I must admit, I’ve never been to mainland USA before this trip, only Hawaii.
So when I jetted to Seattle, Washington, as part of a bigger visit up north to Alaska, I couldn’t believe just how much there was to see and do in my short stopover there.
How to spend 48 hours in Seattle, and the best things to see and do. Chloe Longhetti/nine
I enjoyed one night in Seattle, and a day on the other side of my trip with Virgin Voyages, and made sure to make the most of my time there and see as much as I could.
Given it’s a port city, the place is bustling and quite accommodating of tourists.
From the aquarium, famous shopping retailers, to farmer’s markets, check out our list of the best things to add to your itinerary while staying there.
And the one place that’s a must-see.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
You can check out the work of the renowned American glass artist, Dale Chihuly, at the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition at Seattle Center.
This exhibit, located right near the iconic Space Needle in Seattle, is seriously impressive, immersive and of course, full of creativity and colour.
Learn about his backstory and how he worked on the island of Murano, Italy, to perfect his art.
From chandelier displays to the light-filled glasshouse featuring a vibrant and floral-like sculpture hanging from the ceiling, this place is not to be missed.
My tour group also caught a glassblowing session outside.
There is a light-filled glasshouse featuring a vibrant and floral-like sculpture hanging from the ceiling. Chloe Longhetti/nine
You can check out the work of the renowned American glass artist Dale Chihuly at the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition at Seattle Center. Chloe Longhetti/nine
Space Needle
The Space Needle observation tower, that you can see in the Seattle city skyline, is a tourist attraction and landmark that is worth a visit. And it’s right next to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition.
If you go up to the top, it offers incredible 360-degree views of the city, which is home to Amazon’s corporate headquarters, and a prime photograph spot.
The tower is 605 feet or 185 metres tall.
The Space Needle is a tourist attraction you also have to see. Chloe Longhetti/nine
It features the world’s first and only revolving glass floor and right at the top, some of the most delicious pies if you’re in need of a snack.
A cool experience while there is standing on the glass seats and leaning against the glass for a birds-eye photograph, but maybe give the photo opp a miss if you’re scared of heights.
I’m not but even my legs were shaky.
You can also see Mount Rainier in the distance on a clear day, the active volcano close to Seattle.
A cool experience while there is standing on the glass seats and leaning against the glass for a birds-eye photograph, if you’re game! Chloe Longhetti/nine
Pike Place Market
Firstly, I felt like I was in a rom-com when I visited Pike Place Market, thanks to the iconic 1993 film Sleepless in Seattle, starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, being set in the city.
If you remember in the film, Tom Hanks’ character heads to the Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar at the market. And naturally, I had to get a photo there.
This place is busy, but worth the walk down to the water from downtown.
I felt like I was in a rom-com when I visited Pike Place Market. Chloe Longhetti/nine
Tom Hanks’ character heads to the Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar at the market. Chloe Longhetti/nine
It features fish markets you have to see to believe, boutique and artisan market stands, flower stalls, restaurants and eateries and an outdoor area you can head to for sweeping views of the city.
It’s said to be one of the oldest operating farmer’s market in the US.
Right opposite is a place I had some of the best mac and cheese I’ve ever eaten, so if you head that way, stop in at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for a treat.
Right opposite is a place I had some of the best mac and cheese I’ve ever eaten. Chloe Longhetti/nine
Explore downtown
Seattle is a very walkable city, but it also has transport options like the monorail there for use.
I stayed at the boutique Hotel Theodore Seattle Downtown, Tapestry by Hilton, and it was perfect for the location, located in walking distance near shops including Macy’s and Nordstrom.
Hotel Theodore Seattle Downtown, Tapestry by Hilton, was perfect for the location. Chloe Longhetti/nine
One stop I stumbled upon was the Gum Wall in Seattle, behind the markets, where walls are lined with gum. It’s endless.
There are also some antique shops and vintage clothing stores nearby.
The famous Gum Wall in Seattle, behind the markets, where walls are lined with gum. Chloe Longhetti/nine
There are also some great restaurant locations nearby, and Pike Place Market is a short walk.
In a very American twist – there are some hot dog places nearby too, if you want to check out what the locals sometimes eat.
The writer travelled as a guest of Virgin Voyages. With assistance from Port of Seattle, Visit Seattle and CityPASS.
Dining and Cooking