The Lemon Tree
  • Home
  • About
    • Work with Me
    • Partners
  • Blog
  • Books
  • Photo Gallery
    • Photo Journey
  • Contact

a feel good travel blog

A Guide to Seattle's Neighborhoods

3/28/2019

2 Comments

 
Picture
Seattle is a city of neighborhoods. Yes, downtown is fun, and Pike's market is cool, but you'll discover the best of the local life in the nearby neighborhoods. If traveling in and around Seattle, be sure to check out the following neighborhoods and what each area has to offer. 
Picture
Downtown 
Most people who visit Seattle will stay downtown. If you arrive from the airport by Lightlink, you'll arrive in the heart of Downtown. There are various areas of Downtown that are more lively than other parts. The Central Business District is quiet on the weekends, but busy during weekday business hours. Not much is going on here, but tourists tend to visit the Pike's Place Market.  The market is a quintessential experience and one that is not to be missed. Whether you want to eat, shop or see the local fishermen throw fish, it is easy to spend an afternoon at Pike's Market. 

First Avenue is a lively street with plenty of local shops and cafes. If you head South from Pike's Market towards Pioneer Square, expect a variety of chic shops and fancy cafes. The Seattle Art Museum is worth a visit, and free every first Thursday of the month. Watson Kennedy is one of my favorite shops, which feels like a time trip into old Europe. The Bookstore Bar + Cafe is another favorite. The Smith Tower is Seattle's original skyscraper and a ticket into the building offers visitors panoramic views of the city and a chance to eat and drink at its Speakeasy. 

Heading north on First Avenue from Pike Street toward Cedar Street, travelers will experience the best of Belltown primarily on First and Second Avenue. 

Belltown
Belltown consists of the streets (primarily 1st-5th) located between Denny Avenue and Virginia street. First and Second Avenue are the most happening, with many bars and cafes on first, and much more bars, clubs and restaurants on second. Ti 22 on Fourth Avenue has my favorite housemade Pad Thai. The 5 Point Cafe is a grease pit and a perfect cheap eat. Belltown has everything from grunge to chic, so it depends on what you want. Shorty's is a pinball machine bar and Belltown pub features traditional bar/pub atmosphere.  Bedlam coffee is a typical edgy cafe that is known for its lavendar lattes.  For a piece of local history, try  lunch or happy hour at the Virginia Inn. Established in 1903, the local fare is upscale, but worth it just for the atmosphere. 
View this post on Instagram

Tulips in the city â–¡ #nature #season #seattle #lifestyle #outdoors #outdoorlife #seattlenw #seattlelife #garden #flower #flowergram #flowerstagram #flowers #garden #pnw #pacnw #park #travel #traveler #traveling #beauty #blogger #beautiful #inspiration #colorful #city #cityscape #architecture #positivevibes #reflection #travel #traveler #traveling #travelgram

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on Apr 15, 2017 at 8:38am PDT

View this post on Instagram

One of my new favorite spots in seattle - dough zone! A choy and veggie dumplings are to die for! #food #foodie #foodporn #vegan #veganfood #veganfoodshare #dairyfree #vegetarian #plantbased #asianfood #dumplings #foodtravel #wanderlust #foodblogger #travel #seattle #seattlefood

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on Jun 27, 2018 at 5:22am PDT

International District
The International District is Seattle's China Town. With countless Asian restaurants, tea shops and grocery stores, this neighborhood is a place for a cheap eat. Watch your back, especially at night as the neighborhood is littered with homeless and although usually fine, crime happens here frequently. I recommend the popular Dough Zone for dumplings as well as the Loving Hut, which is a vegan Asian restaurant. 

From downtown, walk, take the light link to International District Station or buses 7, 14, 36. 
Picture
Pioneer Square
This is Seattle's original "old town." The historic architecture ignites a sense of charm that attracts locals to peruse this neighborhood by foot. There are plenty of independent businesses, bookshops, cafes and hotels as well as homeless in this now revitalized neighborhood. The neighborhood also has plenty of sports bars since it is adjacent to the Mariner's and Seahawks stadiums. The London Plane, The Grand Central Bakery are notable for their baked goods. Altstadt is one of the best German bars in town, and no matter where you go, there is a happy hour on every block. Zeitgeist is also one of my favorite Seattle Cafes. 

