Discover Seattle: Best Hotels, Restaurants, and Activities

Situated in the naturally beautiful Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Seattle is Washington's largest city and is the perfect blend of urban life and breathtaking nature.

From upmarket, elegant hotels to mouth-watering seafood (as to be expected from the U.S.A.'s fourth-largest port city), and great adventure opportunities right on the doorstep, there's plenty to explore on a trip to Seattle.

Whether you're traveling solo for a museum-hopping break or looking for a romantic spot to spend the weekend dining in upmarket restaurants with a loved one, here is the ultimate planning guide for your next trip to Seattle. So let's dive right in and explore some of this amazing city's best hotels, restaurants, and things to do!

Best Hotels in Seattle

When it comes to finding the best hotel in Seattle, there's plenty of choice, and you'll find that the selection of hotels here blends the city's historic charm and modern edge together perfectly. So whether you're looking for a classic, elegant boutique hotel to spend your honeymoon at, or you're simply looking for a clean, modern place to stay on a weekend getaway, there's a great range of options to suit your needs.

To help you find the perfect place to stay, let's take a look at some of the top hotel choices in Seattle.

Hotel Sorrento, Downtown Seattle

Situated in downtown Seattle, this stunning hotel is a truly luxurious stay. From the Italian-inspired design to the cozy, upmarket interior, the Sorrento is one of the most well-known and well-loved hotels in the city.

It is also Seattle's longest-running hotel, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to incorporate a touch of history and elegance into their visit, but this isn't the only thing that makes it famous. The Sorrento is also hailed for its legendary hospitality, receiving great reviews from visitors to this day.

Be sure to visit Dunbar Room Bar & Restaurant during your stay, where you can find a great array of mouthwatering dishes and delicious drinks.

Mayflower Park Hotel, Seattle

Dating back to 1927, this historic hotel features some amazing restaurants and bars, including 'Andaluca Restaurant,' serving Northwestern cuisine, and 'Oliver's Lounge,' which boasts signature martinis and small plates, as well as many other great amenities. These include free Wi-Fi throughout the property, an on-site fitness center, currency exchange services, and flat-screen cable TV in every room.

The interior boasts a classic, elegant style, with rooms including luxurious touches such as original tiled floors, plush bathrobes, and soaking tubs. If you're looking for somewhere to stay for a romantic getaway, then this is it!

The Mayflower Park's location can't be beaten either, sitting just a 10-minute walk from Pike Place Market, 4 blocks from the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, and even direct access to the monorail to the Seattle Center and world-famous Space Needle!

Silver Cloud Hotel - Seattle Lake Union, Lake Union, Seattle

Silver Cloud Hotel sits right at the southern end of Lake Union and is within walking distance of a huge range of excellent activities and restaurants.

Rooms at Silver Cloud are modern and elegant, boasting large comfortable beds, flat-screen cable TVs, stylish dark wood furnishings, handy amenities (including microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee-making facilities), and from a select few of them, stretching views of the stunning lake!

Other on-site amenities that make this a great place to stay include free Wi-Fi, a delicious continental breakfast, and laundry facilities.

Hyatt Regency Seattle, Seattle

If you're looking to explore the heart of the city, the Hyatt Regency Seattle holds pride of place right in the center, only 1.5 miles from the adorable Pocket Beach and within close proximity of popular Seattle attractions, including the Washington State Convention Center and the Space Needle.

This modern hotel features great on-site amenities, including a fitness center, restaurant, concierge service, on-site ATM, room service, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, and a gorgeous relaxing bar.

All of the rooms boast an upscale modern and minimalist feel, and feature air conditioning, safety deposit boxes, fridges, toiletries, and of course, a flat-screen cable TV!

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Seattle, Northgate, Seattle

Located in the Northgate district of Seattle, 5.6 miles from the center, this gorgeous Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton is the perfect place to stay if you're looking for a great spot in the city that isn't surrounded by all the huge landmarks and tourist destinations but is still within close proximity to them.

The property boasts free Wi-Fi throughout, private parking on-site, a gift shop, a business center, a pool and fitness center, and a restaurant, where guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast to start their day.

Featuring cozy, yet modern interior design choices, this hotel is a convenient place to stay if you want to retreat from the main hustle and bustle of the city in the evening and is the best choice for visitors looking to drive to Seattle or rent a car during their visit.

Best Restaurants in Seattle

Seattle's restaurant scene is as dynamic as the city itself. No matter what kind of dining experience you're looking for, you're sure to find it here. Whether you're on the hunt for a casual seafood spot, expert-crafted sushi at an upscale establishment, or a quirky fusion brunch spot, there's something for everyone.

Wherever you choose to dine, each spot offers a unique taste of Seattle, and you'll soon find out why it's often hailed as a great city for foodies. Let's take a look at some of the top restaurant choices in Seattle.

Local Tide, Fremont, Seattle

When it comes to dining, casual seafood is what Seattle does best, and no one does it better than Local Tide!

Located in Fremont, this down-to-earth restaurant sources local ingredients and offers a tantalizing and fresh menu, with highlights including seared albacore tuna sandwiches, classic clam chowder, and innovative dishes like the golden triangles of pork-fat-spiked shrimp toast! Of course, seafood isn't the only option, and if you're not a huge fan of fish, we recommend trying their Smashburger (topped with beef dripping and caramelized onions).

Local Tide boasts a casual laid-back, casual atmosphere, with contemporary, quirky decor, and convenient counter seats, making it a great stop for a lunchtime treat!

