Pike Place Market
One of Seattle’s most iconic attractions, Pike Place Market has been selling fresh produce for more than 100 years. Get an eyeful of the glistening fish and bouquets of flowers, stop by the colorful Gum Wall — contribute your own addition! — and snack on all the tasty treats available before dropping in at the original Starbucks.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Dale Chihuly is known for his spectacular blown glass sculptures, which have been showcased in gardens and museums around the world. The museum, opened in 2012, comprises four sections: galleries, the Glasshouse, the Garden and a Theater, each with enough splendidly fabulous glassworks to blow you away.
Museum of Flight
Established in 1965 with the mission to “acquire, preserve, and exhibit historically significant air and space artifacts,” the Museum of Flight has numerous preserved artifacts to delight visitors. Air Force One is a perennial favorite, as it was the first presidential aircraft. From historic WWI fighters to newer Boeing models, you’ll find tons of interesting aircraft to explore.
Seafood
Allergies and dietary restrictions aside, you can’t visit the Pacific Northwest without stuffing your gullet with fresh seafood. Whether you’re choosing from oysters at The Walrus and the Carpenter, clam chowder at Pike Place Chowder or geoduck at Taylor Shellfish, you’re in for a delicious treat.
Coffee
Though not necessarily a cuisine, Seattle’s coffee is an irrefutable part of the city’s identity. Since the establishment of Starbucks in 1971, tons of high quality roasters have popped up in Seattle. Visit Espresso Vivace for sumptuous northern Italian-style brews or Milstead & Co. for a revolving door of tasty roasts.
Macaroni and Cheese
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in Pike Place Market claims to have the “world’s best” mac & cheese, and the food they serve certainly lives up to the title: The mac & cheese here is intensely rich and creamy. Plus, get your hands on a grilled cheese sandwich, or take some cheese and curds for the road.
Capitol Hill
This neighborhood is downtown Seattle’s center of nightlife, with more bars and lounges than you could shake a beer bottle at. For a low-key lounge with fantastic cocktails, take a seat at Sun Liquor and ask one of the personable bartenders to mix you something good. If you’d rather shake your tail, head to Havana for everything but EDM.
Live Music
Although Seattle has outgrown its grunge phase, there are still a number of good live music venues around town. Check out the Crocodile, which has hosted the likes of Nirvana and Pearl Jam; Chop Suey, which also throws the occasional dance party; and Triple Door, featuring intimate booth seating and serving tasty Asian fusion.
Pink Door
Though primarily an Italian restaurant serving up some seriously tasty fare, Pink Door is just as known for its nightly live performances. Depending on the night of the week, diners are treated to live bands, trapeze performances or even burlesque. With vintage Italian decor and an intimate setting, Pink Door is the perfect place to bring a date.