Visitors to Seattle concentrate on the iconic sites: The Space Needle, Pike Place Market, The Waterfront, Pioneer Square. If you want to get the real flavor of Seattle, (both literally and figuratively) visit its neighborhoods. Below is a list of some of Seattle’s favorite neighborhoods.

Capitol Hill: Hike up Pike or Pine from the downtown core and arrive in one of Seattle’s  most popular neighborhoods. Coined the “cool” center of the city, this urban neighborhood is home to some of Seattle’s best nightlife.  It is also the center of counterculture as well as the LGBTQ community in the city. There is an abundance of unique boutiques, local eateries and bars to suit any taste. Capitol Hill is also home to tree lined streets, majestic historic homes and Volunteer Park.

Fremont: This is the “Center of the Universe”…at least those who live in Fremont think so! This is a quirky, funky, totally unique Seattle neighborhood. Fremont is home to artists and creatives. Counter culture has found a forever home in Fremont. Popular sites include the Vladimir Lenin Statue, erected by a local art lover and The Fremont Troll, a very large cement artwork located under the Aurora Bridge. On Sunday don’t miss the European style street market, open year-round.

Ballard: Ballard has its roots in the Nordic seafaring culture. Today it is home to some of the hippest restaurants, craft breweries, shops and bars in the city. Start your visit on NW Market Street or Ballard Avenue and then wander the neighborhood. Ballard is home to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. These are the busiest locks in the US, and you can view both boats and salmon here. Golden Gardens Park, situated on the Puget Sound offers beach access, hiking  trails and mountain views.

Greenlake: This family friendly neighborhood is situated on Greenlake. Greenlake Park includes a 3+ mile paved trail around the lake. This is where  busy Seattle comes to enjoy the great outdoors. There is plenty of greenspace, lots of trees and an abundance of spots to stop and enjoy a quiet picnic. There are playgrounds, wading pools, fishing spots, paddleboats…and more. The neighborhood includes a number of great local restaurants. Its treelined streets offer a welcome respite from urban Seattle.

West Seattle: West Seattle is perched above the Puget Sound and just minutes from downtown Seattle by car or public transportation.  West Seattle has a very laid-back vibe. The center of this Seattle neighborhood is California Avenue. Here you will find plenty of shops, restaurants and bars. The treelined residential streets tumble down to popular Alki Beach on Elliot Bay. The beach is a summer haven for sunbathers. It has a long winding path along the water, great for biking or strolling any time of year. The views of the Seattle waterfront and the Seattle skyline are breathtaking from Alki.

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