Discovering Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond: A 7-Day Itinerary
Sunday, August 6: Exploring Seattle
Start your trip by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Pike Place Market. In the morning, wander through the market's colorful stalls, grab a cup of coffee at the original Starbucks, and watch the famous fishmongers tossing their fish. For the afternoon, take a ride to the top of the iconic Space Needle and enjoy panoramic views of the city and Mount Rainier. In the evening, head over to the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood and explore its charming shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes.
Pike Place Market: Free, 2-3 hours
Space Needle: $32 (approx.), 1-2 hours
Pioneer Square: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day at Biscuit Bitch, a popular breakfast spot located near Pike Place Market. Known for their delicious and hearty biscuits, this cozy restaurant offers a variety of creative biscuit sandwiches. The average cost for a breakfast meal at Biscuit Bitch is about $10 per person.
Lunch: For a tasty and affordable lunch, head to Piroshky Piroshky, a Russian bakery also located near Pike Place Market. They serve freshly baked sweet and savory pastries, including their famous piroshkies filled with ingredients like smoked salmon, potatoes, and cabbage. The average cost for a lunch meal at Piroshky Piroshky is about $8 per person.
Dinner: Indulge in a seafood feast at Elliot's Oyster House, situated on Seattle's picturesque waterfront. This upscale restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh oysters, seafood platters, and other Pacific Northwest specialties. With stunning views of Puget Sound, the average cost for a dinner meal at Elliot's Oyster House is about $40 per person.
Monday, August 7: Bellevue Botanical Garden and Shopping
Start your day by visiting the Bellevue Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis filled with stunning flora and fauna. Spend the morning enjoying a leisurely stroll through the garden's various themed areas. In the afternoon, indulge in some retail therapy at The Bellevue Collection, a premier shopping destination with a wide range of stores, boutiques, and restaurants. In the evening, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of Bellevue's renowned culinary establishments.
Bellevue Botanical Garden: Free, 2-3 hours
The Bellevue Collection: Cost varies, 3-4 hours
Dinner in Bellevue: Cost varies
Tuesday, August 8: Exploring Downtown Redmond
Start your day in downtown Redmond, known for its vibrant tech culture. In the morning, visit the Microsoft Visitor Center, where you can learn about the company's history and innovations. Take a stroll through Marymoor Park in the afternoon, a picturesque park offering beautiful trails, a climbing wall, and outdoor concerts. In the evening, catch a movie or enjoy a live performance at the Redmond Performing Arts Center.
Microsoft Visitor Center: Free, 1-2 hours
Marymoor Park: Free, 2-3 hours
Redmond Performing Arts Center: Cost varies
Wednesday, August 9: Seattle Art and Culture
Immerse yourself in Seattle's vibrant art and culture scene. Start your day at the Seattle Art Museum, home to a diverse collection of artworks from around the world. In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Pop Culture, dedicated to music, science fiction, and pop culture phenomena. In the evening, catch a performance at the iconic Paramount Theatre or enjoy a live music show at one of Seattle's many renowned venues.
Seattle Art Museum: $25 (approx.), 2-3 hours
Museum of Pop Culture: $30 (approx.), 2-3 hours
Evening performance: Cost varies
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Lola, a Greek-inspired restaurant located in downtown Seattle. Enjoy their famous lemon ricotta pancakes or savory Mediterranean omelette. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Lunch: For lunch, head to Din Tai Fung, a world-famous Taiwanese dumpling restaurant. Indulge in their mouthwatering xiao long bao (soup dumplings) or their signature shrimp and pork wontons. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Dinner: End your day with a memorable dinner at Canlis, a fine dining establishment overlooking Lake Union. Experience their modern American cuisine with dishes like Pacific Northwest salmon or dry-aged ribeye. The average cost for a meal is about $100 per person.
Thursday, August 10: Outdoor Adventure in Bellevue
Spend your day enjoying the natural beauty of Bellevue. Start with a hike in the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, offering scenic trails and stunning views. In the afternoon, visit the Bellevue Downtown Park, a serene green space with a beautiful waterfall and picturesque gardens. In the evening, head to Mercer Slough Nature Park for a peaceful kayaking or canoeing experience.
Friday, August 11: Seattle Waterfront and Aquarium
Explore the iconic Seattle waterfront on this day. Begin by visiting the Seattle Aquarium, home to a diverse range of marine life. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Seattle waterfront, enjoying the views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Don't forget to try some delicious seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants. End the day by taking a relaxing harbor cruise and admiring the city skyline from the water.
Seattle Aquarium: $35 (approx.), 2-3 hours
Seattle Waterfront: Free, 2-3 hours
Harbor cruise: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Saturday, August 12: Redmond Town Center and Wine Tasting
Explore the vibrant Redmond Town Center, known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Spend the morning browsing through the various shops and boutiques. In the afternoon, visit one of the nearby wineries for a wine tasting experience and learn about the region's viticulture. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at one of Redmond's exquisite restaurants.
Redmond Town Center: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Wine tasting: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Dinner in Redmond: Cost varies
Restaurants
An ideal breakfast spot in Redmond Town Center is The French Bakery, known for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a breakfast here is about $10 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to The Stone House, a popular restaurant serving a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups. Average cost for a lunch here is about $15 per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit Matt's Rotisserie & Oyster Lounge, a local favorite that offers a diverse menu of seafood, steaks, and rotisserie dishes. Average cost for a dinner here is about $30 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond, don't miss the off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals. Take a stroll through the beautiful Washington Park Arboretum, known for its stunning gardens and peaceful trails. Visit Gas Works Park, a former gasification plant turned urban park, offering breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline. Experience the Fremont Sunday Market, a bustling market featuring local artisans, food vendors, and live music. These hidden gems will give you a taste of the unique charm of the Pacific Northwest.
Before planning your trip, make sure to check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.