Start your day with breakfast at Tilikum Place Café, a European-style bistro with rustic-chic interiors. Indulge in one of Seattle’s most buzzed-about breakfasts: Dutch babies. These light, fluffy baked pancakes are a must-try, with options ranging from classic lemon to savory twists. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, don’t sleep on the eggs benedict or baked eggs swimming in parmesan cream sauce. 

Kick off your adventure at this Seattle hotspot, where you’ll see fishmongers tossing fresh catches, artisans offering unique goods, and colorful flower stalls. Don’t miss a quick stop at the original Starbucks for a piece of coffee history, but expect a line. With more than 500 local businesses tucked into this historic market, Pike Place is the perfect spot to knock out your souvenir shopping. 

Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from 605 feet up at the Space Needle. It’s a must-see experience for any first-timer’s trip to Seattle. Step onto the world’s first revolving glass floor if you’re feeling brave—it’s a view like no other. For an even bigger thrill, try the virtual reality bungee jump at the top. Pro tip: Going early in the day is the best way to dodge the crowds and catch the clearest views of Puget Sound, the mountains, and the city below.

Satisfy your hunger at The Pink Door, a beloved gem tucked into Pike Place Market’s Post Alley. The cozy, historic dining room offers a winning combination of Italian-American dishes and eclectic entertainment. From trapeze artists soaring above your head to cabaret acts and tarot card readers, dinner here is anything but boring. Order the Cioppino—a spicy seafood stew—or dig into the house-made lasagna for comfort food at its finest.

After lunch, head to the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). You can’t miss the 48-foot “Hammering Man” sculpture out front. Explore a massive collection of more than 25,000 works of art from all over the globe. Marvel at Native American face masks, Ancient Mediterranean sculptures, European paintings, and more. Looking for free things to do in Seattle? SAM offers free admission on the first Thursday of each month, so plan accordingly! 

Treat your senses to a magical display of color and light at Chihuly Garden and Glass. Stroll through mesmerizing galleries like the Sealife Room, the Macchia Forest, and Winter Brilliance. Discover vibrant installations highlighting Dale Chihuly’s bold imagination, including a 100-foot suspended sculpture and gardens where glass meets native plants. Step inside the artist’s mind by checking out the items that inspired Chihuly’s work, like vintage radios and Native American baskets.

Head to Discovery Park for a stroll through Seattle’s largest green space. Bask in the beauty of tidal beaches, sea cliffs, and forested trails. Take the Loop Trail for jaw-dropping views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, seals, and sea lions along the shoreline. Don’t forget to swing by the West Point Lighthouse, a circa-1881 lighthouse that’s still active today. 

Drive 30 miles east of Seattle to The Summit at Snoqualmie for an exciting afternoon on the slopes. Choose between Nordic skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing on scenic trails. Traveling with kids? Hit the family-friendly snow tubing park to fly down one of the 500-foot tubing lanes—no experience necessary. Afterward, warm up with a beer or hot cider at on-site haunts like Timberwolf Pub or Whiskey Pete’s.

Catch a show at The Crocodile—the legendary music venue that hosted bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam before they were famous. The vibes here are pure Seattle: gritty, warm, and full of energy. Depending on the night, you could be laughing hysterically at a comedy act or singing along with a headliner. Throughout the space, you’ll find murals and memorabilia celebrating the city’s music legacy. 

Savor Pacific Northwest cuisine with an upscale twist at Six Seven Restaurant, tucked inside the Edgewater Hotel. Floor-to-ceiling windows make it easy to revel in breathtaking views of the glistening Puget Sound. The menus change with the seasons, but you can expect to indulge in show-stopping seafood dishes like cedar plank king salmon, miso black cod, and bouillabaisse.