The title says it all. No need to look any further because I GOT YOU! I just had the best 2.5 days exploring the Emerald City but if I only had 24-hours in Seattle, this is exactly how I would do it. We’ll hit all the iconic can’t miss sights, some hidden gems and all the yummy eats around town. Buckle up because it’s going to be a full day filled with SO MUCH FUN!
You’ll want to arrive the day before because to truly have a FULL DAY, this step is crucial! You want to wake up well rested and already in Seattle.
Check into the Lotte Hotel Seattle. This luxury hotel is situated in a prime location with great views of Elliot Bay and Downtown Seattle. The 189 guest rooms feature floor to ceiling windows and so many mirrors. I was seriously obsessed with all the mirrors. The on site restaurant The Charlotte was not only so sexy but the food was soooo good. I had a great time at this hotel! But if downtown is not your vibe definitely check out the adjacent neighborhood of Belltown. On my next visit I will be staying at either Hotel Andra or The State Hotel.
Go to Space Needle just before sunset to experience both day and night time views. The best of both worlds right? No need to purchase your tickets in advance as there are multiple kiosk right outside. WHAT A SKYLINE AM I RIGHT?! Just wow
It’s dinner time and Fogon Cocina Mexicana is a must. As soon as you walk in for dinner, the friendly staff will instantly bring out a complementary plate of sope which is a mixture of sour cream, hot salsa, refried beans, and cabbage on a fried tortilla shell. But the real star of the show is the pollo a la crema! OMG! It’s as if Mexican food & creamy saucy chicken Alfredo had a baby. It’s to die for!
Alright, it’s bedtime bitches! You have a big day tomorrow. Nighty night!
7am [solidcore] workout to really kick start the day. Or any workout! Even though it’s vacation time, it’s still important to get the day started with positive movement. I love the class pass app for this very reason! Even when I’m traveling I can still get a good workout anywhere the app is available, which is most places in the US.
Stroll home exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Capitol Hill, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Seattle. Known for its lively culture, it’s such a unique and fun place to explore that leisurely walking around really is the best way to enjoy it! On the way back to the hotel, grab a coffee at Analog or brunch at Oddfellows and you won’t be disappointed.
1st funsie of the day…PIKE PLACE MARKET. ICONIC! This needs no explanation!
So many flower shops & fish markets to explore. Don’t miss the Pike Place Fish Market where they throw the fish around as the orders come in. It’s worth the watch.
Quick pic in front of the world’s first Starbucks. Unless you really have to I don’t recommend getting a coffee here because the line is SOOOOO LONG! If you insist on visiting a Starbucks in Seattle the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Capitol Hill will be much better with so many more options for things to do see and drink! The Reserve has espresso martini flights, enough said!
The BEST Clam Chowder of your life is at Pike Place Chowder! TRUST MEEEEE. Do NOT waste your time getting clam chowder just anywhere because this is THE SPOT! To avoid waiting in the guaranteed long line, order it online and there is a separate window that you can walk up-to and grab it as soon as it’s ready. They ship nationwide and honestly I think I’m about to order some as soon as I finish this blog. Yes it’s that good!
Can’t miss the iconic gum wall. A must see but like also ewwww. It really should be called gum alley because it’s not just a wall it quite literally is almost the entire alley. Don’t forget your gum. I only saw one gum ball machine which I thought was kind of strange. You would think there would be more.
Buy a book at Elliot Bay Bookstore. Back to Capitol Hill because like I said it’s just that cool! I had read about this bookstore and just had to visit! It was HUGE with 2 stories and a coffee shop.
Check out Unicorn and have the coochie coffee because why not? No but seriously this place is so cool and unique! They have weekly Sunday cabaret brunches, trivia and all kinds of fun crazy events going on here.
You can’t visit a city with a skyline like Seattle and not visit a rooftop bar. We popped into mbar just as they opened for an app/drink and of course to enjoy these viewsssss. Other ones that were on my funsie list that I will be visiting next time include
I just love a good speakeasy! It’s like going back in time while you’re already in a new city so you get double the adventure. You know? Drinks are usually something so unique it would be unlikely that you can get it anywhere outside that particular establishment. Bathtub Gin & Co was a little hard to find as it was down an alley way of course with no signs. Look for a little wooden door. It was great spot for a pre dinner cocktail while we waited for our reservation.
And to wrap up the BEST day exploring Seattle dinner at The Pink Door is a MUST! It’s one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Seattle and quite romantic if I do say so myself. The night we came they had great live music but I heard some nights they do live cabaret performances and even trapeze shows. Everything we order was A-MA-ZING! I was especially obsessed with the trenne which was this creamy pistachio pasta dish, it was soooo yummy! The ahi tuna crudo did it for me too! It has to be one of the best ones I’ve ever had. It was so fresh and the fried capers added a touch of crunch that made it just perfect. Don’t sleep on the lasagna either and if you’re extra hungry like we were, get the side of meatballs. You can not go wrong with this meal!
