St James Cathedral One Of The Most Religious Places To See In Seattle
- Spiritual vibe
- Interesting religious art
Why its awesome: Built in the early 1900s. the beautiful St. James Cathedral is one of the major religious attractions in Seattle. More than 5,000 people attended a ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone and its still a popular active place of worship today. An impressive building from the outside, inside theres a large collection of artwork and religious items and the atmosphere is spiritual and serene.
What to do there: Admire the buildings graceful façade, complete with two soaring dome-topped towers that flank the main church building, then step inside to absorb the peaceful air and see more beauty. See the stunning 1456 altarpiece crafted by an Italian artist, it symbolises the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus and is surrounded by several saints. The cathedrals works by German sculptor Ulrich Henn are just a few of those to be found across the USA. Dont miss seeing the collection of stained glass created by Charles Connick too.
Seattle Center A Fascinating Educational Place To Visit In Seattle
Photo: Jeffery Hayes
- Lots of art
- Numerous entertainment options
Why its awesome: The large Seattle Center was built for the 1962 Worlds Fair and is a major destination when visiting Seattle. Home to the famous Space Needle, the complex contains many more attractions and activitiesyou could easily spend a full day here without getting bored. A Seattle must do, its a top place for anyone interested in the arts, the performing arts, sports, education, culture, history, architecture, and entertainment. There are many cool statues, sculptures, and other features too, and theres no shortage of places to eat, drink, and shop. Various festivals are hosted at the centre, including the yearly PrideFest.
What to do there: Visit the diverse museums at the Seattle Center to learn more about various topics. Chihuly Garden and Glass is one of the treasured hotspots in Seattle, proudly showcasing the artistic works of Dale Chihuly. MoPOP has a rock n roll background, having been inspired by the musical legend Jimi Hendrix, and it covers everything to do with modern popular culture.
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Where To Stay In Seattle: Pioneer Square
Great area for: City Center Nightlife Sightseeing Underground Seattle Sports Trips
South of Pike Place and Downtown, youll find Pioneer Square, Seattles original downtown and a neighborhood known for getting a bit crazy at night. Home to the grunge movement back when Nirvana and Pearl Jam were just getting their start at places like the Central Saloon , this area is great for heritage architecture, people watching, nightlife, and boutique shops and restaurants.
Its also the place to explore underground Seattle and were not talking about the music scene. In fact, Seattles current city is built atop an older version, and its possible to visit this older iteration on a tour of the Seattle underground, which gives a clue to what life was like in the pioneer days of Seattle.
If you are an American football or baseball fan, be sure to take a tour of the nearby CenturyLink Field and Safeco Field stadiums for some fun photo ops.
And definitely head to Tats Delicatessen for the best sandwiches in the area. For a lesser known spot, head to UPS Waterfall Garden Park to eat lunch or just snap some pictures.
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South Lake Union: Modern And Sleek With Water Views
As the headquarters of Amazon, South Lake Union also referred to as SLU mixes a business and marina vibe.
Newer and flashier than some of Seattles other neighborhoods largely thanks to the thriving tech scene, South Lake Union has the advantage of accessibility to downtown while also being right on the water.
Pros and Cons
Pros:With proximity to downtown yet tucked within a neighborhood of its own, South Lake Union is readily accessible to much of the city beyond the neighborhood itself. SLU has a newer feel and the proximity to the water is certainly a plus.
Cons:SLU has a bit more of a commercial feel, lacking some of the eclectic artsy vibes and restaurant scenes of some of Seattles other areas. Beyond the marina, there isnt as much to do right in South Lake Union either.
SLU Highlights
- Lake Union:The lake itself is an undeniable feature of the neighborhood. Aside from admiring the boats docked in the marina, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Lake Union yourself for an hour or two.
- Mbar:The view from Mbars rooftop is worth a visit alone. Enjoy Middle Eastern-inspire small plates and sip on a craft cocktail or glass of wine while overlooking the Seattle skyline and Olympic Mountains.
- SLU Saturday Market:This seasonal market in the heart of South Lake Union hosts a range of food trucks, pop-ups, and craftsmen. It is worth a wander and a taste if youre in the neighborhood on a Saturday to explore some of Seattles best food and crafts.
Woodland Park Zoo Certainly One Of The Most Exotic Places To See In Seattle
- Long history
- Family-friendly attraction
Why its awesome: One of the best places to visit in Seattle for families, the award-winning Woodland Park Zoo also offers a great day out for groups of friends, couples, and solo travellers. Having started life in the late 1800s as a small private menagerie, the zoo has since moved, added to the collection, and now covers around 92 acres of land. In addition to the 300-odd animal species from all four corners of the globe , the zoo is also home to many different plants, trees, shrubs, and herbs.
