Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Seattle Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and More

A wide shot of a specific are in Seattle, Washington.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Seattle has countless things to offer to travelers looking for the ideal summer vacation due to easy access to wilderness areas, abundant city parks, and a renowned foodie scene that has pivoted to takeout and delivery.

Spending on yourself for a vacation to your dream destination gives you a chance for much-needed rest, relaxation, and the opportunity to unearth the hidden beauty of local attractions. With short-term rentals and hotels enhancing cleaning and social-distancing policies, and with the right CDC-recommended precautions, traveling helps support local businesses and the hospitality industry. So if you need a quick getaway to unwind and temporarily escape from your daily life, here’s how you can have a grand vacation in the Emerald City this summer. 

Related Guides

Where To Stay

Want to stay in a houseboat or in a luxurious hotel? The ball is in your court as there are a plethora of hotels in the city, with some of them just a few miles from Seattle airport. We suggest checking out these places as you plan out your itinerary.

Best Houseboat: Airbnb Houseboat Rental

Airbnb Houseboat Rental on Fremont Cut.
Airbnb

Seattle and its greater metro area are surrounded by water, from bays to channels to lakes. Houseboat living is extremely common here, and with this Airbnb rental, you can get a taste of houseboat living for yourself. Moored on the Fremont Cut, which connects Lake Union and Shilshole Bay, this prime location provides fast access to trendy neighborhoods such as Ballard, Fremont, and North Queen Anne. When not out (safely) exploring, you can kick back on this nicely appointed houseboat, which features amenities like a queen bed, fire-burning woodstove, Wi-Fi, back deck on the water, kitchenette, bathroom, and cozy living area. 

  • Nearest airport: King Country International Airport
  • Time: 18 minutes via car
  • Distance: 8.6 miles

Book Now

Best Rooms: Graduate Seattle

The Graduate Seattle Hotel in the University Distrcit.
Graduate Hotels

Located in the University District with all of its artsy goings-on and hip shops, the Seattle outpost of this up-and-coming collegiate boutique hotel chain features University of Seattle-themed colors alongside its Art Deco-meets-dark-academia décor and design. Its 158 rooms range in size from twee Studios for solo travelers to Queen-Queens for group staycations with your quarantine bubble buddies. Start the day with coffee and breakfast sandos from Poindexter Coffee on the ground floor, which transitions to a natty wine bar at night, and in the evening head to the rooftop Mountaineering Club for craft cocktails, oysters, and unbeatable views of The Mountain. 

  • Nearest airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
  • Time: 22 minutes via car
  • Distance: 18.4 miles

Read more: Best Bars in America

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel: Hotel Theodore

Inside the Hotel Theodore in downtown Seattle.
Provenance Hotels

Treat yourself to an upscale stay at the opulent, art-centric Hotel Theodore in downtown Seattle. With well-thought-out COVID-19 policies like contact-less check-in and a virtual concierge, you can feel safe and secure from the beginning of your stay right to the end. Their range of stylish and well-appointed rooms are perfect for solo or group stays, and right outside the hotel’s front door is the downtown area with its many fine restaurants and attractions. And if you really want to splurge, try out the Champagne Wishes & Penthouse Dreams offer, which comes with free valet parking, champagne, and top-of-the-world views. 

  • Nearest airport: King Country International Airport
  • Time: 13 minutes via car
  • Distance: 6.5 miles

Best Splurge: Grand Hyatt Seattle

Inside a room in Grand Hyatt Seattle.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Experience a luxurious getaway at the Grand Hyatt Seattle, boasting modern rooms that feature a majestic view of the city. Equipped with flat-screen TVs, the rooms come with a large bathtub and velvety bathrobes, allowing you to get the royal treatment you deserve. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, offers the ultimate fine dining experience for classy travelers. After a hearty meal, you can visit the Pike Place Market, which is only 15 minutes away from the hotel. Then, head on to the health club to take advantage of Grand Hyatt’s spa high-class spa treatment services and sauna.

  • Nearest airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
  • Time: 18 minutes via car
  • Distance: 14.7 miles

Best Furnishing: Fairmount Olympic Hotel

The building of Fairmount Olympic Hotel.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Fairmount Olympic Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for a reason. This pet-friendly hotel lures guests with an elegant interior, captivating you with its French-inspired décor. Once you check in, you will be met with designer toiletries and plush robes, making you feel like a king. Enjoy the hotel’s 24-hour concierge service should you need help in navigating around Seattle.

