Overview
Packed between Elliott Bay and the hilly neighborhoods to the east, Downtown Seattle unsurprisingly contains the city's bustling financial and retail district. This is also where many of Seattle's tourist attractions are, including the iconic Pike Place Market, the expansive Seattle Art Museum, the touristy waterfront, and some of the city's most stunning architecture, all within easy walking distance of each other.
8 sights · 7 things to do · 20 places to eat · 6 bars & cafés · 24 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Downtown
Olympic Sculpture Park
9 acres of green space on Seattle’s waterfront with a collection of monumental sculptures.
Seattle Art Museum
The museum displays a good assortment of art from the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Though the permanent exhibitions only occasionally delve deeply into a specific subject (such as the enormous variety of piece…
Seattle Public Library-Central Library
A dramatic glass and steel structure in the heart of Downtown, designed by Rem Koolhaas. This is not an average public library and has become a tourist destination in its own right. A popular way to experience the unique…
Sky View Observatory
This observatory sits on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center, one of the tallest buildings on the West Coast and the tallest public observation deck in the Pacific Northwest, sitting 932 feet (284.2 meters) above the g…
Tilikum Place
Etymologically meaning "welcome" in the native Chinook language, Tilikum is home to a statue of Chief Seattle, the chief of the Duwamish tribe that gives this city its name. Sit in the park or in the Tilikum Place Cafe's…
Miner's Landing at Pier 57
Named for once being the main departure point during the Seattle gold rush, Miner's Landing now hosts a food court and a variety of gourmet restaurants, a sports merchandise store, a carousel for kids and the Seattle Gre…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 37°F. Wettest: Nov and Jan. (climate data from nearby Seattle)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BFI King County International Airport - Boeing Field, Seattle — 6 mi away. Directions
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Seattle — 11 mi away (major hub). Directions
Getting in by car is not recommended, due to the congestion and parking problems, but if you have to, these are the main routes to get in:
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $130–$280 a night (typical $210), from 23 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$170, mid-range ~$280, comfortable ~$450.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall, 5th Avenue Theatre
- Lunch Purple Cafe & Wine Bar
- Afternoon Seattle Public Library-Central Library, Sky View Observatory
- Dinner The Metropolitan Grill
- Evening Diller's Room
Day 2
- Morning Tilikum Place, SIFF Cinema Downtown
- Lunch The 5 Point Cafe
- Afternoon Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)
- Dinner Palace Kitchen
- Evening Shorty's
Day 3
- Morning Olympic Sculpture Park
- Lunch Piroshky Piroshky
- Afternoon Seattle Convention Center
- Dinner Le Pichet
- Evening Cyclops
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Many of the best eating options in Seattle are downtown, primarily at Pike Place Market and in the Belltown neighborhood.
The shops around Pike Place Market are an excellent place to grab some cheap eats. Pick up some bread, cheese, sausage and smoked meats and have a picnic on the park at the north end of the Market, or get a cup of coffee and sit at a table on the sidewalk.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
After the Great Fire of 1889, Seattle's business district moved northward from Pioneer Square, just in time for the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897 to cement Seattle as the commercial center of the region. The geography of downtown transformed, as several of the hills around downtown were regraded, sluiced into Elliott Bay to create flat land for Seattle's explosive growth in the early 1900s. Most level ground in central Seattle today was once either a hillside or a tidal flat.
The oldest buildings in downtown were built shortly after the Great Fire, but much of Seattle's skyline emerged since the 1960s, filling out the space between Smith Tower and the Space Needle at the district's boundaries.
Get in
By car
Getting in by car is not recommended, due to the congestion and parking problems, but if you have to, these are the main routes to get in:
- Interstate 5 (I-5) northbound: exit either onto James Street (Exit 164) or Seneca Street (Exit 165, on the left side of the road).
- I-5 southbound: exit onto Stewart Street (Exit 166), Union Street (Exit 165B) or James Street (Exit 165A).
