Since starting Native Maps, Seattle has been one of our most requested cities. When locals speak of Seattle, you can hear the love in their voice. What could make a city so endearing? In making the Seattle Neighborhood Map, we spoke with many locals along the way. We collected their favorite parts of the city. Since making maps is what we do, we put together this local Seattle City Guide. Full disclosure here, we have yet to make it to up to Seattle, and this guide is our motivation. Be sure to check out the map!
PIKE PLACE MARKET
If you want to see Seattle in all it's glory, this is the place. You could spend a whole day here lost in all the quirky shops and food vendors. If you can tell the quality of a city by its market, then Seattle must be one of the best.
SUZZALLO LIBRARY
Over 80 years ago, they built places like this to read in. On the University of Washington campus, the Suzzallo Library is an architectural treasure. You might find some other good stuff in there too.
HOMESTEAD
Tons of plants, vintage rugs, and vintage furniture. I'm in.
THE LONDON PLANE
Part bakery, grocery, and flower shop, this stop has you covered any time of day. But we'll show up for the handmade croissants.
ELLIOT BAY BOOK COMPANY
In Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, Elliot Bay Book Company is everything you'd want in an independent book store: a cafe, frequent author readings, and an impressively large collection.
KERRY PARK
Get a panoramic view of the city and sound with Mt. Rainier as the backdrop. It might be a little crowded at sunset, but the view is worth it.
SEXY ALLEY PUFFY TACOS
Look for the walk-up window next to Hotel Albatross. After tacos, check out Hotel Albatross' bar program and hit up Hood Famous for dessert, all without walking more than 100 ft.
GREEN LAKE
If the weather is on your side, rent a kayak or paddle board on this gorgeous lake in the center of the city.
GENERAL PORPOISE DOUGHNUTS
This shop regularly pops up on "best donut" lists nation-wide. Go ahead, get your hopes up, you won't be disappointed.
WASHINGTON PARK ARBORETUM
Catch your breath from the urban wilderness in the sprawling natural space with plenty of trails and waterfront to spread out.
ODDFELLOWS CAFE
Fresh, classic ingredients and beautifully crafted comfort food. The brunch me
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
If it's a stay-indoors kind of day, this is the perfect place. The Seattle Public Library feels more like a modern art museum. They have a cafe and plenty of comfortable reading spaces, and it's a stone's throw from Pike Place Market, Dick's Drive In, and many other downtown gems.
Header image: Seattle Public Library by Rem Koolhaas. Source: Moody75