Lifestyle in Seattle

The lifestyle in Seattle is energetic, set against a stunning natural backdrop. While you might have to work hard for your money living in Seattle, you’ll also have a host of great leisure opportunities at your fingertips.

Whether you’re eager to try the latest culinary creations, shop up a storm, enjoy a good night out or take part in various outdoor adventures, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in the Emerald City.

Shopping in Seattle

Seattle’s diverse neighbourhoods offer pretty much every type of shopping in Seattle imaginable. From the latest outdoor gear and gadgets to must-have designer shoes, you can find what you’re looking for.

If you’re after high-end retail, head downtown for the Nordstrom flagship store and other luxury brands like Tiffany & Co. Those looking for a chic vintage piece should check out the indie boutiques along Ballard Avenue. Bargain hunters can visit the outlet malls surrounding the city for brand-name items at reduced prices. Pike Place Market and the Seattle Waterfront are good bets for unique, locally made crafts.

Entertainment and eating out in Seattle

When it comes to entertainment and eating out in Seattle, there’s no shortage of options. If you enjoy socialising over a drink, there are plenty of bars and clubs. While tourists flock to Pike Place Market, you’ll find most locals head to Belltown, Pioneer Square, or Capitol Hill. Ballard in North Seattle is popular for a quieter evening out.

The city has an active and diverse music scene, featuring classical, jazz, and rock events. If you enjoy a night out at the theatre, you’ll be pleased to find a thriving fringe theatre scene alongside larger-scale productions. Seattle also hosts several touring Broadway productions each year.

Food lovers are spoilt for choice by Seattle’s eclectic restaurant scene, which is famous for its Pacific Northwest (PNW) cuisine. This style heavily features fresh, local seafood like salmon and oysters alongside farm-to-table produce. You’ll also find everything from Italian and Middle Eastern to Nepalese and Vietnamese fare, and Seattle is a genuine culinary hotspot in the US.

Beyond the restaurants, you can’t forget that this is the home of Starbucks; locals are serious about their caffeine fix. Seattle has one of the highest concentrations of coffee houses in the country. If you enjoy coffee, you’ll find plenty of quaint spots to lose yourself in a good book or simply people-watch over a cup of java.

Outdoor activities and sports in Seattle

During the summer months, you’ll find locals love to get outdoors, and the city has plenty of natural splendours. Outdoor activities in Seattle are abundant and range from lush forests and clear lakes to beautiful city parks.

Seattle is bordered by water, providing a unique way to enjoy the city. You can try sea kayaking, spend a weekend on a houseboat, or have sundowners on a yacht. You might also enjoy taking a drive to Lake Washington for a picnic by the water.

If you prefer staying on land, you can explore iconic routes like the Burke Gilman Trail on a bike. This path is part of a larger network with stunning lake views. Another great way to experience the outdoors is to walk Seattle’s many hiking trails or walk through the city parks. The city’s hundreds of parks provide green spaces for recreational sports or simply relaxing and taking some time out from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Seattle is also a major hub for professional sports. You can catch the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) playing at Lumen Field. Baseball fans can watch the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park, while ice hockey enthusiasts have the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. For basketball, the Seattle Storm (WNBA) also plays at Climate Pledge Arena.

See and do in Seattle

Seattle is a culturally rich city with many museums and art galleries alongside its iconic attractions. You will discover there’s plenty to see and do in Seattle.

Space Needle

The Space Needle is the quintessential feature of the Seattle skyline. At 605 feet (184m), it’s the place to be for spectacular views of the city. Dining at the tower’s rotating restaurant is an experience in itself.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Located at Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass displays the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly. The exhibition has eight galleries, a beautiful outdoor garden, and a magnificent glasshouse. The centre also hosts fitness classes in the glasshouse, including yoga and tai chi.

The Museum of Pop Culture

Unique to Seattle, The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) houses some of the world’s most legendary pop culture artefacts. From horror films to music icons to comic books, there’s an exhibition for everyone. Sci-fi lovers, particularly, will find a treasure trove here, as it houses the permanent Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.

National Nordic Museum

Honouring the legacy of immigrants from the Nordic countries, the National Nordic Museum explores the cultures of Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden. There’s more to the museum than its fascinating exhibits; it also offers classes such as Nordic wood crafting, cooking, and language lessons.

Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center attracts more than a million visitors a year, offering exciting exhibits, events, movies, and games related to science and technology. From its impressive dinosaur display to its beautiful butterfly house, the museum aims to inspire curiosity.

Woodland Park Zoo

Spanning an impressive 92 acres, the Woodland Park Zoo is a reputable sanctuary home to hundreds of animals representing over 250 species. This is a great attraction for families and includes an indoor play and education area known as the Zoomazium.

Seattle Children’s Museum

The Seattle Children’s Museum was custom-built for kids to peek into the adult world. From grocery shopping and theatre to kitchens and DIY stations, a visit to this museum is sure to be a fun stop for families. The exhibits are designed for children from six months to eight years old.

Meeting people and making friends in Seattle

Moving to a new city means building a new social circle, and meeting people and making friends in Seattle often happens through shared interests. The city’s active lifestyle makes for a great starting point. You can join hiking groups, cycling clubs, or water-based sports teams to connect with similar people.

Volunteering for a local charity or getting involved in neighbourhood events are also excellent ways to integrate. For professional connections, look for industry-specific networking events or co-working spaces. Online portals like Meetup are very active in the city, and they have listings for everything from tech talks to board game nights.

Useful links

• Meetup in Seattle
• Seattle Parks and Recreation Volunteering
• Washington Nonprofits
• Washington Athletic Club