- State Route 99 (SR-99) northbound: exit onto Alaskan Way S.
- SR-99 southbound: exit onto Denny Way/Downtown.
- Interstate 90 (I-90) from the Eastside: continue straight onto the 4th Avenue S exit, then turn left towards Downtown, or exit onto I-5 north and follow the I-5 northbound directions.
- State Route 520 (SR-520) from the Eastside: exit onto I-5 south and follow the I-5 southbound directions.
By ferry
All downtown ferries and water taxis operate from Pier 52, the Colman Dock, or Pier 50 that adjoins it to the south.
- Washington State Ferries (WSF) operates the Seattle / Bainbridge Island route and the Seattle / Bremerton route from Pier 52 (Colman Dock), for both drive on and walk on traffic. Both rides are fun and scenic.
Go King County Water Taxi
Offers service between Pier 50 and Seacrest Park in West Seattle (10-15 minutes) and to Vashon Island (20-25 minutes), with amazing views of the city.
- Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry offers passenger-only ferry service from Pier 50 to Bremerton, Southworth and Kingston where passengers connect to Kitsap Transit buses on the other side. For going to Port Orchard or Annapolis passengers would transfer to Kitsap Transit's other foot ferry in Bremerton. Washington State Ferries is the only option for going to Bainbridge Island. They go faster than the larger Washington State Ferries.
The nearest Link light rail station is Pioneer Square, on 3rd and James; Symphony Station is also close. The nearest bus stop is across the street (Alaskan Way S), for Rapid Ride C & H, 21, 56, 57, 113, 125. Outbound buses going towards Westwood Center via West Seattle is on Columbia St at Alaskan Way S. Rapid Ride C goes by the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal (the other Seattle ferry terminal) for Southworth and Vashon Island.
By public transit
See Seattle#By bus for a comprehensive list of intercity bus service from outside the Seattle metropolitan area: the Olympic Peninsula, Spokane, Ellensburg, Wenatchee, Yakima and other parts of the state; Portland; and Vancouver, BC. Downtown is the hub of the region's public transit system. Almost every neighborhood in Seattle has a direct route to either downtown or the light rail network.
Link light rail, operated by Sound Transit, runs under 3rd Ave with stops downtown at Westlake Station (5th & Pine, Westlake Mall), Symphony Station (3rd Ave & University St), and Pioneer Square Station (3rd & James St). Adult fares are a flat $3.00, regardless of distance; children 18 and under ride for free. A train runs every 8-15 minutes from 5:00 to midnight.
- The 1 Line from Downtown Federal Way to the south via Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Tukwila and South Seattle, and from Lynnwood City Center to the north via Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, University of Washington and Capitol Hill.
- The 2 Line from Downtown Redmond, Bellevue and Mercer Island to the east, and from Lynnwood with the same stops as the 1 Line.
The Seattle Center Monorail is a functioning relic from the 1962 World's Fair that connects Westlake Center directly to the Seattle Center north of Downtown, home to the Space Needle. One-way tickets are $3.50 per adult, $1.75 children ages 6-18/seniors.
King County Metro buses serve Seattle neighborhoods and the surrounding cities in the suburbs of King County. Buses board on 3rd Ave (both directions); 2nd Ave (SB); and 4th Ave (NB). They also board on some of the east-west streets. $2.75 at all times and on all routes. The senior (ages 65 or older) fare is $1.00. Youth (18 and under) ride free. Includes free transfers for a 2 hour period.
The South Lake Union Streetcar connects Westlake Center to South Lake Union, just to the north. $2.25 per adult and $1 per senior, regardless of distance. Youth board for free. You must purchase a ticket or tap your ORCA card at one of the streetcar stops before boarding.
The free Waterfront Shuttle connects Pioneer Square to the Space Needle mostly via Alaskan Way, the main boulevard along the waterfront. It runs during the summer (between Memorial Day in May and Labor Day in September), every 15 minutes from 10AM to 10PM.