  • Nearest airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
  • Time: 17 minutes via car
  • Distance: 5 miles

What To Eat

Alongside Portland, Seattle is one of the Pacific Northwest’s culinary gems, specializing in fresh, delectable seafood and multicultural fare from around the world courtesy of its diverse population. The state of Washington has removed most COVID-19 restrictions, so indoor dining is permitted again, but outdoor dining is still encouraged, and many restaurants are offering takeout and delivery. Here’s a quick guide to help you gauge each restaurant or bar’s food prices: 

  • “$” = budget-friendly or cheap
  • “$$”= average
  • “$$$”= expensive

Best Bakery: Bakery Noveau

A close up of cream cheese Danish with Bakery Nouveau in the background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

William Blake has more than two decades of experience in baking, demonstrating his expertise in the field through Bakery Noveau’s state-of-the-art food offerings. Now a well-known Seattle icon, the bakery offers a diverse range of food to diners, including drool-worthy breakfast pastries like cream cheese Danish and fresh seasonal specialties such as the Italian Roll.

  • $$

Browse the menu

Best Ambiance: Biscuit Bitch

Biscuit Bitch's interior design.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

We know it’s a unique name, but hey, Biscuit Bitch also serves great food. Owned by Kimmie Spice, Biscuit Bitch offers not only an upbeat ambiance but also filling, yet affordable food for diners. It’s a space where you can freely interact with other customers without feeling left out. At Biscuit Bitch, every person treats you as if you’re family. That’s how hospitable they are.

  • $

Browse the menu

Best for Kids: The Fat Hen

People eating inside The Fat Hen.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Claiming to be located in a “teeny tiny neighborhood,” The Fat Hen serves filling breakfasts and lunches with coffee, tea, mimosas, and more. For its seasonal menu, The Fat Hen offers house-made granola and its signature chicken sandwich. There’s also “Little Hen,” a kiddie breakfast meal containing cage-free scrambled eggs, toasted English muffin, and pancetta.

  • $

Browse the menu

Best for Breakfast: Glo’s

Outside the building of Glo's Coffee Shop.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

First established as a breakfast and lunch diner in 1987 by Gloreen Raineri, Glo’s is known for cooking meals from scratch using the finest ingredients to serve freshly made food to customers. Although the restaurant now focuses on serving breakfast, some of the offerings we recommend trying are its eggs benedict variations, buttermilk biscuits, and homestyle corned beef hash.

  • $$

Browse the menu

Best Chinese Restaurant: Din Tai Fung

Inside the Din Tai Fung restaurant.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bing-Yi Yang was born in 1927 and selling cooking oil, naming his shop “Din Tai Fung.” Yang and his partner made Xiao Long Bao in the same shop, and at this point, a legend was about to be born. The couple’s Xiao Long Bao’s business boomed, forcing Yang to phase out his cooking oil business and turning it into the beloved restaurant we know (and dine today). Aside from Xiao Long Bao, this well-known restaurant also serves soy noodle salad, noodle soups, and other gourmet Chinese delights.

  • $$

Browse the Menu at Door Dash

Best Q-Pao: Dough Zone Dumpling House

Dough Zone Dumpling House bustling with people inside.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Dough Zone is known for its Q-Bao or pan-fried buns, crafted with high-quality ingredients and prepared with perfection. If you need more options, the restaurant prepares vegan-friendly food like green onion pancakes and appetizers to spice up your meals. Allergens are listed in an easy-to-read table on its website, so you may want to check that out.

  • $

Browse the menu

Best Vietnamese Restaurant: Pho Viet Anh

Outside the Pho Viet Anh.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pho Viet Anh has been serving flavorful Vietnamese food since 2006, all made with the finest non-GMO ingredients for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Seasoning is infused in each meal to extract the ingredients’ natural flavors, tickling your palate. The restaurant’s pho is packed with veggies along with beef, chicken, or tofu. The staff is accommodating and prompt, so rest assured that you will get the best service when dining in Pho Viet Anh.

