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Packed between Elliott Bay, Pioneer Square, Belltown, and Capitol Hill, downtown Seattle unsuprisingly contains the city's business district and a number of large retailers. Also in downtown are the Central Library, the Paramount Theater, Pike Place Market, and several local and federal government administration buildings.

Pike Place Market

[edit] Get in

[edit] By public transit

Metro Transit [1] operates bus routes throughout Seattle, connecting downtown to outlying neighborhoods. Fares are $2.25 at rush hours and $1.75 all other times of the day. Sound Transit [2] provides express bus service from the outlying suburbs and communities of the Seattle Area to downtown, however service is mostly limited to rush-hour periods. In addition to buses, Sound Transit also operates a light rail line [3] running south to Tukwila, and the Sounder [4], a commuter rail service with lines running between Seattle-Tacoma and Seattle-Everett. The Sounder stops at the King Street Station at the southern end of downtown.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By public transit

Downtown is the hub of Seattle's public transit system, and a variety of modes serve the district. Metro Transit [5] serves downtown very well, and much of downtown is a ride-free area, so buses are free during the daytime. The Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel, a hub for many Metro bus routes, is within the ride-free area and runs the length of downtown Seattle from the King Street Station (near Qwest Field and Safeco Field) at the southern end and Westlake Center and the convention center at the northern end.

The South Lake Union Streetcar [6] connects the Westlake Center in north downtown to the nearby neighborhood of South Lake Union just to the north. Fare is $1.75 for adults and $0.50 for seniors/youth.

The Seattle Center Monorail [7] makes a direct connection between Westlake Center and the Seattle Center north of downtown, which is home to the Space Needle. Round-trip fares are $4 for adults, $2 for seniors, and $1.50 for youth.

[edit][add listing] See

• Pike Place Market, [8]. Pike Place Market is not entirely indoors, but nearly. It is comprised of dozens of little shops tucked into a few square blocks downtown, on multiple levels. If you hate shopping you still might like this place, with its quirky atmosphere (including the famous seafood shop where the staff throw your fish from one end to the other). As the weather gets warmer, more artisans set up booths to sell photographs, glass, ceramics, and fresh flowers. Several farmers come to sell their produce, and a vast amount of tiny hole-in-the-wall places offer all kinds of cuisine (french, russian, mexican, seafood chowder, etc...) It is within walking distance of the NCL Cruiseline dock...good if you want to walk from the boat, but making the market rather crowded when their boats are in harbor. Hours are shortest on Sunday: only 11AM-5PM. Look for big blond Johnny Hahn on his portable piano, or one of the other regular street musicians on a more conventional street instrument. Leave the more trafficked areas behind and go downstairs to explore the creepy, dusty corridors full of obscure little shops. The weird, cramped Parrot Store even further downstairs (on 1st Avenue) is worth the $0.50 admission if you like parrots.  edit
• Bay Pavilion on Pier 57, 1301 Alaskan Way (on the waterfront below Pike Place Market), ☎ +1-(206) 623.8600 (fax: +1-(206) 343.9173), [9]. A "touristy" destination, with shops, restaurants, and a game arcade and carousel for kids.  edit
• Odyssey Maritime Marine Center, 2205 Alaskan Way, Pier 66, ☎ +1-206-374-4000 (info@ody.org, fax: +1-206-374-4002), [10].  edit
• Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way (on Pier 59 on the Waterfront), ☎ +1-206.386.4300, [11]. Located on Pier 59 on the Seattle waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium showcases native fish and mammals of the Pacific Northwest. The newly opened Windows on Washington (WOW) exhibit is a view into the area Neah Bay, the most northwest point of the "lower 48". There are two touch tanks featuring animals of the inland sea and outer coast, in the main area of building one along with a display of two giant pacific octopuses.The Seattle Aquarium is actively engaged in the study of the six gill sharks, a prehistoric shark that normally lives in waters 500 to 1000 feet deep, but at night comes to within 50 or so feet of the surface to feed. The aquarium's unique location on Puget Sound provides an environment to observe and tag the six gill shark, right at the aquarium. Adult six gill sharks may reach up to 14 feet or more.Also in building one are warm water exhibits, with individual "jewel" tanks surrounding a display of fishes native to areas of Pacific Coral Reefs. A small cafeteria and gift shop is also located in the front part of building one. Building two houses a display of local birds as well as a Harbor Seals, Great Northern Fur Seals, and Sea Otters. All mammals at the Seattle Aquarium were either born in captivity or rescued animals.  edit
• Seattle Art Museum, 100 University St. (at First Ave.), ☎ +1 206 654-3100 (boxoffice@seattleartmuseum.org), [12]. Wed-Sun 10 AM - 5 PM, Thu/Fri until 9 PM, closed Mon/Tue. The museum's recent physical expansion, coupled with an aggressive campaign to expand the collection, now displays an good overview assortment of art from around the world. Though the permanent exhibitions only occasionally delve deeply into a specific subject (such as the enormous variety of pieces in the porcelain room), extensive special exhibitions fill the gap. Suggested admission: $13 adults, $10 seniors (62 and over), $7 students with ID and youth 13–17, Children 12 and under free. Some special exhibitions charge an additional fee. Admission to the museum is free for everyone on the first Thursday of each month.  edit

