|
Seattle On Your Own |
|
 |
 |
Orientation
Your ship will depart from and return to one of the two cruise terminals in Seattle. Princess, Royal Caribbean and Holland America dock at the new Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, located at Pier 91 just north of downtown Seattle. Celebrity and NCL dock at the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal, located at Pier 66 in the heart of Seattle's downtown waterfront. At both facilities, tour and shuttle buses, taxis and other forms of transportation are readily available for passenger excursions to the city center and major tour attractions.
The overall shape of the City of Seattle is like an hourglass, stretching from north to south. The city is flanked by the water bodies of Lake Washington to the east and Elliott Bay and Puget Sound to the west, and divided more or less at its center by the Lake Washington Ship Canal (which runs east-west). The topography is very hilly; the city is built on seven adjacent hills. As a result, while the city street system is generally laid out in a grid pattern, it is full of streets that wind and curve and run at arbitrary angles to one another.
Seattle streets that run north-south are labeled "Avenues," and east-west running streets are labeled "Streets." Most of the streets that tend to wind and curve, or run diagonally to the gridded streets, are labeled "Boulevard," "Road," "Place" and so on. The city also has a number of bridges, many of which cross the Lake Washington Ship Canal, joining the north and south sections of the city.
Walking
Walking is one of the best ways to see Seattle. Just put on your best walking shoes, grab an umbrella and go!
If you're not burdened with too much luggage, take the Sound Transit train from SeaTac International Airport to downtown Seattle and your hotel. Trains leave every 7.5 to 15 minutes, depending on the time of day, and the cost of a fare is only $2.50 for adults (less for children and seniors) all the way to Westlake Plaza--that's $30 less than taking a taxi. Such a deal!
King County Metro Transit runs a very good bus system, and will get you pretty much anywhere you want to go. The fares run between $1.75 to $2.00 per ride.
Seattle's Monorail is a vestage of the 1962 World's Fair. The Monorail departs every 10 minutes from the station at Seattle Center (across from the Space Needle), and from Westlake Center Mall, at Fifth and Pine Street. Each trip takes two minutes to cover the 1 mile route. The fare is $2.00 one way.
The City of Seattle currently offers free passage on their Waterfront Route 99 busses that will take you from Pier 66 to Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square and the International Distict (Chinatown), and return. The busses run every 30 minutes.
Taxis
You'll be able to get a taxi at either of the two Cruise Ship Terminals in Seattle. The drop charge is $2.50, and then the charge is $0.25 for each 1/10 of a mile after the first 1/10 of a mile. The fares to get from one place to another in downtown Seattle will run you less than $10.00.
The current cost of a taxi from downtown Seattle to SeaTac International Airport is a fixed $32.00. |
|
 © istockphoto.com/1001nights |
| |
|
Seattle offers some of the Pacific Northwest's best shopping experiences (although the folks in Portland would beg to disagree). Seattle is a city of neighborhoods, and the shopping experiences vary by the neighborhood.
To see the locations of the recommended shops listed below, see our Map of Seattle Shopping Locations.
In Downtown Seattle, the shopping district is a compact area centered around Seneca and 4th Ave. Here you'll find stores that are ubiquitous throughout the United States, such as Banana Republic, Nike, Gap and Nordstrom, as well as boutiques for the fashionistas, including Betsy Johnson and Isadora's Antique Clothing. The Westlake Center mall features local and international home designers as well as a top floor food court, while the Pacific Place mall features a wide variety of stores and a multiplex theater.
No visit to Seattle would be complete without making a pilgrimage to the Pike Place Market, an outdoor market that's been a Seattle landmark since 1905. It's one of the most colorful and energetic shopping districts in the Pacific Northwest, filled with green grocers, fish mongers, restaurants and shops of every kind. If you've got a late flight returning you home, and if you like really fresh shrimp (it tastes like candy), buy some Spots from a fish monger and have them package it for your trip home.
Shopping in Pioneer Square is a much more eclectic experience than you'll find in other areas of Seattle. It is the birthplace of Starbucks, and also features a bevy of art galleries, Italian restaurants and delis, unique boutiques, independent bookstores, hand-crafted jewelry, furniture and music-—the list is virtually endless.
Rainier Square, located in the front of the entrance to the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, is where you'll find high-end shops, boutiques and galleries, including outlets from Louis Vuitton, Gucci and St. John.