View this post on Instagram

Rain and clouds are still beautiful ☔️ #seattle #seattlenw #seattlelife #seattlepulse #seattlecommunity #travel #traveling #travelgram #traveler #travelblogger #travelblog #travelphotography #city #urban #architecture #ocean #boat #culture #emeraldcity

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on Feb 16, 2017 at 3:06pm PST

View this post on Instagram

Simply seattle #sun #sunglasses #seattle #seattlelife #pnw #pacnw #naturelover #nature #outdoorslife #outdoors #urban #cityscape #city #pugetsound #travel #travelblogger #traveling #travelgram #travelbug #wanderlust #wander #usa #flowerstagram #flower #flowers #flowersofinstagram

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on Aug 24, 2017 at 11:34am PDT

The Waterfront
The waterfront is an extensive area that covers the many piers and businesses nearby downtown as well as the Elliot Bay Trail. The waterfront is still receiving a face-lift with years of construction, but it is one of the most beautiful spots in the city. I suggest walking the Elliot Bay Trail to get a sense of Seattle, which is also the perfect sunset spot.  The five-star Edgewater Hotel happy hour is a must! Beautiful food with delicious food, it sets the stage for a typical Seattle experience. The waterfront features the water taxi, which transports visitors to West Seattle. It's the most affordable (and quickest) water experience in the city. 
Picture
West Seattle
West Seattle is not popular with tourists, but does have some beautiful waterfront attractions. The West Seattle taxi from the downtown waterfront drops people off next to one of the most popular seafood restaurants, Salty's. Nearby here locals and tourists rent kayaks, stand up paddleboards or scuba dive the Puget Sound. Alki Beach is the most popular attraction. Similar to a California beach town, seaside bars and cafes overlook an extensive beach and boardwalk. Beach volleyball is popular here and so are the family of four bike rental carts. 

Picture
Queen Anne
Queen Anne is a family-friendly neighborhood divided into two parts, upper and lower. Lower Queen Anne is also known as "Uptown," which is adjacent to the Seattle Center. Here visitors make way to the Space Needle and the "buzz worthy" KEXP coffeeshop.  Live music is available on occasion. The SIFF is an independent film theater that features a variety of indie and mainstream films and documentaries. 

Most visitors may not spend time in Upper Queen Anne, but visit the "counter balance" because of famous Kerry Park and its popular lookout spot. On a clear day one notices Mount Rainier in the backdrop and on the corner of 8th Avenue W and West Highland Drive is another viewpoint overlooking the Olympic Mountains and Magnolia. 
​
Bus Number D, 8, 1, 2, 13, 29 will get you to Lower Queen Anne and 2 and 13 will get you to Kerry Park and Upper Queen Anne. 
View this post on Instagram

Discovery park all to ourselves â–¡ #nature #naturelovers #seattle #pnw #pacificnorthwest #outdoors #travelblogger #travel #seattlelife #pugetsound #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #ocean #mountains #wanderlust #boat #city #architecture #travelling #wander #seattlelife #seattlewa #lighthouse #wander

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on Mar 24, 2019 at 1:46pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Walking the road less traveled ☀️ #seattle #seattlenw #seattlelife #seattleblogger #pnw #park #pacnw #pacificnorthwest #tree #naturelover #nature #urbanlandscape #mindfulness #flower #flowers #flowergram #flowerstagram #travel #traveling #travelgram #travelblog #travelstagram #travelblogger #outdoors #travelblogger #animals #outdoorlife #tree

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on May 21, 2017 at 12:28pm PDT

