Jun 2, 2025

The Emerald City

We’ve been dreaming of a visit to Seattle, Washington ever since seeing the Meg Ryan-Tom Hanks Classic, Sleepless in Seattle, years ago. Let’s just say, the Coffee Capital of the World, lived up to what we imagined and more. There is greenery everywhere, from tall trees to landscaped and natural front yards in the neighborhoods. While we had a rental car, public transportation, bicycle/scooter rentals, and ride share are all great options to get from place to place. From our itinerary below, we cover so much of what you can do over a long weekend or more in and around the Queen City of the Pacific Northwest!

Where to stay

We were grateful for the opportunity to redeem some Marriott Bonvoy points at the eclectic Moxy Seattle Downtown, located in South Lake Union. It was so fun entering the lobby, where we checked in at the bar-cafe counter, and immediately offered a beverage and snack! The staff here are incredibly friendly and hospitable.

Taking the elevator to our room, we appreciated the design details in the elevator, with denim satchels on the walls. Then, our room outfitted in an industrial chic style provided us everything we needed. A comfortable king bed, fold-down desk, and comfortable chair in a glass window reading nook. The bathroom provided luxurious amenities and even had a rain shower head!

The location cannot be beat. Highly walkable to many cafes and restaurants, along with attractions like the Space Needle and Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI). We enjoyed the quiet residential feel of the area, with modern apartment and condominiums nearby, as well as corporate offices of Google and Amazon (The Spheres). It was a welcoming sight to see all the folks walking their dogs and jogging during the day!

What to see

Capitol Hill Neighborhood

• We drove around admiring the homes and gardens.
• The Rhododendron game here is so beautiful! They were in full bloom, and all colors of flowers are represented here.

Space Needle

• Phenomenal to think this was built in 1961
• Elevators were smooth with breathtaking views.
• Outdoor deck with leaning benches and glass was fun, but crowded.
• Indoor revolving bar with glass floor was amazing to see below us and enjoyed sea planes taking off from Lake Union.
• You can sign a waver and take the stairs down, which we did. All 800+ of them. We felt this in our calves for days, but the t-shirt souvenir is worth it!
• Be sure to book through CityPASS so that you save on this and up to 4 other top-Seattle Attractions!

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

• Also one of the options available to choose through CityPASS.
• The Frank Gehry building that houses the museum is architecturally stunning.
• The horror exhibits were our favorites, and then next would be the Sci Fi collections.

Chihuly Garden & Glass

• Our favorite spot to visit with CityPASS!
• Mesmerizing and inspiring, you must-go here in Seattle!
• The juxtaposition of the glass and plants in the gardens were incredible.
• Be sure to watch a live demonstration of glass-making at the Community Hot Shop in the Garden!

Queen Anne Neighborhood

• Stopped at the Kerry Park Overlook, took some pictures of the city view.
• Drove around admiring the homes, even saw Dr. Grey’s house from the filming of Grey’s Anatomy!

Gas Works Park

• We watched the sunset here one evening, with picturesque views of Lake Union and Downtown. The people-watching made us smile.
• From Tripadvisor: The old industrial metal structures give the park this unique, gritty charm you don't really find anywhere else and they make for some great photo ops too.
• Former site of the Seattle Gas Light Company, from 1906 until 1956.

Seattle Aquarium

• Yet another reason to get a CityPASS, so you can stop here!
• The newly opened Ocean Pavilion at the Seattle Aquarium is breathtaking, as it stands adjacent to the waterfront.
• Exhibits include species found within the Puget Sound, as well as interactive touch pools for those brave enough to feel the anemones!

Argosy Harbor Cruise

• Would you believe this is also a choice with CityPASS?!
• During the 1-hour cruise around Elliott Bay, experience all the beauty and history Seattle has to offer.
• Learn about Seattle’s historic waterfront and get an up-close look at one of the west coast’s largest shipping terminals.
• Take in the view of the city’s skyline with a spectacular panoramic background of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, including majestic Mount Rainier. Be sure to snap a few photos and selfies!

Where to eat + drink

Fresh Flours

• We ordered fresh pastries here.
• Perfectly balanced sweet and spiced chai, and the matcha was refreshing.
• Pastries were balanced as well, while the almond flavor was yummy!

Portage Bay Cafe - South Lake Union

• Delicious breakfast, featuring locally sourced and organic ingredients.
• French Toast included a trip to the berry bar, which featured the freshest berries and toppings!
• Biscuits & Gravy was served with the most decadent, soft biscuits. The gravy had poblano peppers in it, along with spiced sausage crumbles.

Rocket Taco

• Their new location just opened in Capitol Hill.
• Some of the most delicious food while in Seattle, we ordered counter service style.
• The restaurant features beautiful design, offers a plant-covered patio as well!

Culture Kitchen at MoPOP

• Convenient spot to eat before heading to the museum.
• Filling chicken finger lunch with a few too many fries!

Ceres Roasting Co

• Located within the Armory Food & Event Hall, and nice little break after visiting MoPOP.
• Refreshing and energizing cold brew with oat milk.

Kin Len Thai Night Bites

• Be sure to arrive with your entire party, and expect to wait 20-30 minutes for seating.
• Authentic atmosphere, lively and energetic.
• We enjoyed the decor and old restaurant food vendor signs! We loved the design of their unique brick divider!
• Mango Mangrove and Thai Tea-ni were very good cocktails.
• The Chicken Pad Thai and Battered Chicken Red Curry were both excellent, and some of the best Thai food we’ve ever had!

Mioposto Pizza - Ravenna

• Offering delicious wood-fire oven pizzas, you can’t go wrong with any of their choices!
• Tomato sauce is so good, and we will have to order a pie for each of us next time!

Lighthouse Roasters Fine Coffees

• We stopped into this quaint corner shop in the Fremont neighborhood, where they roast coffee beans daily in vintage cast iron roasters.
• Lighthouse Roasters is one of the top mentioned “best coffee shops in Seattle” on several Reddit subs.
• We both enjoyed the cold brew. Edward had the biscotti and David ordered a scone that was so soft and truly a treat.

Where to shop?

Pike Place Market

• A must-do in Seattle, the tossing of fish is something to see. But it’s more than this. The Market is the Soul of the City.
• Pike Place Market is of the oldest and largest continuously operating public markets in the United States, dating back to 1907.
• Eclectic mix of vendors and activities ensure there is something for everyone here. The flower farms have the most stunning bouquets. If you have the opportunity to take some for a host or staying awhile, buy one!

Starbucks Pike Place

• The original Starbucks. This landmark is iconic to Seattle, and features Siren in her true beauty!
• Take home a souvenir, whether a shirt, mug or tumbler.
• Most importantly, it’s very busy. So prepare to wait in line!

Nordstrom Downtown Seattle

• With Seattle roots, visiting Nordstrom’s downtown store (while not the original, it was a huge deal when it opened in 1972) is a must-do, located near the Monorail Station.
• Can you believe that even in 1937, the Seattle Nordstrom carried 35,000 pairs of shoes?!

UNIQLO Pine Street

• Steps away from Pike Place Market, we always enjoy shopping at UNIQLO in cities we visit.
• It was fun picking out some graphic t-shirts for our upcoming trip to Walt Disney World while here!