Seattle's International District (the locals refer to it as the "ID") is where you'll find the tastes and sights of Asia. Located just south of Pioneer Square, the ID is home to Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander residents and merchants. For a special treat, check out Uwajimaya, a sprawling supermarket featuring fresh seafood and vegetables, Asian products and specialty candies.
|
|
|
|
Seattle offers a great dining scene. West Coast Cuisine is on show here--dishes with ingredients that are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest, including delicious seafood like salmon, sablefish and oysters, artisanal cheeses and hand-crafted chutneys, organic produce and fresh-picked berries paired with award-winning local wines and beers. Enjoy your culinary experience in Seattle!
To see the locations of the recommended restaurants listed below, see our Map of Recommended Seattle Restaurants.
Recommended restaurants in Seattle
Cafe Flora
Vegetarian
Cafe Flora's award winning menu features modern and sophisticated vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free cuisine that is inspired by international culinary traditions and created with local, organic and sustainable ingredients.
2901 East Madison Street
(206) 325-9100
Waterfront Seafood Grill
Seafood
Fantastic seafood with great service in a romantic and tasteful atmosphere. Located right on the water overlooking Elliott Bay, the Waterfront Seafood Grill isn't cheap, but it's worth it. Try the lobster mashed potatoes.
2801 Alaskan Way
Belltown Seattle
(206) 956-9171
Pike Place Chowder
Seafood
Pike Place Chowder is a 20-seat quick-service restaurant (with additional outdoor patio seating) located on Post Alley in historic Pike Place Market. The menu consists of eight outstanding made in-house chowders, sandwich rolls, and salads--with both side and entree versions available. Their clam chowder has won first-place awards in cook-offs throughout the country.
600 Pine Street
Pike Place Market
Tel: (206) 838-5680
Sichuanese Cuisine Restaurant
Chinese
Sichuanese Cuisine Restaurant is a Seattle favorite, serving up tasty Sichuan food from its Chinatown location. Popular dishes include Mapo Tofu: "Pocked Face Grandmother Bean Curd," bean curd cooked with minced pork and served in hot chilli and pepper; Xiangla Nu Chow Mian: "Hot and Spicy Beef Noodle," yellow noodles and sliced beef stir-fried with hot and spicy sauce; and Mala Huoguo: "Ma and Hot Hotpot," meat and ingredients of every kind thrown into red hot soup.
1048 South Jackson Street
International District
Tel: (206) 720-1690
Salumi
Italian Deli, Meats & Sandwiches
Founded by Armandino Batali, the father of famed TV chef Mario Batali, Salumi dishes up some mighty good Italian meats and sandwiches from its Pioneer Square location. Be aware that the lines are long, but that just means that people know good food when they find it. If you don't get a seat, just walk out of the restaurant, turn left, and left again. There's a public garden on your right side with a big running waterfall and little tables everywhere.
309 3rd Avenue South
Downtown Seattle
Tel: (206) 621-8772
Matt's in the Market
Seafood
Located at the Pike Place Market, Matt's in the Market features a beautiful setting, great food and friendly service.
The place is hidden in an upstairs corner overlooking the Sound Horizon, and is famous for its pea soup, seared scallops and sandwiches. Mostly has a local crowd.
94 Pike Street, Pike Place Market
Downtown Seattle
(206) 467-7909
Brooklyn Seafood, Steak & Oyster House
Steaks & Seafood
Delicious fresh oysters, steaks taken seriously, good service, a familiar vibe, an excellent wine list and a great happy hour make the Brooklyn a Seattle destination. Try the oyster/vodka sampler.
1212 2nd Avenue
Downtown Seattle
(206) 224-7000
Ivar's Salmon House
Seafood
Part of the Ivar's Seattle empire, Ivar’s Salmon House is a beautiful cedar replica of a Northwest Indian Longhouse, complete with an open-pit Native American-style barbecue for preparing succulent alder-smoked dishes. Favorite daily entrees and fresh-sheet selections include alder-smoked salmon, prawns, alder-smoked chicken and seasonal seafood specials. The outdoor Fish Bar offers casual lakeside dining or quick take-out food.
401 NE Northlake Way
Downtown Seattle
(206) 632-0767
Salty's
Seafood
Salty's operates three restaurants in the Pacific Northwest: two in Seattle and one in Portland. This restaurant, located south of SeaTac International Airport, provides its patrons with spectacular waterfront views, award-winning Northwest seafood cuisine and friendly service. If you're not up for a full meal, enjoy sitting in the bar and noshing on inexpensive tapas-like seafood dishes. They'll even drive you back to your hotel in Seattle after your meal.
