Best Areas to Stay in Seattle, Washington

Central Waterfront is a port area located east of the city center. It covers from the coast of Pioneer Square to Downtown Seattle, the neighborhood of Belltown and Broad Street.

Among the activities to do at Central Waterfront, we recommend a walk around the Pier 55, where you can go to the amusement park, the aquarium, and shops or taste fresh seafood in restaurants by the ocean.

Around Central Waterfront, you will find the Frye Art Museum, comfortable hotels with stunning views of the bay, department stores, the Cinerama and souvenir shops.

It is also possible to visit the St. James Cathedral, with its neo-Renaissance style and, at night, you can attend the Showbox, where artists, comedians, and local groups perform.

Central Waterfront is connected by metro, light rail, and tram.

Central Waterfront is a recommended area to stay in Seattle because it os one of the most interesting areas on the coast of Elliot Bay.

Just north of Downtown Seattle is the Belltown neighborhood.

Belltown houses a variety of condos, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and clubs that make this one of the best areas to stay in Seattle, Washington.

The attractions within this area range from the Paramount Theater, terraces with brunch menu, Pier 66, the Moore Theater and the markets of Belltown, full of art pieces and crafts.

Public transportation in this area includes the ferry at the Seattle Clipper terminal, the bus or light rail from the University Street Station- Bay A and the Pioneer Square Station.

The Belltown district is also considered a cheap area to stay in Seattle, with good hotels at reasonable prices.

Originally called “Eden Hill”, Queen Anne is located northwest of the city center, on the highest hill in Seattle, with a maximum elevation of 456 feet (139m).

This hill became a sought-after place to live in Seattle, and it is filled with mansions and properties that belong to the cultural elite of the city.

Queen Anne is roughly divided into residential neighborhoods to the north and east, parks and green spaces to the west and a south side that has a large number of tourist and cultural attractions

The south side, known as Lower Queen Anne, hosts the famous Space Needle, historic houses, the Museum of Modern Art, some boutiques and views of the Upper Queen Anne area.

In Lower Queen Anne, there are also the Seattle Gardens, with art exhibitions that are well worth visiting, and the Kerry Park, located on Highland Drive, which covers just 1.26 acres (0.51 ha), but has some of the most attractive views from the city.

For these reasons, Queen Anne is one of the best districts to stay in Seattle.

South Lake Union is a neighborhood known for its culture.

This area borders Queen Anne to the west and, as the name suggests, is at the southern end of Union Lake, which gives South Lake Union a nautical atmosphere that make it attractive for both tourists and locals.

This district is connected to the rest of the city by trams and buses.

South Lake Union is home to cultural centers such as the MOHAI Museum, as well as Puget Sound, with exhibitions of historical artifacts.

This area has an eclectic nightlife, with bars and pubs for all tastes, especially for a younger crowd.

If you want to do outdoor activities on your trip, we recommend visiting the green areas of Denny Park, the Northwest Port or the Cascade Playground.

For being located in Downtown Seattle, but enjoying a quiet environment, South Lake Union is an excellent choice and one of the best areas to stay in Seattle.

This area is known for housing the University of Washington, 17th Avenue and a tree-lined street known as Greek Row with historic mansions that are nowadays occupied by fraternities.

University District is a mixed-use area with commercial, residential and green spaces.

It is located north of the city of Seattle, bordered on the east by Laurelhurst and on the west by Wallingford.

The “U District” has a youthful atmosphere with a great gastronomic offer and shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants, and theaters.

Activities in the neighborhood include visiting the Henry Art Gallery and the Burke Museum, as well as watching outdoor dance performances, theater plays and music shows at Meany Hall, or biking on the Burke-Gilman Trail.

This area is connected by light rail through the University of Washington station.

Despite not having a wide variety of tourist accommodation, University District qualifies as one of the best areas to stay in Seattle for its cheerful, youthful atmosphere, major museums and department stores, ideal for young travelers and students.

Northgate is a business area that is also famous for its live music shows and sporting events.

Northgate has an endless number of cafes, bars, and pubs for all tastes.

Furthfermore, this is a good area to stay in Seattle for shopping because of its mainy malls and stores.

If you decide to stay here, do not forget to visit the Carl S. English botanical garden, the Parsons Gardens or the famous Pike Place Market.

And if you want to take home a souvenir, you’ll find shopping centers such as Northgate, University Village, Totem Lake, and the Nordstrom department store, so it is safe to say that you can get a gift for even the most peculiar of your friends.

Northgate connects with other areas of Seattle through bus lines.

Regardless of the length of your stay, if you are passing through or taking a well-deserved vacation, Northgate is a recommended area to stay in Seattle for its cheap accommodation and bustling nightlife.