  • $$

Best Value: Pho 99 

At the parking space of Pho 99.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Like Pho Viet Anh, Pho 99 has a wide variety of Vietnamese food for travelers of all lifestyles — from tofu roll to rice noodle soup. We recommend Pho 99 if you think that Pho Viet Anh’s prices are too steep. No judgment there.

  • $

Browse the Menu

Most Community-Oriented: Taylor Shellfish Farms

People dining outdoors at Taylor Shellfish Farms.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Taylor Shellfish Farms came into existence thanks to the owners’ great-great-grandfather. From then on, every generation has shown a fervent passion for both shellfish and the community. Now led by Bill and Paul Taylor and Jeff Pearson — Bill and Paul’s brother-in-law — Taylor Shellfish Farms has become a thriving company and oyster bar that serves the freshest raw oysters, geoduck, and more.

  • $

Best Oyster Bar: The Walrus and the Carpenter

Inside the The Walrus and the Carpenter.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Walrus and the Carpenter is the brainchild of Renee Erickson, Jeremy Price, and Chad Dale. The trio began working on the establishment in winter 2009, and with the help of their loved ones and friends, the restaurant finally opened its doors, serving its first guests in summer 2010. Presently, the Walrus and the Carpenter is known for its friendly, bustling atmosphere, plates of delicious oysters, and refreshing glasses of alcoholic beverages.

  • $$

Browse the menu

Best Luxury: Matt’s in the Market

Matt’s in the Market bustling with people inside.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Craving wine after a long day of exploring Seattle? Head on to Matt’s in the Market, boasting an extensive wine and beer menu for all connoisseurs and enthusiasts. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner. However, the offerings can be unique so it’s a great opportunity to train your taste buds. Trust us, this is one way to end up sleepless in Seattle (and, hopefully, not broke)

  • $$$

Best Seafood Menu: Manolin

Staff meeting at Matt’s in the Market.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Manolin makes a big splash with its seafood-inspired menu, offering wallet-friendly options such as bagels and kimchi trout sandwiches. Fun fact: The restaurant ended up on the Bon Appetit hot 10 in 2015 a year after it first opened in 2014.

  • $

Browse the menu

Best for Groups: Sushi Kashiba

An elderly chef showing his prepared food at Sushi Kashiba.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Japanese chef Shiro Kashiba completed years of apprenticeship under Jiro Ono, Kashiba’s senior supervisor, and sushi maestro, successfully introducing the edomae sushi to Seattle. Today, Sushi Kashiba provides both ala-carte meals and Kashiba deluxe omakase boxes, with the latter containing sushi and other assortments. You can eat the omakase box yourself or share it with your friends.

  • $$$

Best View: Mountaineering Club

The aerial view of Seattle from the Mountaineering Club.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Have you ever wanted to marvel at the picturesque Mount Rainier while enjoying your favorite food and drink? Look no further than Mountaineering Club, one of Seattle’s mixology hotspots. Located on the 16th floor of Graduate Seattle, Mountaineering Club features high-quality local ingredients and delightful cocktails that will surely tickle your palate. If you want to good time in Seattle, we recommend Mountaineering Club. It’s a bit pricey but the view makes it a top-tier destination for nature and food lovers.

  • $$$

Browse the menu

Best Theme: Teachers Lounge

Outside the establishment of Teachers Lounge.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hold up, it’s not what you think it is. Teachers Lounge is a North Seattle-based cocktail lounge that provides alcoholic beverages and cafeteria-inspired food to customers. This scholastically-themed establishment also prepares Teachers Lounge originals such as Essay No.1 and Heat Miser. Don’t just thank the staff, thank also the science and art of good eating.

  • $$

Browse the menu

Best Smokehouse: Lady Jaye

Lady Jaye's designated tables and seats.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Lady Jaye serves both smoked meat and cocktails. If you’re aiming for cocktails, we recommend trying the smoked Old-Fashioned and trash Manhattan. And if you want to cook your own dinner, you can drop by the Lady Jaye general store for lesser-known meat cuts

  • $

Outdoors

Mt. Stuart and Lake Ingalls, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Sean Munson via Flickr

Obviously, Seattle is a nature lover’s paradise. But since you probably already visit Mount Rainier, Bainbridge Island, and some of the more popular sports in the San Juan Islands on a regular basis, it’s time to look off the beaten path. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is within an hour’s drive from Seattle and has tons of majestic hikes that lead to alpine lakes and scenic mountaintop vistas. For an island day trip, check out Whidbey and Camano Islands for hiking, scenic drives, and local flavor in charming small towns.

