Downtown Seattle

Explore

For eye-popping vistas of the surrounding mountains and waters, head to the 73rd-floor Sky View Observatory (700 Fourth Ave). Art aficionados appreciate the superb collections of Native American, Australian Aboriginal, Islamic, classical European art, and more at the Seattle Art Museum (1300 First Ave).

Eat and Drink

Among the many enticing eateries at Pike Place Market, Le Pichet (1933 First Ave) stands out for its cozy French bistro vibe and signature roasted free-range chicken, and Sugo Hand Roll Bar (2001 Western Ave) is a must for craft sake cocktails and tasty rolls packed with king salmon, snow crab, and bay scallops. Plant-filled Lonely Siren (1501 Pike Pl) serves delicious Portuguese food, like clams steamed in garlic and vinho verde wine and salt-cod croquettes with olive tartar sauce. Other spots include Pike Place Chowder (1530 Post Alley), Seattle Dumpling Company (1916 Pike Pl), and Bottega Italiana (1425 First Ave) for a bowl or cone of authentic artisanal gelato—try the nutty combination of pistachio and chocolate-hazelnut in a waffle cone. Savor a stout or juicy IPA at Pike Brewing Company (1415 First Ave) and refreshing (try the dark maple or honey-pear) ciders at Locust Cider Marketplace (2003 Western Ave). Elsewhere downtown, Skalka (77 Spring St) serves up mouthwatering Eastern European khachapuri “bread boats” for breakfast, and Von’s 1000 Spirits (1225 First Ave) offers an encyclopedic selection of cocktails to accompany its wood-fired pizzas and sourdough-bread sandwiches.

Shop

At historic Pike Place Market (85 Pike St), more than 500 stalls carry every imaginable item, from specialty foods to used books. Favorites include Golden Age Collectibles (1501 Pike St) for vintage comics and action figures, Ugly Baby (1430 Western Ave) for irreverent art and souvenirs, and Milagros Mexican Folk Art (1409 First Ave). Shop for the latest fashions at the flagship location of Nordstrom (500 Pine St), founded in Seattle in 1901. Jamie Slye Hats (1322 Fifth Ave) crafts stylish wide-brim wool fedoras, straw sun hats, and custom headwear designed to both look amazing and protect you from the elements. Check out the astounding selection of top-quality shoes at Brick + Mortar (1210 Fourth Ave) and the beautifully curated housewares and bath products at Watson Kennedy Fine Home (1022 First Ave).