Safeco Field

• Safeco Field, [13]. Just south of Pioneer Square, Safeco Field, home to the Seattle Mariners, is one of the finest ballparks in the country. Right field bleacher seats enjoy a panoramic view of downtown and Elliott Bay, and the stadium offers anything from traditional ballbark dogs and macrobrews to fine gourmet fare and local beers. There couldn't be a better way to spend a summer evening in Seattle.  edit
• Benaroya Hall. An aesthetically and acoustically beautiful new concert hall. Tours available.  edit
• Washington Convention and Trade Center, [14]. Major convention centre, straddling the I-5 freeway on the east side of Downtown.  edit

• Seattle Bug Safari, 1501 Western Avenue, Suite 304, ☎ +1 206-285-BUGS (2847) (info@seattlebugsafari.com), [15]. Mo: 11AM–6PM, Tu–Sa: 10AM–6PM, Su: Closed. A bug zoo and a gift shop. Adult (13-64) $8, Child (3-12) $6, Seniors/Military/College Students $7, Toddler (0-2) FREE.  edit

[edit] Architecture & Views

Seattle Central Library

• The Seattle Public Library's Central Library, 1000 4th Ave, [16]. A dramatic glass and steel structure in the heart of downtown Seattle, designed by Rem Koolhaas, that opened in May 2004. This is not an average public library and has become a tourist destination in its own right. A popular way to experience the unique architecture of the building is to take an elevator to the 10th floor, the highest observation deck. From here you can walk down to the main floor through the Book Spiral; the core of the structure which organizes the library's books in one continuous path of uninterrupted Dewey Decimal progression.  edit

Downtown Seattle from water

• Smith Tower Observation Deck, 506 2nd Ave, [17]. The Smith Tower (built in 1914) was Seattle's first skyscraper. Take the attendant-operated elevator to the observation deck on the 35th floor (and watch 33 office lobbies pass by through the translucent doors). From the observation deck, you'll find views of Elliot Bay, the mountains, the sports stadiums, downtown, Pioneer Square and other neighborhoods, and - yes - the Space Needle. The interior of the 35th floor contains the Chinese Room, with an ornate carved ceiling and a number of decorative flourishes imported from China in the early 20th century. Entry is $5-7.5. The observation deck isn't open every day, check the schedule beforehand, or stop by and see if they're open when you're in the neighborhood.  edit
• Columbia Center, 701 Fifth Ave (at Columbia St), ☎ +1 206 386-5151. Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, closed weekends. The second tallest building on the West Coast and the tallest in Seattle has its own 73rd floor observation deck. Great views from the top. Arguably a better (and definitely cheaper!) view than offered by the Space Needle, though it doesn't cover a full 360 degrees and the space is shared with the city traffic monitoring center. This building isn't well known as a tourist attraction, so there is little to no line to get to the top. Occasional closures due to private events or security alerts. $5 adults, $3 students.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• If you aren't in town for "Art Walk" but still want to know about what is happening in Seattle's art scene try "SceneInSeattle Fine Art Tours"*[18]. This tour was started by a local gallery and is headed by a curator or gallery owner. You walk through the "West Edge" also known as the Museum District galleries and learn about Seattle's art history, up-and-coming artists, scandals, and public works. It is a lovely insiders view about makes it a lot easier to find the galleries which can be hidden away. They also tour other neighborhoods like the "East Edge" of Pioneer Square.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Budget

