Top 10 things to do when in Seattle Washington USA

Washington top 10 to do list

First of all if you have never been to Seattle put it on your short list of travel destinations for it is a spectacular city.  My love affair with this beautiful city started in my teens when I was looking for a place away from my Native Vancouver B.C. to go for weekend trips and escape the monotony of my own town.  I must say Vancouver is a great town but don't we all get tired of what we already have done over and over?  Many of the best things to see in any particular city won't be listed in a broad Internet search so I find it's always good to get the opinion of someone who has a lot of experience with regards to the specific place.  So my friends here is my list of some amazing spots in Seattle and I hope you check them out!

1) Pike Place Market  Pike st.  

Located right on Seattle's breathtaking waterfront this has to be one of the best markets this side of the globe if not the best.  Walk along the pier in a covered corridor of amazing arts,crafts, and food.  The Pike Place Market is a spectacular showcase crafts and food where the merchants provide a no pressure shopping environment in which one can find one of a kind gifts and products you won't see anywhere else on earth.  I've frequented the market for years and find all the vendors to be very friendly and willing to make great deals on the best quality crafts, clothing, produce, and fresh seafood.  The only thing you will be asking yourself after visiting this place is how late is it open and when does it open again in the morning.  The setting has a mystical appeal as shoppers are whisked away into a world of color and wonderful smells where there truly is something that is perfectly suited for all walks of life.  A must stop stand is ran by Sara Porter who makes these awesome shirts, sweaters,bags and aprons that are so colorful and genius in design.  Make sure to ask for Saragraphics and tell her Wes sent you!


2) Pioneer Square   

Walk through Seattle's old town and find a slew of shops and old pubs set to the backdrop of beautiful architecture and historical sites.  Pioneer square may seem a little dirty and odd at first but the ability to maintain this part of town to what it would have looked like over 100 years ago is amazing and something to marvel at.  There are no shortage of delightful coffee shops and buildings to photograph as you travel back in time.  A very romantic and nostalgic part of town which is the perfect setting for a date or a nice morning walk.  At night Pioneer Square transforms into a lively hub of clubs and bars that isn't for everyone however a great place to party if that's what your in the mood for.  Just blocks from downtown Seattle its this high on the list purely for its accessibility and diversity of activities within the district.

3) Seattle Center
Aside from the obvious intrigue of the Space Needle Seattle Center has much more to offer.  Get your "nerd on" at the Science Fiction Museum or learn some more about your some of your favorite musicians at the Rock Museum.  My favorite thing to do there is catch a movie at one of the largest IMAX theaters on the planet whether they are playing a nature film or Hollywood title in 3D it is always an great time.  There are some nice restaurants in the area as well at all price points.  The Monorail can get you there or you can bus or cab easily and cheaply from wherever you happen to be staying.  If you happen to be in town during late summer make sure to ask about the "Bumbershoot" music festival. This week long festival has 100's of talented musical and comedy acts.  Watch a band that may interest you or play around in the mini amusement park and grab one of your favorite greasy but tasty American treats.  Seattle Center always has something cool going on and the price of admission to any of the events or facilities has always been worth it to me.

3) Capital Hill/Broadway  

If I had a favorite street in the United States this would be it and I have travelled all over.  Broadway has a number of funky little coffee shops and record shops that are among the best internationally.  When it comes to having interesting conversations with even more interesting people this is the place to be.  Grab a burger and a milkshake at Dick's Burgers which is a classic 1950's style drive in and home of one mean burger for $1.39.  Pagliacci's Pizza is another place to eat on Broadway that will change your perspective on what you thought good pizza is and perfect to dine in or to go joint.  If you are looking for higher end dining all you need to do is ask around or walk up a block or down a block and find some real gems of restaurants with eclectic and modern feels.  I love Capital Hill/Broadway for so many reasons but I find everyone that goes there finds there own and when you go please share what you loved about it for it is a fascinating place.


4)  Sporting events (Safeco Stadium/Qwest Field)It does not matter if you are a sports fan or not both these stadiums are brilliant in setting and design and fun to be inside.  Watch the Seahawks with 70,000 other people in the loudest stadium in the NFL or watch the Sounder play 90 minutes of soccer.  Qwest and visiting fans alike.  Safeco Stadium is very state of the art for a baseball stadium but what it lacks in history it makes up for in architectural perfection.  I'm not even a big baseball guy but watching a game by the water on a nice summer evening is always a pleasurable experience and a great place to take the family.