From outside the city
- Sound Transit (ST) provides all-day express bus service from the outlying suburbs including Auburn (578), Bellevue (550), Issaquah (554), Redmond (545), Federal Way (577, 578), Dupont (592), Gig Harbor (595), Lakewood (592, 594) and Tacoma (590, 594, 595). Northbound ST buses board along 4th Ave between Jackson and Olive while southbound buses board along 2nd Ave from Stewart to Yesler.
- The Sounder, a commuter rail service operated by Sound Transit, has lines running south to Lakewood via Tacoma (S-Line) and north to Everett (N-Line). The Sounder stops at King Street Station in the International District.
- Community Transit (CT) Operates local and regional public transit bus routes in Snohomish County, except only local routes in Everett. Communities within the county served by this operator's routes include Arlington, Edmonds, Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mill Creek, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Snohomish, and Stanwood. From Downtown Seattle they operate express buses to Snohomish via Monroe & Woodinville (424). Other routes connect to the Link light rail 1 Line at Lynnwood, Shoreline North/185th Ave or Mountlake Terrace Stations. They operate the Sound Transit routes to Everett (510) and Lynnwood (515) during weekday afternoons and to Downtown Seattle during weekday mornings only.
Get around
Seattle's downtown is compact and dense. The street grid is skewed from the rest of the city, aligned with the waterfront instead of cardinal directions. Avenues (running NW to SE, parallel to the waterfront) are hill-free and can easily be walked. However, streets (running NE to SW) can be extremely steep. To help with the steep hills, many office towers have public escalators from one side of the block to the other.
Buses run up and down the avenues nearly constantly, especially along 3rd Ave, which is closed to personal vehicles. Most routes are straight through downtown, so when your feet are tired, hop onto the next bus for a few blocks.
A rule of thumb to remember the downtown street names, from Yesler Way to Westlake Park, is the mnemonic "Jesus Christ Made Seattle Under Protest", as the streets are named as six first-letter pairs of these words (Jefferson & James, Cherry & Columbia, Marion & Madison, Spring & Seneca, University & Union, Pike & Pine).
See
See Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
The museum displays a good assortment of art from the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Though the permanent exhibitions only occasionally delve deeply into a specific subject (such as the enormous variety of pieces in the porcelain room), extensive special exhibitions fill the gap. Tours available.
See Seattle Public Library-Central Library (Seattle Central Library)
A dramatic glass and steel structure in the heart of Downtown, designed by Rem Koolhaas. This is not an average public library and has become a tourist destination in its own right. A popular way to experience the unique architecture of the building is to take an elevator to the 10th floor, the highest observation deck in the building. From here you can walk down to the main floor through the Book Spiral; the core of the structure which organizes the library's books in one continuous path organized by the Dewey decimal system.
See Sky View Observatory (Columbia Center)
This observatory sits on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center, one of the tallest buildings on the West Coast and the tallest public observation deck in the Pacific Northwest, sitting 932 feet (284.2 meters) above the ground and more than 330 feet taller than the Space Needle. Great views are offered from the top and some people claim the view is better from here than from the Space Needle. Another advantage over the Space Needle is that this building isn't well known as a tourist attraction, so there's usually little to no line to get to the top. Tickets are available for purchase online ($2 less expensive or in the atrium at the Columbia Center). There is a cafe in the observation deck serving sandwiches and drinks (including beer and wine) and a food court at the bottom of the Columbia Center.
See Tilikum Place
Etymologically meaning "welcome" in the native Chinook language, Tilikum is home to a statue of Chief Seattle, the chief of the Duwamish tribe that gives this city its name. Sit in the park or in the Tilikum Place Cafe's outdoor seating and enjoy views of the Space Needle while sipping a coffee or enjoying a lunch, and watch the monorail go by.
