Phuc’s guidebook to Seattle
Sightseeing
Pike Place Market
1531 Western Ave
Chihuly Garden and Glass
305 Harrison StMuseum of Pop Culture
325 5th Ave NVisit the city’s first skyscraper, built in 1914, and ride the historic, manually operated elevators to the 35th-floor observatory, where 360-degree views await. Displays tell the tale of characters who made Smith Tower what it is today, while the tower’s Prohibition-themed Temperance bar serves themed cocktails.
88 locals recommend
Smith Tower
506 2nd AveVisit the city’s first skyscraper, built in 1914, and ride the historic, manually operated elevators to the 35th-floor observatory, where 360-degree views await. Displays tell the tale of characters who made Smith Tower what it is today, while the tower’s Prohibition-themed Temperance bar serves themed cocktails.
This picturesque Queen Anne spot looks down at the Seattle skyline from the north. It’s the ideal place to get the quintessential view of the city, featuring the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, downtown skyscrapers, and (on clear days) Mount Rainier.
881 locals recommend
Kerry Park
211 W Highland DrThis picturesque Queen Anne spot looks down at the Seattle skyline from the north. It’s the ideal place to get the quintessential view of the city, featuring the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, downtown skyscrapers, and (on clear days) Mount Rainier.
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the 605-foot-tall Space Needle quickly became an icon of the city that today is recognized far and wide. On the observation level, which you can reach via a 43-second elevator ride, see the doodle-on-a-napkin concept that led to the Space Needle design. Views from the top feature Elliott Bay, the Cascade Mountains, and even Mount Rainier.
1748 locals recommend
Space Needle
400 Broad StBuilt for the 1962 World’s Fair, the 605-foot-tall Space Needle quickly became an icon of the city that today is recognized far and wide. On the observation level, which you can reach via a 43-second elevator ride, see the doodle-on-a-napkin concept that led to the Space Needle design. Views from the top feature Elliott Bay, the Cascade Mountains, and even Mount Rainier.
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
719 S King StAlthough it was only built in 2012, the Seattle Great Wheel has quickly become a fixture of the city’s skyline—plus it adds an entirely new sightseeing perspective, thanks to its location perched on the end of Pier 57. Enjoy three revolutions around in one of the air-conditioned gondolas to see the city, water, and mountains on the horizon.
347 locals recommend
The Seattle Great Wheel
1301 Alaskan WayAlthough it was only built in 2012, the Seattle Great Wheel has quickly become a fixture of the city’s skyline—plus it adds an entirely new sightseeing perspective, thanks to its location perched on the end of Pier 57. Enjoy three revolutions around in one of the air-conditioned gondolas to see the city, water, and mountains on the horizon.
Great hike for beginners looking to explore the outdoors!
56 locals recommend
Rattlesnake Ledge Trailhead
Snoqualmie Valley TrailGreat hike for beginners looking to explore the outdoors!
Aviation buffs, take note: The Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space collections in the country, with an overwhelming number of things to see—like a Boeing lunar rover and an Air Force One from the Eisenhower era—and do, including NASA space shuttle trainer tours and flight simulators.
433 locals recommend
The Museum of Flight
9404 E Marginal Way SAviation buffs, take note: The Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space collections in the country, with an overwhelming number of things to see—like a Boeing lunar rover and an Air Force One from the Eisenhower era—and do, including NASA space shuttle trainer tours and flight simulators.
The always bustling Lake Union, located just northeast of downtown, hosts a variety of seaplanes and boats of all kinds, including the floating home from Sleepless in Seattle. Get out on the water at The Center for Wooden Boats, which offers rentals and tours. And explore the area’s burgeoning restaurant and bar scene.
149 locals recommend
South Lake Union
The always bustling Lake Union, located just northeast of downtown, hosts a variety of seaplanes and boats of all kinds, including the floating home from Sleepless in Seattle. Get out on the water at The Center for Wooden Boats, which offers rentals and tours. And explore the area’s burgeoning restaurant and bar scene.
Gas Works Park
2101 N Northlake WayKnown as MOHAI, this museum on the shores of Lake Union encapsulates what Seattle is all about, with a dash of smart history, a dose of technology, and quirky artifacts around every corner (think a pink truck with toes). Permanent exhibits showcase everything from the city’s maritime history to modern tech innovations.
357 locals recommend
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
860 Terry Ave NKnown as MOHAI, this museum on the shores of Lake Union encapsulates what Seattle is all about, with a dash of smart history, a dose of technology, and quirky artifacts around every corner (think a pink truck with toes). Permanent exhibits showcase everything from the city’s maritime history to modern tech innovations.
T-Mobile Park
1250 1st Ave SCatch a Mariners game during your stay!
