compdude123, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Packed between Elliott Bay and the hilly neighborhoods to the east, Downtown Seattle unsurprisingly contains the city's bustling financial and retail district. This is also where many of Seattle's tourist attractions are, including the iconic Pike Place Market, the expansive Seattle Art Museum, the touristy waterfront, and some of the city's most stunning architecture, all within easy walking distance of each other.
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of green space on Seattle’s waterfront with a collection of monumental sculptures.
SAM
The museum displays a good assortment of art from the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Though the permanent exhibitions only occasionally delve deeply into a specific subject (such as the enormous variety of pieces in the porcelain room), extensive special exhibitions fill the gap. Tours available.
Seattle Central Library
A dramatic glass and steel structure in the heart of Downtown, designed by Rem Koolhaas. This is not an average public library and has become a tourist destination in its own right. A popular way to experience the unique architecture of the building is to take an elevator to the 10th floor, the highest observation deck in the building. From here you can walk down to the main floor through the Book Spiral; the core of the structure which organizes the library's books in one continuous path organized by the Dewey decimal system.
Columbia Center
This observatory sits on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center, one of the tallest buildings on the West Coast and the tallest public observation deck in the Pacific Northwest, sitting 932 feet (284.2 meters) above the ground and more than 330 feet taller than the Space Needle. Great views are offered from the top and some people claim the view is better from here than from the Space Needle. Another advantage over the Space Needle is that this building isn't well known as a tourist attraction, so there's usually little to no line to get to the top. Tickets are available for purchase online ($2 less expensive or in the atrium at the Columbia Center). There is a cafe in the observation deck serving sandwiches and drinks (including beer and wine) and a food court at the bottom of the Columbia Center.
Etymologically meaning "welcome" in the native Chinook language, Tilikum is home to a statue of Chief Seattle, the chief of the Duwamish tribe that gives this city its name. Sit in the park or in the Tilikum Place Cafe's outdoor seating and enjoy views of the Space Needle while sipping a coffee or enjoying a lunch, and watch the monorail go by.
Named for once being the main departure point during the Seattle gold rush, Miner's Landing now hosts a food court and a variety of gourmet restaurants, a sports merchandise store, a carousel for kids and the Seattle Great Wheel.
Rising 175 feet in the air, this Ferris wheel offers a 15-minute ride in one of the wheel's 42 gondolas, each of which can hold up to 8 people. You'll get a wonderful view of the Seattle waterfront, the Downtown skyline, as well as the Puget Sound, the snow-covered Olympics, and the green city hills.
Showcases native fish and mammals of the Pacific Northwest. Among the highlights are the Windows on Washington (WOW) exhibit, two touch tanks featuring animals of the inland sea and outer coast, and a display that holds two giant pacific octopuses, gill sharks and Pacific coral reefs. The outdoor exhibit upstairs features a collection of birds, harbor and Northern fur seals, as well as river and sea otters. At a separate area on the lower level, you can go inside an underwater dome to get up-close with swimming animals from the Puget Sound.
Offers special dinner and sightseeing cruises. The most common tour visitors take is the hour-long journey on Elliott Bay, which gives you an excellent view not just of the Space Needle and the Downtown skyline, but the freight harbor to the south as well.
formerly the Washington State Convention Center
The largest events space in the state, and the host of PAX West, Emerald City Comic Con, Sakura-Con, the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, and many others. The Arch building spans across Pike Street, 8th Avenue, and I-5. The Summit building, opened in 2023, is a block north.
An aesthetically and acoustically beautiful new concert hall. The official home of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, it also houses other classical and performing arts roadshows.
The main Seattle venue for touring Broadway musical shows; also hosts a number of original musicals that later head to Broadway.
Seattle's longest running improv theater.
One of the largest film festivals in North America. Screenings are at the SIFF Cinema Uptown (3 screens), the SIFF Cinema Downtown, and two venues at Seattle Center, the SIFF Film Center and the PACCAR IMAX Theater.
One of just three Cinerama theaters in the world, this cinema shows art, indie, and foreign films and documentaries.
Seattle's oldest restaurant, serving huge portions of American comfort food since 1929. The full menu is served 24 hours every day. Full bar with stiff drinks, over 25 local beers and liquors. Great jukebox and an eclectic mix of regulars and locals, tourists, politicians, young hipsters, freaks and grouchy old men. Free wifi. Outdoor seating. This is a true piece of Seattle history not to be missed.
The b-word is in every single item on the menu, and this excellent breakfast place is a siren call to those seeking hangover relief, providing burgers (replace the bun with a biscuit) sandwiches (replace the bread with a biscuit), and typical Southern style food.
