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A Seattle local shares 12 less-touristy things to see and do in the city, from chocolate tours to hidden speakeasies
A Seattle local shares 12 less-touristy things to see and do in the city, from chocolate tours to hidden speakeasies
Aleenah AnsariJul 19, 2022, 19:33 IST
Shop artisanal grocery items, fresh seafood, and tons more at Seattle's Pike Place Market.Checubus / Shutterstock
I've lived in Seattle for eight years and have discovered tons of off-the-beaten-path things to do.
Here are my top 12 must-do activities to help map out your Seattle itinerary.
I have a document on my phone called "Favorite Places and Spaces," which includes a running list of my favorite activities, bookstores, and shops in all the cities I've visited — including my home base of Seattle. After two years spent mainly inside, it's been exciting to see new and old businesses (re)open throughout the city and see more people on the bus and light rail again.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning after some time away, these are the places that top my list of quintessential Seattle experiences. While the Space Needle or Pike Place are must-sees for many tourists and well worth a visit, most of my favorite activities are slightly off the beaten path but still offer a unique local experience. And yes, we have some indoor options if you're hoping to escape the rain for a little bit. Here's everything I recommend doing and seeing during your stay in the Emerald City.
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Browse a local bookstore.
Local bookstore chain Third Place Books' location in Ravenna has a cafe and outdoor seating area.Grant Hindsley for Insider
Tour a local chocolate factory.
Learn about the origins of chocolate and sample different varieties on the Theo Chocolate Factory tour.Grant Hindsley for Insider
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Check out the farmers' markets.
Shop for fresh produce, flowers, meat, and more at the Ballard Farmer's Market.Grant Hindsley for Insider
Immerse yourself in Seattle coffee culture.
Don't miss unique coffee blends and signature cocktails at Starbucks' flagship roastery in Capitol Hill.Courtesy of Starbucks
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Window-shop for souvenirs from small businesses.
Customers can browse gifts and cards and ship them directly from Sip and Ship via FedEx, UPS, USPS, or DHL.Grant Hindsley for Insider
Grab a scoop of ice cream at a local shop.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Molly Moon's.Grant Hindsley for Insider
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Catch a bird's-eye view of the city.
See all of Seattle from the Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center.Grant Hindsley for Insider
Visit the Museum of Museums.
Check out contemporary art exhibits at the Museum of Museums.Grant Hindsley for Insider
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Get out on the water.
The Seattle Great Wheel on Pier 57 at the waterfront.Grant Hindsley for Insider
Have a picnic at one of Seattle's many green spaces.
Have an afternoon of art and nature at Seattle's Olympic Sculpture Park.Grant Hindsley for Insider
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Get a customized drink at a hidden speakeasy.
If you're looking for a speakeasy in Seattle (almost as fun as being sleepless in Seattle), Needle & Thread is your spot. Reservations are required and can be made up to seven days in advance. Enter through its sister bar, Tavern Law, and find the old phone in the back, which you pick up and mention your name and reservation time to get inside. This place doesn't offer a beverage menu — instead, share your favorite flavors, liquors, and garnishes, and the bartender will whip up a custom cocktail.
Stroll by the Seattle waterfront.
Stop for seafood at the Seattle waterfront.Grant Hindsley for Insider