Overview
Northwest of Downtown Seattle, Queen Anne is a hilly residential neighborhood with marvelous views of the city's skyline. Magnolia, a wealthy residential neighborhood, sits on a peninsula west of Queen Anne, separated from Queen Anne by Interbay, an unexpected commercial and industrial strip in the valley between the two hilly neighborhoods. Seattle Center, at the southern base of Queen Anne Hill, was built to host the 1962 World's Fair. Today, Seattle Center is a park-like facility surrounded by many of Seattle's finest event venues and museums, as well as two iconic relics from the World's Fair: the Monorail and the Space Needle. The restaurants and bars of Uptown, also called Lower Queen Anne, surround Seattle Center.
Directly north of Downtown is South Lake Union, a former industrial neighborhood until Amazon's headquarters and a range of biotech organizations kicked off a wave of gentrification, quickly filling out Seattle's skyline with mid-rise office and apartment towers.
18 sights · 14 things to do · 6 places to eat · 7 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Queen Anne-South Lake Union
Discovery Park
The largest park in the city can be thought of as Seattle's unofficial central park given its huge, somewhat secluded nature, with a number of trails that meander through the green forests down to the lighthouse at the b…
Kerry Park
A photographer's paradise, this is perhaps the most obvious spectacle in Queen Anne. This park affords the quintessential view of Downtown Seattle with the Space Needle in the foreground, and (depending on the weather) M…
Bhy Kracke Park
Pronounced "By Crackie". You can get a view comparable to that from the Space Needle for free.
Fishermen's Terminal
Carefully wander the docks (avoiding stepping on ropes or nets) and look at the boats. Many of them sell fresh crab or fish right off of the boat in season. Much of the Alaska crab fishing fleet moors here (or elsewhere …
Space Needle
A symbol of Seattle, built for the 1962 World's Fair and still a wildly popular attraction. The view is spectacular on a clear day when the sun sets, when Downtown Seattle contrasts beautifully with the ocean to the west…
Pacific Science Center
An interactive science museum featuring permanent and temporary exhibits, a butterfly atrium, IMAX theater, planetarium, and laser shows.
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 — 7 mi away. Directions
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Seattle — 12 mi away (major hub). Directions
Seattle Center and South Lake Union lie within easy walking or bicycling distance of Downtown. Climbing up Queen Anne Hill, on the other hand, is more of a workout. Aurora Avenue (SR-99) is a highway that emerges from a tunnel north of Seattle Center and can only be crossed in a few spots.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Kerry Park, Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle Children's Museum
- Lunch Dick's Drive In
- Afternoon Chihuly Garden and Glass, Space Needle
- Dinner Cafe Goldinblack
- Evening Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge
Day 2
- Morning Lake Union Park, The Center for Wooden Boats, Museum of History and Industry
- Lunch Art Marble 21
- Afternoon Northwest Seaport/Maritime Heritage Center, Public Art at Amazon Headquarters
- Dinner Community Banana Stand
- Evening Ozzie's
Day 3
- Morning Discovery Park, Fishermen's Terminal, Bhy Kracke Park
- Lunch Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream
- Afternoon Understory, Bumbershoot
- Dinner Canlis
- Evening Macrina Bakery
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There are a number of food carts catering to office workers at the South Lake Union complex. They generally open for lunch on weekdays, with tenants changing each day.
Queen Anne is a relatively upscale neighborhood, and generally the restaurants rise to the occasion.
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.
Get in
Seattle Center and South Lake Union lie within easy walking or bicycling distance of Downtown. Climbing up Queen Anne Hill, on the other hand, is more of a workout. Aurora Avenue (SR-99) is a highway that emerges from a tunnel north of Seattle Center and can only be crossed in a few spots.
Queen Anne Avenue is the dividing line between the "North" and the "West" roads. So don't be surprised if you cross 1st Avenue N, and then shortly thereafter find yourself crossing 1st Avenue W without having changed direction!
By car
Queen Anne Hill can be difficult to navigate due to its geography, especially by car. There are two simple ways to get to the center of the neighborhood:
- via Queen Anne Avenue from the south (though take note: Queen Anne Avenue traffic is south-only when south of Roy Street).
- by 3rd Avenue W from the north side, near Seattle Pacific University.
- Approaching by Dexter Avenue, Gilman Avenue, W Dravus Street or any of the numerous side streets should not be attempted unless you have time to kill.
Seattle Center and South Lake Union are best reached by Denny Way along the south end, and Mercer St along the north. Mercer Street is the most convenient from I-5, although it's amongst the most traffic-congested streets in the city. Parking is plentiful, albeit often expensive.
Dexter, Westlake, Fairview, and Eastlake Avenues pass through South Lake Union.
To access Magnolia, from the north take Emerson Street Bridge over 15th Avenue towards the Fisherman's Terminal. From the south, take 15th Avenue W (Elliott), exiting at the Magnolia Bridge.
