In the four years that I’ve lived in San Francisco, I’ve gotten multiple suggestions to travel to Seattle, Washington. Everyone who has been there has told me the vibe is a lot like the city life in the Bay Area. Luckily, I had the chance to make a road trip to the “Emerald City” with three of my housemates. We decided to make a two-day stop in Portland, Oregon before spending another three days in Seattle. This trip was completely spontaneous and had about a week of planning behind it. Spontaneity when traveling can make for an interesting experience and that’s exactly how I would describe our time there; however, we did found ourselves cooped up in our AirBNB watching Friends on Netflix when we didn’t know what to do.

I recently made another trip to Seattle with my girlfriend to celebrate my birthday and the end of the school year. I definitely wanted to plan our time there, because we were going to be there for six days. I called my aunt, who I remembered lived close to the downtown Seattle area, for some advice. First, she suggested we get a rental car so we could enjoy our time there without worrying about public transportation all the time. Second, she offered for us to stay at her condo, which was conveniently located 15 minutes away from downtown, while she was away visiting family in the Bay Area. Lastly, she made us an organized Excel spreadsheet separated by the multiple neighborhoods in Seattle. These included fancy restaurants for lunch/dinner, great brunch places, bars with happy hour, popular tourist attractions, small mom & pop ice cream shops and random cool things to do if we had spare time.

It was perfect! All I had to do was get our rental car and plan our days efficiently with the list made by my aunt so that we could get as much done as possible. Now that I’ve been to Seattle twice, I’ve compiled my own list of 10 things you have to do when visiting. Follow this list and I guarantee your experience in the rainy city will be a great one.

 

1)      Pike Place Market
Seattle is probably most known for this place, and for good reasons. My girlfriend and I made an entire day of just hanging out in this area, and according to my iPhone, we walked about nine miles. Make sure you go there with an empty stomach, because there’s so much good food that you have to try. First, stop by The Pink Door to have a light seafood dish and a drink. Then, you have to see the fish mongers at the entrance of the market throw a fish. Take your time walking around the market, because it’s huge! It’s magically colorful inside with all of the flowers and fresh produce. I suggest doing some grocery shopping while you’re here for breakfast/dinner in the future. Get some fresh clam chowder at the Hall of Fame Pike Place Chowder. Then, stop by the famous Piroshky, Piroshky bakery and get some baked goods End it off with some smooth, creamy and crumbly marionberry greek yogurt from Elenos.

One of our editors, Jennielee, had a couple suggestions of her own! She says to try the salmon cream cheese piroshky from Piroshky, Piroshky as well as the mac & cheese from Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. Spend $10 on the prettiest, biggest bouquet of flowers you’ll ever have, take a walk down to the Seattle Great Wheel afterwards and see the city from above!

 

2)      Seattle Center
I highly suggest getting the CityPASS when you come to Seattle, which includes entrance to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum, the EMP Museum, and other tourist attractions for a discounted price. The Seattle Center boasts these three must-dos in one area. I suggest going up the Space Needle first, since the CityPASS allows you to go once during the day and again at night. Then visit Chihuly Garden & Glass to appreciate the glass sculptures. Take a lunch break and eat at Peso’s Kitchen and Bar. Make sure to get the fried chicken, because that was my favorite dish of the entire trip! Next, visit the EMP Museum, which has also has some great art and music history. Finish off the Seattle Center by going up the Space Needle again and seeing the city lights from above.

3)      Pioneer Square First Thursday Art Walk
Seattle has a free art walk every first Thursday of the month at Pioneer Square. I highly suggest taking advantage of this opportunity if you can! The art walk is quite different than other museums in Seattle, because there are multiple small studios filled with local artists’ works. The artists are even there to talk to you about their creations.

Jennielee suggests the Seattle Underground Tour that includes a ticket for a free trip up into the Smith Tower. They’re both fun and relatively cheap things to do that most people won’t take the time for, so they’re not super crowded either!

 

4) The First Starbucks and the Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room
Everyone knows about the very first Starbucks location at Pike Place Market. You should definitely check it out and maybe get an item with the very first Starbucks logo. I found the Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room to be a much cooler experience. The Roastery is a huge location, equipped with an impressive coffee roaster, two levels with tables and chairs, and a tasting bar. It’s also perfect for coffee connoisseurs with a menu of drinks you won’t find at your local Starbucks. I suggest getting the coffee flight, which allows you to try four unique coffee blends. Perfect for two people.

5)  Comedy Underground
I visited Comedy Underground on my first trip to Seattle and I’m so glad I did.  What’s a trip without some laughs, right? We went on a Monday for open mic night and listened to about 10 different comedians. It was great to watch a variety of acts—from amateurs to those who’ve been performing for years. I didn’t expect to laugh so much in one night. Did I mention the drinks are great too?

6)      Fresh Oysters
The fresh oysters are a must-try in this city by the water. I suggest The Walrus and the Carpenter, which has a large variety and some great smaller dishes to snack on. Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar is another famous place that has less oyster variety, but will give you more bang for your buck.

7)      Seattle Mariners/Seattle Seahawks Game
If you’re a sports fans, you’re in luck. Whether it’s Mariner baseball or Seahawk football, the Seattle fans are passionate and just fun to be around. The stadiums are beautiful and you absolutely have to get the garlic fries to get the full Seattle sports fanatic experience.

8)      Seattle Waterfront
Another day can be spent at this beautiful location. I suggest going on the Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour first, which is included in the CityPASS and gives you great photo opportunities on the water. Follow it up with lunch at Ivar’s Seafood Bar for some fish and chips. Then, go to the Seattle Aquarium—the sea otters are just irresistible.

9)      Pictures of the Seattle Skyline
One of the things I love most about Seattle is its beautiful skyline. My two favorite skyline views are from Gas Works Park and Kerry Park. You have to go to at least one of these and snap a pic.

10)   Seattle Public Library
The Seattle Public Library is an architectural beauty, inside and out. This library has ten floors for your reading pleasure and even a floor that is completely painted red from top to bottom. I would definitely spend hours here if I was a local.