A day in Seattle
(Want to download the full guide to your Smartphone? Download it from GuidePal City Guides.)See & Do
Volunteer Park
Delightful Capitol Hill park with conservatory, museum and more
Noteworthy for: Having enough attractions, most of which are free, to keep you occupied for an entire day.
At the heart of Capitol Hill is one of the most exciting, beautiful and interesting parks in Seattle. Volunteer Park was designed by the famous Olmstead brothers, and today features a large, climbable water tower with information about the park's history in the room at the top. The view from the tower is impressive and shouldn't be missed.The park also contains the Seattle Asian Art Museum, which houses a nice collection of South and East Asian art. Not far from the museum is the Volunteer Park Conservatory. Completed in 1912, the Conservatory is free and features five different plant houses as well as benches where you can rest and take in the incredible variety of flowers.
With so many entertaining options, as well as a kid's playground and walking trails, Volunteer park is a great place to spend a day without spending much money.
Open Hours: Daily: 6am - 11pm Address: 1247 15th Ave E Phone: +1 206 684 4555 Volunteer Park's webpage
See & Do
Experience Music Project
Music, science fiction and experimental architecture at this highly unique museum
Talk of the town: The Frank Gehry-designed building is one of the most divisive creations in the history of Seattle, generating fierce fans and even fiercer enemies.
The Experience Music Project is part museum, part interactive playground and part local conundrum. Built by Paul Allen to house his collection of music memorabilia, the museum also features the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. Numerous events are held here, including the Science Fiction Festival and the EMP Pop Conference, which attracts academics and musicians alike. In this capacity, the EMP is an important community venue that advances the study and appreciation of music.But the real focus of the museum is, of course, the exhibits. The standing Jimi Hendrix exhibit is composed of Allen's own collection, and various rooms highlight different musical histories and traditions. The Science Fiction Hall features books, posters and film memorabilia. While some of the exhibits are underwhelming, the EMP is worth the trip to see the interesting and controversial architecture and the traveling exhibits, which often outstrip the main collection.
Fee: Adult: USD 18, Senior (65+): USD 15, Student (with valid ID)/Child (5-17): USD 12, Child (under 4): Free
Open Hours: May 27-Sep 5, Daily: 10am – 7pm
Sep 7-May 26, Daily: 10am – 5pm
Address: 325 5th Ave N
Phone: +1 206 770 2702
Experience Music Project's webpage
See & Do
Space Needle
See all of Seattle from the top of this iconic tower
Word to the wise: It can get very cold and windy at the top of the Space Needle, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
The Space Needle is such an iconic site, and such an inextricable part of the Seattle skyline, that no trip to Seattle is complete without a visit. While the trip up is expensive, and queues are often long, the views it offers of Seattle, the Puget Sound and the surrounding areas are simply incomparable.When the Space Needle was first conceived by Edward Carlson, it was intended to be the centerpiece of the 1962 World's Fair, whose theme was the 21st century. The saucer-shaped top hinted at grand dreams of future space exploration.
While no longer seeming quite as progressive as it once did, the Space Needle is nevertheless a marvel of engineering and a lovely place to spend the afternoon. The top features a 360 degree observation deck as well as a small shop, and a revolving restaurant sits one storey below.
Fee: Adult: USD 18, Senior (65+): USD 16, Youth (4-12): USD 11, Child (under 3): Free Open Hours: Observation Deck, Daily: 9am - 12midnight Address: 400 Broad St Phone: +1 206 905 2100 Space Needle's webpage
Shopping
Blackbird
Cutting-edge men's urban fashion
Noteworthy for: Featuring emerging designers and catering to a hip demographic.
Blackbird is one of the finest menswear stores in the Pacific Northwest. Featuring a selection of designer clothes and accessories, Blackbird caters to men who want nice clothes with an edge.Many of the brands Blackbird carries become urban fashion staples. Blackbird has featured Rag Bone, Nom de Guerre, Common Projects and APC. Wallets by Jack Spade, Christian Dior eye wear and merino wool gloves are also on offer. The clothing selection ranges from plain t-shirts and jeans to business attire. In addition, Blackbird has an in-house apothecary that includes hand and body lotions, shaving creams, fragrances, and much more.
Open Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am - 8pm
Sat: 9am - 9pm
Sun: 9am - 7pm
Address: 5410 22nd Ave NW
Phone: +1 206 547 2524
Blackbird's webpage
Shopping
Velouria
Ballard boutique features independent designers and playful, feminine aesthetic
Word to the wise: Pieces at Velouria vary in size and cut, but the in-house tailor can alter and adjust garments to fit each individual's needs.