Waterfront
The waterfront along downtown was once the hub of Seattle's maritime activity, and then was separated from the rest of downtown for decades by a concrete freeway. Today, this stretch of boardwalk between the Colman Ferry Dock and the Pier 66 cruise terminal is the Waterfront Park, a wide promenade lined with public art, souvenir shops, seafood vendors and views across the bustling Elliott Bay.
See Seattle Great Wheel
Rising 175 feet in the air, this Ferris wheel offers a 15-minute ride in one of the wheel's 42 gondolas, each of which can hold up to 8 people. You'll get a wonderful view of the Seattle waterfront, the Downtown skyline, as well as the Puget Sound, the snow-covered Olympics, and the green city hills.
See Seattle Aquarium
Showcases native fish and mammals of the Pacific Northwest. Among the highlights are the Windows on Washington (WOW) exhibit, two touch tanks featuring animals of the inland sea and outer coast, and a display that holds two giant pacific octopuses, gill sharks and Pacific coral reefs. The outdoor exhibit upstairs features a collection of birds, harbor and Northern fur seals, as well as river and sea otters. At a separate area on the lower level, you can go inside an underwater dome to get up-close with swimming animals from the Puget Sound.
Do
Do Seattle Convention Center (formerly the Washington State Convention Center)
The largest events space in the state, and the host of PAX West, Emerald City Comic Con, Sakura-Con, the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, and many others. The Arch building spans across Pike Street, 8th Avenue, and I-5. The Summit building, opened in 2023, is a block north.
Entertainment
Film
Buy
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is one of the oldest functioning public markets in the country. It consists of dozens of little shops tucked into a few square blocks downtown, across multiple haphazard levels. Even if you hate shopping you might still like this place, with its colorful atmosphere and quirky gimmicks, like the famous seafood stand where the staff toss fish from one end to the other. As the weather gets warmer, many artisans set up booths to sell photographs, glass, ceramics, and fresh flowers. Farmers come to sell their produce, and a vast amount of tiny hole-in-the-wall places offer all kinds of cuisine, from street food to high-end seafood to trendy bars. While it is one of Seattle's most touristy destinations, it stays true to its roots as a farmers market for local shoppers; its policies encourage farmers to regularly be present at their booths, craftspeople to make their own wares and businesses to be owner-operated.
It's within walking distance of the waterfront, and crowds fill the market each time a cruise ship is parked in the harbor. On the brick-paved Pike Place that serves as a central plaza, look for big blond Johnny Hahn on his portable piano or one of the other regular street musicians. Head into the lower levels beneath the crowded main arcade to explore the cramped, dusty shops buried within the building. Beyond the main building, the market extends to a hodge-podge of small markets and gourmet restaurants along the narrow Post Alley, on the steep hill between Pike Place and 1st Ave.
Shop Made in Washington
Sells all kinds of souvenirs exclusive to Washington state. Along with the usual coffee mugs and fridge magnets, they also sell glass sculptures you can find at the Chihuly Arts and Glass, baked salmon, artisan chocolates and the rain-globe, an equivalent to a snow globe but adapted to suit the stereotypical Seattle drizzle. They also have another shop in Westlake Center.
Shop Metsker Maps
One of the last remaining map stores in the U.S., with a presence in Seattle since the 1930s. The store is covered wall-to-wall with all kinds of maps local and worldwide, the shelves are crammed with globes and atlases and travel books, and cabinets of posters and prints are rewarding to sift through.
Shop Gum Wall
In 1991, patrons of a neighboring theater started sticking used chewing gum to this wall. The gum persisted despite repeated cleanings, so the market gave up and embraced it as an icky tourist attraction. It is still subject to sporadic deep cleans, to keep the inches-thick crust of fermenting sugar and saliva from digesting the bricks.
Westlake
Seattle's conventional retail corridor stretches along Pike and Pine Streets from Pike Place to the Convention Center at 7th Ave, centered on Westlake Park and Westlake Station. This is where the city's department stores were once concentrated. The flagship Nordstrom department store dominates the high-end, supported by standalone stores for upscale-for-Seattle brands (more activewear than high fashion) like Arc'teryx, Uniqlo and Urban Outfitters.