Smoked salmon plate-lunch and fish-n-chips served outdoors at a scenic waterfront location. Ordering at the walk-up counter outside is inexpensive. Please do not feed ducks and seagulls as human food is harmful for birds! Good food, but pretty touristy.
A library of artisan cheese from Pacific Northwest farms, as well as some handmade cheese in the factory next door, worth bringing home as a Seattle souvenir. Try some free samples and be sure to get some of their mac and cheese.
Get a crumpet, a griddle cake originated from England, made with organic ingredients, sweet or savory with a number of toppings.
A bit expensive compared to its supermarket counterparts, but richer in flavor and milk, making this a local favorite. Often has long lines, but they move quickly and the owner is generous with free samples.
A good place to get seafood, especially dungeness crabs. Market-like atmosphere, seating in stools, and they can cook what you buy.
One of the most famous restaurants at Pike Place Market. Selections of exceptional chowder, as well as sandwiches and seafood cocktails.
Usually has long lines (up to 30 minutes) due to the fact this location is more well-known. Has more choices of chowder. Seats quickly fill up!
A very popular eatery, specializing in their namesake Russian pastries. They have many varieties from which to choose. The smoked salmon, the cheese, onion and garlic roll, and the apple cinnamon roll are all excellent. Be prepared for long lines and out of stock items if you come in late!
Country French cuisine.
Charming market ambiance and tasty seafood selections make for a fine low-key dining experience at this small spot.
Tom Douglas' upscale saloon is a hit any time of day.
Regular and specialty Neapolitan style pizza in one of the best pizza restaurants in Seattle. This small space gets overwhelmed with customers around mealtimes.
An excellent French bistro. Try the roast chicken.
Side dishes served on a per-table basis, so make sure you can agree with your companions! Skip the happy hour.
Caters to those with fat wallets, with massive portions, classic steakhouse ambiance, and top-grade beef.
Purple
Has an extensive wine list and some of Seattle's best food. Don't forget to try the salted caramels for dessert.
Seafood restaurant that's most famous for fresh oysters. In addition, the menu has various seafood to choose from, such as king salmon, sockeye, dungeness crab, king crab, yellowfin ahi tuna, you name it. Happy hour is affordable, with chef's choice of fresh oysters and other deals. The restaurant is right by the dock and the view is fantastic during the summer when you can sit outside.
Good, hip (but not ultra-hip) bar, and not a bad restaurant either. Interesting neo-retro decor. The Ace Hotel is upstairs. Excellent breakfast.
A great Irish bar. A house band, nice regulars, and halibut burger to die for. Happy hour is M-F 3-7PM.
Reasonably good Italian restaurant, but it's a better bar, with a rather romantic European market ambiance and a trellis-covered outdoor deck. Occasional cabaret-style live entertainment, no cover.
Classic pinball games and Coney Island hot dogs, decorated with creepy clowns. Be sure to check out the Trophy Lounge hidden in the back.
Classic cocktail bar with a historic vibe and extensive drink selection. Happy hour is from 4PM to 6PM with $1 off drinks and $12 pizza.
Who would have thought, when this unassuming place opened in 1971, that it would give rise to a global empire? Now flocks of tourists crowd the oldest existing Starbucks. (The true first location was one block north; it moved here when that building was torn down in 1977.) The long line gets you exactly the same drinks you can get at every other location. If you're not a true fan, check out the bare-chested mermaid which acted as the original logo for the company, then try any of the hundreds of other local Seattle coffee shops.
Budget hotel in the Belltown area. Rooms have an option of shared bath. Minimum furniture and quaint.
Warm friendly accommodation. Private room available. Free breakfast and Wi-fi. All rooms have murals painted by local artists. $25 dorms.
Has a view of the Puget Sound and the Market, 30 bunk rooms in the elegantly restored Elliot Hotel Building. Free Internet stations and Wi-Fi, free dinner 3 nights a week, and free breakfast every morning. The Green Tortoise is a Seattle backpacker institution that also runs festive low-budget bus tours to Mexico and Central America.
Its namesake comes from the site of the hotel at Fifth Avenue, below the monorail tracks. Urban-designed rooms. Complimentary shuttle and bike to roam the city.
Very close to Seattle Center and the downtown shopping core. High-speed internet in rooms and free breakfast included.
This little establishment at the heart of Belltown offers kitchenette on every room. Rooms only have fans for summer.
A small hotel in the Belltown area. Standard rooms have small bathrooms, deluxe are slightly larger, suites' bedrooms are perfect for a family and features free Internet and newspaper.