Magnolia
In terms of tourist attractions, Magnolia is not on the top of the list. This is a family neighborhood, which has the feel of a suburb. Discovery Park would be the prime reason to visit this neighborhood. The extensive trails meander this urban park, which makes it feel like you're walking through a national park. The bluffs feature a beautiful overview of the city and trails lead to the Puget Sound where a beautiful lighthouse sits alongside the shoreline. 
​
Bus number 24 + 33 will get you downtown to Discovery Park. 
Picture
Fremont
Fremont is the neighborhood that is in the "Center of the Universe." It is one of the cutest neighborhoods, that is sadly, slowly evolving to become more chic and modern. Gas Works Park is popular with the locals and connected to the Birch Gilman Trail system. Some of the old architecture still exists, which gives part of this neighborhood and European feel. The Fremont Coffee Company offers fair-trade coffee with creative coffee art lattes all within the four walls of a small house. Quirky artwork is seen around the neighborhood, with the most popular being the Fremont Troll.  

Recommended restaurants: Jai Tai, Cafe Turko, The Tsar,  ZapVerr + Kwanjai Thai

Bus 31, 32, 40 and 62 will get you to Fremont. 
View this post on Instagram

Pretty in pink â–¡ #colorful #earth #beautiful #beauty #seattle #seattlenw #seattlelife #seattleblogger #pnw #park #pacnw #pacificnorthwest #mindfulness #mindfulliving #mindbodysoul #flower #flowers #flowergram #flowerstagram #travel #traveling #travelgram #inspiration #naturelover #nature #namaste

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on May 9, 2017 at 8:02pm PDT

Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is Seattle's most colorful and vibrant neighborhood. Known as the "gay ghetto," this is where people come to do everything but sleep with a prime focus on eating and partying. Gentrification has changed the vibe of this neighborhood, but it is still has the grunge and radicalized hipster scene. There is so much to see and eat it's impossible to experience it all. The Pike/Pine Corridor (Pike and Broadway) is the central area where the most excitement happens. There are countless shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. 

Broadway, headed toward E Roy St. is quieter, with plenty of things to do and characters to see. Try High Line for some vegan food and to experience the old grunge scene of Seattle. One of my favorite areas is 15th avenue, which features plenty of independent cafe, shops, health food stores and bars. Ada's bookstore is worth a visit and be sure to take a walk through Volunteer Park. 

The Lightlink or bus 10, 11 and 49 goes to Capitol Hill.  

View this post on Instagram

Summer time ☀️ □ #sun #seattle #seattlelife #pnw #pacnw #naturelover #nature #outdoorslife #outdoors #urban #cityscape #city #pugetsound #travel #travelblogger #traveling #travelgram #travelbug #wanderlust #wander #usa #lake #ocean #mothernature #planetearth #earth #boat #sunspiration

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on Aug 27, 2017 at 3:40pm PDT

Greenlake
This is a popular neighborhood with sporty locals. Whether they're jogging around the lake, playing basketball or stand up paddling, Greenlake has no shortage of interesting people. The occasional creepy clown sits underneath a tree or a local painter sells artwork from time to time. It's a place to stay fit, active and enjoy the water. The footpath loop is 2.8 miles. 

South Lake Union (SLU)
Nearby downtown and Lower Queen Anne, is SLU. This part of the lake is an area that attracts "beach goers," bikers, walkers, and people watchers. The Center for Wooden Boats features sailing classes and boat renters alongside with a museum of Native American wood-carved boats. A small rock beach is near the pedestrian bridge for locals to swim in the summer. The atmosphere has changed through the years, since the prime residents are Amazon techies, who basically have sucked the soul out of the neighborhood. Depending on the walking distance, this is an area to admire houseboats from the trail. The footpath loop is approximately 6.0 miles.  
View this post on Instagram

Georgetown is like a walk back into time on what seattle used to be! Wow! #travelblogger #outdoorlife #outdoors #travel #traveling #travelblog #travelgram #travelstagram #travelphotography #seattlenw #seattlelife #seattleblogger #nature #naturelover #pnw #pacnw #pacificnorthwest #ocean #architecture #urban #urbanlandscape #cityscape #city #architecture #writing #blogger #bar #cafe

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on Aug 15, 2017 at 8:12pm PDT

