Seattle: Things to See & Try
Here are my recommendations for what to see and try in Seattle based on my experiences. I’ve grown up visiting Seattle on and off throughout the years, and have developed some favorite spots that I continuously go back to. Maybe you will find a spot that will become a timeless part of your visits.
I separated my recommendations into two groups: activities to do and places to eat and drink at.
Things to See
Chihuly Garden & Glass
Interested in seeing blown glass in many shapes and forms? This is the place to visit.
Location | 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Hours | Sat/Thurs: 9am-5pm, Sun-Wed: 9am-9:30pm, Fri: 9am-10pm
Admission | $22-$39
Fremont Troll
One of five sculptures scattered around Seattle. This one is located in a neighborhood and is free to the public.
Location | North 36th Street, Troll Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
Gas Works Park
This former oil plant site is now a lovely place to take a walk and enjoy the sunset. There is a great view of the Seattle downtown skyline, and activities taking place on the water.
Location | 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103
Hours | 6am-10pm
Kerry Park
A smaller park than I expected, this is still another view of the Seattle city scape.
Location | 211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119
Hours | 6am-10pm
Kinokuniya Bookstore
Located inside the Uwajima building, this store offers a paradise of merchandise to stationery and book lovers.
Location | 525 S Weller St, Seattle, WA 98104
Hours | 10am-8pm
MochiThings
One of my go-to spots for stationery items, this store is conveniently located near Pike Place Market. There are massive sticker walls and endless rows of notebooks and planners.
Location | 101 Stewart St Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98101
Hours | Sun-Tues: 10am-5pm, Wed-Sat: 10am-7pm
Insta | https://www.instagram.com/mochigrams/
MUTO
Located right next door to MochiThings is this Japanese home goods shop. Stationery, cookware, and home essentials are displayed throughout the store.
Location | 1610 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Hours | 9:30am-6:30pm
Pike Place Market
An iconic spot in Seattle for any visitor. Fish, fruit, flowers, and souvenirs are in abundance.
Location | 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
Hours | Mon-Sat: 8am-6pm, Sun: 8am-5pm
Seattle Art Museum
A place to discover featured exhibitions and more permanent collections. Look into what is showcased during your visit.
Location | 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Hours | Mon/Tues: closed, Wed/Fri-Sun: 10am-5pm, Thurs: 10am-8pm
Admission | depends on what you are seeing
Seattle Public Library
I always love exploring new libraries, and the architecture and book collection here are impressive.
Location | 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Hours | Fri-Mon: 10am-6pm, Tues-Thurs: 10am-8pm
UW The Quad
The UW campus is extensive and beautiful, but is doubly so during cherry blossom season. Tip: when visiting during the blossom season, go early in the morning to avoid insane crowds.
Location | Pierce Ln, Seattle, WA 98195
Hours | open 24 hours
UW Suzzallo Library
Often compared to the library in Harry Potter, sitting and reading here felt magical. As it is a university library, be respectful of students who are studying.
Location | 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195
Hours | Sat: closed, Sun: 1pm-8pm, Mon-Thurs: 8am-8pm, Fri: 8am-5pm
Washington Park Arboretum
A 230-acre park that features a Japanese garden (that part has paid admission). It is especially lovely in spring.
Location | 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112
Hours | 8am-8pm
Things to Try
Aroom
An aesthetic Vietnamese coffee place with so many delicious-sounding drinks to try.
Menu I tried | Galaxy Drink
Location | 3801 Stone Way N Suite C, Seattle, WA 98103
Hours | 8am-5pm
Boba House
A place I randomly stumbled upon. Cute decor, and an awesome music playlist.
Menu I tried | Kumquat Passionfruit Fruit Tea
Location | 14359 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125
Hours | 11:30am-9pm
Cafe Canuc
The cafe felt very much like the cafes in Korea. Yummy drinks and sweet treats.
Menu I tried | Osmanthus Latte, Sesame Latte
Location | 4730 University Wy NE #105, Seattle, WA 98105
Hours | Mon/Tues: closed, Wed-Sun: 11am-5pm
Coco
I was delighted to find this in Seattle. I used to buy from this shop all the time when I was living in China. Lots of fruity teas and milk teas to customize sugar levels and toppings.
Menu I tried | Passionfruit Green Tea
Location | 4700 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Hours | noon-8pm
Dumpling: The Noodle
A very comfy and homey meal when I was feeling sick. The soup was amazing!
Location | 1723 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Hours | Mon: closed, Tues-Thurs: 4:30pm-9pm, Fri: 4:30pm-11pm, Sat: 11:30am-11pm, Sun: 11:30am-9pm
Happy Lamb Hot Pot
A great meal to have when with friends or family. Being able to customize what ingredients and sauce is eaten is the best. This is Mongolian-style hot pot.
Location | 609 S Weller St STE A, Seattle, WA 98104
Hours | 11:30am-11pm
Insta | https://www.instagram.com/happylamb.seattle_bellevue/
Hot Cakes
The perfect ending to the day. Be prepared to fill up on desserts. Everything here was amazing!
Menu I tried | S’mores Molten Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Strawberry Milkshake
Location | 1650 E Olive Wy, Seattle, WA 98102
Hours | Sat-Sun: 3pm-12am, Mon-Fri: 4pm-12am
Jade Garden
The place to go for all-day dimsum. I always end up ordering so much, and stuffing myself to the brim. No regrets.
Location | 424 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Hours | 9am-9pm
Little Duck
Really small with limited seating, but feels just like being back in China. I’ve tried almost everything on the menu and haven’t been disappointed.
Location | 4100 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Hours | Wed: closed, Thurs-Tue: 11:30am-3pm/4pm-9:30pm
Nana’s Green Tea
Drinks, desserts, and meals to choose from. The interior decor was calming and inviting. Food was a comfort meal.
Menu I tried | Matcha Cream Latte, Salmon Sashimi Don
Location | 1007 Stewart St #103, Seattle, WA 98101
Hours | Fri-Sat: 11am-9:30pm, Sun-Thurs: 11am-9pm
Panda Noodle Bar
Tastes like the food in Chengdu. Spicy with fall-apart-in-your-mouth meat.
Menu I tried | Braised Beef Noodle Soup
Location | 4508 University Wy NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Hours | 10am-9pm
Red Pepper
I have no words to describe how much I enjoyed the food here. Salivating now just thinking of it.
Menu I tried | Lazi Chicken, Shredded Pork in Szechuan Garlic Sauce, Braised Beef Shank Soup with Noodle, Soy Sauce Stir-Fried Rice
Location | 4545 University Wy NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Hours | Sat-Sun: 11am-10pm, Mon-Fri: 11am-3:15pm/5pm-10pm
Timeless Tea Dessert Cafe
The drinks, the dessert, the music were all perfection. A few desserts were shaped into animals, and there were cat pillows in some areas.
Menu I tried | Chocolate Bulldog Mousse, Four Season Fruit Tea
Location | 1000 NE 50th St, Seattle, WA 98105
Hours | 11am-11pm
URL Coffee
The aesthetic along with the friendliness of the staff really make this cafe memorable. Plus, they have delicious avocado toast and drinks.
Menu I tried | Chai Latte, Avocado Egg Toast
Location | 524 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
Hours | Sat-Sun: 8am-3pm, Mon: 7am-3pm, Tue-Fri: 7am-4pm
Hopefully, you discover new places to see, and eateries or cafes you want to try. There are so many great places in Seattle.