A city I have long loved since watching “10 Things I Hate About You” and sipping my first Starbucks coffee. Now I know what you’re thinking. . . Heath Ledger was so fine in that movie.

Seattle is brimming with entertainment options making it both great and overwhelming for a first-timer. As I was chatting with my Uber driver, it dawned on me that the only way to truly experience Seattle was through word of mouth. The results? One EPIC trip!!!

Unless you live in the Pacific Northwest, you are better off flying to Seattle. The best fare finder is Skyscanner. They have a great filter tool that allows you to see what days are the cheapest. Southwest Airlines is also a great airline offering cheap round trip flights AND free checked bags.

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Psst. . . Looking for more weekend getaways? Check out a few of these posts:

• 3 Perfect Days in Memphis: Itinerary (and Massive) Travel Guide

• Fun Things to do in Colorado Springs for Adults

• How to Spend a Charming 3 Days in Charleston, SC

What is Seattle Famous For?

This may be subjective but Seattle to me is famous for Starbucks Coffee, 90’s Grunge music (RIP Kurt Cobain), and teen movie legacy, “10 Things I Hate About You”. The city was dubbed “The Emerald City” for the the greenery that surrounds the concrete jungle.

What to Pack for a Weekend in Seattle (aka rain survival kit)

• Rain Boots

• Scarf

• Rain Coat

• For ladies, hair ties for when your hair gets poofy from the humidity

• Waterproof phone case

Where Should I Stay in Seattle on a Weekend Trip?

Not knowing the “where’s where” of the city finding a central location took a bit of research. We came across the Motif Hotel and instantly knew this was THE place. This hotel has a fresh modern look and the best rooftop bar in the city.

Motif hotel is located in the fabulous downtown area making it centrally located to just about everything. When I say centrally located I mean within walking distance to shopping, dining, and major attractions. See below for nearby landmarks.

Aside from its location, the hotel staff was by far the nicest I came across in a while. They went above and beyond to make my stay easy and relaxing. When the front desk agent got word of I was celebrating my birthday, she surprised us with a room service delivery of champagne and chocolate! Also, Motif hotel offers free wine tasting daily from 4-6 pm. What’s better than free wine?!

The rooms are spacious with great big windows taking up an entire wall. Make sure to get the bay view! Every room is equipped with two plush robes, Keurig machine (plus bottomless coffee and tea), mini-fridge, a Bluetooth compatible stereo, and UMBRELLAS! For a girl who grew up in the desert, I was amazed at how prepared this place was for rain.

On-Property Bars & Restaurants

Frolik is the upscale restaurant located on the 5th floor of the Motif hotel. They are open breakfast through dinner though I recommend skipping food and coming here for the nightlife scene. Head out to the patio for drinks, giant shuffleboard, table tennis, and bag toss. Not to mention an amazing view of the city.

Elephant and Castle is the pub located downstairs. This is a British inspired pub offering a full menu and plenty of beer options. I recommend trying the Hummus & Naan and Bangers & Mash. They are open until 2 am. Great for late-night grub.

Seattle is filled with a ton of great places to stay including the Kimpton Palladian and Airbnb for anyone wanting a more local experience.

No talkie before coffee at Local 360

What To Do in Seattle For A Weekend

After arriving and checking into a hotel, it is time to hit the streets. Here is my rundown on the best of the best in dining, nightlife, attractions, and more!

Best Seattle Restaurants

Breakfast: Local 360 has a wide array of breakfast options including apple waffles, grits, and biscuits and gravy. Ok, I’m hungry now.

Brunch: Mimosa Cabaret at Unicorn Bar. When unicorns, bottomless mimosas, and drag queens come together you get Mimosa Cabaret. Buy tickets here

Lunch: Lowell’s Restaurant and Bar located at Pike Place Market. They have a great lunch menu and even better views of the water.

Dinner: Lark takes the win for their amazing risotto and fresh oysters. Lark is on the more expensive side, but so worth it.

After Hours: Roccos Pizza in Belltown is the saving grace for late nighters looking to sober up over some cheesy pizza. Good news, they are also on Postmates if you’re not in the neighborhood.

Waiting for Mr. Gatsby to arrive at Sovereign Bar

Unique Bars in Seattle Not to Miss

Local Scene: Jarrbar may be located near touristy Pike Place Market, but local it most certainly is. It’s a small bar with minimal decorations on the wall and a record player in the corner. Come here to drink and mingle as the locals do.

Exclusive Experience: Knee High Stocking Co. is a true speakeasy located in an old historic apartment building. Don’t be alarmed when you hear a doorbell for that is someone outside trying to make their way in. Advanced reservations are a must. 

Historic Charm: Sovereign Bar is as historic as is gets. Located on Seattle’s original street level with original flooring and light fixtures from the early 1900s. Walk downstairs and enter the roaring 20’s.

Dance Floor: Unicorn Bar is great for anyone wanting to dance the night away to some EDM, Hip-Hop and more at this carnival-inspired bar. 

Live Entertainment: Comedy Underground offers live musicians and comedy shows. Call or check online for their latest events calendar. 

Views! As Drake would call it.

Best Places to View the City

Kerry Park: Enjoy the best view of the Seattle Skyline at this popular park.

Space Needle: The tallest building in Seattle and iconic to the city skyline. Travel to the top and see the city from high above.

The Great Wheel: Located on the boardwalk with views of the water on one side and skyscrapers on the other. 

Contemplating how much I can fit into my suitcase at Pike Place Market.

Top Attractions in Seattle

Chihuly Garden & Glass: Fill your day or night (recommended) at this breathtaking museum of glass sculptures.

Seattle Underground Tour: Enjoy a 75-minute comical tour of Seattle’s “smelly” history. Tour the original streets of Seattle and learn about the founding fathers. 

Catch a Seahawks Game: Did you know Seattle Seahawks fans have broken noise records? Take part in the action and catch a football game. 

Fremont Troll: This giant sculpture attracts the masses. Climb up the troll and show off your meanest troll face. Can you spot the VW bug?

Gum Wall at Post Alley: Whoever thought gum on a wall would be such an artistic masterpiece. It’s incredibly chewy. 

Pike Place Market: A multi-level market offering locally made goods, art, food, and more. 

If I learned anything from this trip it was to cherish friendship. As we get older we seldom make time for each other. I admit I’ve made plenty of excuses to hang out and often regret it. This trip was short but great and filled with tons of laughter and venting – both totally necessary things to relieve stress. So I encourage you to call up your girls and ask demand a weekend getaway.

Psst. . . Looking for more weekend getaways? Check out a few of these posts:

• 3 Perfect Days in Memphis: Itinerary (and Massive) Travel Guide

• Fun Things to do in Colorado Springs for Adults

• How to Spend a Charming Weekend Charleston, SC

Is my list missing anything? Share your favorite things about Seattle in the comments below. 

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission (at no cost to you) when you purchase through these links, which helps me keep my lights on and order pizza from Dominos! I am extremely grateful. Thank you.

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