In the heart of downtown, offers an artistic setting for both business and leisure travelers.
Built in 1927, the centrally-located hotel retains its classical colors on most of its interior, with modern amenities in the rooms such as flat-screen TV and coffee machine. Wi-Fi is complimentary.
A boutique hotel, developed by Kimpton, adopts a European flair. Every room is equipped with a yoga mat and a daily social (wine) hour is available at the hotel's classic bar.
A full service hotel in the heart of downtown.
Another boutique and historic option at Belltown.
One of the few budget options in the middle of downtown. Rooms have a view of either the skyline or the Space Needle, added with a Juliet balcony.
This art-themed hotel has original works throughout the lobby and in the rooms. Furthermore, it sports a big old Dale Chihuly glass piece in the lobby.
Near the Pike Place Market, right on the water, and famous for three things: you could at one time literally fish right out of your window, it was the site of a notorious Led Zeppelin incident, and the Beatles stayed here during their 1964 tour. Rooms either face the city with no great view other than the Space Needle, or face the water. These latter rooms enjoy the non-stop action of the ferries and cruise liners in the harbor. The restaurant is elegantly decorated with a few outdoor tables right over the water.
The only hotel in the Northwest to win a five-diamond award. Pulls off grand and luxurious perfectly, is in the middle of downtown.
Distinctive downtown hotel featuring modern lifestyle amenities, concierge, restaurants and lounges, meeting venues, business & fitness centers, and Seattle's largest rooftop dining patio - a unique Seattle Lodging experience.
New high-tech, boutique style hotel in downtown.
A hotel of a local brand with a luxury and modern touch. Rooms have private bars and ironing boards, with plush Turkish towels and Swedish bath amenities. The in-house Mediterranean restaurant is managed by the locally-renowned restaurateur Tom Douglas.
Centrally located in the historic Pike Place Market downtown, facing the waterfront and Elliott Bay. Short walk to Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall, Pioneer Square, Westlake Center, and lots of dining and shopping.
This pet-friendly property offers an array of luxury fully furnished rooms and suites equipped with all modern amenities. Facilities include a business center and a fitness center.
Immediately adjacent to the convention center.
For the terminally hip traveler. Decorated in a stunning palette of black, black, silver, cream, and black.
Perhaps the hotel that has the most rooms in the city. Standard luxurious Westin-style hospitality. It is linked by a skybridge that connects with Westlake Center.
Established in 1946 as an importer of specialty Italian and Mediterranean foods, with an extensive collection of pastas, cheeses, jarred vegetables and high-end wines.
Sells all kinds of souvenirs exclusive to Washington state. Along with the usual coffee mugs and fridge magnets, they also sell glass sculptures you can find at the Chihuly Arts and Glass, baked salmon, artisan chocolates and the rain-globe, an equivalent to a snow globe but adapted to suit the stereotypical Seattle drizzle. They also have another shop in Westlake Center.
One of the last remaining map stores in the U.S., with a presence in Seattle since the 1930s. The store is covered wall-to-wall with all kinds of maps local and worldwide, the shelves are crammed with globes and atlases and travel books, and cabinets of posters and prints are rewarding to sift through.
Founded in 1930, known for its fishmongers that throw orders across the shop before wrapping for customers. The repeated shouting of fish orders started as a prank, but became an entertaining tradition.
In 1991, patrons of a neighboring theater started sticking used chewing gum to this wall. The gum persisted despite repeated cleanings, so the market gave up and embraced it as an icky tourist attraction. It is still subject to sporadic deep cleans, to keep the inches-thick crust of fermenting sugar and saliva from digesting the bricks.
This 5-floor shopping mall is anchored by a large AMC movie theater and Din Tai Fung restaurant on the top floors. While the mall once featured upscale brands, it is now a little sparse, with mostly galleries and independent businesses.
A small 4-floor shopping mall at the southern terminus of the Seattle Center Monorail (third floor) and connected to Westlake Station (in the basement), with a food court and a handful of retailers.
This upscale Korean chain operates the only supermarket in the district.
A small, urban-footprint outpost of the major home goods chain.
By ferry
All downtown ferries and water taxis operate from Pier 52, the Colman Dock, or Pier 50 that adjoins it to the south.
By public transit
Downtown is the hub of the region's public transit system. Almost every neighborhood in Seattle has a direct route to either downtown or the light rail network.
Seattle's downtown is compact and dense. The street grid is skewed from the rest of the city, aligned with the waterfront instead of cardinal directions.
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