28201 Redondo Beach Drive S.
Des Moines, WA
(253) 946-0636
Doc's Marina Grill
Seafood & Steaks
Located on Bainbridge Island, just a short walk from the Ferry terminal, Doc's offers fantastic views of the marina on its new waterfront deck. The menu ranges from delicious burgers to filet mignon to fresh Alaskan halibut.
403 Madison Avenue South
Bainbridge Island
(206) 842-8339
Portage Bay Cafe
Breakfast, Lunch & Brunch
Portage Bay Cafe is a popular Seattle restaurant specializing in breakfast, lunch and brunch. They are seriously into offering food sourced from local, clean and sustainable farms and producers. They've got a great fresh fruit bar. Go early, or you'll have to wait. Opens at 7:30 am for breakfast, and 11:00 am for lunch and brunch.
4130 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle
(206) 547-8230
Chili Basil
Thai
Good food, friendly staff and service, large portions, and they give you free shave ice at the end of your meal. If you need a Thai fix, this is the place to get it.
209 East Broadway
Capitol Hill, Seattle
(206) 329-8883
|
|
|
Recommended Hotels in Seattle
Expensive (more than $200/night)
Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Seattle, footsteps from the city's most exciting attractions, including the famous Pike Place Market, Seattle Waterfront and Space Needle, plus a multitude of museums, theatres, shops and restaurants. In addition to 450 well-appointed guestrooms and suites, The Olympic also offers countless amenities, including a full service health club, spa and indoor swimming pool. The Fairmont Olympic is the Pacific Northwest's only AAA Five Diamond hotel.
411 University Street
Downtown Seattle
Tel: (206) 621-1700
Reservations: (888) 363-5022
Renaissance Seattle Hotel
Located just minutes from Pike Place Market, downtown attractions and upscale shopping, the Renaissance Seattle Hotel offers the body of a full-service hotel and the soul of a boutique property. The hotel's 553 plush hotel rooms and 5 spacious suites feature stunning views of Puget Sound, mountains and the city's skyline. The property also offers a number of deals and packages that make luxury truly affordable.
515 Madison Street
Downtown Seattle
Tel: (206) 583-0300
Reservations: (800) 546-9184
Edgewater Hotel
The Edgewater Hotel is Seattle’s only luxury waterfront hotel, with dramatic views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains and the downtown skyline, and a location right on Pier 67. Hotel amenities include Six Seven (an outdoor waterfront restaurant), a fitness room and a business center. All rooms feature gas fireplaces, pine furnishings, plush comforters, turndown service, complimentary bath amenities (complete with rubber ducky), minibars, data ports, voicemail, in-room coffee service (featuring complimentary Starbuck's Coffee and teas) and large windows with views of Puget Sound or downtown Seattle.
2411 Alaskan Way
Downtown Seattle
Tel: (206) 728-7000
Reservations: (800) 624-0670
Hotel Vintage Park
A Kimpton property, the Hotel Vintage Park is situated in the heart of Seattle, with theater, restaurants, Pike Place Market and the Washington State Convention & Trade Center all within easy walking distance. The Vintage Park offers sophisticated Seattle lodging inspired by the Washington Wine Country in elegant, comfortable guestrooms named for nearby wineries and vineyards.
1100 5th Avenue
Downtown Seattle
Tel: (206) 624-8000
Reservations: (800) KIMPTON
Alexis Hotel
A Kimpton property, the Alexis is a luxury 121-room Seattle boutique hotel, located just steps from the Pike Place Market, the Waterfront and Pioneer Square. Recently named to Travel + Leisure's "Best 500 Hotels in the World" list, the Alexis Hotel displays original pieces of art throughout the richly decorated guestrooms and public spaces. The property also offers a nightly wine reception for its guests.
1007 1st Avenue
Downtown Seattle
Tel: (206) 624-4844
Reservations: (866) 356-8894
Hotel Andra
Ideally located on the seam of Seattle’s trendy Belltown neighborhood and the thriving retail district, the Hotel Andra is at the epicenter of the city. Originally built in 1926, this classic brick and terra cotta building was thoroughly recreated in 2004 to become the Hotel Andra. Inspired by the surrounding neighborhood of Belltown, with its artist studios, galleries, boutiques and restaurants, the hotel offers travelers a unique and stylish hotel alternative in downtown Seattle.
2000 4th Avenue
Downtown Seattle
Tel: (206) 448-8600
Reservations: (877) 448-8600
Moderate (between $100 and $200/night)
Ace Hotel
Located in Belltown near the Seattle Center and the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal, the Ace Hotel offers 28 guestrooms in a 2-story property. Amenities at this boutique property include complimentary breakfast, complimentary Internet access and complimentary newspapers in the lobby.
