One Day in Seattle, Washington

There is something I really like about the Pacific Northwest. I fell in love with Seattle after just one visit. Reflecting on that first trip, it could have been the serendipitous nature of that visit that makes me so fond of the city. However, that doesn’t change the fact that this coastal city has several neighborhoods to explore with a lot to offer. I enjoyed the city just as much when I made my way back to the area. Whether you are more into food and drink, sports, nature or the arts, Seattle has got you covered.

As a Seahawks fan (Go ‘hawks!) I would love to attend a game at Lumen Field or take in the beautiful scenery with outdoor activities. Since I have yet to do those things, this 24 hour break down focuses on food, drink, sightseeing and culture. You can really pack a lot into a day in Seattle. I suggest wearing your stretchy pants and throwing on your comfy walking shoes.

Start the Day Off Right

I would not be surprised if you wanted to start your day with coffee to give you a morning boost. You can always visit the very first Starbucks or the Starbuck Reserve Roastery, but there are other great local coffee shops. On my last trip, I visited Anchorhead Coffee for a cold brew with burnt honey and a quaffle (croissant and waffle). I knew I would be noshing throughout the day so didn’t want to start off with anything too heavy. Plus it was on my way to Pike Place Market from my hotel which is a fun place to spend the morning.

Pike Place Market is an ultimate foodie destination. Even if you don’t plan on buying fresh produce or seafood to cook, it is still a place worth visiting. There are also specialty food shops, restaurants, and a crafts market. I enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market and interacting with the vendors. I always stop by Papparedelle’s Pasta and grab a couple pastas to take home.

You can very well spend a few hours just at the market. A few suggestions would be watching cheesemakers at work at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, an early seafood brunch at The Athenian, mimosas at Pike Place Bar & Grill, sweet and savory pastries from Piroshky Piroshky (know what you want when it is your turn to order!), and visiting the infamous Gum Wall.

Day to Night Activities

To add a bit of sightseeing and culture to your day, I would make time for the Space Needle and Chihuly Gardens and Glass. The Space Needle will give you stunning views of the city skyline. While the Chihuly Gardens and Glass is an opportunity to experience breathtaking gardens and exhibitions from artist, Dale Chihuly. They are conveniently located right next to each other so you can walk between the two. Buying a bundle ticket for the attractions will save you a few bucks. These are two of Seattle’s top attractions so you can anticipate a bit of a crowd depending on the time of your visit. However, I think both are worth experiencing.

There is no shortage of food and drink to get you through the day. You’re bound to hit the hay at the end of night full and happy. You can explore various neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, SoDo and Beacon Hill. Sometimes I let social media and Yelp guide me to destinations. Other times I like to walk the streets and pop into restaurants and bars that catch my eye. A few that I recently visited and enjoyed are Musang (community driven Filipino food), Unicorn (a whimsical carnival themed bar), and Canon (impressive whiskey bar with delicious bites).

Luckily the city has various means of transportation to get you around. You can take the Link light rail, King County Metro Transit (bus), streetcars, monorail, taxis, rideshare and even electric scooters. Research which will be best based on your day’s itinerary. Renting a car is also an option, but if you plan on boozing throughout the day, I highly recommend going with an alternative option.

Even if you only get to a few items from my list, you will still have a memorable time. It’s hard to get it all in on one trip, let alone one day. But if you do only have one day it Seattle, I hope you make it count!