Pioneer Square

Explore

Once the tallest skyscraper west of the Mississippi River, Smith Tower is gorgeous inside and out—and the 35th-floor open-air deck provides great views. Head down instead of up on a tour of the neighborhood’s subterranean level—Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour and Beneath the Streets explore the original, now-hidden street level before the Great Fire of 1889. Take a moment to relax at the tucked-away Waterfall Garden Park, which is on the site of the first UPS headquarters, or at the peaceful Pioneer Square Habitat Beach. The neighborhood has a high concentration of art spaces, including J. Rinehart Gallery, which focuses on Puget Sound artists; Stonington Gallery, highlighting contemporary Indigenous pieces; and Gray Sky Gallery, where the artists work in a variety of mediums, from acrylic to resin to wire.

Eat and Drink

Celebrated Seattle chef Renee Erickson has three fresh-on-the-scene spots: Lowlander Brewing, where the beer comes straight from the tank; Un Po Tipsy, a casual pizza-by-the-slice joint that’s perfect for game days; and Mio Oh Mio, an intimate brick-walled space that celebrates PNW flavors. For a dessert that’s almost too pretty to eat, order a shiny entremet at Lady Yum and savor it while surrounded by sweet pastel decor and Art Deco touches. Whatever kind of beverage you’re craving, you’re apt to find it here—a tea latte at Foggy Tea Shop, a full-bodied white wine at Browne Family Vineyards, a well-balanced cocktail at Dead Line, or a macchiato at Zeitgeist Coffee.

Shop

Both the interior design and the selection are swoon-worthy at Beguiled Books, a bookstore entirely dedicated to the romance genre. It’s next door to Frida, which features rare vintage clothing finds. Admire the artful flower arrangements at Marigold and Mint Botanicals or pick up a decorative glass piece at Glasshouse Studio, the oldest glass-blowing studio in the Northwest. If you’re ready to up your sneaker game, Hometeam Seattle has you covered with timeless classics and limited editions.