Capitol Hill

Explore

Stroll through the graceful Olmsted Brothers–designed Volunteer Park, a 50-acre oasis of trees and paths with an amphitheater. It’s home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum and the lush, glass-paneled Volunteer Park Conservatory. Cal Anderson Park, named after Washington’s first openly gay legislator, is a gathering spot for community and citywide events, with lawns and reflecting pools. Visit the moving and colorful AIDS Memorial Pathway here. Capitol Hill’s nightlife boasts live music clubs like Neumos and many LGBTQIA+ bars, among them Queer/Bar and the Cuff Complex.

Eat and Drink

Don’t miss out on the modern Cambodian cuisine at Taurus Ox. Sing your heart out during the wildly popular karaoke sessions at tiki-themed Hula Hula bar, and try a Caribbean-inspired cocktail—or a rum flight—at Rumba. Casual Paparepas serves authentic Venezuelan arepas and empanadas. In neighboring First Hill, Mitten Sweets & Coffee carries a mouthwatering assortment of Japanese-inspired French pastries and cakes. Sankaku Onigiri Cafe & Bar inside the hip Melrose Market serves tasty rice balls with flavors like pickled plum, roasted corn, and salmon basil; sides like daikon salad and miso soup; and fine sakes.

Shop

There’s great window shopping along the walkable Broadway and the Pike/Pine corridors. You’ll find all kinds of fun ways to entertain yourself and your friends by browsing the shelves of Phoenix Comics & Games, which also hosts community events and game nights throughout the week. Book lovers enjoy exploring one of the country’s largest independent booksellers, Elliott Bay Book Company. Glasswing Shop carries chic silhouettes, plus goods to up your home and houseplant game. Pretty Parlor has long been a mainstay for vintage and new clothing, while Butter Home stocks beautiful butcher blocks and colorful Turkish hand towels among its wares.