The largest city in Washington State, Seattle is a hub for good food (and coffee), music (it was home to Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain), and much more. It also boasts a beautiful Pacific Northwest backdrop, with scenic ferry rides across Puget Sound and mountains for great hiking.
As the city gears up to host this year’s MLB (Major League Baseball) Midsummer Classic at T-Mobile Park, we’ve prepared a city guide of the very best that Seattle has to offer. From must-visit neighbourhoods, to where to eat and what to see, read on for tips on how to make the most of All-Star Week.
Pioneer Square is the birthplace of the city of Seattle. It’s a historic neighbourhood where the old seamlessly blends with the new; the red-brick Romanesque Revival buildings that line the bustling streets are now home to modern art galleries, cafés, boutiques and bars.
Pike Place Market opened in 1907 and is the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in North America. Visitors can wander between stalls of farm-fresh produce, buskers, delis, restaurants and bars, all spread across a large site on Seattle’s waterfront. With food ranging from artisanal cheese and ice-cream to Italian charcuterie and fresh oysters, you’ll find something for every taste bud here.
### Underground history tour
The Seattle Underground is a network of subterranean passages and rooms that were once at street-level, until the city was elevated after a devastating fire in 1889. Visitors can join fascinating and entertaining walking tours winding past buried shopfronts, saloons, and hotels – the original and best-known is Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour.
### Museum of Pop Culture
Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (or MoPOP) resides within a striking and huge Frank O. Gehry-designed building. Step inside to discover inspiring and interactive exhibits, and to brush up your knowledge on Seattle’s most famous musical exports – from Jimi Hendrix to the grunge of Nirvana.
A defining feature of Seattle’s skyline, the Space Needle was built in 1961 with a futuristic flying saucer-esque observation deck that offers incredible views of the city.
### Chihuly Garden and Glass
Located right next to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass is a sculpture garden and exhibition showcasing the mesmerising work of acclaimed Seattle glass artist, Dale Chihuly.
A half-hour ferry ride across the beautiful Puget Sound from downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island is a must. Home to the peaceful forests of Bloedel Reserve, hikes along the shore and the charming township of Winslow, it serves as a refreshing day trip from the city.
### Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington’s oldest winery and an excellent option for a jaunt just outside the city – book yourself onto a tour of the estate with a wine tasting, or visit for one of the venue’s popular summer concerts.
### Tom Douglas’ restaurants
Among his many accolades, Tom Douglas was named Best Chef in the Northwest in 1994 and has a number of restaurants dotted around Seattle. Meaning there are plenty of places to taste the celebrated chef’s upscale New American cuisine – from various branches of his successful pizzeria, Serious Pie, to the recently reopened Palace Kitchen and the lip-smackingly good Etta’s Big Mountain BBQ.
Popular Seattle eatery Sisters and Brothers is a must-do for fans of Southern-inspired fare. In addition to the classic Nashville-style fried chicken, other highlights include smoked gouda mac-and-cheese and chicken and waffles – but be warned, the spice levels here are pretty hot.
Carmelo’s Tacos is a family-owned taqueria that serves up some of the freshest and most authentically Mexican tacos in Seattle – grab a thick, homemade taco, burrito or quesadilla to-go or eat-in in the small seating area.
This inviting Italian restaurant promises proper Neapolitan-style pizzas from a wood-fired oven, alongside crispy cod fritters, grilled octopus, and roasted asparagus. Round off your meal with a perfectly balanced negroni cocktail.
Treat yourself to a plush stay at Hotel Theodore, a highly rated downtown boutique hotel.
Stay at the stylish Palihotel Seattle, featuring stylish decor and suites of deep green hues within a historic red-brick building.
Just a few hundred metres from Pike Place Market, Ace Hotel Seattle offers minimalist rooms with quirky murals and exposed brick walls.
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