12 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Seattle

Downtown Seattle is the lively heart of the city, where locals come to shop, dine, and party. Visit the original branch of Starbucks for a boost of caffeine or buy fresh produce, speciality cheeses, Greek yoghurt, and Russian pastries at Pike Place Market. You'll also find the flagship stores of several homegrown brands, including Nordstrom and Sur La Table.

The neighbourhood is home to many of Seattle's biggest attractions, including the Seattle Aquarium and Seattle Art Museum. Take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel for delightful waterfront views or visit the Sky View Observatory on the 73rd floor of Columbia Center for a panorama of the city.

Belltown is home to impressive restaurants, stylish shops and happening bars. This waterfront neighbourhood comes alive from the early evenings towards the end of the night, when locals and tourists flock to one of the many pretty cocktail bars overlooking Elliott Bay.

The city’s indie music scene is concentrated in Belltown, thanks to historic venues that have hosted many noteworthy musicians over the years. The Crocodile Back Bar has seen bands like Nirvana, R.E.M. and Cheap Trick grace its stage, while Dimitriou's Jazz Alley has hosted the likes of Judy Collins and Kenny G.

Pioneer Square is where Seattle got started – a historical district of cobbled streets and attractive red brick buildings. Explore the city's buried remains on an underground guided tour or learn about Seattle's part in the gold rush at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. The iconic Smith Tower, built in 1914, has several historical exhibits and serves drinks in a vintage speakeasy.

The neighbourhood is full of historical bars, from the 19^th-century Central Saloon to the period cocktail bar Dead Line. See a 22-ft-tall cascade at Waterfall Garden Park, or check out what's happening at the maple-shaded Occidental Square. South of the square is Occidental Avenue, where you can explore some fascinating art galleries showcasing Native American crafts and hand-blown glass.

Almost every corner of Fremont has something quirky, cool and downright weird to greet you. The neighbourhood's public art adds a twist of the unexpected in the form of a neon Rapunzel, a model of Saturn, and an enormous troll under the Aurora bridge. The shopping scene is artsy and offbeat, with spots like Fremont Vintage Mall and the Sunday Street Market.

Refresh yourself with a cup of fair-trade coffee at Fremont Coffee Company or a delicious craft beer at Fremont Brewing. Come in the summer to experience the neighbourhood at its best, when festivals and outdoor events like the Summer Solstice Parade and naked cycling challenge make the days feel like an endless party.

Georgetown's old red-brick warehouses now house hip stores, coffeehouses, and craft breweries. Hunt for rare or out-of-print comics and graphic novels at Fantagraphics Bookstore or pick up speciality caramels and truffles at Fran's Chocolates. Smarty Pants is popular for its classic burgers and comfort food while Flying Squirrel serves tasty organic pizzas made with local ingredients.

Georgetown is dotted with industrial museums containing fascinating artefacts, from vintage telephones at the Connections Museum to steam engines at the Georgetown Powerplant Museum, which once powered Seattle's streetcars. Another must-see is the incredible Museum of Flight, an enormous air and space collection featuring 1930s biplanes, old attack helicopters and space flight capsules.

The Chinatown-International District is a vibrant mix of Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese influences. You can enjoy authentic Asian cuisine at dim sum restaurants, ramen joints, and banh mi shops. Visit Uwajimaya Mall for gadgets and Asian groceries, stop by Kobo for Japanese crafts and jewellery, or enjoy tea at the Panama Hotel’s historic tearoom.

The Chinatown-International District hosts the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, where you can discover how Asian cultures have shaped the Northwest. Head for Seattle Pinball Museum to play pinball games from as early as the 1960s. Pockets of greenery come in the form of Hing Hay Park and Kobe Terrace – the latter has blossoming cherry trees and a 200-year-old lantern.

Capitol Hill is a neighbourhood of contrasts, with 19th-century mansions set next to trendy bars and clubs. Take a stroll down Broadway, the neighbourhood's main drag, for thrift stores, vintage boutiques, and handmade crafts, as well as the peaceful reflecting pool at Cal Anderson Park. The Pike-Pine Corridor is the place for hip burger joints and rowdy student bars.

The centre of the neighbourhood is Volunteer Park, a vast green space filled with walking trails and public sculptures. Visit the Seattle Asian Art Museum to see a collection of Asian art and antiques spanning 1,000 years. Next door, Lake View Cemetery is the final resting place of famed actor and martial artist Bruce Lee.

Ballard is one of the most interesting parts of Seattle. Norwegians chose to settle in this charming area because of its salmon fishing opportunities, and the Nordic influence in the area can still be strongly felt today.

To experience what initially attracted the Nordics years ago, head over to the Ballard Locks. During salmon season, you can watch salmon jumping out of the water as you walk along the canal. The historic Ballard Avenue hosts a stream of fashion boutiques, cafés, and nightclubs. Nearby, Golden Gardens Park is an ideal place for a picnic with views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

SoDo is now the height of cool after decades of being one of Seattle's hard-working industrial neighbourhoods. Pavement cafés sell Cuban sandwiches, Hawaiian poke bowls, and gourmet pastries while wineries like Sleight of Hand and Nine Hats serve wines from local vineyards. There’s even a small Cannabis Museum displaying old apothecary products.

Come for a baseball game at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners, or cheer on the Seattle Seahawks at the main football stadium, Lumen Field. It's worth paying a visit to Living Computers, where you can play around on vintage computers and learn about the history of robotics. At night, live music concerts take place at Showbox and WaMu Theater.

Queen Anne is an elegant Seattle neighbourhood known for its charming period buildings and fashionable shopping. Admire graceful historic houses on the quiet streets in the north of the neighbourhood or enjoy verdant David Rogers Park. A stroll down Queen Anne Avenue, which runs through the middle of the neighbourhood, takes you to pretty cafés and independent bakeries.

Kerry Park is popular for its incredible vistas of the downtown skyline. Nearby are some of Queen Anne's biggest attractions, including the Pacific Science Center, Museum of Pop Culture, and Chihuly Garden. A trip up the Space Needle is a must for the best views in the city from its 520-ft-high observation deck.

South Lake Union is one of Seattle’s hippest neighbourhoods. Thanks to the city's booming tech scene, you’ll find innovative new eateries, vibrant bars, and waterside restaurants catering to young professionals. Fresh oysters and local ales are served with a view of the lake at Duke's Seafood and The White Swan, while little coffee shops like Café Hagen and Cascade Coffee Works serve outstanding coffee and pastries.

Visit the Museum of History & Industry to check out interactive exhibits on Seattle's industrial history, technological development, and connection with the sea. Lake Union Park has a model boat pond and an old steamer anchored at the water's edge. The Center for Wooden Boats rents out historic boats for those who want to paddle around the lake.

Head to West Seattle for Alki Beach, a long strip of soft sand where you can swim, sunbathe, and admire a sweeping vista of Puget Sound. The neighbourhood is great for enjoying time in nature – popular activities include hiking along the coast to Alki Point Lighthouse, fishing at Seacrest Park, taking a kayak tour, or wandering the trails at Schmitz Preserve Park for wildlife and old-growth forest.

Away from the coast, West Seattle is dotted with snug cafés and unique shopping. Try one of Olympia Coffee’s single-origin roasts or a powerful espresso at Nos Nos Coffee House. Vinyl enthusiasts can while away hours at Easy Street Records, while stylish shoppers will love the jewellery, accessories, and home décor at Click.