Things to Do in Seattle | Pike Place Market Hotel

Heading to a hockey game, epic concert, or a day of sightseeing? Don’t worry about parking—head to the Seattle Monorail instead. An icon since the Century 21 Exposition in 1962 (also known as the Seattle World's Fair), the Seattle Monorail departs from Westlake Center and takes riders directly to Seattle Center in approximately 90 seconds. There, you can explore attractions like the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Pacific Science Center, and Climate Pledge Arena.
It Factor: This convenient and fun way to explore the northern part of downtown Seattle was the first full-scale commercial monorail system in the U.S. Take the monorail to see the revamped Space Needle and its floor-to-ceiling observation deck. The Space Needle also made its debut at the World's Fair.

1601 5th Avenue, Seattle

5th and Pine
» View Website
206.905.2600

2. THE CROCODILE

Seattle's iconic live music venue has been booking incredible bands since 1991. Music lovers will find nightly shows featuring a range of acts, including artists in the rock, pop, hip-hop, punk, and singer-songwriter genres.
It Factor: The Crocodile has played host to a Who's Who list of performers, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and R.E.M., and is often credited with influencing Seattle's grunge movement.

2505 1st Ave, Seattle

1st and Wall
» View Website
206.420.6351

3. THE SHOWBOX

A two-minute walk from The State Hotel gets you to one of Seattle's oldest entertainment spots. The Showbox, an art-deco ballroom, has been highlighting local and national musical acts since 1939.
It Factor: Everyone from Duke Ellington to the Ramones has played here; recent acts have included The Roots, Foo Fighters, and Macklemore.

1426 1st Avenue, Seattle

1st near Pike
» View Website
206.628.3151

4. SEATTLE ART MUSEUM

Affectionately known as SAM, Seattle's world-class art museum has been the cornerstone of the region's visual arts scene since 1933. Nearly 25,000 pieces of art from all over the world grace SAM's permanent collection. Recent exhibitions like Yayoi Kusama's "Infinity Mirrors" demonstrate the museum's ability to attract sought-after artists and shows.
It Factor: SAM has also created a large-scale outdoor exhibit one mile from The State Hotel where visitors can take in the view of the waterfront with a side of incredible sculptures at the Olympic Sculpture Park. It's free and open to the public year-round.

1300 1st Ave, Seattle

1st and University
» View Website
206.654.3100

5. SEATTLE GREAT WHEEL

Built on a platform extending over the edge of Elliott Bay, the Great Wheel stands at 175 feet tall. Each of its 42 climate-controlled gondolas can hold up to eight passengers. Rides last for 12 minutes and extend 40 feet over the water.
It Factor: Want to ride in style? A $50 ticket gets you a special luxury gondola with leather bucket seats, a stereo system, glass-bottom floor, a champagne toast, t-shirt, and photo-booth pics. These VIP gondolas are first come, first served.

1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle

Pier 57
» View Website
206.623.8607

6. SMITH TOWER OBSERVATORY

When it opened in 1914, Smith Tower was the first skyscraper in Seattle and the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Its open-air observation deck is the perfect place to take in epic views of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay.
It Factor: The attached speakeasy-style bar takes visitors back to early Prohibition days. The menu features new twists on old classics like Collins and highballs. Try the Colonists' Collins, made with Laird's Apple Brandy, rhubarb shrub, soda, and Amontillado sherry.

506 2nd Avenue, Seattle

2nd and Yesler
» View Website
206.624.1404

SHOPPING

1. NORDSTROM

Fashion powerhouse Nordstrom is a Seattle-grown brand. Its flagship store, located in the heart of downtown, is chock-full of stylish choices for all.
It Factor: Four floors of fashion aren't the only attraction. Personal stylists, the Wedding Suite, Anastasia Brow Studio, Spa Nordstrom, and a number of restaurants and cafes are some of the many amenities available.

500 Pine St, Seattle

Pine and 5th
» View Website
206.628.2111

2. MOOREA SEAL

A bright and airy space and carefully curated, on-trend clothing, accessories, and home goods define this stunner of a downtown boutique.
It Factor: Moorea Seal seeks to do good beyond its selection of beautiful accessories and objects — the company donates seven percent of its proceeds to benefit five non-profit categories.