• Piroshky Piroshky, 820 2nd Ave Seattle, WA 98101 (On the east side of the market), ☎ (206)441-6068, [19]. A very popular eatery in Pike Place Market, specializing in those same Russian pastries that make up their name. They have many varieties, both savory and sweet from which to choose from. The smoked salmon,the cheese, onion & garlic roll and the apple cinnamon roll are all excellent, but, then again, discovering you own favorite is half the fun.  edit

• Nordstrom Cafe on the 4th floor of the downtown Seattle Nordstrom store. Best surprising value for lunch or dinner (e.g, salmon dinner for less than $10).

• Ivar's Acres of Clams [20], Downtown Seattle waterfront. Smoked salmon plate-lunch and fish-n-chips served outdoors at a scenic downtown waterfront location --please do not feed ducks and seagulls as human food is harmful for birds! Good food, but pretty touristy. Ordering at the walk-up counter outside is inexpensive (~$7).

• Jack's Fish Spot [21], found in Pike's Place Market, only open for lunch. One of the best places to get dungeness crabs in Seattle. If you have a kitchen buy them live and cook them yourself!

Or just pick up some bread, cheese, sausage and smoked fish from the shops in Pikes Place Market and have a picnic on the grass at the north end of the Market, or get a cup coffee and sit at a table on the sidewalk.

[edit] Mid-Range

• Mama's Mexican Kitchen, 2234 2nd Ave between Blanchard and Bell (Belltown). Plentiful portions of decent food and a fun, festive atmosphere. Don't miss out on the Elvis Room!

• Chez Shea, 94 Pike St. Despite a change in ownership, one of Seattle's most romantic restaurants retains its intimate, elegant charm.

• The Cheesecake Factory, 700 Pike St. More than thirty varieties of the signature dessert make up only a part of this chain restaurant's gigantic international menu.

• Matt's in the Market, [22]. 94 Pike St Ste 32. Charming Market ambience and tasty seafood selections make for a fine low-key dining experience at this lilliputian spot.
• Campagne Restaurant, 86 Pine St. Country cuisine in an urban setting brings the joys of coastal France to Seattle.

• Palace Kitchen, 2030 Fifth Av., [23]. Tom Douglas' upscale saloon is a hit any time of day.

