For such a vibrantly busy metropolis, crammed with the best craft breweries, sports games, music museums and a quirky nightlife, Seattle is actually pretty laid-back. Which is not to say that a visit here will be anything like that, especially if said visit needs to take place in the span of 48 hours! Embedded within the culture of this city lies a zest for life; a harmonious balance of hard work and consciousness to enjoy the opportunities Seattle has to offer. It doesn’t matter how old you are, what race you are, what religion you are, Seattle is a welcoming, forward thinking haven for all, and opens its arms to a diverse array of guests, all of whom are guaranteed to have a great time. 2 days in Seattle may not seem like long, but it’s possible to pack your 2 days itinerary Seattle with the best Seattle attractions; from the lively downtown area and iconic museums, to cool boutique shops. With the right help and planning, you can discover neighbourhoods where there is a seamless balance between urban and rural, and immerse yourself in Seattle’s sense of community, all in the span of 2 days. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Seattle in 2 days in order to get the best out of your trip.
Day 1 - Morning
Spend the morning in downtown Seattle’s urban heart; flush with global bites to eat, tasty coffee to sip, and cultural hubs to dive into. Among the display of fish-tossing at the emblematic Pike Place Market on 1st Ave and Pike St. there’s a nearly unlimited selection of fresh produce and handmade goods. Grab a coffee to go, or sit down at one of the many restaurants good for breakfast, served from 6am, in the market, before browsing handmade jewelry, glass art and ceramics in the four story shopping extravaganza that is Westlake Centre. Once you're sufficiently fed and shopped out, take a six minute ride on the Link Light rail to Pioneer Square Stadium for a trip up the oldest skyscraper in the city; Smith Tower, which has overlooked the heart of Seattle since 1914. One of the best things to do in Seattle in 2 days, the neoclassical building offers visitor ‘The Legends of Smith Tower’ self-guided tour and the ‘Straight Up’ Observatory; both of which include historic Otis elevators which whisk you up to thirty-fifth floor Observatory.
Day 1 - Lunch & Afternoon
Head back the way you came, or weave your way on foot (about a fifteen-minute walk) to the nearby Westlake Park Food Truck Pod, where the revolving choice could include anything from falafel to Korean barbecue. Perhaps pair your grub with a refreshing ice-cold craft beer from the Pike Brewing Company, the perfect way to catch your breath. Once revived, walk north of downtown towards the Belltown, a section of the city where you can wander through indie boutiques, galleries and cafes. The area is home to many live-music spots including The Crocodile, an iconic rock venue since 1991. Spend some time here exploring, and perhaps stop in for another beer, before your next big adventure: the Seattle Space Needle. 48 hours in Seattle just isn't complete without a trip to the Space Needle, which is open seven days a week from 8am to 1am. In fact, even if you’re working with a limited Seattle itinerary 1 day I would still recommend you make the effort to fit this in for the experience of journeying skyward to witness some amazing 360 degree views that include Mt. Rainier, Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains.
Day 1- Evening
With such an open-minded and diverse populace you can only expect that Seattle has some seriously good museums and art on show. Based in the Seattle Centre next door to the Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden and Glasshouse displays the intricate work of northwest artist Dale Chihuly; world-famous glassblower whose truly spectacular work has been exhibited all over the globe. Or if music’s your thing and you’re a fan of pop culture, try the Seattle must-see MoPop Museum on 325 5th Avenue N, where there really is something for everyone. The museum comprises of music, science fiction, and pop culture exhibitions with – one for the geeky kids among us – an upcoming event showcasing the Minecraft gaming phenomenon. The building, designed by Frank Gehry, looks like a smashed guitar from above, while inside, its vibrant exhibits cover everything from the history of indie video games and horror films to Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. Tickets are under $30 and children under 4 get in for free.
