24 hours in Seattle
Heading to Seattle for work? Squeeze in the city's sights between meetings, with this guide.
Casual and cosy, Seattle’s the kind of place where there’s always time for one more cup of coffee before heading out to sample the city’s saltwater wonders – both in the scenery and on your plate. See some of its sights with our quick guide.
7am Breakfast at Pike Place Market
The iconic sign welcoming visitors to Pike Place Market, Seattle: credit VisitSeattle.org / Kyle Johnson
Pike Place Market, one of the country’s oldest farmers’ markets, is also one of Seattle’s most famous attractions. Vendors set up their eye-catching seafood, flowers and produce displays each morning as the sun rises. Grab Chinese buns from Mee Sum, yoghurt made from local dairy Ellenos, or pastries from Le Panier, and wander as they work.
8am Walk the Discovery Park Loop Trail
Coastal sights to be explored on the Discovery Park Loop Trail, Seattle: credit VisitSeattle.org
Seattle’s commitment to getting outside never wavers, no matter how dark or damp it is. Pull on a coat and join the locals on a 4.5km stroll along the Discovery Park Loop Trail. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown, but still secluded, you’ll meander through dense evergreen stands and along bluffs with stunning sea views.
5pm Cruise the bay via West Seattle Water Taxi
Waterfront views from Marination Mai Kai, Seattle: credit Marination Mai Kai
The best views of the city don’t only come atop the iconic Space Needle. Take in a post-work urban panorama and a glimpse of towering Mt. Rainier on the West Seattle Water Taxi. Refresh from your ride with a local beer at the dockside eatery Marination Ma Kai, before catching the next boat back.
8pm Dine at Capitol Hill’s Adana
Adana's much-ordered corn chawanmushi: credit Adana restaurant
Head up Capitol Hill to Adana, an intersection of Japanese comfort food and Pacific Northwest ingredients. Chef Shota Nakajima translates his two homes into three-, five-, and seven-course meals, with dishes like corn chawanmushi (savoury custard) with Dungeness crab and stone fruit, each one plated as if a culinary work of art.
Words by Naomi Tomky; Published Friday 31 January 2020
