Seattle, Washington
Discovering the Emerald City: A Three-Day Weekend in Seattle, Washington
Welcome to Seattle, the jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Known as the Emerald City for its lush green surroundings, Seattle draws in visitors with its unique combination of natural beauty, lively arts scene, and innovative cuisine. From the iconic Space Needle to the bustling Pike Place Market, there’s no shortage of attractions in this city. Here’s how to make the most of a three-day weekend in Seattle.
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of the City
Morning: Pike Place Market
Start your day at Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the U.S. Here, you’ll discover a bustling hub of food vendors, craft stalls, and live musicians. Be sure to check out the world-famous fish throwers at Pike Place Fish Market and the original Starbucks store. Grab breakfast at Le Panier, a French bakery offering freshly baked pastries and coffee.
Afternoon: Seattle Art Museum and Pioneer Square
After exploring the market, head to the nearby Seattle Art Museum, home to a wide array of artworks from around the world. From contemporary sculpture to Native American carvings, the museum’s collection is as diverse as the city itself.
Post museum, stroll down to Pioneer Square, the city’s oldest neighborhood. This historic district is packed with beautifully restored Romanesque Revival buildings housing art galleries, trendy boutiques, and independent bookstores. For lunch, head to Salumi, a local institution known for its artisanal cured meats.
Evening: The Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass
End your day with a trip to the iconic Space Needle for panoramic views of the city. Just steps away, you’ll find Chihuly Garden and Glass, an exhibition featuring the stunning glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly. For dinner, head to the nearby Canlis, a Seattle fine-dining landmark that offers sweeping views of Lake Union and the Cascade Mountains.
Day 2: Discovering Seattle’s Neighborhoods
Morning: Ballard
Begin your day in the hip neighborhood of Ballard. Start with breakfast at The Fat Hen, known for its divine egg dishes. Next, explore the Ballard Locks, where you can watch boats navigate the waterway and see salmon leaping up the fish ladder.
Afternoon: Fremont and the University District
After lunch at the seafood-focused restaurant The Walrus and the Carpenter, head to the quirky neighborhood of Fremont. Be sure to take a photo with the Fremont Troll and visit the Fremont Vintage Mall for some treasure hunting.
Next, visit the University District, home to the University of Washington. Walk around the beautiful campus, especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Check out the University Bookstore, a favorite local haunt.
Evening: Capitol Hill
For dinner, head to the hip neighborhood of Capitol Hill. Dine at Mamnoon, a restaurant offering modern Middle Eastern cuisine. After dinner, explore the nightlife on Broadway or catch a show at the historic Neumos.
Day 3: Nature and Culture
Morning: Seward Park and Columbia City
Start your day with a hike in Seward Park, offering stunning views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier. Post hike, have brunch at Geraldine’s Counter in Columbia City, well-known for their fluffy pancakes.
Afternoon: International District and Wing Luke Museum
Visit the International District, the hub of Seattle’s Asian-American community. For lunch, try some dim sum at Jade Garden. Then, head to the Wing Luke Museum, which tells the story of the Asian Pacific American experience.
Evening: South Lake Union
Finally, head to South Lake Union for dinner. Try some New American dishes at The White Swan Public House. End the day with a visit to the Museum of History and Industry, where you can delve into Seattle’s past.
This three-day itinerary only scratches the surface of what Seattle has to offer. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, a history buff, or a culture vulture, the Emerald City is sure to leave you enchanted.