Georgetown
​Located near Boeing Field, Georgetown represents what many Seattle neighborhoods used to look like. A small street containing one-story brick buildings features some of Seattle's best, and most eclectic, cafes and pubs. Believe it or not a record store still exists and so do artist enclaves. 
View this post on Instagram

Lived in seattle for seven years and I finally made it to Seward park - what have I been missing all this time?! ? #travelblogger #outdoorlife #outdoors #travel #traveling #travelblog #travelgram #travelstagram #travelphotography #seattlenw #seattlelife #seattleblogger #nature #naturelover #parksandrec #pnw #pacnw #pacificnorthwest #tree #lake #cityscape #city #writing #blogger #wander #wanderlust

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on Aug 15, 2017 at 8:59pm PDT

Seward Park
Seward Park is another beautiful, waterfront park in Seattle. The outer loop trail meanders alongside the shores of Lake Washington. Inner trails exist that cut through the forest. It is possible to see eagles, especially during nesting season. Extend your walk or bike trip and continue north along Lake Washington Boulevard towards Colman Park. If hungry, head inland to That's Amore Italian Cafe for a coffee, drink or a bite to eat. 
The outer loop trail at Seward Park is approximately 2.5 miles. 

View this post on Instagram

Cute vintage style coffee shop ☕️?#sunspiration #flowers #seattle #seattlelife #pnw #pacnw #mindbodysoulfood #mindfulness #mindfulliving #flowerstagram #flowerpower #flower #nourish #flowers #travel #travelblogger #travelphotography #traveling #homedecor #garden #nature #beautiful #inspiration #beauty #vintage #antique #coffee #tea #coffeeshop #cafe #coffeelover

A post shared by Elizabeth Kovar (@erkovar) on May 6, 2018 at 8:47am PDT

U-District
The U-District is a neighborhood littered with cheap eats, and now sadly tons of younger homeless individuals. Tourists may not visit here unless they're into University of Washington Sports or the college town atmosphere. The most excitement occurs on University Way NW, which is the neighborhood's main drag. Come hungry, and for Asian food, as there is no shortage of that. Vegans enjoy Araya Thai cuisine, and locals flock to Thai Tom, which is probably the most popular Thai restaurant in the area. During cherry blossom season, walk through the UW courtyards. It will be busy and there will be 50 other people in your pictures, but it is still worth it. 

What's your favorite neighborhood in Seattle?

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to A Guide to Seattle's Neighborhoods.
2 Comments
shareit link
3/16/2022 01:17:46 am

ks for sharing the article, and more importantly, your personal experi ascence mindfully using our emotions as data about our inner state and knowingd cdxc sdc s when it’s better to de-escalate by taking a time out are great tools. Appreciate you reading and sharing your story since I can certainly relate and I think others can to
z

Reply
mxplayer link
3/16/2022 02:31:16 am

he article, and more importantly, your personal experi ascence mindfully using our emotions as data about our inner state and knowingd cdxc sdc s when it’s better to de-escalate by taking a time out are great tools. Appreciate you reading and sharing your story since I can certainly relate and I think others can to
z

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a Fitness Trainer, Author of Finding Om, Presenter, Yogi, Vegan & lover of the World. View her portfolio at www.elizabethkovar.comor health-based blog at mindbodysoul-food.com

    Picture
    Follow
    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Archives

    January 2023
    August 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015

    Categories

    All
    Asia
    Austria
    Bali
    Camino De Santiago
    Canada
    Czech Republic
    Denmark
    England
    Estonia
    Europe
    Finland
    France
    Germany
    Greece
    Iceland
    India
    Italy
    Latvia
    Lithuania
    Mexico
    Netherlands
    Poland
    Portugal
    Scotland
    Spain
    Thailand
    Travel Photos
    Travel Shopping
    Travel Story
    Travel Tips
    USA
    Vegan Travel
    Vegan/Veg Food Travel

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About
    • Work with Me
    • Partners
  • Blog
  • Books
  • Photo Gallery
    • Photo Journey
  • Contact