Queen Anne
Sitting on a hill overlooking the city, Queen Anne is one of Seattle’s most affluent and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. Families flock to Queen Anne for its excellent public and private schools, beautiful old craftsman homes, and proximity to downtown. The neighborhood’s main thoroughfare is Queen Anne Avenue, lined with restaurants, shops, and pubs. Don’t miss Kerry Park on Highland Drive, offering stunning views of the Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier. Some top attractions in Queen Anne include the Seattle Center, home to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, MoPOP, Pacific Science Center, and more. The neighborhood also boasts a historic cinema, quality parks and playgrounds, and easy access to scenic Myrtle Edwards Park along the waterfront. With its family-friendly vibe and central location, Queen Anne is a quintessential Seattle neighborhood to explore.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is where you’ll find much of Seattle’s arts, nightlife, dining, and LGBTQ culture. This trendy neighborhood has a youthful, hipster vibe thanks to the many students living here while attending Seattle University and Cornish College of the Arts. Along Broadway and Pike/Pine corridors, you’ll discover cool boutiques, used bookstores, record shops, and charming cafes and restaurants. Notable attractions include the architecturally impressive Seattle Central Library building, Volunteer Park with its beautiful conservatory, and the lively Pike Place Market. Capitol Hill is also Seattle’s central hub for arts and music, with venues like Neumos and Chop Suey hosting live shows. Don’t miss the vibrant nightlife along Pike/Pine for a big part of what gives Capitol Hill its eclectic character.
Fremont
Known for its funky, free-spirited vibe, Fremont calls itself the “Center of the Universe.” This quirky neighborhood is home to a famous troll sculpture lurking under the Aurora Bridge, waiting for unsuspecting passersby. On Sundays, you can browse the popular Fremont Flea Market with its eclectic antiques and vintage finds. The neighborhood is also decorated with colorful murals, adding to its artistic ambience. In addition to the famous Fremont Troll, other notable attractions include the Theo Chocolate Factory, Fremont Brewing Company, the Lenin statue, and the family-friendly Pacific Science Center. The area around Fremont’s “downtown” has great shops for browsing, like antique stores, bookstores, and boutiques. With its funky personality, Fremont is one of Seattle’s most unique and engaging areas to explore.
Ballard
Once a secluded Scandinavian fishing village, Ballard still retains much of that historic charm mixed with an artsy, industrial vibe. Along Ballard Avenue, you’ll find great restaurants, breweries, music venues, and shops, many with a Nordic flair. On weekends, theBallard Farmers Market draws big crowds for its fresh produce and artisanal food vendors. Top attractions include the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks where saltwater meets freshwater, the Nordic Museum, the quirky shops along Market Street, and the Ballard brewery district. The neighborhood also has Golden Gardens Park with stunning beach views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. With its historic and maritime roots, Ballard offers a uniquely Pacific Northwest experience.
International District
Seattle’s International District is a diverse neighborhood that’s home to the city’s Chinatown, Japantown and Little Saigon communities. Explore the neighborhood’s Asian culture through its many markets, shops, and eateries. Highlights include Uwajimaya Asian Food & Gift Market, Wing Luke Museum of the Asian American Experience, and the 77-foot tall Historic Chinatown Gate. The International District also houses the Wing Luke Asian Museum, Hing Hay Park, Kogura Company gardening shop, and Tai Tung Restaurant, the neighborhood’s oldest Chinese restaurant. Don’t miss the lively atmosphere of Chinatown’s bustling sidewalks, especially during Lunar New Year celebrations. Seattle’s International District is a one-of-a-kind place to immerse in Asian culture and cuisine.
Georgetown
South of downtown, Georgetown has an industrial, working-class vibe thanks to its old warehouses and factories along the Duwamish River. Many of these historic buildings now house art studios, shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants. Georgetown is also home to Seattle’s beloved Rainier Brewery, where you can take a brewery tour and taste the famous Rainier beer. Top attractions include the Museum of Flight, the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall, Counterbalance Park, and Jack Block Park. Georgetown also hosts the popular Georgetown Carnival in the summer with rides, games, and food. On the first Saturday of each month, art studios and galleries open their doors for Art Attack. With its gritty, artsy personality, Georgetown provides some of Seattle’s most memorable sights and experiences.
West Seattle
Across Elliott Bay from downtown, West Seattle offers stunning waterfront views and a laidback neighborhood vibe. The area’s two main business districts, Admiral and Alaska Junction, feature great shops, restaurants, and coffee houses in a charming small town setting. West Seattle is also home to Alki Beach with its bustling boardwalk and summer beach volleyball. Top attractions include the historic Alki Point Lighthouse, Schmitz Park’s old growth forest, Hamilton Viewpoint Park’s panoramic vistas, and the West Seattle Farmer’s Market. The neighborhood also hosts many ethnic festivals and art fairs throughout the summer. With gorgeous Puget Sound views and charming businesses, West Seattle provides a tranquil escape from the hustle of downtown.
Columbia City
One of Seattle’s most multi-cultural neighborhoods, Columbia City charms with its historic, small town character along Rainier Avenue South. Here you’ll discover locally-owned eateries, breweries, shops, and art galleries housed in historic low-rise buildings. On Wednesday evenings in the summer, the street becomes a lively, pedestrian-friendly scene during the Columbia City Farmers Market. Top attractions include the Neptune Theatre, Columbia City Gallery, Genesee Park & Playfield, and Columbia City’s First Thursday Art Walks. The neighborhood is also home to the highest concentration of PCC Natural Markets outside of Portland. Thanks to its diversity and historic appeal, Columbia City is an up-and-coming Seattle neighborhood not to miss.
Book a Bus With Us
The best way to explore Seattle’s amazing neighborhoods is in the comfort of your own private charter bus or party bus. At Party Bus Seattle, we provide luxury transportation services for groups across the Puget Sound region. Our fleet includes party buses, shuttle buses, limo buses, and motorcoaches to meet your group’s needs. Bring your group together in style while we handle the driving so you can relax and enjoy discovering Seattle. Our experienced team knows the city inside and out and can provide narration and tips during your custom neighborhood tour. Contact Party Bus Seattle today at 253-414-1606 to start planning your group’s Seattle bus adventure!