DK Travel : Seattle : Downtown

What strikes many visitors to downtown Seattle is how easy it is to see the sights, since key attractions lie within walking distance of one another. Bookended by Belltown to the north and Pioneer Square to the south, downtown can be seen on foot or by city bus at no cost – since all of it lies in the Ride Free Zone. Alternatively, for a small fare, the waterfront streetcar stops at several key points between the Market and the International District. In addition to being a business district full of skyscrapers, downtown offers a wide range of options – such as gourmet restaurants, attractive shopping centers, and a perfect place to begin exploring the city.

Many seafood vendors at Pike Place Market package fish for long-distance travel. Head inside the Koolhaas Library for a visual treat as spectacular as the glass and steel exterior shell. Be sure to leave the bus while still in the Ride Free Zone; if you stay on beyond the boundary, you’ll have to pay upon exiting.

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Brasa

Diners in the informal lounge may choose from steak frites, pizzas, fried oysters, and pasta. Take the time for lavish offerings such as lamb tagine or cumin-dusted sea scallops.
Carol McClellan

Visitors can select the fabric and color for a custom leather dress or jacket. Joining the hip set may cost you up to $2,700 for a two-piece suit, while armbands are merely $45.
Coldwater Creek

This spacious home furnishing and clothing store welcomes shoppers with hard-wood floors, a stream, and a waterfall.
Crocodile Café

The funky bar that forms the epicenter of Seattle’s rock scene features inexpensive fare typical of standard diners and pubs. It’s also a great place to check out tattoos.
Cyclops

Local customers return for their classic hummus plate, and both Interview and Details magazines have raved about the scene. Don’t miss the roast chicken quesadilla.
Dahlia Lounge
Downtown Shopping Spree

Mid-morning

Stop at Westlake Center and grab an espresso and pastry at the stand in the plaza before window-shopping West-lake’s indoor mall. Inside, Made in Washington offers a large and creative inventory of regionally produced merchandise. Walk across Pine Street to find Nordstrom’s spacious flagship store (see Nordstrom), stocked with top designer brands and the absolute best of everything. Splurge in Pacific Place mall (see Pacific Place), where you can choose from upmarket stores including Tiffany & Co., Coach, Ann Taylor, Cartier, and Williams-Sonoma. Exit the mall on Pine, turn right, and then left on 5th Avenue to University Street for pricey boutiques and fine jewelry, such as Fox’s Gem Shop (1341 5th Ave).

Descend into the cavernous indoor mall at Rainier Square , underneath the white high-rise that rests on a narrow pedestal. The base of the building opens up for a city block’s worth of shops, galleries, and restaurants. Look for fine art in the Jeffrey Moose Gallery and imported Swiss chocolate from Neuhaus. Walk downhill on University to 4th Avenue, where you can board a number of non-express buses for a free ride back to Pike Street, or stay on the bus a few more blocks to Virginia Street for a superb Italian lunch at Assaggio (see Assaggio Ristorante). Ask the driver for help if you need it.
E.E. Robbins Engagement Rings

It would be hard to miss the arty neon sign of a bejeweled ring glowing above this tempting shop in Belltown. The staff is informed and easy going.
Eddie Bauer

This store offers seasonal collections of all-occasion apparel, footwear, travel gear, and accessories for men and women. Founded in 1920 in Seattle, today more than 425 stores exist worldwide.
Endless Knot

Stocking sizes small to 3X, this popular shop marries elegance with the unusual. Artful designs with a contemporary Asian feel.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with two glasses of wine (or equivalent) and tax.
- under $20
- $20–$40
- $40–$55
- $55–$80
- over $80