2423 1st Avenue
Belltown, Seattle
Tel: (206) 448-4721
Hampton Inn Seattle
The Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle is conveniently located in the heart of Queen Anne, one of Seattle's most prestigious neighborhoods. Within a short walk from the hotel, you can visit Seattle's famous attractions, including the world renowned Space Needle, Experience Music Project and the Pacific Science Center. Opened in 1996, the Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle features 198 deluxe and comfortable guest rooms.
700 5th Avenue North
Downtown Seattle
Tel: (206) 282-7700
Reservations: (800) 426-7866
Sixth Avenue Inn
Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, the Sixth Avenue Inn hotel is all about location. Popular Seattle attractions are all within walking distance from the hotel, including the Space Needle, Monorail, Pike Place Market, Pacific Place and Westlake Center. Each room at the Seattle Sixth Avenue Inn has free high-speed wireless Internet, cable television and numerous other features. In addition, some of the rooms feature full kitchens, sofa beds and dining rooms for your comfort.
2000 6th Ave
Downtown Seattle
(206) 441-8300
Inn at the Market
Located in the heart of Seattle's Pike Place Market, Inn at the Market has been designed with modern Northwest style and comfort, and is home to Campagne, one of the city's most acclaimed restaurants. Recognized by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast, Inn at the Market offers a signature Seattle experience treasured by visitors and locals. The Inn at the Market is completely non-smoking and offers a selection of rooms with accessible features for special needs.
86 Pine Street
Downtown Seattle
(206) 443-3600
Reservations: (800) 446-4484
|
|
|
Discounts to Seattle Attractions
Go Seattle Card If you plan on spending some time in the city before or after your cruise, the Go Card is your ticket to the best things to do in Seattle. For one low price, you can enter 35 attractions--including the Space Needle, Experience Music Project, Argosy Cruises, Seattle Art Museum and more. The Go Card is the only ticket you need, saving you up to 45% compared to individual tickets.
Tour Operators
Savor Seattle Food Tours
Savor Seattle Food Tours is the #1 ranked attraction and food tour in Seattle. They offer several award-winning culinary tours that explore the exciting history, culture, food and top chefs of Seattle. They offer a Pike Place Market Tour, a Gourmet Seattle Tour, and a Chocolate Indulgence Tour. The tours run between 2 to 3 hours, and cost between $39 and $69.
Tel: (888) 98-SAVOR (987-2867)
Tours Northwest
Tours Northwest specializes in personable, small group tours of the Seattle Area. They offer a comprehensive Seattle City Tour, a Boeing Factory tour, and a 10-hour Mt. Rainier tour. They also offer pre- and post-cruise options.
Tel: (206) 768-1234
Gray Line of Seattle
Gray Line offers a number of tours, including a Double Decker bus Hop On/Hop Off tour, a City Sights tour, a Segway in Seattle scooter tour, water tours, lunch and dinner cruises, day trips to Mount Rainier, a Future of Flight tour, plus a Downtown Airporter bus to and from SeaTac Airport.
Tel: (206) 626-5200 or (800) 824-8897
Seattle By Foot
Seattle by Foot offers several fun walking tours of the city, including a Pub Crawl and the Original Coffee Crawl,
departing daily from Pike Place Market.
Tel: (800) 838-3006
Underground Tour
Take a 90-minute stroll through intriguing subterranean storefronts and sidewalks entoumbed when the city was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1889,
departing daily from Doc Maynard's Public House, a restored 1890s saloon located at 608 First Avenue in Pioneer Square. Tours leave daily on the hour from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm during the months of May through September.
Tel: (206) 682-4646
Argosy Cruises
Argosy operates nine vessels providing private and public cruises around the Puget Sound area. Argosy Cruises offers must-see tourist attractions, such as the Lakes, Locks and Harbor Cruises. Their boats leave from the historic downtown Seattle waterfront, at the South Lake Union and Kirkland City Dock.
Tel: (800) 642-7816
Escapes by Ferry
Bremerton Ferry
For less than $7 each way (adult fare), taking the hour-long ferry ride to Bremerton is a fun adventure. The Ferries leave from the Seattle (Main) Terminal at 801 Alaskan Way, Pier 52. If you're coming back in the late afternoon or early evening, and the weather participates, the skyline of the Seattle is lit in a golden hue, and is not to be missed. Make sure to take your camera!