By public transit
Place King County Metro
Queen Anne is served mainly by frequent and all-day bus routes 1, 2, 4, 8, 13 and the RapidRide D line, all of which make stops close to the Seattle Center. Upper Queen Anne Hill (up the hill) is served only by 1, 2, 4 and 13. South Lake Union is served by frequent bus route 62 on Dexter Avenue, while Fairview Avenue is served by frequent bus route 70. Magnolia is served by the all-day bus routes 24 and 33, with 33 serving Discovery Park from Downtown Seattle. Route 31 connects Magnolia to University District through Wallingford, Fremont and Seattle Pacific University without going through Downtown. See the King County Metro website for schedules and maps.
See
See Discovery Park
The largest park in the city can be thought of as Seattle's unofficial central park given its huge, somewhat secluded nature, with a number of trails that meander through the green forests down to the lighthouse at the beach. Discovery Park used to be an army installation called Fort Lawton, and several of the fort's buildings remain. The park features the highest point in the city and wildlife you don't typically find in a large city. A visitors' center with information about the wildlife living in the park and the best trails to hike are in the center of the park. The visitor center is closed until summer 2027.
See Kerry Park
A photographer's paradise, this is perhaps the most obvious spectacle in Queen Anne. This park affords the quintessential view of Downtown Seattle with the Space Needle in the foreground, and (depending on the weather) Mount Rainier and the Cascades, as well as across the Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island.
See Fishermen's Terminal
Carefully wander the docks (avoiding stepping on ropes or nets) and look at the boats. Many of them sell fresh crab or fish right off of the boat in season. Much of the Alaska crab fishing fleet moors here (or elsewhere in Lake Union) during the off-season, including vessels featured in the long-running Deadliest Catch television series. Visit the Fishermen's Memorial dedicated to all of those who have lost their lives at sea while engaged in commercial fishing.
Seattle Center
The 1962 World's Fair left Seattle with Seattle Center, the region's largest cluster of civic spaces. Pedestrian avenues, lined with small parks and fountains, connect a collection of museums, fine arts venues, and monumental architecture.
See Space Needle
A symbol of Seattle, built for the 1962 World's Fair and still a wildly popular attraction. The view is spectacular on a clear day when the sun sets, when Downtown Seattle contrasts beautifully with the ocean to the west and the snow-capped mountains in every other direction. There are floor-to-ceiling windows on both levels, a rotating glass floor ("The Loupe") on the lower level that completes one revolution every 45 minutes, and open-air glass walls where you can lean backwards and take a selfie. The revolving Sky City restaurant has been closed due to renovations, but the wine bar is still open.
See Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
An excellent pop culture museum housed inside a visually striking building designed by Frank Gehry to "evoke the rock 'n' roll experience", with exhibits on all manner of popular culture: film, television, music, video games, fashion, etc. There's a particular focus on science fiction and Seattle musicians, with a sci-fi hall of fame and exhibits dedicated to Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. Top-notch special exhibits have included the likes of David Bowie, Star Trek, the Marvel comic and movie universe, and Minecraft. There are many interactive exhibits, but don't expect to get a turn without a long wait. Outside, the large playground is a big hit with kids.
See Chihuly Garden and Glass
This museum provides a look at the inspiration and influences that inform the career of artist Dale Chihuly. The on-site exhibition hall contains eight galleries and three drawing walls, offering visitors a comprehensive look at Chihuly’s significant series of work. The centerpiece of the museum is a glasshouse with a suspended 1,400-piece, 100-foot-long sculpture. Also on the grounds is a lush garden, which serves as a backdrop for four monumental sculptures and other installations.
South Lake Union
See The Center for Wooden Boats
An intriguing museum where you can learn about maritime culture and experience sailing traditional wooden boats. The center's programs allow you to get a hands-on feel, putting in control of crafting and sailing your own wooden craft. On Sundays, rain or shine, you can get a free boat ride on a classic wooden boat around the lake for an hour. At times artist-in-residence Saaduuts leads programs.
- Amazon.com built their headquarters in South Lake Union. The expansive construction of Amazon office towers and apartments and shops, as well as the visually-striking glass Spheres, has made SLU practically synonymous with Amazon.
See Public Art at Amazon Headquarters
While the Amazon buildings are not open to the public, there are several signed outdoor art pieces around the complex and other nearby buildings, and you can hob-nob with "blue badges" at local restaurants and coffee shops. Seattle Architecture Foundation also leads guided walking tours.
Do
Events
Seattle Center hosts events almost every weekend of the year. These are some of the larger ones:
Entertainment
Do Climate Pledge Arena
The region's largest sports arena is home to the NHL's Seattle Kraken, the WNBA's Seattle Storm, and college men's basketball games of the Seattle Redhawks (Seattle University), as well as a major concert venue. It was built for the 1962 World's Fair. The arena's interior was completely gutted and rebuilt for the Kraken, but its original exterior remains intact, maintaining its historic listing. Tours not available; if you want to see the inside, you have to attend an event.