1012 1st Ave, Suite 150, Seattle

1st betw. Spring & Madison
» View Website
206.728.2523

3. PIKE PLACE MARKET

Seattle's largest public market is also one of its biggest attractions. Scores of vendors sell everything from local salmon to fresh-cut flowers, specialty foods, crafts, and much more. Don't forget to explore the dozens of shops on the lower level.
It Factor: The market recently completed a massive expansion. Its new wing, MarketFront, opened in summer 2017 and features space for a plethora of new vendors, additional parking, and low-income senior housing. Make a point to visit new businesses like Little Fish (house-cured, salted, and smoked seafood) and Old Stove Brewing Co. (brewhouse and gastropub).

85 Pike Street, Seattle

1st and Pike
» View Website
206.682.7453

4. FILSON

Founded in the late 1800s, Filson is a beloved Seattle brand of outdoor apparel, accessories and gear. Filson didn't get its start by conducting R&D in a lab. It learned how to make superior products through real-life tests like the Klondike Gold Rush in the Yukon, then continued to refine its products for loggers, hunters, anglers, mariners, and miners, until it has become one of the most respected outdoor gear manufacturers in the world.
It Factor: Filson even makes a line of gear for man's best friend to share in outdoor adventures together.

1741 1st Ave S, Seattle

1st betw. Massachusetts and Holgate
» View Website
206.622.3147

5. FEDERAL ARMY & NAVY SURPLUS

The Northwest is an outdoor paradise, and there may be no better place to stock up for adventure than Federal, offering the best in surplus gear since 1955. They have more than 100,000 items, ranging from camping gear to footwear to tools.
It Factor: Aside from its excellent gear selection, Federal has an interesting collection of military collectibles. Their website lists items like an 1873 trowel bayonet, vintage GI snowshoes, and a genuine vintage field desk.

2112 1st Avenue, Seattle

1st betw. Lenora & Blanchard
» View Website
206.443.1818

6. ELLIOTT BAY BOOK COMPANY

Lovers of literature flock to The Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. More than 150,000 titles line the cedar shelves of this multi-level, independent bookstore.
It Factor: The beloved local bookseller hosts more than 500 author readings each year, including the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Haruki Murakami, and more.

1521 10th Ave, Seattle

10th Ave near Pine
» View Website
206.624.6600

7. SEATTLE ANTIQUES MARKET

Just steps from Pike Place Market, Seattle Antiques Market specializes in 19th- and 20th-century American antique furniture and home accessories. The store's constantly changing inventory fills more than 6,000 square feet of space.
It Factor: If you're traveling and want to take home a treasure from the past, Seattle Antiques Market offers crating and shipping service anywhere in the U.S.

1400 Alaskan Way, Seattle

Alaska Way near Union
» View Website
206.623.6115

8. FRAN'S CHOCOLATES

Chocolatier Fran Bigelow has created an empire out of caramels, chocolates, and a host of other tasty confections. Stop in at the downtown boutique to pick up some sweet souvenirs like a 20-piece box of gray and smoked salt caramels, or go big with the Grand Signature collection, a gift box with more than 80 pieces of Fran's finest.
It Factor: Fran's Chocolates are certainly more than tasty enough to stand out on their own, but they got a boost in popularity as part of Oprah's "O List," and again when Barack Obama proclaimed Fran's is his favorite chocolate shop.

1325 1st Avenue, Seattle

1st and Union
» View Website
206.682.0168

RESTAURANTS & BARS

1. SUSHI KASHIBA

Find Seattle's most sought-after sushi experience steps from Pike Place Market. Hot and cold appetizers and signature sushi dinners make Sushi Kashiba a must-stop for sushi lovers.
It Factor: The restaurant's namesake, chef Shiro Kashiba, studied under Jiro Ono in Japan. That's the Jiro that dreams of sushi.

