10 unique things to do in Seattle
10 unique things to do in Seattle
This quirky and unique Pacific Northwest city has it all! The three days we spent there in February 2019 was not enough to experience everything we wanted to. It just so happened that the weekend we were in Seattle, was the snowpocalypse!! Contrary to what I thought, it doesn’t snow much in Seattle, but when it does, the city shuts down. The reason for this is due to the temperatures hovering around freezing, allowing the snow to melt and then refreeze, leaving the hilly roads icy and difficult to maneuver. Due to these conditions, my list contains mostly indoor activities. Still, there were plenty of things to do, and I can’t wait to go back hopefully next time in the summer!
Ames Bros homage to Pearl Jam at Sea-Tac airport
1. Visit some of Seattle’s many local breweries
As luck would have it, the moment we walked by Optimism Brewing Company the snowfall began, and the door unlocked for business. It was the perfect recipe for a little day drinking and sampling some of Seattle’s great beer. This Capitol Hill brewery has a large variety of craft beer that won’t disappoint! The brewery is housed in a 100-year-old warehouse space that was originally another brewery. The beer hall features communal seating, a play area for toddlers, and is also dog-friendly. The brewery does not serve food itself however there is a delicious taco truck parked in its beer garden daily.
Over in the Fremont neighborhood, You’ll find the Fremont Brewing Company. This place was hopping by 1:00 pm on a Saturday afternoon. The inside was packed as well as the outdoor beer garden, despite cold temperatures. This brewery is also kid and dog-friendly. The craft beer was delicious and offered a great selection of seasonal brews.
If cider is more of your style, visit Schilling Cider House, just up the road in Fremont. With so many choices, it’s hard to decide. They make it a little easier by color-coding the list on levels of sweetness. Or just get a flight and try them all!
2. Visit Unicorn in Capitol Hill
This unique carnival-themed bar located in Capitol Hill has a whimsical vibe, an interesting twist on carnival food, including some vegan and vegetarian options, and a fun variety of cocktails and shots. They also have a pinball arcade, and if you are lucky enough to be there on Sunday, Mimosas Cabaret – a very entertaining brunch drag show.
3. Go to Neumos for live music
Just right down the street from Unicorn, on East Pike Street, in Capitol Hill, you’ll find Neumos. Neumos is a mid-sized music venue where you can experience Seattle’s local music scene.
4. See the Fremont Troll
The Fremont Troll (aka “Troll under the bridge”) is a public sculpture built circa 1990. Inspiration for the statue came from Scandanavian folklore of a troll living under a bridge. The troll is a result of an art competition to rehabilitate the area under the bridge from drug activity.
5. Eat at Red Star in Fremont
This cozy and quaint restaurant and bar in Fremont is known for tacos, tapas, and an excellent variety of margaritas. They also have two daily happy hours – 4-6 pm daily and a late-night happy hour on most days. ‘Margarita Mondays and Trivia’ offers $6 margaritas, $2 taco Tuesdays, and movie nights on Wednesdays.
6. Experience and explore Pike Place Market
Though Pike Place Market might be a bit touristy and on every Seattle ‘must-do,’ list it is quintessential Seattle and a must! There is so much to explore here – fish market, flower market, a farmer’s and craft market, unique shops, and specialty foods and much more. With an abundance of restaurants, bakeries, and cafes, it is a foodie paradise. It’s easy to spend a good chunk of your day here!
Bacco cafe 
Le Panier
7. Have breakfast at Biscuit Bitch
If being greeted with ‘good morning bitch,’ offends you, this is not the place for you. This fun and unique breakfast spot is near Pike Place Market, and has so many options for how to do your biscuit up! Due to already eating breakfast, I opted for a lighter dessert option, the Nutty-Bitch. This consisted of a biscuit, Nutella, banana, whipped cream (as if there are any lighter options:). If you plan to come here, expect a long line, and the space is small with limited seating, so plan to get your order to-go and enjoy at another location.
8. Go to the Museum of Pop Culture MoPOP
This museum is a must! Some of the current exhibits feature some of Seattle’s legends: Hendrix, Pearl Jam and Nirvana as well as a Minecraft exhibit, a horror film exhibit and a science fiction exhibit, just to name a few. Adult tickets run around $28-$34 (slightly cheaper if you buy ahead online). Exhibits change frequently, so check the website. http://mopop.org
9. Explore Seattle’s underground city
There is an abandoned underground city that lies beneath the streets of Pioneer Square (Seattle’s oldest neighborhood). The great fire of 1889 destroyed over 30 blocks. The city rebuilt on top, leaving these underground passageways abandoned. Tours range around one to 1.5 hours and at $22 per adult and $10 for children.
If ghost hunting is more of your thing, they also have an ‘Underground Paranormal Experience.’ In this tour, you will search for spirits using investigative equipment used by professional paranormal investigators. I’m not sure I could be up for this one.http://undergroundtour.com
10. Eat Pho at one of the many Vietnamese restaurants
Seattle is known for having great Vietnamese food. There are many options throughout the city. With having many cold and wet days, a steaming bowl of pho is always a great idea. Pho Than Brothers have many locations all over town. They are inexpensive and have large servings as well as being delicious.
Green Leaf is another delicious option and centrally located in Chinatown.
BaBar is located in Capitol Hill has excellent Vietnamese food and craft cocktails. They are open late-night if you need a late pho-fix.
