Public art, delicious cuisine, bookstores and markets
Low Seasons: November – February
By: Aleenah Ansari
If you ask someone about what Seattle is like, they’ll probably mention the rain. While the drizzle is certainly part of the story, especially during low season, the rainy days serve as an invitation to venture indoors to experience markets, museums, local bookstores, and cafes. If you catch Seattle on a sunny day or are free to brave the rain, visit public art, outdoor markets, or explore a walking trail.
If you’re visiting during low season, you can expect lower temperatures and hotel rates, though you should be mindful of limited schedules or shorter hours for some tourist attractions, but with some planning you can have a very full trip. The good news is that you’ll be able to experience activities with fewer crowds.
If you want to see a bird’s eye view of Seattle, head to the Smith Tower, which has an observatory on the 35th floor. Along the way, you’ll explore interactive exhibits about the city’s history, and you can grab some food at The Observatory, which serves drinks and small bites.
Chinatown-International District
Seattle’s Chinatown-International District is a thriving community full of BIPOC-owned businesses. Check out Hood Famous Cafe and Bar, which serves Filipino flavours in pastries, drinks, and breakfast dishes. Shop small at Sairen, which features products from Asian American makers, and Zakka-Ya. You can also visit Mam’s Books, the only independent Asian American bookstore in Seattle.
Stop by a local farmer’s market
If you catch Seattle on a sunny day, or are willing to brave the rain, check out a local market. Each neighbourhood has a market happening on a specific day of the week, whether it’s the University District market on Saturdays or the Fremont Sunday market. Most of these markets offer produce and artisanal goods, and there are usually food trucks in rotation where you can get a bite to eat.
Food and drink
Seattle is known for its coffee and seafood, both of which areavailable at a range of cafes and restaurants. Chinatown-International District is a major hub for Asian food from Filipino fare to vegan banh mis and hot pot, and Capitol Hill has a number of classic and new coffee shops from Victrola and Expresso Vivace to newer additions like Bonito Cafe y Mercadito. You can usually find more affordable eats near local colleges like Seattle University and the University of Washington, and take advantage of happy hour to get some discounts on small plates.
Top Experiences
Visit the Museum of Pop Culture
Visit this museum of permanent and rotating exhibits celebrating music, art, and pop culture that has influenced the Pacific Northwest. It’s also next to the Space Needle and public art sculptures, so explore the area after your visit.
Check out local bookstores
Seattle has dozens of local bookstores to visit, including some with cafes like Elliott Bay Book Company in Capitol Hill and Third Place Books. Charlie’s Queer Books in Fremont has a reading nook on its second level, and Book Larder specialises in cookbooks and even hosts authors during their book tours.
Go on a coffee tour
Seattle is steeped in coffee culture with many popular local coffee roasts from Victrola, Lighthouse Roasters, and Herkimer Coffee. If you want some guidance on where to go, check out a local coffee tour that’ll guide you through three local spots in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighbourhood. Plus, you can ask your guide for additional recommendations.
Food and Drink
Flora Bakehouse
Head to Flora Bakehouse for vegetarian baked goods and pastries, which you can enjoy on the rooftop deck or inside. They serve soft serve year round as well as a lavender fields latte made with lavender honey. Come early for the best selection because this spot is popular among locals.
Shaker + Spear
Seafood lovers can enjoy coastal seafood in the heart of Downtown Seattle at Shaker + Spear, which serves dishes with locally served produce and sustainably sourced seafood including Alaskan salmon, scallops, and oysters.
Bongos Cafe
Bongos Cafe serves Caribbean food including sandwiches and plates with citrus-braised pork, ropa vieja (slow-booked brisket), and West Indies chicken. Yuca fries with cilantro aioli make a great accompaniment to any dish, and you can enjoy your food on the covered patio or venture inside.
Insider Tips
Make plans that involve indoor and outdoor activities
The weather in Seattle can vary widely, so have both indoor and outdoor activities on your itinerary so you can flex accordingly. It doesn’t hurt to keep an umbrella or rain jacket on hand either way, and some hotels even provide umbrellas that you can use during your visit.
Look out for free activities
Whether it’s free museum days at local art museums like the Seattle Art Museum or spots that are free year-round like the Olympic Sculpture Park or Frye Art Museum, there are plenty of activities to do at no additional cost. Plus, don’t be afraid to ask cashiers or shop owners for their favourite spots!
Make the most of public transit
From the light rail and street cars to local buses and the monorail, there are plenty of ways to get around with public transit. Load up your ORCA card or use the MyORCA app so you’re ready to go when it arrives.
Good to Know
Businesses may have different seasonal hours
During the winter, many small businesses in Seattle are closed on Mondays and even Tuesdays, or close early. Double check the attractions on your list and knock them out on other days of your visit if you can. The good news is that local favourite Molly Moon’s is open late year round, so you can always get a scoop of ice cream if you have a sweet tooth.
Keep your eye out for murals and public art
Seattle is full of murals by local artists as well as a myriad of sculptures and art pieces. Make a plan, but leave room to be surprised by what you might discover.
Be prepared for hills
Seattle can get pretty hilly, so plan your route ahead of time so you aren’t walking against the grain if you can avoid it. You can also use public transit or drive between neighbourhoods to avoid the hills.