86 Pine St #1, Seattle

Post Alley
» View Website
206.441.8844

2. STATESIDE

Unusual flavors, solid service, and housed in a former parking garage. Apparently those three things combined make for must-visit Vietnamese eats.
It Factor: Hunan-style Chili Cumin Pork Ribs and Goat Curry, but it’s hard to go wrong with anything. Don’t go too hungry. You’ll likely wait in line.

300 East Pike St, Seattle

Pike and Melrose
» View Website
206.557.7273

3. ELLIOTT'S OYSTER HOUSE

Situated on Seattle's historic waterfront, Elliott's features sustainable options from oceans around the world, and culinary creations full of Northwest flavors.
It Factor: Enjoy one of Elliott's decadent seafood towers ("The Ultimate" is made up of chilled Dungeness crab, 14 oysters, smoked mussels, smoked scallops, prawns, snow crab claws, spicy rémoulade, cocktail sauce, and mignonette) or grab $1.50 oysters during happy hour.

1201 Alaskan Way # 100, Seattle

Waterfront, Pier 56
» View Website
206.623.4340

4. STARBUCKS RESERVE ROASTERY & TASTING ROOM

This is not your regular corner Starbucks. If Willy Wonka did coffee, it might look like this. Find tasting flights, a multitude of brewing methods, and more at this spot dedicated to the art, science, and craft of coffee.
It Factor: Check out the Experience Bar, where you enjoy unique siphon-brewed coffees and other drinks not available in the main area of the store.

1124 Pike St, Seattle

Pike and Minor
» View Website
206.624.0173

5. DAHLIA BAKERY

Tom Douglas's bakery has fresh baked cookies, cakes, pies, breads, and a bevy of other carb-y delights, plus some of the tastiest breakfast sandwiches in the city (on house-made English muffins, of course).
It Factor: Dahlia Bakery's world-renowned coconut cream pie is one sweet treat you cannot leave Seattle without tasting.

2001 4th Avenue, Seattle

4th & Virginia
» View Website
206.441.4540

6. CAFÉ CAMPAGNE

This popular French brasserie in Pike Place Market's historic Post Alley boasts authentic flavors from the cuisines of Provence and Southern France.
It Factor: How can you resist delicious French favorites like salad nicoise, classic French onion soup, and poulet roti (roasted chicken). Bon appetit.

1600 Post Alley, Seattle

Post Alley
» View Website
206.728.2233

7. DOUGH ZONE

A local favorite of Seattle's International District, this spot serves up Taiwanese dumplings, buns, noodles, and more.
It Factor: Dough Zone serves excellent soup dumplings, but don't miss the Q Buns (sheng jian bao) — soft and fluffy on top, seared to a crisp at the bottom, and filled with pork and a bit of broth.

504 5th Ave S. #109, Seattle

5th Ave S. betw. King & Weller
» View Website
206.285.9999

8. BISCUIT BITCH AT CAFFÉ LIETO

Biscuit Bitch celebrates the humble Southern biscuit, with heaps of toppings (think gravy, eggs, cheese, bacon, and the like).
It Factor: Biscuit Bitch offers classic country sausage gravy, but the meat-averse can order up a vegetarian and gluten-free version made with shiitake mushrooms. Gluten-free biscuits are available, too.

1909 1st Avenue, Seattle

1st and Stewart
» View Website
206.441.7999

9. KELLS IRISH RESTAURANT AND BAR

Charming Seattle with classic Irish food and drinks, Kells is an always hoppin' hang out in Post Alley. Drop in for a pint and pastie as you peruse the Market or gather a group for an evening out.
It Factor: Kells has live Irish music every single night as well as Seattle’s largest Single Malt Scotch collection.

1916 Post Alley, Seattle

Post Alley
» View Website
206.728.1916

10. THE PINK DOOR

Serving Italian-American favorites made up of local ingredients (think fresh-made pasta, whole branzino, cioppino, and more), The Pink Door is known as one of Seattle's best dinner and entertainment establishments.
It Factor: Prepare to be dazzled by The Pink Door's nightly entertainment ‐ everything from aerial artists to music performances, cabaret acts, and burlesque shows.

1919 Post Alley, Seattle

Post Alley
» View Website
206.443.3241