DuffelUp.com Blog

Seattle is known for so many things - coffee, music, fresh seafood, microbrews, beautiful landscapes - that planning a two-day trip can feel like hardly enough time to explore the city.  A day could easily be spent café hopping and tasting brilliant espressos or exploring the famous Pike Place Market. The Emerald City also has so much culture and history that you could easily find yourself immersed in the museums and background of the city.  Hopefully this guide can help you get a well-balanced experience in the Rainy City.   

Saturday 10 am – Pike Place Market

Start your trip off right in the “Soul of Seattle.”  Humbly beginning in 1907 with eight farmers selling produce, the Pike Place Market is now one of the largest and well-known farmer’s markets in the US.  It features fresh produce stands, fishmongers, craft stalls, and many other unique shops and restaurants. 

A must-see within the market is the Pike Place Fish Market, which is known for their great seafood and their employees throwing fish to one another rather than walking it around the counter. 

For all the Starbucks lovers out there, the first Starbucks Coffee store is located in Pike Place Market. Its fun to come order your favorite drink and check out where the Starbucks frenzy began. 

Finally, check out Pike Place Chowder for the best chowder around and a very satisfying first meal in Seattle.  Order – Any chowder! Get some items from a few of the other stands and eateries and make a little picnic for yourself! 

Pike Place Fish Market. Photo by jay gavin. 

Saturday 2 pm – Underground Tour

This walking tour takes you through the underground passageways that used to be the streets of Downtown Seattle in the 1800’s.  After a fire destroyed the area, city officials rebuilt the city above the old ones rather than redoing the damaged area.  This fun and entertaining tour allows you to explore the area and experience some of Seattle’s unique history. 

Saturday 5 pm – The Space Needle

After spending the afternoon exploring what lies below the city check out the view from above at the Space Needle.  A 43-second elevator ride will take you to the top of this landmark and provide you breathtaking 360 views of the city.  The top features free telescopes and plenty of displays to provide you with information about what you’re looking at.  

Add to the experience by dining at the top in their rotating Sky City Restaurant.  It boasts an excellent Pacific Northwest menu that showcase the city’s amazing seafood and flavors. 

However, if you’re looking for something a little less pricey and fancy check out Serious Pie.  Known to be some of the best pizza in the Pacific Northwest, their pies are something you don’t want to miss out on.  Order – Chanterelle Mushrooms, Truffle Cheese Pizza  

Saturday Evening – The Triple Door

Music in Seattle is something that must be experienced and The Triple Door is a great venue to do it in.  It features both a main stage where a variety of musical acts have performed and a Musiquariam Lounge that has an excellent happy hour and live music.  The lounge is a perfect place to enjoy some cocktails and relax after a long day of sightseeing.  Also, make sure to check out what show is playing on the main stage and buy tickets beforehand if its something you’re interested in.  

Shot of the stage at The Triple Door. Photo by Invisible Hour. 

Sunday 9 am – The Waterfront

The charming Seattle waterfront is a perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful views of the Puget Sound.  There are fishing piers, bike paths, an exercise course, and many other activities that’ll start your day off on the right foot.  For a less active morning check out the souvenir and curio shops along the pier or just sit on one of the many benches along the waterfront and enjoy the beauty in front of you.  

Sunday Afternoon – SAM or Explore Capitol Hill

What you do this afternoon really depends on where your interests lie. The Seattle Art Museum is known for its wonderful exhibits that feature modern and contemporary art in addition to excellent collections of local, European, and Native American art.  It’s a stunning place to spend the afternoon exploring their exhibits and experiencing a large variety of art. 

If you’re looking to explore more of what’s outside the downtown area I would suggest heading towards Capitol Hill for the afternoon. Capitol Hill is the most densely populated neighborhood in Seattle and known for their coffee houses, nightlife and entertainment, and a strong LGBT community.  While you’re exploring the many coffee shops on the Hill make sure to stop at Espresso Vivace.  They’re known to have some of the best espressos not only in Seattle but also the US.         Order – any espresso drink 

Another great place to stop in Capitol Hill is Kingfish Café. Its great for brunch or dinner and a Seattle favorite. This restaurant features delicious upscale soul food and always has a line out the door.  On top of great food the restaurant is known to have excellent service and atmosphere. Order – The Red Velvet Cake for dessert 

Finally, Volunteer Park is a great place to stop by as a break from all the coffee and shopping.  It used to be the home of the Seattle Art Museum, which now houses the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and has plenty of green area for you to explore. It also has a conservatory, reservoir, and a water tower which has an observation deck that boasts a beautiful view of the city.  

The Volunteer Park Conservatory. Photo by pictoscribe (gone camping 9 days).

Sunday Evening – Microbrews in Capitol Hill

Barhopping in Capitol Hill is a fun way to end your stay in Seattle since the area is known to always have a party. While your checking out the bars and clubs make sure to make a stop at Elysian for some of their awesome microbrews.  Head over their late night happy hour and get a dollar off of their beer of the night. 

Also check out Barca while you’re in the area. They have 29 different draught beers, an extensive liquor selection and wine list.  On top of their great selection, their bartenders are known to be quite friendly and to be a chill place to hang out with friends.  

Where to Stay

The Sorrento Hotel

900 Madison Street

If you’re looking to still be close to the downtown area but a little more removed the action the Sorrento Hotel is the perfect location.  Around since 1909, the Sorrento is the first hotel boutique in Seattle and known for their excellent service and hospitality.  Their rooms are some of the nicest in the city and no two are alike.  Come to this historic hotel to feel pampered and relaxed on your trip.  

Inn at the Market

86 Pine Street

Located at the Pike Place Market, this is the perfect location to feel as though you’re in the heart of all the activity. The staff is known to be very helpful and accommodating and they have a rooftop deck with a beautiful view of the Puget Sound. Definitely the place to go if you want to be as close to everything as possible.