Lifestyle
Gray's Guides
Seattle

Seattle

A city that blends natural beauty with urban sophistication, Seattle offers a Pacific Northwest escape like no other. With its iconic skyline set against a backdrop of evergreen forests and the glistening Puget Sound, Seattle is a destination brimming with character, creativity, and charm.

Stay

From family-run inns to world-renowned luxury resorts, find a welcoming home away from home.

The Lotte Hotel Seattle

Luxury meets artful design at the Lotte Hotel, located downtown with sweeping views of Elliott Bay. Expect modern architecture, upscale amenities, and one of the city’s most talked-about spas.

Palihotel Seattle

Steps from Pike Place Market, this boutique hotel has a playful-meets-rustic design aesthetic with cozy rooms and a bustling all-day café that draws both locals and travelers.

Thompson Seattle

This sleek, glass-wrapped hotel offers contemporary rooms and a rooftop bar with jaw-dropping water views. It’s ideal for design lovers and foodies looking to stay in the heart of it all.

Hotel Ändra

A stylish, Scandinavian-inspired retreat nestled between Belltown and downtown. With warm tones and a minimalist design, it’s perfect for those seeking understated elegance.

Inn at Langley

The Inn at Langley is a serene, design-forward retreat on Whidbey Island with sweeping waterfront views, elevated dining, and a peaceful escape just a ferry ride from Seattle.

Four Seasons Seattle

The Four seasons blends five-star luxury with Pacific Northwest charm, offering a rooftop infinity pool, sweeping city and waterfront views, and walkable access to Pike Place and the waterfront.

Eat

Dining out is an essential part of any travel experience. Explore our favorite restaurants, bars, and more.

Canlis

A Seattle fine dining institution perched above Lake Union. With impeccable service, mid-century modern interiors, and sweeping views, Canlis is perfect for a special night out.

Tilikum Place Café

A European-style café with cozy interiors and a brunch menu worth writing home about. The Dutch baby pancake is a must.

Westward

Located on the north end of Lake Union, this waterfront spot is ideal for oysters at sunset, boats bobbing nearby, and a fire pit for after-dinner lounging.

The Pink Door

Tucked behind an unmarked pink door near Pike Place Market, this Italian-American bistro delivers bold flavors, romantic vibes, and even the occasional aerial performance.

Drink

Dining out is an essential part of any travel experience. Explore our favorite restaurants, bars, and more.

The Nest at the Thompson Hotel

Arguably the best rooftop bar in Seattle. Sip cocktails while watching ferries drift across Elliott Bay — it’s a city view moment worthy of a Gray Malin snap.

Deep Dive

Hidden inside the Amazon Spheres, this moody cocktail lounge serves up expertly crafted drinks with a dramatic, speakeasy-style flair.

Unicorn/Narwhal

A whimsical bar in Capitol Hill that leans all the way into fantasy with carnival games, quirky décor, and candy-colored cocktails. Come for the kitsch, stay for the vibe.

Foreign National

A moody, dimly lit speakeasy hidden behind an unmarked door inside the Stateside restaurant. Perfect secret spot for a stylish nightcap in Capitol Hill.

What to do

Immerse yourself in local activities — including world-class golf courses, beaches, spas, parks, and more.

Pike Place Market

Start your trip with a stroll through this iconic open-air market — flowers, fresh seafood, quirky crafts, and of course, the famous flying fish.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Get inspired by Dale Chihuly’s world-renowned glasswork in this museum-meets-botanical-garden, where vibrant installations blend with nature.

Kerry Park

Snap the postcard-perfect view of the Seattle skyline from this tiny hilltop park. It’s a must-visit during golden hour.

Discovery Park

Seattle’s largest green space, perfect for scenic hikes and a bit of quiet away from downtown. You’ll get both forest and ocean views in one trail.

Fremont Sunday Market

An indie flea market with vintage finds, handmade goods, and lots of street food — ideal for a laid-back Sunday of browsing and people-watching.

Husky Stadium

Catch a University of Washington football game at Husky Stadium, where an electric game day meets stunning views of Lake Washington.

Whidbey Island

Take a day trip to Whidbey Island for charming coastal towns, scenic hikes, farm-fresh eats, and a ferry ride that’s half the fun.

Culture

Discover local art museums, theaters, landmarks, festivals, and more.

Seattle Art Museum

A beautifully curated museum with rotating contemporary and global exhibits. Its location near the waterfront makes it easy to pair with a post-museum stroll.

Museum of Pop Culture

Bold, interactive, and visually iconic — this museum celebrates music, sci-fi, fashion, and pop culture, all within a Frank Gehry-designed building.

The Seattle Public Library

A stunning architectural landmark by Rem Koolhaas. Its glass-and-steel structure is as Instagram-worthy as it is functional.

McCaw Hall

For a glamorous night out, catch a performance at McCaw Hall. Both the Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet offer beautifully staged productions and a taste of the city’s rich performing arts scene.

Capitol Hill Arts District

Seattle’s creative heart, filled with indie galleries, murals, bookstores, and cafés. Wander on foot and soak in the electric, artsy energy.