Though small boutiques carrying hip items made by independent designers are common in Seattle, Velouria stands out for its unique offerings. The store features pastel walls with rotating artwork and has a comfortable, sweet and easygoing vibe.Owner and designer Tes DeLuna, who named the store after a Pixies song, has an aesthetic that tends towards simple lines and minimal accents. Staples in the store include easy-to-wear skirts and dresses, silk-screened tops and layered fabrics with a vintage feel. DeLuna's own line, Zuzupop, is a staple of the store and often showcases some of the most exciting designs.
Open Hours: Mon-Wed: 11am - 6pm
Thu-Sat: 11am - 7pm
Sun: 12noon - 6pm
Address: 2205 NW Market St
Phone: +1 206 788 0330
Velouria's webpage
Restaurants
The Hi-Life
Located in a converted fire station, this Ballard favorite serves inspired American food with a twist
Noteworthy for: The unique and beautiful location, a converted firehouse originally built in 1911.
Word to the wise: The Hi-Life features a special, discounted breakfast meal, the 'Not So Early Bird Specials', Monday-Friday from 8.30am - 11am.
The Hi-Life focuses on American fare and brick oven created specialties. Items often have creative and off-beat names, such as the Heirloom Hawk or the Truth or Consequences Scramble. With art produced by local artists lining the walls, the interior has an undeniably homey and laid-back ambience.
Tuesday nights are especially popular, as happy hour runs from 3pm to close.
Price sample: Breakfast: USD 5.75-10
Open Hours: Sun-Thu: 8.30am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 8.30am - 11pm
Address: 5425 Russell Ave NW
Phone: +1 206 784 7272
The Hi-Life's webpage
Restaurants
Chez Shea
Romantic French restaurant serves modern cuisine and beautiful views
Word to the wise: Chez Shea is hard to find - when you arrive at the entrance to the Market, go to the flower shop and look up to find the arched windows.
While the classic french dishes, such as escargot and roasted duck breast, are excellent, the real star of the show here is the seafood. Try the House Smoked Fraser River Sockeye Salmon or the Coquille St Jacques.
Price sample: Seven Course Prix Fixe Menu: USD 75
Open Hours: Tue-Sun: 5pm – closing
Happy hour, Tue-Sun: 4.30pm – 6pm
Mon: Closed
Address: 94 Pike St, Ste 34
Phone: +1 206 467 9990
Chez Shea's webpage
Restaurants
Salumi
Pork lovers paradise in small Pioneer Square deli
Word to the wise: Salumi is very popular and tends to run out of menu items each day - go for an early lunch.
Part deli, part curing facility, Salumi serves gourmet meats, sandwiches and other Italian delicacies from a bustling and tiny storefront. Based on the popular Italian Salumerias, Salumi practices traditional Mediterranean curing practices that can't be found anywhere else in Seattle.The highlight here is the salami, which is sliced very thin and comes in a variety of flavors. The daily menu also offers a small range sandwiches, pastas and other assorted goodies. Try the Porchetta sandwich, which includes sliced onions and fennel. Seating is limited, so plan ahead or consider getting your food to go.
Price sample: Porchetta sandwich: USD 9.50 Open Hours: Tue-Fri: 11am - 4pm Address: 309 Third Ave South Phone: +1 206 621 8772 Salumi's webpage
Bars & Nightlife
The Baltic Room
Diverse music and crowds make this Capitol Hill spot a local favorite
Tipple of choice: Try the delicious Black Cherry Spice, which features Black Cherry Vodka, lime juice and pomegranate juice.
This venue is small enough to be intimate, but big enough that you won't feel trampled if you spend a few hours dancing here. And with the free cover before 11pm most nights, it's easy to stop by and give The Baltic Room a chance before, or after, heading out to other bars. If you have a Saturday night free, consider stopping here for Bollywood night.
Price sample: Happy hour drink: USD 4
Age: 21
Open Hours: Mon-Sat: 8pm - 2am
Happy hour, Mon-Sat: 8pm - 10pm
Address: 1207 Pine St
Phone: +1 206 625 4444
The Baltic Room's webpage
Bars & Nightlife
Bottlehouse
Unique wine bar that caters to a young, upscale crowd
Noteworthy for: Good prices on happy hour wines, and cheese hand-picked by the in-house Cheesemonger to fit your wine selection.
Featuring a large selection of wines that can be taken home or uncorked in-house, Bottlehouse is a unique and charming wine bar in the upscale Madrona neighborhood. Small tables and a relaxed ambience mark the inside, while the outside deck is a great place to have a drink and enjoy the summer sunshine.The rotating wine menu is large and includes several local labels along with port, a selection of beers and a few non-alcoholic drinks. The small food menu features tidbits like baguettes, pies and assorted meats and cheeses.
Price sample: Wine, glass: USD 7.50-12.50
Open Hours: Tue-Thu: 12noon - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 12noon - 12midnight
Sun-Mon: Closed
Address: 1416 34th Ave
Phone: +1 206 708 7164
Bottlehouse's webpage
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