• Crab Pot Restaurant & Bar, 1301 Alaskan Way Seattle, WA 98101 (on the Waterfront), ☎ (206) 624-1890, [24]. Sun - Thurs 11AM to 9PM Fri/Sat 11AM to 10 PM. Their specialty - The Seafeast - is what makes this place unique! They take a variety of crab, clams, mussels, shrimp in the shell, salmon, halibut, oysters, potatoes, corn on the cob and andouille sausage steamed with mouth watering spices and pour it right on your table!  edit
• McCormick and Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, 1103 First Ave Seattle, WA 98101, ☎ (206) 623-5500, [25]. 11:30 AM - 11PM, Daily. Specialty is their whole menu! They pride themselves in serving the best seafood and steak in town. They receive their seafood fresh from the waterfront pier every day. You can come here on a business dinner or with the whole family! So if you want to enjoy a upscale, relaxing exceptional seafood restaurant, this is your place! If you feel like the price is a bit too expensive for your budget, they also have one of the best happy hour deals during off hours.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Dahlia Lounge, 2001 4th Ave Seattle, WA 98121, ☎ (206) 682-4142, [26]. Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Dinner Mon- Thurs 5 PM - 10 PM, Fri/Sat 5PM - 11PM & Sun 5PM - 9 PM Brunch Sat/Sun 9AM - 2 PM. Tom Douglas' premiere restaurant and, perhaps, one of Seattle's very finest. It is a very eclectic and creative restaurant. There is an emphasis on seafood that runs throughout the ever-changing menu with many Asian influences, too. The appetizers tend to outshine the entrees, so opt for making a meal by ordering one of each and leaving room for dessert(their coconut cream pie has a massive following).  edit
• Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, 727 Pine Street Seattle, WA 98101, ☎ (206) 624-8524, [27]. This magnificent setup of a restaurant excels in creating the most lavishingly delicious steak nationwide. The unique thing about this restaurant is that you order whatever meat or seafood you desire and then as a table, order what side dishes you wish to eat along with your meat. So come to this restaurant with people who can agree on what to eat with!  edit
• The Metropolitan Steakhouse, 820 2nd Ave Seattle, WA 98101 (Near the Seattle Library on First Hill), ☎ (206) 624-3287, [28]. "The Met" as it's commonly called, offers patrons a unique and classy steakhouse experience. It's a hotspot for the who's who of Seattle natives and celebrities. The food is top qualitiy. If you're looking for the finest dining in downtown, the Met is the place to go. Valet services offered. Pricey, $50 & up.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit] Bars and taverns

• The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley (Pike Place Market), reasonably good Italian restaurant, but it's a better bar, with a rather European market ambiance and a trellis-covered outdoor deck. Occasional cabaret-style live entertainment, no cover.

• Cyclops, 2421 First Ave (Belltown). Good, hip (but not ultra-hip) bar, and not a bad restaurant either. Interesting neo-retro decor. The Ace Hotel is upstairs.

• Tula's, 2214 Second Ave (Belltown). Tula's is a good and affordable venue for local jazz. Cover charges range from $5 to $12.

• The Owl N' Thistle, [29]--808 Post Avenue (in Post Alley)--is a great Irish bar. A house band, nice regulars, and halibut burger to die for. Happy hour is 3-7, M-F.

• Shorty's, [30]--2222A Second Avenue -- A variety of classic pinball games and honest hot dogs make this a unique watering hole. Be sure to check out the Trophy Lounge hidden in the back.

• Noc Noc, [31]. --1516 Second Avenue -- When visiting Seattle, this is a great place to unwind. The old-fashioned bar attracts an eclectic crowd that enjoys a very late night.

[edit] Coffee

Plaque inside the first Starbucks store

• Local Color, tel. (206) 728-1717 [32]. Serves Caffé Vita coffee in Pike Place's largest independent coffeehouse. Also an art gallery, with new art on the walls at the beginning of each month. The first Saturday of every month, holds an art opening from 6 to 9.

• Starbucks Store #1, in the Pike Place Market. Who would have thought, when this unassuming place opened in 1971, that it would give rise to a global empire? So get in line, order a latte (no different from anywhere else in the world), and ponder the vagaries of history. And check out the uncensored mermaid which acted as the original logo for the company.

• Online Coffee Company 1111 1st Ave. (206.381.1911), [33]. Internet cafe with both computers and free wireless. Drink purchase gets 30 free minutes on store computers, includes great espresso(micro-roasted), beer and wine or pay $0.14 per minute. Comfortable decor, very welcoming, close to downtown amenities.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Hotel Max, 620 Stewart Street, ☎ 866.833.6299, [34]. checkin: 4pm; checkout: noon. Set in the heart of downtown Seattle, the Hotel Max is not just a hotel but also a gallery of sorts; with more than more than 350 original paintings and photographs spread among the lobby and guest rooms. $119-$169/room.  edit

[edit] Contact