A Weekend Guide to Seattle
Seattle is one of my favorite cities in the United States. Being from Northern California but having lived on the East Coast for so long, my heart still always feels tied to the West Coast, up and down. So whenever the plane lands in the Pacific Northwest, my heart feels a little fuller.
Seattle gets a bad rap for the weather, but it’s really a lovely city with very kind and friendly residents. And it has one of the best, if not one of the most underrated, food scenes in the country. It’s definitely pricey—although there probably won’t be much sticker shock for people coming from New York or Los Angeles—so also keep that in mind. It’s a dream for vegetarians/vegans given all of the local produce, and I’ve been told the seafood is good too.
I’ve been to Seattle several times, and hope to visit many more times in the future. That said, here’s a rundown on some of my favorite spots in the Emerald City.
Where to Go
Seattle Art Museum: Right in the heart of downtown, “SAM,” for short, is a perfect stop for art lovers and casual visitors alike. With an impressive collection ranging from contemporary pieces to classic works from around the world, it’s easy to spend a few hours exploring. The exhibits rotate often enough that even repeat visitors find something new. Plus, its location makes it an ideal break during a day of sightseeing or shopping.
Seattle Waterfront: The city has radically improved this area over the last decade. Cruise ships—one of the lifebloods of Seattle—dock here, so between that and some of the tourist attractions, there are a lot of crowds at times. But it’s a great place to take a walk or go for a run in the morning.
Gas Works Park: Bring your lunch here for a picnic on a nice day and you’ll get a spectacular view of the city from within the city.
Golden Gardens: Seattle, and the Pacific Northwest at large, is its best in the summertime. And being on Puget Sound, you wouldn’t think that Seattle of all places would have a fabulous beach, but indeed it does. It’s just a little ways north, which you can get to by public bus or even an Uber or Lyft.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: The park is entirely located within the historic Cadillac Hotel at Pioneer Square, Seattle’s first neighborhood dating back to the 19th century. This operates as a visitor center, museum, and ranger activity area. It’s also a must-visit stop if you have a National Parks Passport and you’re obsessed with getting stamps like me.
Woodinville: Washington state is the second largest producer of wine in the United States (after California), and it is producing wines that are just as good. Most wine regions are too far of a drive. (Yakima, for example, is two hours east of Seattle and Walla Walla is even farther). There are plenty of wine bars in the city, but if you really want to get a taste of some of Washington’s best wines, you should go out to Woodinville, a suburb outside of Seattle where you can visit basically this office park full of winery tasting rooms. Plan a full day out here—you can either get here by public bus (albeit it’s a long trip) or take an Uber/Lyft to get there and back safely.
Where to Eat and Drink
Le Panier: I know I haven’t eaten all of the croissants in Seattle, but I’m willing to bet this is the best one after eating just one.
Le Pichet: Not to confuse you, but yes, this place and the prior establishment are two different eateries. Yes, they are both French. But Le Panier is a café (great for coffee and pastries) and Le Pichet is a fine dining restaurant—your ideal French bistro with a fabulous wine list and a simple but satisfying menu of all the French classics.
Biscuit Bitch: Biscuit Bitch is one of those quirky, unapologetically fun spots that you just have to check out when you're in Seattle. Known for its Southern-inspired comfort food, especially the loaded biscuit sandwiches, it’s a great place to fuel up before a day of exploring. The vibe is casual, a little cheeky, and always welcoming. Plus, the portions are generous, so you'll leave full and happy—what more could you ask for?
Neko Cat Cafe: I wasn’t planning to stop at a cat café but I needed to use the restroom and I was able to do so after buying some mochi. I also happen to love animals, and wanted to see the cats, but you have to book well in advance to get tickets—there are only a few spots per hour in the cat room and they’re usually booked up, so plan ahead.
Seattle Dumpling Co.: There are a lot of places to eat at Pike Place Market, but the whole place can be very overwhelming—both with too many choices and too many people. Seattle Dumpling Co. is tucked away a bit in an alley with outside seating that make it it an ideal respite for a quick lunch or late afternoon snack. (They close early.)
