Seattle

You won’t be short of accommodation options in Seattle, whether you’re looking for budget, no-frills options, or looking to splurge on a fabulous hotel for a trip to remember.

Check out Hotel Deca (4507 Brooklyn Ave NE), which opened in 1931 as part of an art deco architecture exhibition. A recent renovation means that this once opulent hotel was restored to its original splendour, with striking furniture and stunning Jazz Age paintings.

City Hostel Seattle (2327 2nd Ave) is perfect for those on a shoestring. It’s a cool, well-located hostel (wonderfully close to both the Space Needle and Pike Place Market) and each room has been decorated by a different local artist – with stunning results – think graffiti and colourful radiators! 

The MarQueen Hotel (600 Queen Anne Ave N) is located in the elegant Queen Anne neighbourhood and overlooks downtown Seattle. This landmark building boasts stunning features such as a grand staircase down to the foyer, and has its own wood-panelled cocktail bar and lounge.

Whether you’re after the latest designer labels, one-off gems, antiques or simply some quirky souvenirs to take home, Seattle is a paradise for those looking for a little retail therapy. Head downtown to find mainstream shops and brands, or wander a little further out to seek out charming boutiques, flea markets and vintage stores. If you want to explore Pike Place Market further, you’ll be pleased to know it doesn’t just sell food – on the lower arcade levels, quirky shops sell everything from vintage posters to magic tricks.

If you’re hoping to take gifts home, Baleen (6418 20th Ave NW) sells beautiful but affordable jewellery that will be sure to delight your recipient (or indeed, you!), whilst Prism (5208 Ballard Ave NW) is filled with quirky goods from local Seattle brands. If vintage is more your thing, pop in to Lucky Dry Goods (5424 Ballard Ave NW), which sells fantastically curated vintage wares.

Founded over 110 years ago, Pike Place Market is a great place to start on your Seattle tour. Foodies will be in their element as they wander from stall to stall, sampling everything from Russian pastries to cheese and charcuterie. After hours, you’ll find signature cocktails and an impressive collection of craft beer, whiskey, bourbon and scotch at an array of bars.

For something different, Wa’z (411 Cedar St) has Japanese fine-dining down to a fine art, with meticulously plated dishes served in a specific sequence to honour the seasons and Japanese culture, whilst Nine Pies Pizzeria (3862 1st Ave S) offers tasty calzones and New York-style pies cooked in wood-fired ovens. Being so close to the water, it would be a crime not to sample some seafood whilst in town – Duke’s Seafood & Chowder (901 Fairway Ave N) offers fresh and sustainable seafood in this uniquely Seattle joint.

It doesn’t matter when you’re visiting – there will always be a festival, performance or sporting event happening on any given day, with unlimited opportunities to experience Seattle’s fantastic art and culture.

If you’re visiting in February, you can’t miss the Lunar New Year, where the city’s Chinatown comes to life in celebration. This month is also host to Chocofest – the chocoholic’s-dream-come-true annual festival where local restaurants, chocolatiers, brewers, wineries, and distilleries serve up their delightful treats in aid of Puget Soundkeeper.

In June, for more than two weeks, the Seattle International Dance Festival comes to town, with dancers from around the world (and some local stars) will perform in indoor and outdoor venues, with a focus on innovation and diversity—expect to be inspired!

In November, the Short Run Comix and Arts Festival celebrates indie comics, small press and handmade books, which showcases emerging and established artists from near and far.