You’ve got a weekend to burn, maybe a mileage run on Alaska airlines or you’re just looking for a break from that summer heat? Seattle makes a fabulous weekend destination, especially if you’ve got a couple of friends to tag along. The Emerald City is as varied as the people that live there, from hi tech millennials to the laidback lifestyle that caused the Seattle music scene to explode in the 90’s, there is something for everyone. Check out our two weekend in Seattle itineraries for an idea of what this city has to offer.
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The Posh Weekend in Seattle
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Arrive in Seattle Friday Evening
Catch an Uber or schedule a shuttle to your downtown Seattle Hotel and Spa. Order room services and relax while enjoying your view of the fabulous Seattle skyline.
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Where to Stay
- Hotel 1000 The virtual reality golf club, perfect location just steps from the Ellliott Bay Waterfront, and luxury spa are the hallmarks of this Loews Brand Hotel.
- Four Seasons Hotel Seattle on Union, in the heart of downtown, lives up to the Four Seasons reputation for style and service.
- Kimpton Alexis Hotel on 1st Ave, an artsy boutique hotel near the waterfront with posh rooms and spa services on site.
All three are within walking distance of the fabulous dining and unique vibe that downtown Seattle has to offer.
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Day 1
Breakfast – Awake to breakfast from room service or head to Café Campagne off of Post Alley at Pike Place market for a lazy breakfast and then head to your full spa day. Both Hotel 1000 and the Four Seasons are known for their excellent spa services. If you want to venture out, reserve your day at the Ananya Spa, which is a nice walk or easy Uber ride from your hotel.
Recommendations
Ananya Spa – Ananya or Nimai packages
Hotel 1000 Spa – The Complete Indulgence service – enhance your massage with aromatherapy or extra time spent on trouble areas.
Four Seasons – Work with the spa team to customize your perfect day. You’ll receive a 10% discount on all spa expenses when you bundle 3 or more 50+ minute treatments. Don’t miss the Northwest Scrub Bar.
Dinner at Sushi Kashiba– Make a reservation unless you prefer to see the culinary artistry of world famous chef Shiro Kashiba up close and personal. In that case, make sure you’re outside the restaurant by 4:00pm to claim your place in line to sit at the bar and watch the master at work. Either way you’ll be treated to some of the best sushi you’ll ever eat and a true Pacific Northwest treat.
Wrap up the evening with drinks at any number of downtown wine bars, breweries or pubs, depending on your style before drifting off to sleep dreaming of what is yet to come.
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Day 2
Wake up naturally to the sounds of the bustling city coming to life. Make your reservations early for brunch at the Space Needle Restaurant (that is if they ever finish the renovations) or try your luck with a table at Toulouse Petite, both just a short Uber ride away.
After breakfast, you’ve got to check out the Nordstrom Flagship store and other shopping at Westlake Center and in downtown Seattle. Let the time unfold as it will but don’t forget to get yourself some lunch before heading back to Seatac for your afternoon flight home. We recommend making your way to Purple Café and Wine Bar and don’t forget to try the bacon wrapped figs with goat cheese.
As your plane takes off, look back at the breathtaking beauty of the Olympic mountains and know you’ve just experienced some of the best that Seattle has to offer.
Stay Northwest Style
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Arrive in Seattle Friday evening
Catch an Uber or schedule a shuttle to your downtown Seattle Hotel. Check out your room and then step out to one of the many local breweries within walking distance of any downtown hotel.
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Stay
A favorite is The Inn At the Market at the corner of 1st and Pine, just steps, literally, from Pike Place Market. In Sleepless in Seattle Tom Hanks and Rob Reiner are standing under the Inn sign when Reiner gives his opinion on the cuteness of Hanks’ booty. Or, shop around to see what you can find at a great price, but to keep that downtown vibe, try to stay between Stewart and James Streets from 1st to 8th Ave. (the closer to 1st the better). You may even find a great deal on Airbnb, so give it a shot.
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Day 1
Wake up naturally and make your way to Pike Place market to find the perfect breakfast. If you like to walk while you eat, stop in to Piroshky Piroshky for a fresh hot Russian treat and don’t forget your Starbucks coffee. Spend your morning exploring Pike Place and make sure to buy some souvenirs to take home. (warning: food souvenirs are so tempting…so get extra).
Lunch – I’m not going to recommend any specific restaurant for lunch. You’re in the heart of a foodie’s paradise. Take some time to walk through the streets of downtown Seattle until you find something that speaks to you. Vegetarian, vegan, ethnic, and gourmet options abound.
Afternoon – Take the ferry from Seattle to Bremerton. You’ll have a chance to see some of the local wildlife and enjoy the beautiful views of the Puget sound, like the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier in the distance. Get a glass of wine and simply catch the return ferry to watch the Seattle skyline come closer and closer as you return to the waterfront. This is a great opportunity for a photo op and keep your eyes open for whale watching boats to see if you can spot some of Seattle’s largest residents.
Dinner – After you freshen up, head to El Gaucho for dinner. You’ll want to Uber it unless you prefer the 1-2 mile walk to Belltown. If you make it before 5pm, you can sit at the bar and take advantage of the happy hour menu, getting some of the delicious fare at a fraction of the price. Even if you miss happy hour pricing, the bar menu is a great way to go. Don’t over-indulge because you’re going downstairs to the Big Picture Theater to watch whatever movie they’re playing at the moment. Buy your tickets ahead of time (several weeks or more) and enjoy their incredible truffle butter popcorn and full service bar, including mid movie drinks delivered to your seat. Shows usually start at 6:oo and 8:30 or 9:00pm.
Uber your way back to the hotel for a great night’s sleep and wake up ready to conquer day 2.
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Day 2
Breakfast – Make your way to the Queen Anne neighborhood (car ride) for french toast at the 5 Spot or head back to Belltown for a recovery breakfast at the 5 Point Cafe.
After breakfast, you’ve got to head over to the Museum of Pop Culture (Mopop $19-$25) which is adjacent to the Space Needle and the Seattle Art Museum ($11-$17).
You might be tempted to pay to go up the space needle. I recommend an alternative that will give you an even greater view of the city at a lower price. Once you are finished at the museums, catch a ride over to Columbia Tower and take in the city from the 73rd floor ($14.75). Your other option is to stop on the 40th floor at Starbucks for free.
Lunch – From Columbia tower its only 4-5 blocks over to Purple Cafe and Wine Bar where you can sit down for a wonderful farewell lunch before heading back to the airport.
Hiking
As a quick side note, if you are a hiker and want to experience a little of the famous Pacific Northwest outdoors, consider replacing a day with a hike on Mount Si. There are 5 and 8 mile options on one of the most popular moderate day hikes in the area.
