Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square Pergola Photo Jorge Garrido

Grand Central | Lauren Stelling

Photo: Diesel Demon

Photo: Nicholas Boos

Photo: David Newman

Seattle’s original downtown still holds dozens of historic buildings, many of them housing fine galleries, beloved bars, and first-rate restaurants.

A tall, historic skyscraper with a pointed roof stands illuminated against a clear evening sky in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. It is surrounded by trees and flanked by lit streetlamps and buildings on a quiet street.

Smith Tower

Hands holding a box of chocolate bars from Intrigue Chocolate Co., featuring flavors like pomegranate, honey, and earl grey tea. The person, wearing a dark green plaid shirt, stands in Seattle's vibrant Pioneer Square neighborhood.

courtesy Intrigue Chocolate Co.

Explore

Book a fascinating guided walk with Underground Tour (614 First Ave), which literally takes visitors below ground to the remains of the old downtown. Beneath the Streets (102 Cherry St) is popular for its Red Light District tours and Queer History strolls. The free exhibits at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (319 Second Ave S) shine a light on the city’s role in the late 1890s as a jumping-off point for fortune seekers en route to the Yukon. For a moment of zen, admire the 22-foot-tall cascade at Waterfall Garden Park (219 Second Ave S). Then ride the elevator to the observation deck atop the historic 484-foot-tall Smith Tower (506 Second Ave).

Eat and Drink

The Nikkei-style crispy causas and breaded shrimp with coconut keep folks coming back to Señor Carbón Peruvian Cuisine (625 First Ave), while Rojo’s Mexican Food (217 James St) serves filling carne asada tortas and spicy-chicken burritos. Tuck into bowls of bibimbap and spicy potato stew at OHSUN Banchan Deli & Cafe (221 First Ave S), and order a salted-foam Vietnamese coffee or taro milk tea at Saigon Drip Café (161 S Washington St), which also serves tasty Spam-and-egg breakfast sandwiches and chicken wings in caramelized fish sauce. Muse Lounge Seattle (224 Occidental Ave S) is a pleasing space to mingle with friends over brunch or late-night dinner. Drunken Pizza & Pocha (108 Occidental Ave S) hits the spot with its gourmet pies with unusual toppings like chicken pesto and french fries. Treat yourself to something sweet at cheerful Lune Cafe (107 First Ave S)—consider the crepes drizzled in white chocolate and strawberry sauce or Oreo mini pancakes. Festive neighborhood spots include Golden Roosters (115 Occidental Ave S) sports bar and SuperKim Crab House (166 S King St), known for its signature clam chowder and flavorful crab curry.

Shop

Indulge in artisanal truffles and hot cocoa at Intrigue Chocolate Co. (157 S Jackson St), and gourmet goods at Cone & Steiner (135 S King St), a modern take on a general store that also stocks flowers and fun gifts. Taswira (510 Occidental Ave S) is a fashion house, gallery, and African-empowerment organization that carries tote bags, woven crafts, and photo prints. Since 1977, Magic Mouse Toys (603 First Ave) has delighted customers with science toys, art projects, and hand puppets, plus whimsical dolls.