Exploring Seattle's Vibrant Neighborhoods During Your Cruise Stopover
If you are boarding a cruise in Seattle or just stopping off on a journey up the Pacific Northwest, it is well worth making a little time in your itinerary to explore the Emerald City in depth. With its vibrant blend of natural beauty and urban excitement, Seattle is one of the most interesting cities in the US, making it ideal for a short trip, or indeed a longer getaway!
If you are stopping over in Seattle, you might not have time to explore the entire city - there’s so much to do here that it would be hard to achieve in weeks, let alone days. So here are some of the highlights of Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods - the must-see attractions and top destinations of this excellent West Coast metropolis.
Pike Place Market and Waterfront
No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to the iconic Pike Place Market, and it's a great place to start exploring the city. Set overlooking Elliot Bay, this bustling, noisy, chaotic market is a piece of Seattle's history, having been at the center of its fresh food, fishing, and produce industries for centuries. It’s a great place to shop for produce and fresh fish and an even better place to grab a bite to eat, with plenty of eateries serving up mouthwatering snacks and fresh dishes straight from the market stalls. Don’t miss the famous fish-tossing routine of the fishmongers, and grab a snap with the iconic Pike Place Fish Market sign. Once you’ve had your fill, Pike Place is within easy walking distance of the scenic waterfront and Seattle Aquarium.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is the beating heart of Seattle’s hipster scene. It is famous for its arts and culture, LGBTQ+ community, and independent shops, boutiques, and cafes. It’s a great place for a stroll to soak up the alternative atmosphere, buy handcrafted artisanal keepsakes or clothes, and discover some unique artworks. Don’t miss the chance to explore Volunteer Park, home to a wonderful conservatory full of tropical plants, as well as the Asian Art Museum.
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is Seattle's oldest neighborhood and is a charming world of narrow alleys, cobbled streets, and historic architecture. It is the best place in Seattle to get to grips with the city’s past and offers some exciting attractions, like the Seattle Underground Tour which takes you below street level to get up close and personal with the history of the city.
Fremont
Fremont might not have the cachet of Capitol Hill, but it is definitely its match when it comes to quirk, weirdness, and alternative artistic spirit. This outsider vibe is personified by the Fremont Troll, a bizarre piece of public art that lurks under the Aurora Bridge and is one of the most photographed places in Seattle. There are plenty of other creative public art installations to discover in the neighborhood, as well as the peace and tranquility of Gas Works Park which serves up some of the best views of the city from its hilltop vantage point.
Ballard
Ballard often flies under the radar, but it is a fascinating place to visit thanks to its rich Scandinavian heritage, which it wears proudly on its sleeve. The Nordic Heritage Museum is a great place to start and goes into detail about the Nordic influences on this part of the world. Ballard is also one of the best areas for drinking and dining, with Ballard Avenue the center of its lively nightlife scene.
While you might only have a short time in the city, Seattle is still well worth exploring. Discovering the neighborhoods above will give you a flavor of the Emerald City, and will almost certainly guarantee a return visit at some point in the future!
