Get me to the food
I have to say this city wasn’t within my travel list, but life circumstances gave me the opportunity to check it out. The first time it took some friends to visit while living in Portland and ask for a one day road trip which took a 3 hour drive. It was a super quick visit and I only managed to check the Space needle (map), Pike Place market, The Museum of Flight and EMP Museum back in 2011 which is now known as MOPOP Museum (mopop.org). All of them are super recommended while visiting Seattle. After that, who would guess, but not long ago a really close friend became a Seattleite and there we go again, let’s explore.
Seattle is one of the largest cities in the West Coast of the United States, home of rock and grunge bands like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Soundgarden and others, also home of big companies like Microsoft, Amazon and Boeing. This city is well known as well for its rainy weather especially during winter when you can barely see sunlight, but this is also a great season for snow sports, usually you’ll get snow mostly at the mountains and resorts so you can escape from it coming back to the city center. Seattle is also full of national parks and a great place all year long for mountaineering with and without snow which will give you different experiences on the same trail.
Since I’ve been here several times this post will have a different story, besides I haven’t been able to skydive in Seattle yet. I do like cold weather and snowboarding which is why I’ve visited Seattle during winter, but I don’t really enjoy going up to 13500 feet and jump out of an airplane while at approximately -12° Celsius (9° F). That’s still unchecked in my todo list.
This city is a lovely place, their city center architecture feels so contemporary and at the same time offers several traditional places to check around. So, here is a list of places to check throughout the city and a list of restaurant (yes, I always care about food). Enjoy.
City list
The pike place market is the oldest farmers market in Seattle and also one of the oldest in the United States. If you are a Starbucks fan then you can also visit the first original location, the one where it all began. You’ll be amazed by the amount of stores and options that you can find walking through the maze like market, there are so many levels and alleys to explore that it is easy to get lost. You’ll find literally all kind of products in this market and so much food samples. Even though it looks like a tourist trap, don’t miss it, there is so much to see and do here. One different and famous attraction is the gum wall, where everyone would place their chewing gum on the brick wall, it’s always crowded.
The most recognized landmark in Seattle, a nice looking observation tower 184 meters high built in 1962. There is an entrance fee of around $35, hit the link to check latest prices. It offers an awesome view of the city and a couple dining options which I didn’t try. Also there usually is a lot to do around the Seattle Center.
If you are into aviation and space exploration this is a must, both for kids and grownups. You’ll find several planes, history of flight and the future, emulators, real cockpits and even a supersonic concorde. It’s been a while since I visited, but I’m sure it’s been updated appropriately. Actually I should visit a second time.
This is a waterfront park where you can see far away the Olympic Mountains, and on your back the space needle. Also there are a couple of sculpture from the Art Museum. Nice place for pictures and chilling .
What I like about this part the most is that the skyline view is beautiful but you are surrounded by a lot of trees, besides the black sun sculpture which is believed to be the inspiration of Soundgarden for “black hole sun”. You’ll also be able to check a botanical garden nearby.
If you like contemporary architecture you’ll want to give a visit to this garden built by Amazon.
I visited the aquarium on my first visit to Seattle, and since it was my first time into an aquarium I did enjoy it. But, maybe not a best place if you’ve already been into one, unless it was too small.
Food list
So while staying at Seattle I had the opportunity to try several restaurants of a wide variety of food. What I like the most of the United States is that since it is an immigrant destination you’ll find pretty authentic food almost from everywhere in the world. Here are my favorites around Seattle.
If you like Clam chowder or seafood chowder you’ll be delighted at this place, they offer several versions of chowder of every size and with sour bread bowl. It is not just about variety, but quality as well I love the clam chowder. Do take into account that it is quite famous and sometimes you’ll find a large line to be able to buy food here.
This small and hidden poke restaurant is inside the pike place market and it is simply one of the best poke bowls I’ve had, their fish is super fresh and tasty. Also I believe it’s at a great price considering the size and quality. Super recommended.
This is the first time I’ve tried a bahn me and I haven’t been in vietnam yet, but I came here because it was recommended by someone I do trust and already visited Vietnam. So without high expectations or a previous experience I gotta say that it is very tasty and seems legit because of the way they prepare it. They bake their own bread and offer several fillings for your sandwich. Don’t be fooled by the price, it is incredibly cheap but you get a lot more for your money.
This restaurant is actually a sports bar, but you’ll get authentic and tasty Ethiopian food here. If you haven’t tried Ethiopian before you can say it is similar to indian food, with a lot of ground spices and saucy kind of a curry experience. I recommend as my friend says, just order both vegetarian and meat platters and enjoy them all.
I’ve had a lot of Thai food around the US, and this one has been the best so far. It is a little further away from downtown but I feel like it is worth the drive. Their curry is out of this world, and they’re also known for other signature dishes. Hope you can try them.
I’m not a fan of hot dogs, but there is a signature hot dog in Seattle from a variety of places.The Seattle dog is basically toped with cheese cream and sauteed onions. It actually tastes good, but for me it is just something you can try because you were there and you check it off your list.
This one isn’t really about food, but these guys brew some really good beers. If you are into beers go ahead and give them a visit.
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