Or if you want to spend time on the beach, head to Kopachuck State Park near Gig Harbor for beautiful views and great clamming and crabbing (for which you’ll need a recreational license). You can rent the best hot tub boats so you can appreciate the Seattle weather and enjoy the cool sea breeze while spending quality time with your partner (or with yourself). 

Indoors 

Biplanes inside an aviation museum.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Some attractions might be temporarily closed. Don’t be sad, for there are still plenty of things you can do in Seattle — particularly indoors. For example, if it’s cold and rainy day and you don’t want to go out, you can have fun in your hotel room, like checking out digital tours and livestreams of museums and attractions such as The Museum of Flight, the Seattle Aquarium, and the National Nordic Museum.

You also can take cooking lessons from some of Seattle’s top chefs like those at Canlis, which launched a “Canlis Community College” of cooking and dining videos with local chefs (available now to watch on their YouTube channel). And some local theaters and performing arts venues like the Book-It Theatre and Town Hall Seattle are offering audio or streaming services for plays, dances, and musical performances.

How to Save Money on Your Trip to Seattle

Experiences

Despite Seattle’s unique coffee culture, amazing grunge music scene, and general outdoor lifestyle, it still has a lot of hidden gems to offer to travelers looking for an amazing time in the city. It is also home to Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and multiple tech-industry headquarters, such as Amazon and Microsoft. Make sure to check out Kayak if you want to try out new things or go to an adventure.

Hotels

With so many amazing places in Seattle, you’d probably want accommodation where you’d be able to easily get around the city without consuming too much of your time. Kayak lets you book both affordable and luxurious hotels easily so you can enjoy your stay in the city.

Vehicle Rentals

Now, although Seattle has a lot of amazing things to offer, traffic congestion might not be one of those. So, if you want to maximize your time, Kayak has great car rental deals to get you around the city without any inconvenience.

Read More: Why are Car Rentals so Expensive?

Editors' Recommendations

Zoe Baillargeon
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Zoe Baillargeon is an award-winning travel writer and freelance journalist based in the Pacific Northwest. She covers travel…
Vail travel guide: Where to stay, what to eat, and more
Your guide to everything Vail
Black and white photo of Vail from 1966

When it comes to ski resorts, there’s something about Vail Resorts that's unique and distinct from any other winter destination in the U.S. Vail, located in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, is known for having one of the longest ski seasons on the continent. With a top elevation of 11,570 feet, it’s no surprise that people from all over the world travel to experience the adventure and beauty of the Vail ski resort. Get the most out of your Vail Resorts vacation with our guide.

Where to stay in Vail Resorts
When selecting a place to stay in Vail, you want to keep in mind a variety of questions about the ski resort, such as: Does the hotel have activities? An on-site ski rental facility? What restaurants are available at the hotel?

Read more
Our favorite ski resorts in Colorado, ranked
Ski resorts in Colorado, ranked, and what we do (and don't) like
A view of Copper Mountain's Three Bears back bowl section

When you think of incredible skiing in the U.S., it’s hard not to think of ski resorts in Colorado. Bluebird skies and good vibes consume shredders in this neck of the woods daily. But which ski resorts are best and why? Well, stick around to find out.

1. Breckenridge
The skiing
It’s hard to miss when you’re Breckenridge. Sitting right on the shred strip, with Loveland, Arapahoe Basin, and Keystone just a stone’s toss away, “Breck” offers some of the best terrain diversity, snowpack, and extreme high alpine access anywhere on the West Coast.

Read more
Travel gear gift guide: The best from Samsonite, Apple, and more
Gifts for travelers and digital nomads
Small toy plane on world map in front of Christmas tree and wrapped present

Are you Christmas shopping for someone in your life who loves to travel? Travel gifts should be practical, portable, and enhance the receiver’s overall travel experience. Whether you are purchasing a gift for a frequent business traveler or for a young adult with a sense of wanderlust, there are many products you simply can't go wrong with. We've put together an incredible list of gifts spanning across many different price ranges. So whether you want to splurge on a fancy present or need a quick stocking stuffer, we've got an option for you.

Here are just a few gift ideas for the travel lover in your life.

Read more