Seattle Travel Itinerary: Weekend Getaways and More

Tucked away in the corner of the magnificent Pacific Northwest and perched on top of the beautiful Puget Sound, Seattle is an exciting city with a vast amount to offer anyone looking to explore this part of the US. The city makes the perfect base from which to explore the stunning scenery and delightful natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and is an incredibly vibrant and dynamic place to explore in its own right as well.

Puget Sound gives Seattle an incredible quality, and an immensely strong connection to the sea. As a buzzing port city it is unsurprising that it has become one of the most popular destinations for cruise ships on the West Coast, and one of the best ways to get to grips with this excellent city is to see Seattle from a cruise ship.

Whether you are stepping off a luxury cruise ship or planning a few days in the city before heading off into the great outdoors, Seattle is the perfect place to plan a weekend getaway with just your carry-on. Here's a breakdown of the best places to eat, the most exciting nightlife, and the absolute must-not-miss sights for a short stay in the Emerald City.

Day 1

The home of Tully's, Seattle's Best and Starbucks, Seattle has played an enormous role in the coffee scene over the last few decades, and still prides itself on being at the cutting edge. Start your weekend off by getting to grips with some of the latest trendsetters to grace the coffee landscape in the city. Zoka Coffee Roasters is an old school legend for Seattle coffee lovers, and has four beautiful cafes spread across the city. For something a little more fourth-wave, Mr West Cafe Bar is as hip as they come, and does a mean avocado toast for breakfast.

Once you are refreshed and ready to go, take a walk through Washington Park Arboretum. There's an extraordinary array of plants and flowers from around the world, and you'll really appreciate how Seattle got its ‘Emerald City' nickname.

Grab lunch on the water at Westward, a gorgeous spot overlooking Lake Union which offers a mouthwatering seafood menu inspired by flavours of the Northwest. Some eager patrons even park their kayaks on the beach before heading inside!

In the afternoon, head up into the University District for a taste of Seattle's art and culture. University is packed full of amazing art galleries like the Henry, as well as some truly outstanding museums like the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. Don't miss out on wandering around the impressive University Village, the campus of the University of Washington, and if you are travelling with kids head over to the Woodland Park and Zoo in Phinney Ridge.

Stay in the north of the city for dinner, and try to catch the Chef's Menu at Art of the Table. This is a remarkable supper club experience at an already special restaurant, which combines some of the best locally sourced produce with an incredibly warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Day 2

Start your Sunday in Seattle off with Dutch baby pancakes at Tilikum Place Cafe. A classic spot with a serious attitude to brunch. 

Brunch here leaves you perfectly positioned to head straight to Seattle's most iconic sights, the Space Needle. This remarkable and recognisable structure sits at the heart of the Seattle Centre, a wonderful campus originally designed for the 1962 World's Fair, and now the home of the Needle, The Museum of Pop Culture, the Seattle Monorail and the Pacific Science Centre. More than enough for a morning's entertainment. 

In the afternoon, head down to the world-famous Pike Place Market. One of the oldest markets in the US, this wonderful old place is a combination of a working fish and produce market, and a hub for foodies of all stripes. It is one of the best places in the city to try amazing seafood, with joints like Seatown Seabar or the City Fish Co. serving up lip-smacking chowders, crab and salmon. Grab a quick lunch at one of the amazing hole-in-the-wall eateries, or sit down for something more substantial, then spend the afternoon browsing the amazing farmers' market, the fascinating and eclectic artisan stalls, and the wonderful speciality food stores. You can even grab an energising hit of caffeine to keep you going at the world's first Starbucks!

Finish your weekend in the Emerald City off with a few drinks at one of Seattle's exceptional craft breweries. The brewing scene in the Pacific Northwest is one of the best in the whole of the US, and Seattle has some of the best and most exciting brewers in the area. The Pike Brewing Company, for example, is one of the oldest in the city, conjuring up amazing brews since 1989. Rooftop Brewing Company is rather newer, and has a delightful outdoor patio with great views across the canal.