Growing up in the 90s, you couldn’t escape the Grunge movement. Soundgarden, Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Nirvana and Pearl Jam took music to a whole new level. And where did all of these stellar bands originate? Only one of the most epic cities in the country, Seattle. The Grunge Movement was a big contributor to why I’ve been drawn to this city for so long. Spending the weekend in Seattle was the perfect amount of time for me to see the best spots the Emerald City has to offer.
Here’s How to Spend a Weekend in Seattle:
Pike Place
A weekend in Seattle isn’t complete without visiting the street where it all started and the best spot in the city. Pike Place conveniently sits near the waterfront of Seattle and has been a main hub for locals for over a century. Spend time at this popular tourist spot for a beer at a local brewery or some grub from one of the many restaurants.
The Pike Place Market
Possibly the most famous tourist spot in Seattle is the Pike Place Market and for a good reason: it’s the oldest continually-operated farmer’s market in America. Pike Place Market opened in 1907 after Seattle’s population nearly doubled following the Gold Rush. Farmers would come to the islands from the mainland to sell their produce. After a group got together and raised the price of onions, a local commissioner set up a market off a wooden road on the shoreline to combat price gouging.
111 years later, the market is operating stronger than ever, offering visitors as wide range of products to buy. You can find just about anything you need here from wool ponchos to porcelain pipes and from produce to fresh tilapia.
I totally wish I could emit the smells of this place through photos. As you enter the market, the fresh aroma of flowers hit you in the nose, followed by the scent of fruits and veggies. Not even 30 seconds later, an overpowering odor of seafood comes, finishing off with fresh bbq pork and ribs. I’ve never breathed in so many different smells in one place before!
As we’re walking around Pike Place before entering the market, I notice a slew of people holding massive flower bouquets. I thought it was a little odd they all wanted flowers but, once we enter the market it becomes pretty apparent. These gorgeous floral displays full of colorful bouquets, some of which would cost you no less than $75 from a florist, were selling for $20 or less! If we weren’t on a road trip, I would’ve bought about 20 bouquets to fill my house up.
The Original Starbucks
If you didn’t know already, the world-renowned Starbucks brand originated right here in Pike’s Place in 1971 and is a top tourist spot in Seattle.
A weekend in Seattle isn’t complete without a visit to the original Starbucks. There’s usually always a long queue extending out the door but we caught it at a good time, only spending about 20 minutes in line.
Not even 7 days after our weekend in Seattle, we were sitting in the Taiwan airport waiting on our connection to Bangkok. Insisted I need caffeine, we head over to the Starbucks for a brew of the Pike Place Roast. I couldn’t even fathom at the time that here I am, halfway across the world in Asia, drinking the same cup of coffee I purchased a week ago in Seattle’s original location. Not many people can say that!
The Food
Seattle’s food is on another level. More Mom & Pop restaurants exist here than commercially-owned ones, which is a breath of fresh air in a city. My personal favorite snack is at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, who serves up the most incredible mac ‘n cheese ever.
Spend the weekend in Seattle slurping up some clam chowder down by the piers. Locally-crafted plates can be found at one of the many breweries and gastropubs dotted along the streets.
Seattle’s Street Entertainers
Entertainers can be found all over touristy areas in Seattle but they totally differ from your average street performer. I guess I’ve grown accustomed to those in California who are essentially just drifters trying their hardest to rap or get you to laugh by telling a lame joke. In Seattle, the street performers bring a sense of nostalgia, making you feel like you stepped back a century in time.
Catching our attention instantly is a guy playing the piano with as much enthusiasm as if he was putting on his own sold out concert. This is about the time I really begin to love the vibe here in Seattle.
Post Alley
While your entire weekend in Seattle can be spent down in this area, more hidden spots exist down alleyways like Post Alley. Seattle’s most charming street extends all the way underground below the Pike Place Market. The pedestrian-friendly Post Alley is home to many restaurants, cafes and bars.
The Gum Wall
Located on the underground portion of Post Alley is this world-famous gum wall. While it’s more like an alley with gum several inches thick, the monstrosity of it is incomprehensible. Soaring 15 feet high and 50 feet long, it’s now rated the second germiest place in the world, right behind the Blarney Stone.
The Seattle Aquarium
Whether you’re bringing along the kids or strolling through with your significant other, spend some time at the aquarium during your weekend in Seattle. The Seattle Aquarium is different than most with a more interactive experience. ‘Windows on Washington Waters’ 120 gallon tank replicates the coastal waters of Washington, dispalying native marine life. Walk through the ‘Life of a Drifter’ 12 foot glass enclosure showing jellyfish and the Giant Pacific Octopus.
