The Best Areas to Stay in Seattle, Wsshington
The Best Areas to Stay in Seattle, Wsshington

Best Areas to Stay in Seattle, Washington

Where to stay in Seattle – A guide to the City of Rain

Seattle is the largest city in the state of Washington and its called the “Emerald City”.

Seattle is located in the northwest of the United States and it is known for being the birthplace of grunge, where world-renowned bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice In Chains were formed. It also houses the first Starbucks.

The Space Needle is, definitely, the symbol of Seattle, an observation tower built in the center of the city in 1962.

Reaching the Emerald City is possible through the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, also called “Sea-Tac”, located south of Seattle and north of Tacoma.

Unlike many large American cities, Seattle has a relatively extensive public transport system that includes light rail, trams and buses.

The city also enjoys a lively nightlife, including bars, restaurants with live music, and breweries.

When it comes to the best areas to stay in Seattle, Downtown Seattle stands out for having a wide variety of hotels (See accommodation in Downtown Seattle).

If you have a tight budget or are planning a short trip to the city, we recommend staying in the vicinity of Seattle, in places such as Northgate (See accommodation in Northgate).

Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Seattle, Washington.

The best areas to stay in Seattle

1. Our favorite area: Central Waterfront

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.

Where to stay in Seattle - Central Waterfront & Downtown
Where to stay in Seattle – Central Waterfront & Downtown
Accommodation in Seattle Central Waterfront - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Seattle Central Waterfront – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Seattle:

  • Elliot Bay
  • Best area for sightseeing
  • Aquarium
  • Great nightlife

2. Belltown

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.

Belltown - Best areas to stay in Seattle
Belltown – Best areas to stay in Seattle
Accommodation in Belltown - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area.
Accommodation in Belltown – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area.

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Seattle:

  • Good transpor options
  • Belltown markets
  • Restaurants and bars

3. Queen Anne

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.

Where to stay in Seattle, WA - Queen Anne
Where to stay in Seattle, WA – Queen Anne
Accommodation in Queen Anne - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Queen Anne – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Seattle:

  • Space Needle
  • Luxury hotels
  • Museum of Modern Art
  • Shopping area
  • Residential area
  • Stunning views

4. South Lake Union

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.

Best areas to stay in Seattle - South Lake Union
Best areas to stay in Seattle – South Lake Union
Accommodation in South Lake Union - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in South Lake Union – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Seattle:

  • Museums
  • Peaceful atmosphere

5. University District

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.

Where to stay in Seattle, Washington - University District
Where to stay in Seattle, Washington – University District
Accommodation in University District - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in University District – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Seattle:

  • University area
  • Cheap hotels
  • Commercial area

6. Northgate

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.

Where to stay in Seattle - Northgate
Where to stay in Seattle – Northgate
Accommodation in Northgate - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Northgate – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Seattle:

  • Northgate mall
  • Golf courses
  • Cheap accommodation

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|ES| Mejores zonas donde alojarse en Seattle