Groceries
Options for everyday groceries and basics are limited. Walk or hop on the light rail to Capitol Hill or the International District for better selection.
Eat
Many of the best eating options in Seattle are downtown, primarily at Pike Place Market and in the Belltown neighborhood.
Budget
Eat The 5 Point Cafe
Seattle's oldest restaurant, serving huge portions of American comfort food since 1929. The full menu is served 24 hours every day. Full bar with stiff drinks, over 25 local beers and liquors. Great jukebox and an eclectic mix of regulars and locals, tourists, politicians, young hipsters, freaks and grouchy old men. Free wifi. Outdoor seating. This is a true piece of Seattle history not to be missed.
Eat Biscuit Bitch
The b-word is in every single item on the menu, and this excellent breakfast place is a siren call to those seeking hangover relief, providing burgers (replace the bun with a biscuit) sandwiches (replace the bread with a biscuit), and typical Southern style food.
Eat Ivar's Acres Of Clams
Smoked salmon plate-lunch and fish-n-chips served outdoors at a scenic waterfront location. Ordering at the walk-up counter outside is inexpensive. Please do not feed ducks and seagulls as human food is harmful for birds! Good food, but pretty touristy.
Pike Place Market
The shops around Pike Place Market are an excellent place to grab some cheap eats. Pick up some bread, cheese, sausage and smoked meats and have a picnic on the park at the north end of the Market, or get a cup of coffee and sit at a table on the sidewalk.
Eat Beecher's Handmade Cheese
A library of artisan cheese from Pacific Northwest farms, as well as some handmade cheese in the factory next door, worth bringing home as a Seattle souvenir. Try some free samples and be sure to get some of their mac and cheese.
Eat The Crumpet Shop
Get a crumpet, a griddle cake originated from England, made with organic ingredients, sweet or savory with a number of toppings.
Eat Ellenos Greek Yogurt
A bit expensive compared to its supermarket counterparts, but richer in flavor and milk, making this a local favorite. Often has long lines, but they move quickly and the owner is generous with free samples.
Eat Jack's Fish Spot
A good place to get seafood, especially dungeness crabs. Market-like atmosphere, seating in stools, and they can cook what you buy.
Eat Pike Place Chowder
One of the most famous restaurants at Pike Place Market. Selections of exceptional chowder, as well as sandwiches and seafood cocktails.
Eat Pike Place Chowder
Usually has long lines (up to 30 minutes) due to the fact this location is more well-known. Has more choices of chowder. Seats quickly fill up!
Eat Piroshky Piroshky
A very popular eatery, specializing in their namesake Russian pastries. They have many varieties from which to choose. The smoked salmon, the cheese, onion and garlic roll, and the apple cinnamon roll are all excellent. Be prepared for long lines and out of stock items if you come in late!
Mid-range
Eat Cafe Campagne
Country French cuisine.
Eat Matt's in the Market
Charming market ambiance and tasty seafood selections make for a fine low-key dining experience at this small spot.
Eat Palace Kitchen
Tom Douglas' upscale saloon is a hit any time of day.
Eat Serious Pie
Regular and specialty Neapolitan style pizza in one of the best pizza restaurants in Seattle. This small space gets overwhelmed with customers around mealtimes.
Splurge
Eat Le Pichet
An excellent French bistro. Try the roast chicken.
Eat Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Side dishes served on a per-table basis, so make sure you can agree with your companions! Skip the happy hour.
Eat The Metropolitan Grill
Caters to those with fat wallets, with massive portions, classic steakhouse ambiance, and top-grade beef.
Eat Purple Cafe & Wine Bar (Purple)
Has an extensive wine list and some of Seattle's best food. Don't forget to try the salted caramels for dessert.