Bainbridge Island Ferry
To get a flavor of Seattle maritime living, take the half-hour long ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. The Ferries leave from the Seattle (Main) Terminal at 801 Alaskan Way, Pier 52. If the weather's nice, plan on a 3 hour tour--a half hour each way on the ferry, an hour for lunch, and an hour to explore the island's shop. The fare is $6.90 for an adult, with reduced fares for seniors and children ages 6 to 18. Make sure to take your camera!
Museums
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Seattle's only National Park, the Klondike Gold Rush National Park preserves the story of the 1897-98 stampede to the Yukon gold fields and Seattle's role in this event. The park offers a glimpse at the stories of adventure and hardship of the gold rush. Open daily, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. During the summer (June 15 through September 6), the museum puts on special interpretive programs that include videos, talks, gold panning demonstrations and an 80 minute guided tour of Pioneer Square. All activities are free.
319 Second Avenue South, in the Cadillac Hotel
Seattle
Tel: (206) 220-4240
Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight offers a number of exciting exhibits. You can land a lunar module on the Moon and join Apollo astronauts in an exploration of the Moon’s surface. Share the experiences of astronauts from the Pacific Northwest and climb inside a full size replica of the International Space Station’s Destiny Research Laboratory. Or you can experience flight without leaving the ground in the Museum's flight simulators! Try your hand at WWII dogfights. Open Daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
9404 East Marginal Way South
Seattle
Tel: (206) 764-5720
Seattle Art Museum
SAM collects and exhibits objects from across cultures, exploring the connections between past and present. Currently the collection consists of approximately 23,000 objects. Open Tuesday through Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Thursdays and Fridays until 9:00 pm.
1300 First Avenue
Tel: (206) 654-3100
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Part of the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Asian Art Museum occupies the 1933 Art Moderne building which was originally home to the Seattle Art Museum's main collection. Open Tuesday through Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Thursdays until 9:00 pm.
1400 E Prospect Street, in Volunteer Park
Tel: (206) 654-3100
Attractions in Seattle
Ride the Ducks of Seattle
Their amphibious World War II vehicles will show you Seattle on wheels while you explore the waterfront, downtown Seattle shopping district, Pike Place Market and historic Pioneer Square. Then splash into Lake Union for a party on wheels that floats. The 90-minute tours depart daily every half hour from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
516 Broad Street
(206) 441-DUCK (3825), or (800) 817-1116
Space Needle
Built in 1962, the Space Needle served as the symbol of that year's World's Fair. It has since become the symbol of Seattle, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Open daily from 9:00 am to midnight.
400 Broad Street, at Seattle Center
Tel: (206) 905-2100
Tillicum Village at Blake Island
This four-hour adventure includes a boat cruise to the Tillicum Native American village on Blake Island, dining on their world-famous salmon, a stage show and time to explore the area. This tour has been in operation since 1962, and the salmon is truly delicious.
Blake Island
Tel: (206) 623-1445
Seattle Aquarium
Listen to the calls of the region's orca whales. Stand within a circle of glowing jellyfish. Run your fingers along a sea anemone's soft tentacles. Delight in the antics of the sea otters. There's always something fun to discover, and inspiration on how to help protect the marine environment. Open Daily 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
1483 Alaskan Way
Tel: (206) 386-4300
Kenmore Air Flightseeing
Enjoy a 20 minute narrated flightseeing adventure from Lake Union in a seaplane. You'll fly over the city for unforgetable views of Seattle's houseboat communities, the University of Washington campus, the Lake Washington estates of the rich and famous, the Space Needle and Seattle Center, plus much more.
950 Westlake Avenue N
Tel: (425) 486-1257; toll Free: (866) 435-9524
Great Views of Seattle
St. Mark's Cathedral
Located adjacent to Volunteer Park north of the downtown area, St. Mark's Cathedral sits on a hill that overlooks the city. Here, you're about as high as the Space Needle, and the view is tremendous. If you venture into the cathedral itself, you'll be blown away by the five story pipe organ.
1245 10th Ave E
Tel: (206) 323-0300
Volunteer Park Water Tower
The Volunteer Park Water Tower offers 360° views over Seattle and its surrounding areas. If it's a clear day, you'll see Mt. Rainier towering over the city, and the view is spectacular. At the top of the tower's 180 steps, you will find information on the Seattle Park system, and the legacy of the Olmstead brothers, designers of the park. There are seats for those who need them after the climb.
Volunteer Park
Seattle
|
|
|
|
|
© 2008-2010 CruisePortInsider.com |
|