Day 1- Night
Next, make your way to Capitol Hill for a fun-filled night. The quickest way to get there is by car, so grab an Uber and head to an area where fusion food restaurants, hip bars, laid-back coffee shops and indie stores abound. Volunteer Park, on the hill, is home to lush walking trails, a plant conservatory, panoramic city views and an art deco Asian Art Museum. It borders Lake View Cemetery, where the city’s founders, and Bruce Lee, are buried. From here you can get some thoroughly romantic night views or grab dinner at Spinasse; a bustling, high-end Northern Italian restaurant in a cozy, rustic space with an open kitchen. Looking for things to do in Seattle at night? Perhaps head to a baseball game or a football game. If that’s not your thing and you’re feeling sleepless in Seattle, spend some time exploring Capitol Hill as you make your way to Comet Tavern; a rough-and-ready venue on 922 E Pike St. with local rock bands, good beer and pinball. They are open seven days a week from 12pm to 2am.
Day 2 - Morning
Spend your second morning walking the grounds of The University of Washington, where an annual spring bloom of Yoshino cherry trees in the Quad leaves the area a picturesque mishmash of blooming reds and pinks. The University of Washington’s Botanical Gardens provides a chance to reflect in nature, while perhaps munching on a student-style breakfast from one of the many cafeś available. Other natural spots of beauty include the Sylvan Theater and Columns, Grieg Garden and the Medicinal Herb Garden. The surrounding neighborhood is hip, trendy and student-orientated, with plenty to do and see. Bonus points; being a student area you can hope for not only an authentic peek into daily Seattle life, but some cheap eats too! For more of what to do in Seattle in 2 days in this area, try The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture . Although the museum is undergoing a revamp and will open again in October 2019, if you do manage to visit when it's open you will find a diverse range of exhibits for children and adults alike; past exhibits include “Coffee: the World in your Cup” and “In Search of the Giant Squid.”
Day 2 - Afternoon
Since you’re already halfway down Seattle’s yellow brick road of history you may as well go a bit further! Take the subway to the Asian Art Museum – it’s a bit of a ride, around 20 minutes, but once you’re there you’re that much closer to the Seattle Art Museum, which you can do next. The Asian Art Museum presents a holistic view of Asia through a mix of dynamic artwork, talks and author events. Focusing of diverse perspectives on Asia’s many cultural traditions and contemporary issues, the museum is one of the best things to do in Seattle for art, history and culture enthusiasts. Eat must-try Taiwanese soup dumplings and noodles at Din Tai Fung at Pacific Place, open until 10 pm every night, or try their famous pork soup dumplings, salted bok choy, shrimp fried rice, or chocolate dessert dumplings if you have a sweet tooth.
Day 2 - Evening
Once you've had your fill of arts and culture, move west to Fremont; home to boutique indie shops, laid-back bars and a bohemian vibe. The area is eclectic, weird and distinctly off the beaten path; a less-crowded area where locals like to hang out, and everyone should visit at least once. On the north bank of the canal, quirky outdoor sculptures include the gigantic Fremont Troll, a two-ton behemoth made of steel rebar and concrete which lurks under the Aurora Bridge. Spend your the last of your 2 days in Seattle discovering things you never knew you needed among the quirky gifts, gadgets, and home products at Portage Bay Goods on 35th St., which is open from 10am to 7pm every day, or wander the arty, antique shops and hang out in eclectic cafeś. Gather around for the age-old pleasure of board games at Fremont Brewing; a spacious family-owned joint that welcomes families with dogs and pours everything from local IPAs to limited-edition community beers like Pride Seattle Kölsch.
Day 2 - Night
Start your final night in Seattle in Ballard, a historic neighborhood home to casual and trendy eateries, a thriving craft beer scene, and attractions that celebrate its Nordic and maritime roots.Then, onto the next stop! Sip a Monte Carlo cocktail and try the poisson du jour (fish of the day) at Bastille on Ballard Ave; a stylish French bistro and bar with seasonal menus and vintage decor. FYI: Happy hour is from 4.30pm to 6pm daily. The rooftop garden is a produce and herb haven which produces the freshest ingredients for the restaurant, feeding the space’s commitment to organic, sustainable agriculture; a Seattle food experience not to be missed! Head to the Seattle hidden gem Bad Jimmy’s Brewery next for a selection of smooth beers and a fun atmosphere. Not only the best place in the city to grab a beer, this ambient brewery also offers other fantastic drinks and is home to a cool, communal environment, perfect for making lasting memories
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