There are two main reasons to visit Seattle: the food and the Pacific Northwest culture. So we offer an itinerary that packs as many delicious dishes and local arts and entertainment into 48 hours as possible, so you can make the most of your stay.
First, drop your bags off at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, a sophisticated, 147-room property downtown, or the Inn at the Market, a 70-room boutique hotel smack-dab in the heart of Pike Place Market. After checking in, take an early-morning stroll to Le Panier at Pike Place Market for a perfectly crafted latte and pain au chocolat. Give yourself some time to explore the vendors and artisans at the market before heading to the waterfront. If time allows, meander to the Olympic Sculpture Park to take in some larger-than-life art pieces.
Then take the water taxi to Marination mai kai, a Hawaiian-Korean restaurant right at the West Seattle loading dock. There, soak up the amazing view of the Emerald City with boozy shave ice and addictively good kalbi beef tacos. Head back to the city for a different perspective — this time from an enclosed gondola on the Seattle Great Wheel. Later, head to the Seattle Art Museum for its latest exhibit, “Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Gainsborough: The Treasures of Kenwood House, London,” which opens on February 14.
There’s time to stop by your hotel room for a quick disco nap before making your reservation (strongly recommended) at Matt’s in the Market, where you’ll get a taste of quintessential Pacific Northwest ingredients like huckleberries and heirloom tomatoes used in innovative preparations. Also, look out for the speakeasy-inspired bar, Radiator Whiskey, to open across the hall from Matt’s in March.
Start your second day in Seattle at Chihuly Garden & Glass, where famous local glass artist Dale Chihuly’s whimsical, colorful collection is on display. Next, head to the buzzy neighborhood of Ballard for a leisurely afternoon of lunch and window shopping. The walkable area is perfect for popping in and out of coffee shops, bookstores and antique havens. For a delicious midday meal, grab a slice and a salad at Ballard Pizza Company. Then, sate your sweet tooth with a stop by D’Ambrosio Gelato for amazing pistachio gelato or indulge in some molten chocolate cake at Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery.
Head west on Market Street to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks to watch kayaks, pleasure crafts and commercial fishing boats pass through the complex set of locks. Then, finish your relaxing day on the deck (if weather permits) at Ray’s Café for a glass of Washington State wine, a selection of sustainably caught seafood and magnificent sunset views of Puget Sound.