5)  The UDistrict/University ave  

University Avenue has some great ethnic restaurants and "character" bars with ridiculously good drink specials.  Go shoot some pool at Earl's and grab a triple high ball for only $5!!!  You will see some rowdy characters being it is a University area so its not for everybody.  If you can handle hearing a "WAHOOOO!" or two or feel like letting one out yourself then check it out.  Its easy to make friends there just make sure you recognize its driven by Washington Huskies supporters and you may here something if your wearing another colleges badges.  Some of the best Thai, Mexican, and Vietnamese take out on the west coast is there and that combined with what seems to be free alcohol make it one of my favorite letting loose areas in the states.  This is not a quiet place but the buzz of the area and vitality make it a lot of fun and if you never went to college this is your chance to party like a frat boy or girl and if you have been or are currently in college you'll feel right at home here.


6)  Westlake Center

 Westlake is Seattle's downtown shopping district and home of Nordstrom and other great shopping destinations.  If your a sneaker buff go to Sneaker City for the latest and most classic sneakers at good prices.  If you are a high end clothing shopper on a budget make sure to go to Nordstrom's Rack which has unrivaled deals on the best quality brands of apparel.  You can spend a lot in this area if your not careful so make sure your prepared to drop some coin if you like clothing for the shopping there is top notch and hard to walk away from. Its just blocks up from Pike Place Market and everything is within walking distance.  Have no fear your dream outfit is there and I find the customer service to be of a higher standard than I usually get in other major cities.  One more thing you must do if you are a teryaki fan is grab the $5.50 special at Osaka Teryaki.  Its delicious and famous amongst locals for a reason, I like the "doublemeat" chicken with rice and "sauce on the meat" option.


7)  MCormick&Schmick's Steak and Seafood House/Metropolitan Steakhouse 


 These are two of the best Steakhouses in North America period.  McCormick&Schmick's has fabulous service and a large menu and wine to boot.  I love the service and how informative the waiters and waitresses are.  Its on 5th street in downtown they also have a location on 1st as well, just ask a local for directions and have a great dinner.  The Metropolitan is a New York style steakhouse with some great booths and woodwork that puts you right in old Manhattan.  Both these spots are around the same price and two can have a memorable meal for just over $100 if the wine isn't too vintage.  Its a toss up between the two in terms of which is better they both have a great atmosphere and high quality food.  If your an Oyster and Crab type person go to Mcormick&Schmick's if your only out for a steak go to the Metropolitan, its a win win with these do classic establishments.


8) The Seattle Public Library

With its futuristic Architecture and amazing selection of literature I suggest this as a place to see even just for a walk through.  The building rivals any in terms of design and I find the top floor reading area to be breathtaking with its fully glass and open look with lots of nice natural light.  Its a relaxing place and a great way to unwind after a day of shopping and eating.


9)  The Seattle Aquarium   

This aquarium is right on Seattle's infamous pier just down from Pike Place.  Its not a run of the mill aquarium and features both local and exotic sea life.  I really like the layout and the flow of the Seattle Aquarium for it does a great job of combining education with entertainment value.  I'm always skeptical of aquariums for they can often be too pricey for their magnitude but this is a no brainer due to its awe inspiring variation of aquatic life and highly educated staff.


10)  Tulalip Casino   

Not your average casino at all.  The Tulalip Casino is located just north of Seattle and well worth the trip.  It has a great First Nations decor and has some great live shows on the weekend.  Aside from the obvious fun of playing slots or cards etc. the casino has great food and a nice hotel if you decide to stay the night.  I really enjoy the vibe there and whether you a hardcore gambler or just out to throw some dice around for the heck of it you'll be impressed.  There are also some nice outlet malls in the area so if you win it big you can enjoy in your spoils with a great deal on retail products.  Its a little bit of a trip there from the Seattle core so give yourself a day for this trip and enjoy in what I feel is the nicest Casino away from Reno and LasVegas.



There you have my Seattle top 10 list.  I hope you really have a blast if you go to Seattle and would hope you take advantage of some of the suggestions in this blog.  I would love to here some feedback from those who have already been or plan on going to these places and once again take some time to explore the Pacific Northwest as it is a beautiful part of the country.  Cheers!