Lumen Field
800 Occidental Ave SCheer on the Seahawks or Sounders here!
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western AveWoodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave NFood scene
Seattle Chinatown-International District
Western Washington’s wine outpost is in Woodinville, a charming town just a 30-minute drive from downtown Seattle. There are more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms pouring there (including Chateau Ste. Michelle, the state’s first winery), ensuring something for every palate.
81 locals recommend
Woodinville Visitors Center
13590 Northeast Village Square DriveWestern Washington’s wine outpost is in Woodinville, a charming town just a 30-minute drive from downtown Seattle. There are more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms pouring there (including Chateau Ste. Michelle, the state’s first winery), ensuring something for every palate.
You won’t have trouble finding a Starbucks here in the company’s hometown, but you’ll want to seek out this special Starbucks experience on Capitol Hill. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room is a Willy Wonka–esque coffee wonderland, where you’ll find exclusive beverages, various brewing methods, a coffee library, and more.
425 locals recommend
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
1124 Pike StYou won’t have trouble finding a Starbucks here in the company’s hometown, but you’ll want to seek out this special Starbucks experience on Capitol Hill. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room is a Willy Wonka–esque coffee wonderland, where you’ll find exclusive beverages, various brewing methods, a coffee library, and more.
The Dolar Shop Seattle
11020 NE 6th StHotpot
Nana's Green Tea is a modern Japanese cafe specializing in green teas and other traditional Japanese foods and desserts delivered in a modern fashion.
11 locals recommend
Nana’s Green Tea
1007 Stewart StNana's Green Tea is a modern Japanese cafe specializing in green teas and other traditional Japanese foods and desserts delivered in a modern fashion.
Un Bien
7302.5 15th Ave NWCaribbean sandwiches
A Korean dessert cafe with a specialization in making Traditional Bingsoo and French Taiyaki. All ingredients are high quality and our snow is made with 100% milk, no water added.
Snowy Village
5264 University Way NEA Korean dessert cafe with a specialization in making Traditional Bingsoo and French Taiyaki. All ingredients are high quality and our snow is made with 100% milk, no water added.
Phnom Penh Noodle House
913 South Jackson StreetCoffeeholic House is Seattle’s first Vietnamese-centered coffee shop founded by husband and wife duo, Chen & Trang, to establish a new coffee trend in Seattle. Its mission is to form a modern take on the traditional Vietnamese coffee and showcase their amazing coffee culture to the others!
18 locals recommend
Coffeeholic House
3700 S Hudson StCoffeeholic House is Seattle’s first Vietnamese-centered coffee shop founded by husband and wife duo, Chen & Trang, to establish a new coffee trend in Seattle. Its mission is to form a modern take on the traditional Vietnamese coffee and showcase their amazing coffee culture to the others!
Bai Tong Thai Street Cafe
1121 E Pike StLocal favorite Thai food
Bangrak Market Thai Street Food & Bar
2319 2nd AveHui Lau Shan（許留山）
15120 NE 24th StMango dessert
Location in Bellevue and Tukwila
Umi Sake House is a unique Japanese cuisine restaurant in the Belltown area of Seattle featuring the highest quality seafood available in the Northwest.
156 locals recommend
Umi Sake House
2230 1st AveUmi Sake House is a unique Japanese cuisine restaurant in the Belltown area of Seattle featuring the highest quality seafood available in the Northwest.
Kin Len Thai Night Bites
3517 Fremont Avenue North8oz Burger & Co
1401 BroadwayJaponessa Sushi Cocina
1400 1st AveManeki Restaurant
304 6th Ave SBurnett's Pub
340 Burnett Ave SLocal favorite for their fish sauce wings.
Dochi
17348 Southcenter PkwyJapanese mochi donuts
Barolo Ristorante
1940 Westlake AveGeraldine's Counter Restaurant
4872 Rainier Ave SPagliacci Pizza
1614 W Dravus StLocal favorite pizza
Rocco's
2312 2nd AveNight out
SPIN Seattle
1511 6th AvePing pong and drinks!
Great place for some miniature golf and drinks with friends!
29 locals recommend
Flatstick Pub - Pioneer Square
240 2nd Ave SGreat place for some miniature golf and drinks with friends!
Optimism Brewing Company
1158 BroadwayGreat place to hang out and try the local beer.
Essentials
Asian supermarket mini-chain stocking Far Eastern sauces, meats, seafood, prepared foods & gadgets.
181 locals recommend
Uwajimaya
600 5th Ave SAsian supermarket mini-chain stocking Far Eastern sauces, meats, seafood, prepared foods & gadgets.
QFC
1401 BroadwayLocal grocery store for essential needs during your stay.