A flight from Anchorage to Seattle is short and sweet. With a long 4-day weekend we were able to accomplish, and of course, eat a lot. This is my list of Best Things To Do In Seattle Over A Long Weekend.
First stop right off the tram from the airport was…
Starbucks Reserve: Okay, this place was magical. The roasting equipment, fancy bar, and the bakery were stunning. Try the shakshuka eggs with toasted bread and a specialty latte, you won’t be disappointed. A flight of their coffee is also worth it, if you truly enjoy coffee alone, it’s a great way to find your favorite roasts. Their mugs are super cute too.
Pike’s Place Market
Going to local markets is one of my favorite things to do regardless of where I am traveling. Pike’s Place is pretty spectacular because it’s right on the water and has a variety of options for everyone.
Pike’s Place Favorite Stops:
Le Panier– The ham and cheese croissant is a must. Don’t forget a macaroon and a palmier with a cup of coffee.
Ellenos– Life changing Greek yogurt. No bitterness, just pure creamy bliss. I love their creative flavors and quality ingredients! Even my husband (who is not a yogurt fan) went back twice, he loved it so much!
Fresh fruit and veggie stands- Don’t just look at them! The berries and apples were my favorite. Most market stands let me try a sample of unique produce like golden berries and cotton candy grapes. Bring a produce cooler bag!
The Crumpet Shop– Typically, I go for sweet flavors but the salmon cream cheese and pesto was a savory delight. There’s just something about the texture of crumpets that make them a perfect carb indulgence.
Beechers– There is literally a bath of cheese inside the shop. Their mac and cheese is something I have almost missed my flight for while stopping in Seattle’s airport where they have acute little shop. You better believe I grabbed a few cheeses to take home from their market location. Don’t miss their flagship cheese, they usually have samples in the back.
Mee Sums– The beef curry hum bao…was so flavorful I could eat 10 of them. Perfect amount of spice with fresh sweet puffy dough.
Piroshky Piroshky– Everything. Just get one of everything. If you’ve never had a piroshky, these should be something you wait in line for.
The Gum Wall- Interesting.
Best Things to Do in Seattle Over a Long Weekend
Places to Eat in Seattle:
Portage Bay Café– As soon as I walked in and saw a mug that said “Eat Like You Give a Damn” and their pancake topping bar…I was in love. Their homemade whip cream alone is a reason I’d go back. My omelet with fresh veggies and savory cheese was super satisfying.
Bahn Thai– I could literally drink their peanut sauce. This cute little Thai restaurant was right down the street from the Queen Anne apartment we stayed in. The chicken satay and Pad Thai were unforgettable. Definitely, walked back up the Queen Anne hill with a full belly.
Ivar’s– Can’t go wrong with a cup of chowder anywhere in Seattle but loved being able to grab a quick fish and chips and chowder before the ferry. Pike’s place chowder was also really good.
Favorite Seattle Coffee Places:
Slate Coffee– Unbelievable. I got the deconstructed latte which was fun and a vanilla latte. It may not look like much inside but it is hands down the best coffee I’ve had…outside of Italy espresso.
Moore Coffee– This coffee shop has expert baristas in coffee art. Their flavored lattes are delicious, I recommend the Madrid. They also have fresh creative waffles and breakfast options.
Seattle’s Best Desserts:
Mighty-O-Donuts– The organic lemon poppyseed was delicious. If you can’t choose a flavor get a few of the mini’s and sample them all! The dough was a mix between funnel cake and cake. So good.
Salt and Straw: Salted caramel cupcake. YUM!
Sugar and Spoon– Cookie dough to go from a truck. What more could you possibly want? I would definitely get kidnapped for some of this dough.
Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery– The name says it all. Hot melty cakes with chocolate lava inside.
Where We Stayed In Seattle:
Queen Anne Apartment– We stayed in a cozy little apartment with great views where everything was in walking distance (we typically walk 8-12 miles a day). It was a nice little distance from the busy city and close to skyline views.
Activities and Sights to See in Seattle
Space Needle- With the new glass floors and deck, you won’t be disappointed. Warning: if you are afraid of heights…just do it.
Argosy Cruise- Great way to learn some of Seattle’s history and fun facts. We went on a beautiful sunny day and the view of the skyline and mount Rainer were amazing.
Industrious CrossFit– Awesome coaching staff and the community was beyond friendly. Loved the organization of the gym and how the class was structured. Highly recommend a drop in!
Chihuly Glass Museum- I am not much of an art buff but loved his beautiful creations. So many interesting fun glass pieces and colors. Incredible.
Ferry- Drove right onto the ferry and took a quick trip over to Bainbridge Island to hit up the Bainbridge Brewery. They also had a few wineries with top notch red wines. Fun experience!
Want a break from the city?
Seattle has nearby day hikes! We did one on the north side of Seattle and were able to watch a train go by and got some pretty great beach access.
https://seattle.curbed.com/maps/best-seattle-day-hikes-trails
Pro Tip: I brought quite a bit of produce and spices back in my carry-on. Anchorage during the winter has…well not the greatest fruit and vegetable selection so leave room in your luggage!
Also, consider getting a City Pass. We were able to use all of it to see the main tourist attractions for a discounted price. Totally worth it!
And…bring a rain coat and rain boots!
Cheers! Check out a few of my other travel blogs including the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone!