Seattle’s Waterfront
Possibly my favorite part of our weekend in Seattle was spending time at Waterfront Park. The colorful tables and chairs invite you to relax, bringing along your donuts and an issue of Seattle Times from the Pike Place Market. We sat here multiple times during our weekend in Seattle, watching boats go by on the Puget Sound.
Seattle Great Wheel
Unbeknownst to me, Seattle’s Great Wheel is the tallest ferris wheel on the west coast. The 175 foot high giant is a highlight of Seattle’s waterfront, located on Elliott Bay’s Pier 57.
Seattle’s Piers
The piers on Seattle’s waterfront are comparable to those in San Francisco as a main tourist area in the city.
Walk under Seattle’s Great Wheel looking out at the Puget Sound. Spend your weekend in Seattle at the Wings over Washington amusement park ride at Pier 57. Buy some souvenirs at one of the shops on Pier 55 or look out across the water at the Olympic Peninsula from Pier 62. On a clear day, you may be lucky and catch a glimpse of Mount Olympus from a distance.
Seattle’s Parks
I’ve always said that San Francisco takes the cake for recreational areas within the city but Seattle definitely gives them a run for their money. Tons of parks are sprinkled throughout the city, nestled between mile high skyscrapers.
No doubt about it, the coolest park we came across on our weekend in Seattle was the Spheres on 7th Avenue and Lenora. This Amazon-owned area has a botanical conservatory completely for their employees to relax and do their work. It also includes a miniature dog park, Giant Jenga and Cornhole games and comfortable bean bag chairs to nap in on a warm, summer day.
Other great parks around Seattle are Occidental Square, the Japanese Gardens and the UPS Waterfall Garden Park. Victor Steinbrueck Park has amazing views of Seattle Great Wheel and the Puget Sound. The weather was great during our weekend in Seattle and were lucky enough to have a clear day. To our surprise, we were able to catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier in the distance.
The Amazon Go Store
Amazon basically runs Seattle as it’s where the company originated. Now owning over 13.6 million square feet of space in the city, that area is large enough to fill 5 Empire State Buildings. Within the past year, Amazon began paving the way to a technologically-advanced grocery store, Amazon Go, the first cashier-less store in the world.
Visiting the store is a must while spending a weekend in Seattle, even if you just stop for a water or a pack of gum. Simply download the app, follow the prompts and enter the store after scanning your phone. You’re able to take whatever you feel like purchasing off the shelf and simply walk out the door. The barcode on the product is transmitted to the app and you’re charged within an instant. One of the coolest and most modernized shopping experiences!
Cinerama
With that normally rainy weather, having an indoor option for something to do during a weekend in Seattle is a must. How many movie theaters can you watch a classic film in while drinking locally crafted beer and eating chocolate popcorn? Check online for ticket prices and showtimes for Cinerama here.
The Street Art
Y’all know I’m a sucker for street art and Seattle’s is pretty amazing. I love this Room for Change mural near Pike Place!
The Space Needle graffiti on the back of the Have a Heart weed shop’s building is pretty dope as well.
Museums
Seattle is the hub for many different historical movements and well-known companies. During your weekend in Seattle, check out the Museum of Pop Culture, the Seattle Children’s Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Art Museum, the Museum of Flight at Boeing, Pacific Science Center or the Seattle Pinball Museum.
Seattle Center
The Seattle Center is the hub for most of the museums previously mentioned. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it’s now used as an arts and entertainment district.
The Bumbershoot, one of North America’s largest music festivals, has taken place every Labor Day Weekend here. Since 1971, millions of people have come to this area to jam out to some tunes and experience the best of Seattle.
The Space Needle
And what’s a weekend in Seattle without visiting its most famous landmark? The Space Needle, standing at 605 feet high, was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi when it was completed in 1962. Originally built for the World’s Fair, today it’s home to the world’s first and only revolving glass floor. The Loupe views the street below at over 500 feet soaring in the sky.
Open every day from 10 AM to 8 PM, a weekend in Seattle isn’t complete without heading to the highest point in the city. Prices are around $35, depending on what time of the day. If you wait until nighttime, the prices are a little cheaper.
Check for Space Needle prices and tickets here.
Day Trips from Seattle
If you get some extra time during your weekend in Seattle, consider taking a day trip to one of the incredible places outside of the city. Head 1 1/2 hours southeast to Mount Rainier National Park or 2 1/2 hours west to the incredible Olympic Peninsula.
Like This Post? Pin It!
| This post contains affiliate links which means that, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase one of these products I may receive a small commission. This helps me maintain my blog as a free space to you. Check out my Disclaimer for more info.
I really want to go now! This looks like a perfect weekend! Thanks for sharing
Seattle is an awesome city! Hope you get to visit someday! 🙂