Downtown Seattle

Explore

See what’s new at the always compelling Seattle Art Museum, which excels with both classic and contemporary works, then step inside the Seattle Central Library, a gleaming 11-story glass-and-steel landmark with a light-filled interior. The Museum of Illusions astounds with mind-bending, Instagram-ready installations that play tricks on your perception. Ride the elevator to the 73rd-floor Sky View Observatory—its massive windows frame jaw-dropping views of the city, Puget Sound, and even Mount Rainier on clear days. SPIN Seattle brings on the fun with ping-pong, cocktails, and burgers to fuel the energy well into the night.

Eat and Drink

At the regal Fairmont Olympic Hotel, dine on refined Pacific Northwest fare amid soaring Palladian windows in The George, and sip expertly crafted cocktails at the sophisticated Founders Club. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco’s Marin offers fresh, coastal-inspired fare in a bright, contemporary setting. Reuben’s Brews has a sleek new taproom pouring award-winning beers alongside hearty bar snacks. Among the dozens of eateries at Pike Place Market, Tom Douglas’ Mr. Fish serves outstanding chowders and fish and chips in a festive spot across from Victor Steinbrueck Park, and Maximilien offers sublime French classics and breathtaking Elliott Bay views—on cool evenings, book a magical “Le Igloo” dome. More French-inspired market-to-table delights await at romantic Place Pigalle. Other downtown standouts include the Elliott Bar at the Grand Hyatt; Frolik Kitchen with its rooftop patio atop the Hilton Motif; and Rider at Hotel Theodore, where wood-fired seafood and meats shine.

Shop

Vibrant Pike Place Market overflows with one-of-a-kind boutiques and vendors, including Leolo, handcrafting stylish leather shoes, belts, wallets, and handbags, and Metsker Maps, which carries eye-catching and practical solutions for all your navigational needs. Although now beloved nationally, Sur La Table was founded in Pike Place Market in 1972 and continues to stock an incredible selection of cookware and kitchen gear. Snap up keepsakes, gourmet foods, and fun gifts created across the state at Made in Washington, and essential oils, tinctures, exotic herbs, incense, and wellness tools from around the world at Tenzing Momo herbal apothecary. Along downtown’s Pine/Pike corridor, you’ll find dozens of both local and national brands, from Ben Bridge Jeweler and the flagship Nordstrom department store.