What You Can Walk To
- Pike Place Market: about nine minutes on foot from the convention center. Begin with our guide to visiting Pike Place Market.
- The waterfront: stroll roughly 12 minutes from the convention center to the new Waterfront Park, which adds 20 acres of public space.
- Food and drink: choose from more than 800 restaurants and bars operating downtown.
- Views: look up for clear sightlines to both mountains and water, something few American downtowns can offer.
Follow the Pike-Pine Corridor
Pike and Pine streets carry you from Pike Place Market through downtown and up into Capitol Hill, along the city's main stretch for shopping, dining and culture. Stay anywhere near this corridor and you will have a natural walking route between the market and Seattle's liveliest nightlife.
Neighborhoods Just Beyond the Core
Each of these areas sits close enough to downtown that you can still walk or take a short ride to the main sights. Each one also gives your trip a different mood.
Belltown
Head just north of downtown to Belltown, where high-rise condos mix with trendy restaurants and shops. Choose it if you want a central base but prefer to spend your evenings somewhere with a bit more neighborhood energy.
Pioneer Square
Seattle's original neighborhood blends art and history, so you can browse galleries, pass coworking spaces and settle in at well-liked places to eat. With Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park right beside it, Pioneer Square makes a smart base for game day. Learn more in our Pioneer Square guide.
South Lake Union
Stay in the heart of Seattle's tech scene, a district that keeps changing as new places to eat, see and do open regularly. South Lake Union works well for business travelers and for anyone who enjoys a modern feel.
Queen Anne
Think of Queen Anne as two areas in one. Down in Lower Queen Anne, you can catch busy bars and restaurants along with Seattle Center and its many attractions. Climb the hill to Upper Queen Anne for historic houses, small shopping streets and quiet parks, and see our Queen Anne neighborhood guide for more.
Cool Neighborhoods With Character
Staying outside the center trades a little convenience for a stronger sense of place. These neighborhoods reward you if you love exploring on foot once you arrive.
Capitol Hill for Nightlife
When Seattle goes out dancing, it heads to Capitol Hill. Its eclectic streets link directly to downtown along the Pike-Pine Corridor, keeping the market and waterfront within reach.
Ballard for Food and Maritime Roots
Ballard pairs its maritime heritage with a reputation for on-trend restaurants. Pick it if you like to plan your days around meals.
Fremont for a Bohemian Feel
On the north shore of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, Fremont calls itself the Center of the Universe, and its artsy, quirky personality backs up the claim.
University District for an Eclectic Mix
Surrounding the University of Washington, this neighborhood lets you browse urban shopping, admire historic homes and architecture, and drop into cafes, pubs and theaters. Our University District guide covers what to explore.
West Seattle for a Beach Town Pace
Slow down in West Seattle, which has a relaxed, beach town feel. It suits you if you want a break from the city bustle and don't mind being farther from the core.
Neighborhoods Rich in Culture and Community
Spend time in these areas even if you sleep elsewhere, since they shape how Seattle feels.
- International District: come hungry to the anchor of Seattle's Asian community for more than a century, known for its food.
- Central District: browse shops, eateries and arts spaces in the longtime hub of Seattle's Black community.
- Columbia City and Rainier Valley: explore one of the most diverse zip codes in the country, often called a neighborhood of nations.
- Georgetown and SoDo: discover two industrial areas that have turned trendy.
Staying Outside the City
Cross Lake Washington on the longest floating bridge in the world to reach Bellevue, home to nearly 100 parks between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish and a downtown with plenty to do. If wine is your passion, consider Woodinville, about a 30-minute drive from Seattle, where you can choose among more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms.
How to Choose Your Base
Pick downtown if this is your first visit, you are attending a convention or you are traveling without a car. Choose Capitol Hill for nightlife, Pioneer Square for stadium events, and Queen Anne, Ballard or Fremont for a neighborhood feel. Before you book, check rates and current details directly with any property, since availability shifts with events and seasons.