Do McCaw Hall
Home of the Seattle Opera and the Pacific Northwest Ballet, each considered among the best in the United States.
Film
Do Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)
One of the largest film festivals in North America. Screenings are at the SIFF Cinema Uptown, SIFF Film Center, and at venues in adjacent districts.
Water sports
Also see the museum listing for Center For Wooden Boats, where you can also rent a sailboat or join a free Sunday cruise.
Buy
- Once you get to the top of Queen Anne hill (about a mile north from Seattle Center and several hundred feet uphill) there's a few blocks with some nice window shopping. Check out Foundations Seattle and Willa for women's clothes, Queen Anne Book Store, Blue Highway Games for board games, and see what else you can find nestled between the numerous hair and beauty salons.
Outdoors equipment
Seattle is one of the best cities in the world to buy high-quality secondhand outdoors equipment — good to know, because brand new equipment can be really expensive. The REI Flagship Store anchors a small pocket of boutique outdoors retail.
Shop REI Flagship Store
Recreation Equipment Inc., the large outdoors equipment retailer, was founded in Seattle in 1938. REI's sprawling flagship store has an outdoor trail for test-driving mountain bikes, a climbing wall, and a small "mountain" in the shoe section for trying hiking boots. It also has a clearance section where you can often find boots, down sleeping bags, tents, etc. with easily repairable damage at a fraction of the cost.
Eat
There are a number of food carts catering to office workers at the South Lake Union complex. They generally open for lunch on weekdays, with tenants changing each day.
Budget
Eat Community Banana Stand
A fruit stand offering free bananas to passersby, operated by Amazon from its headquarters. The stand gives away thousands of bananas each weekday, as a cheap and convenient way to give a little boost to employees and the general public alike.
Mid-range
Eat Art Marble 21
American cuisine and prime sports viewing. Large game room with free arcade games, billiards, giant Jenga, cornhole, bocce ball, and more.
Eat Cafe Goldinblack
A good and inexpensive Korean restaurant with good bibimbap and good lunch specials that also serves alcohol.
Eat Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream
Molly Moon's offers 14 flavors of ice cream, homemade on the premises within sight of the customers. One vegan option is usually offered. Many staff have learned some basic American Sign Language.
Splurge
Queen Anne is a relatively upscale neighborhood, and generally the restaurants rise to the occasion.
Eat Canlis
Seattle's longstanding fine dining restaurant, with a wonderful view overlooking Lake Union and Queen Anne Hill. Live piano music. Make reservations well in advance (a week or two ahead) and dress well; it's one of the few Seattle establishments with a strict dress code.
Drink
True to Seattle form, you need never go more than a few blocks without stumbling into a coffee shop. At the corner of Queen Anne Ave N and Boston St, for example, there is a Caffe Ladro, a Café Hagen, and a Starbucks.
Drink Caffe Fiore
An organic coffeeshop three blocks north of Kerry Park, offering a true experience of Seattle coffee house culture: good local art on display that changes on the first day of every month, consistently excellent coffee, environmental consciousness to a fault (the straws are compostable), and neighborly vitality that's easy to witness but hard to describe. Handsome baristas remember the orders of regular patrons, and most everyone you see is a regular patron. The coffee is rich, aromatic, and consistently excellent. Outdoor seating for sunny summer days. The most common order is a short latte, and for good reason.
Drink Top Pot Doughnuts
Lodged in a former neighborhood grocery, this place offers "hand-forged" doughnuts, coffee, juice, and the like. Free wireless available.
Drink Macrina Bakery (McGraw Cafe)
A premier local bakery whose chef was a finalist for a 2007 James Beard Award. Selection changes seasonally and daily, but there's always something delicious on offer. An excellent choice for a breakfast or light lunch; cafe-style seating encourages you to sit down and stay a while. Espresso can be inconsistent, if you're picky, grab food to go and walk elsewhere for coffee.
Drink Queen Anne Coffee Co.
If you're looking for something to balance out all that caffeine as a stimulant, Lower Queen Anne fits the bill.
Drink Ozzie's
Karaoke is the name of the game at Ozzie's and is available every night starting at 9PM.
Drink Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge
Excellent restaurant and lounge featuring New Orleans-style food and drink that was listed as a 2012 Travelers Choice Awards winner for one of America's best restaurants and one of the best happy hours in the USA by CNBC survey (great beignets). Happy hour every day from 4PM to 6PM and 10PM to 1AM with a breakfast happy hour from Monday to Friday from 8AM to 11AM.
Sleep
There are some business hotels in South Lake Union and along Eastlake Ave. The Seattle Center area hosts several smaller hotels. Downtown offers far more options.
Stay Holiday Inn
Stay The Mediterranean
Nearby
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