What to do there: Explore the Tropical Asia zone and see creatures like rhinos, tigers, sloths, tortoises, pythons, langurs, orang-utans, and otters. Experience the jungles of South America and Africa in the Tropical Rainforest section, home to animals like gorillas, tamarins, jaguars, lemurs, snakes, and poison dart frogs.
Observe animals like wallabies, snow leopards, parrots, and emus in the Australasia zone, come face to face with elephants, lions, monkeys, birds, giraffes, zebras, and more at the African Savanna, observe penguins on land and in the water, and visit the Temperate Forest to observe species such as flamingos, red pandas, and various insects.
Weve tested countless day packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the traveller-approved Osprey Daylite Plus.
Want more deetz on why we love it so damn much? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
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Campbells Resort On Lake Chelan
Family owned and operated for 120 years, Campbells Resort on Lake Chelan is an award-winning getaway located just 3 hours from Seattle. The resort lies along a crescent-shaped beach area with direct access to the crystal clear waters of Lake Chelan. The resort boasts 170 lake-view guestrooms and suites, each of which has a private balcony or deck some suites offer a kitchenette. Guests have access to 1800 feet of private beach right on the historic Chelan downtown waterfront. The resort offers delectable dining and on-site activities include swimming, sun-bathing, boating and fishing. Nearby activities include tours of the Lake Chelan Wine Valley and the many charming shops and boutiques of downtown Chelan.
Campbells Resort on Lake Chelan, 104 W. Woodin Avenue, Chelan, WA 98816,509 682 2561
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One Night Stay Before My Cruise
Where is the safest/ best place to stay the night before my cruise that is accessible to many attractions , and within walking distance
2 replies to this topic
Really any downtown Seattle hotel fits your request.
Are you leaving from Pier 66 or Pier 91?
I suggest looking at: The Mayflower Park, The Warwick, Inn at the Market, Hotel Theodore, Hotel Max, Olive 8, The Alexis, The State, The Sound, Belltown Inn, Hotel Five. Those will give you an overview of different kinds of places in downtown that are convenient to attractions, sights, restaurants.
You would taxi in from the airport. Then taxi to the port for your cruise. Unless you are leaving from Pier 66 and staying at Marriott Waterfront . That’s one combo where you could walk to the ship.
Again, welcome! suze
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Best Hotels Near Seattle Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport , also known as the Sea-Tac, is the main international airport of the city and the place where youre most likely to land when you arrive in the city. The airport is located around 14 miles from Seattle Downtown .
In case you have a very early or very late flight, I think it would be a very wise idea to book a hotel room as close to the airport as possible for one night this way youll save some quality time and sleep!
If you decided to do so, here are the 3 best hotels located very close to the airport :
- Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport This is my recommendation for people that want to enjoy some luxury while being very close to the airport. It awaits with a 4-star service and many great facilities and amenities youll just love it!
- Best Western Seattle Airport Hotel If you prefer a middle-priced property instead, check this one out! Its less than 1 km from the airport, which I think is a great advantage!
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Heres a recommendation for those of you that are on a tight budget as well. Book your room here if you want to enjoy clean and comfy rooms for some unbeatable prices!
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
The Fairmont OlympicHotel is located in one of the best parts of Seattle, and makes one of the besthotels for kids in Seattle just because of the fact that youll find most ofwhat you and the family want to see and experience located right around thehotel.
If youre looking foran option with both an indoor and outdoor pool suitable for colder months,consider staying at the Fairmont for your next vacation.
Added ameneties like a laundry service is available, and theres a kitchen to every unit if you like sticking to your regular routine to get a start to your day.
Theres also free wi-fi throught the entire Olympic, which is great if the kids want to stay in for a movie night.
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Best Hostel In Pioneer Square: Hi Seattle At The American Hotel
Located in Seattles hip Pioneer Square District is the HI Seattle Hostel. Its our favorite place to stay in Seattle on a budget, thanks to its free wifi and delicious complimentary breakfast. You wont have to spend a lot on public transport either, as many top bars, clubs, and attractions can be reached on foot.
Capitol Hill: The Coolest Neighborhood In Central Seattle
First of all, Capitol Hill is our favorite neighborhood in Seattle, full stop. Its vibrant during the day, lively at night, and all around a really fun neighborhood.