Lola: Make a reservation, come here for brunch, order the donuts. This is the way. (It’s also one of former Seattle Reign soccer star Megan Rapinoe’s favorites, so if it’s good enough for Pinoe, it’s good enough for me.)
Serious Pie: Serious Pie is the kind of pizza spot that lives up to its name. Known for its perfectly crispy crusts and inventive toppings, it's a must-visit if you're craving something a little more elevated than your standard slice. The wood-fired pies are packed with flavor, and the cozy, rustic atmosphere makes it a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring Seattle. Trust me, this isn’t your average pizza joint—you’ll be planning a return visit after the first bite.
Pinoyshki Bakery & Cafe: Pinoyshki Bakery & Cafe is a new hidden gem that blends Filipino and Eastern European flavors in a way you didn’t know you needed. Their pastries and baked goods are seriously crave-worthy, from sweet treats like ube-filled buns to savory bites with a unique twist. The vibe is warm and welcoming, making it a great spot for a quick snack or a laid-back meal. If you're looking to try something new and delicious, this place is a must.
Poquitos: Originally I picked this one because it is in Capitol Hill (a great neighborhood for going out at night) and they serve Mexican food (which while not better than California, it is going to be better than what I can get in New York). And both points turned out to be true. They have a big menu with even bigger portions. We split the nachos and couldn’t even finish. There’s also plenty of seating but you can make a reservation on Resy to be safe on a busy Friday night. (I also found it through this list by The Infatuation about restaurants shown on Love Is Blind; the Seattle season was one of my favorites.)
The Walrus and the Carpenter: Now open for nearly 15 years, this is practically a cornerstone to Seattle fine dining. While I don’t eat oysters, I know everyone raves about them. But I love the interior of this restaurant (I love visiting Ballard, the neighborhood, in general), and it has a stellar wine list.
Rough & Tumble: This is my new favorite spot in Seattle and I’m coming here every time I visit from now on. It’s a women’s sports bar, and I wish they had one of these in every city—not even just a women’s sports bar (yes I want that in every city), but I specifically want a version of Rough & Tumble everywhere. It’s huge yet feels like home, the staff is friendly, there’s a great menu (I devoured the breakfast burrito), and a huge beer, wine, and cocktails list. If I lived nearby (also in Ballard!!), I would come here so often that everyone would really know my name.
Wildrose: And while there are only a few women’s sports bars nationwide, there are still seemingly few lesbian bars. But Conde Nast Traveler ranks Wildrose as one of the best, so we had to stop in during our visit to Capitol Hill. It’s a dive bar, and sometimes there’s live music. Bring cash. And that’s what you need to know.
Where to Stay
The Palihotel: Despite typically avoiding tourist-heavy areas like Pike Place Market, I found the Palihotel Seattle to be a convenient and enjoyable stay. Its central location made it easy to walk to nearby neighborhoods like Belltown and Capitol Hill, while affordable Uber/Lyft rides added to its appeal.
Rates were reasonable, even during peak season, and the hotel’s dog-friendly amenities, including organic treats and plush beds, made it a standout option for pet owners. The thoughtful design and attention to detail in small spaces, especially with charming dog-themed art, contributed to a satisfying overall experience.
The Cedarbrook Lodge: Ok, I admit this is a bit of a random suggestion given that this is an airport hotel. There are a few reasons to stay here if they apply to you. For one, yes, it is close to the airport. It’s about a 5-10 minute drive and there is a free shuttle. So if you have a long layover, need to depart early the following morning, whatever the reason you need to be closer to the airport, definitely stay here.
Second, this place is very comfortable inside and outside—basically an oasis in an airport suburb given how enclosed it feels once you’re there. It’s like staying in a cozy mountaintop lodge. And the rooms are spacious, the beds are comfortable, and there are plenty of walking paths on the grounds as well as indoor lounges (more like giant living rooms) around the property.
It’s also dog-friendly (for a fee for pets, free for service animals, of course), but there are a limited number of dog-friendly rooms, so make sure you secure that ahead of arrival. And your dog can sit with you if you choose to eat lunch or dinner on the patio at the onsite restaurant. (Or in your room if you opt for room service, but no dogs except service animals at the indoor dining room.)