Sushi Kashiba, Downtown Seattle

While Seattle is famous for its outstanding fresh seafood, this is typically found in the form of melt-in-the-mouth crabcakes or deep-fried halibut. Sushi Kashiba is an upscale Japanese Sushi restaurant that seeks to change this, offering mouth-watering seafood dishes in their freshest form.

Owned by Shiro Kashiba, (a master-trained Sushi chef taught by the great Jinro Ono himself), this establishment truly comes to life at night, serving up a delectable assortment of fried prawn heads, soy-brushed tuna, smoked mackerel, silky uni, seared flounder fin, and sake!

It's a great choice for special occasions, and those looking to experience some truly fine dining, Japanese cuisine, and fresh local ingredients. It's worth mentioning though that if you want a spot at the sushi counter to watch the expert preparations, there are no reservations, and as such, many people begin queuing at around 3:30 to be in line for the opening of the restaurant at 5 pm. If you're looking to book a regular table though, you can reserve online, with late-night availability starting two weeks in advance, and greater flexibility if you book before then.

The Boat, International District, Seattle

Originally home to Phở Bắc, this adorable boat was recently reopened by the same team in 2022, giving it a new life as a haven for Vietnamese-style brunch dishes.

Serving up some truly mouth-watering plates, menu highlights include the outstanding Vietnamese fried chicken and waffles, pandan and pink pineapple waffles, and garlic Cornish hen, served with a hearty pho broth and chrysanthemum salad.

With a clean and minimal modern interior, and a striking pink exterior, (let's face it, that's what draws a lot of people in!) The Boat is a great spot for a casual early lunch or laid-back dinner.

Lupe's Situ Tacos, Ballard Avenue, Seattle

One of the best counter spots along Ballard Avenue, Lupe's Situ Tacos (often referred to simply as 'Situ Tacos') is a haven for casual and inventive dining experiences.

Not only is the Mexican-Lebanese menu incredibly inventive when it comes to its deep-fried specialties but there is a great range of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes too! Be sure to sample their chips and guac (it has a gorgeous tingly lime punch to it), taquitos, or their delectably crunchy nachos. If there's one thing on the menu you must order though, it has to be the toothpick-fastened tacos, that come with a selection of incredible fillings such as chickpea mash and spicy cauliflower.

This casual, colorful, laid-back dining spot is the perfect place to grab a frozen rosé after a long day out in the city!

The Walrus and The Carpenter, Ballard Avenue, Seattle

One of the best places to slurp on fresh, delicious oysters is at this tiny, chic oyster bar, called The Walrus and The Carpenter.

Seattle's seafood scene is absolutely out of this world, and what better way to enjoy it than by sampling fresh oysters? Don't worry if these aren't your thing though, they also serve a selection of other small plates, including goat cheese and apricot jam, scallop crudo with yuzu kosho salsa verde, and beef shank terrine with fermented hot sauce.

This gorgeous upscale oyster bar is the perfect spot for a dinner date, a special occasion, or an excuse to get dressed up! Once you've finished eating though, be sure to head next door to their sister bar, Barnacle for a delicious old-fashioned.

Best Things to do in Seattle

Seattle is home to a great range of must-see attractions, including the iconic Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the renowned Museum of Pop Culture. 

With each attraction offering something new and exciting, here are some of the best ways you can experience Seattle's unique and dynamic character.

Museum of History and Industry, Seattle

Also known as MOHAI, the Museum of History and Industry is a great museum for those interested in the history of the tech space, and is the perfect representation of what Seattle is all about - quirky, fun, innovative, and unique.

Combining smart history, innovative technology, and quirky artifacts in its exhibits, visitors can explore everything Seattle has to offer, from their outstanding maritime history to modern technological advancements.

Kenmore Air Seaplane Tours, Lake Union, Seattle

Departing from Kenmore Air's terminal in South Lake Union, in the heart of Seattle, you can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience of flying in a seaplane!

This unique mode of transport glides across the surface of the lake and up into the air, taking you on a breathtaking tour of the city of Seattle and giving you a bird's-eye-view of all the major landmarks. 

Be sure to keep an eye out while you're up there for the University of Washington, the lakeside football stadium, and the world-famous Space Needle before you head over to Elliott Bay, where you can enjoy the view of the city's unique and stunning skyline.

Pike Place Market, Seattle

Pike Place Market is one of the most iconic spots in Seattle, and if you're visiting from out of town, you'll want to be sure to set aside plenty of time to explore this bustling hub of culture.

Still boasting its iconic market sign, Pike Place Market is one of the largest and oldest markets in all of the United States still in operation today. Here you can find some absolute gems, including the original Starbucks café location, the famous fish-tossing tradition, performances by street performers, and over 225 local artisans selling their goods.

In 2017, the MarketFront expansion was added, and Pike Place now boasts a great open-air plaza and stunning views of Elliott Bay.

The Space Needle, Seattle

Originally built for the World's Fair in 1962, the Space Needle stands today as arguably the most iconic landmark in the whole of Washington State. 

Today, visitors can head up to the observation level via a 43-second elevator ride, from where they can enjoy sweeping views of Elliott Bay, the stretching backdrop of mountains in the distance, and even the famous Mount Rainier.

Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle

Commonly shortened to MoPoP, the Museum of Pop Culture is Seattle's answer to modern-day entertainment and design.

Home to a selection of exhibits celebrating music, science fiction, and of course, pop culture, MoPoP shows off its unique collection of iconic memorabilia. Whether it's the history of video games, Jimi Hendrix, or iconic horror movies you love - they've got it covered!

Located just around the corner from the city's iconic Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture is arguably just as jaw-dropping from the outside. Designed by Frank Gehry, this building was created to look like a smashed guitar from above!