Capitol Hill is the best neighborhood in Seattle for foodies, twenty-somethings, and hipsters, with plenty of bars and restaurants, specialty coffee shops , bars, theaters, and music venues showing a range of established and up-and-coming acts. Its a staple on any Seattle itinerary, and is worth setting aside half a day to wander around.
Theres no getting around it Capitol Hill is pretty hipster and is packed with the thrift stores, independent fashion labels, and small boutiques that young, trendy people flock to. Capitol Hill is also known for its LGBTQ scene. As youre walking around, youll notice the rainbow crosswalks, flags, and other subtle nods to the LGBTQ scene in Capitol Hill.
Capitol Hill is the best area to stay in Seattle for travelers who want to explore one of our favorite neighborhoods in Seattle, but also be in close proximity to Downtown Seattle and the rest of the tourist attractions the city has to offer, like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Capitol Hill
Pros:
- Capitol Hill is our favorite neighborhood in Seattle youll find us there basically every time were in the city. Its absolutely packed with bars, restaurants, boutiques, and a vibrant energy that you start to feel as the sun goes down. The nightlife is great, too.
Cons:
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Dont Be Afraid Of Coming During Off
Seattle summers are glorious and its when most people come to visit. But even during rainy, cloudy, and colder seasons, youll find there are things to do. Dont be afraid of coming during mid-fall, late winter, or early spring! As long as you pack layers to keep comfortable and dry, you can experience a less crowded city with more affordable hotel options.
Ballard: Amazing Neighborhood But Very Far Out
Ballard is a beautiful mix of vintage and modern, with tons of bars, restaurants, walkable streets, and the best farmers market in Seattle. Its further out, so its not as central, but its an amazing neighborhood to explore in its own right. If youre in Seattle for more than a couple of days, or this is not your first trip, consider Ballard.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Ballard
Pros: Its one of the most charming areas in Seattle with a sky-high concentration of bars, restaurants, and shopping. Plus, its close to both Discovery Park and Golden Gardens, two of the best parks in Seattle.
Cons: Its far. Like, really far from most of the major attractions in Seattle. If youre coming to Seattle for the second or third time and youve done the whole Pike Place / Space Needle thing, look to Ballard as a fun new area to explore. Otherwise, plan on it taking 20-30 minutes to get from Ballard to Downtown Seattle.
Ballard Highlights
Where to Stay in Ballard
There are basically two hotel options in Ballard, and theyre next door to each other. One is more affordable, the other is a little more lavish and upscale.
Affordable Hotel: Ballard Inn
Apartments for Rent in Ballard
Another residential neighborhood means theres tons of great options if youre looking to rent an apartment for your trip to Seattle. Here are some picks that are within walking distance of the best part of Ballard.
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Best Weekend Getaways From Seattle
Get away for a weekend of clear country air, ocean views, whale watching and hiking while exploring unique towns like Kirkland, Leavenworth, Ellensburg, Friday Harbor and Spokane. The properties that made our list include scenic island hideaways, cozy lodges, treehouses and hotels with spas where you can unwind and get pampered surrounded by nature. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.
Seattle Travel Tip: How To Get Around Seattle
Getting from SeaTac Airport to Downtown Seattle
Most people arrive in Seattle by plane or car. If youre arriving via a flight at SeaTac, know that the airport is only about 10 minutes South of Downtown Seattle, and has a few convenient options for getting into the city center:
Light Rail: The cheapest and easiest way to get from Seattle airport to downtown is by taking the Link Light Rail service. The rail station is connected to the parking garage on the 4th floor, via Skybridge 6, close to baggage claim carrousels 15 and 16. There are plenty of signs to lead the way, and its a covered walkway the whole time . Youll need to purchase a ticket from the vending machine before you board the train, or download the TransitGo Ticket App. Fare from the airport will be $3.00 per person to downtown stations.
Uber/Lyft: At the time of writing, both Uber and Lyft ride sharing services operate in Seattle, and to/from Sea-Tac Airport. There is a specified ride share pick up area on the 3rd floor parking garage, in the Ground Transportation Area. Signs leading to the area will be marked TNC/Rideshare. A typical Uber ride will cost $35-$40 to downtown, but expect to pay more during surge pricing. Alternatively, Uberpool is available for less money of you dont mind sharing.
Taxi: Youll find taxis waiting in the Ground Transportation on the level 3 parking garage. Rides to downtown will cost about $40 plus tip, depending on traffic.
Getting Around Seattle
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