A perfect day in Seattle

Here in Seattle, I’m always on the lookout for the best places to enjoy the sunshine (or stay dry from the rain—I mean, this is the damp Pacific Northwest). And after living here for the past 10 years, I’m still making discoveries. There’s always an exciting new restaurant where I can sample new-to-me food, a gallery where I can take in the work of a local artist, or a locally owned boutique where I’m able to “shop small.” When visitors come for just a day, I can squeeze in so many reasons I love this city into an itinerary.

If you have 24 hours to explore Seattle, you’re not going to have time for the vast Olympic National Park and other sights outside the city limits. But whenever you need a breather, in a matter of minutes, you can be in any number of relaxing green spaces. I’ve organized this itinerary by neighborhood so that you aren’t backtracking too much. And I’ve included ratings and reviews from the Tripadvisor community so you’re zeroed in on the best of the best.

To start your day off right, head to the open and airy Cafe Flora in Madison Valley. Focusing on locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms, this vegetarian eatery is a great place to order family-style dishes and share them with everyone at the table. (The rice-cake beignets with seasonal fruit are always a winner.) The baristas create delicious coffee drinks like the lavender fields latte, made with local honey that’s infused with lavender.

Cafe Flora is in walking distance of the Seattle Japanese Garden, at the southern edge of Washington Park Arboretum. When locals need a break from city life but don’t want to go too far, this peaceful garden does the trick. Wander through on your own, or catch a free guided tour highlighting the garden’s history and the Japanese and Pacific Northwest plants you’ll find here. During the summer, you can buy fish food to feed the hungry koi in the pond.

Seattle is serious about its public art—there are more than 400 permanent pieces scattered around the city—and one of the best places to take it all in is Downtown Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park. If you’re here on a weekend, take advantage of the free guided tours. If Seattle is raining on your parade, opt instead for a visit to nearby Chihuly Garden and Glass, with eight galleries filled with works by famed glass artist Dale Chihuly. It’s next to the Space Needle, so you can snap a few high-flying pics during your visit.

You can’t miss the entrance to Pike Place Market, as it’s beneath a three-story-tall red neon sign. What you find among the nine acres of stalls changes with the seasons, so it might be Rainier cherries and lavender in the summer, apple cider in the fall, or freshly cut flowers in the spring. If all this food makes you start thinking about lunch, check out Michou for overstuffed sandwiches and pasta salads, Pike Place Chowder for a warm cup of clam chowder with some delicious sourdough bread, and Hellenika Cultured Creamery for cultured gelato made with local dairy products. I recommend the honey lavender, but if you can’t decide you can opt for a sampler of four flavors.

After lunch, take a stroll around the streets of Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. Start off with a sweet treat from Hood Famous Bakeshop, which specializes in Filipino-inspired baked goods. Their brightly colored pastries pair perfectly with an ube (purple yam) or pandan (a palm-like leaf) latte, served hot or iced. The house-made syrups are available by the bottle in case you want to take some home. There are a few tables inside, but if the weather is cooperating you should check out nearby Hing Hay Park, which you’ll recognize from the red arches out front.

There are plenty of one-of-a-kind shops in the neighborhood. About a block away is Mam’s Books, an independent bookstore that specializes in books by Asian American writers. You can also shop small at Sairen, which sells jewelry, stationery, and other goods from Asian American artists.

PIKE PLACE MARKET AREA TOUR OPTIONS

As evening approaches, drive north to the duck-filled Green Lake Park, which is especially beautiful around sunset. Depending on how hungry you are, you can stroll around the lake—a three-mile loop if you do the whole thing—or rent a paddleboard, kayak, or water bike before or after you sit down to dinner. We recommend Noi Thai Cuisine for its upscale versions of Thai classics. Colorfully named dishes include the Angry Ocean, a medley of lobster, prawns, and scallops served over fresh vegetables.

If you’re looking for a spot to kick back with a drink after, check out nearby Retreat for wine, beer, or creative cocktails. If you visit on Wednesday evening, there’s usually live music, too.

Downtown Seattle: If you want to be near Seattle’s top attractions, Downtown Seattle has you covered. Earning high marks from Tripadvisor readers, the independently owned State Hotel has an unbeatable location across from Pike Place Market. The artsy vibe sets it apart from chain hotels. Downtown Seattle is also home to the Lotte Hotel, which gets stellar marks across the board for its stylish, modern rooms. Its floor-to-ceiling windows have some of the best views of the skyline.

South Lake Union: South Lake Union is centrally located, making it easy to get to Downtown Seattle and other neighborhoods we cover in this itinerary. Check out the Astra Hotel, which earns a Traveler’s Choice award for its modern rooms and amenities like a fitness area and a rooftop bar.