Eat Elliott's Oyster House
Seafood restaurant that's most famous for fresh oysters. In addition, the menu has various seafood to choose from, such as king salmon, sockeye, dungeness crab, king crab, yellowfin ahi tuna, you name it. Happy hour is affordable, with chef's choice of fresh oysters and other deals. The restaurant is right by the dock and the view is fantastic during the summer when you can sit outside.
Drink
Bars and taverns
The Belltown neighborhood is an excellent place for barhopping, particularly along 2nd Ave.
Drink Cyclops
Good, hip (but not ultra-hip) bar, and not a bad restaurant either. Interesting neo-retro decor. The Ace Hotel is upstairs. Excellent breakfast.
Drink Owl N' Thistle
A great Irish bar. A house band, nice regulars, and halibut burger to die for. Happy hour is M-F 3-7PM.
Drink The Pink Door
Reasonably good Italian restaurant, but it's a better bar, with a rather romantic European market ambiance and a trellis-covered outdoor deck. Occasional cabaret-style live entertainment, no cover.
Drink Shorty's
Classic pinball games and Coney Island hot dogs, decorated with creepy clowns. Be sure to check out the Trophy Lounge hidden in the back.
Drink Diller's Room
Classic cocktail bar with a historic vibe and extensive drink selection. Happy hour is from 4PM to 6PM with $1 off drinks and $12 pizza.
Coffee
Drink Original Starbucks
Who would have thought, when this unassuming place opened in 1971, that it would give rise to a global empire? Now flocks of tourists crowd the oldest existing Starbucks. (The true first location was one block north; it moved here when that building was torn down in 1977.) The long line gets you exactly the same drinks you can get at every other location. If you're not a true fan, check out the bare-chested mermaid which acted as the original logo for the company, then try any of the hundreds of other local Seattle coffee shops.
Sleep
If you're staying in Seattle, you're very likely to stay in Downtown, as here is where most of the city's accommodations are offered. Most splurge options are in the area surrounding the Pike Place Market or Westlake, while most budget options can be found in the Belltown neighborhood.
Budget
Stay Green Tortoise Hostel
Has a view of the Puget Sound and the Market, 30 bunk rooms in the elegantly restored Elliot Hotel Building. Free Internet stations and Wi-Fi, free dinner 3 nights a week, and free breakfast every morning. The Green Tortoise is a Seattle backpacker institution that also runs festive low-budget bus tours to Mexico and Central America.
Mid-range
Splurge
Stay The Edgewater
Near the Pike Place Market, right on the water, and famous for three things: you could at one time literally fish right out of your window, it was the site of a notorious Led Zeppelin incident, and the Beatles stayed here during their 1964 tour. Rooms either face the city with no great view other than the Space Needle, or face the water. These latter rooms enjoy the non-stop action of the ferries and cruise liners in the harbor. The restaurant is elegantly decorated with a few outdoor tables right over the water.
Stay safe
Downtown Seattle has a sizable population of homeless people. While many beg for change and some seem unstable, only a few are actually dangerous. Be careful after dark in some areas around the downtown core, such as 3rd Ave between Pine St and Pike St, outside the King County Courthouse at 3rd Ave between James St and Jefferson St, and around Pioneer Square and the International District immediately south of Downtown.
Go next
- A short ride by rail or bus takes you to Pioneer Square and International District, the Georgetown neighborhood, and South Seattle.
- A ride by the South Lake Union Streetcar or the monorail will take you to the districts of Queen Anne and South Lake Union
- A short walk away to the other side of the Interstate 5 is the hip district of Capitol Hill.
Nearby
Mercer Island
City / town · 11 listings · 6 mi away
Bellevue
City / town · 62 listings · 7 mi away
White Center
City / town · 6 listings · 7 mi away
Kirkland
City / town · 20 listings · 9 mi away
Blake Island
Park · 4 listings · 9 mi away
Tukwila
City / town · 24 listings · 10 mi away
Burien
City / town · 10 listings · 10 mi away
Bainbridge Island
City / town · 55 listings · 10 mi away
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