Seattle in 48 Hours: The Ultimate Eat, Shop & Explore Guide

Have you ever loved a city so much that you’re already planning your return before the trip ends? That’s Seattle for me. I’ve never lived there, but every visit wraps me in that familiar harbor feeling. Even a quick weekend escape leaves me utterly captivated.

13 Things to Do in Seattle for the Perfect Weekend Trip
I’ve suspected it’s the crisp air, the vibrant local produce, the abundant blooms, or the verdant nature that makes me feel so alive while exploring the city. Or maybe it’s that every time I visit, I promise myself to spend more time in nature or by the water. Perhaps though, it’s the simple truth that Seattle has a bit of it all.

As the resident expert on a recent trip to Seattle, I was happy to play host and build an itinerary to highlight the wonders of the city in just a quick, 48-hour Seattle weekend trip. This is what we ate, where we stayed, and everything we saw on our most recent jaunt to the city. Get ready to book your tickets ASAP.

What to Know About Visiting Seattle

When to Visit

I’ve visited Seattle in spring, summer, and winter, and there’s something to be said about every season in the city. You’ll find beautiful blooms around the neighborhoods in spring, a bustling and vibrant city in the summer, and the coziest of weather in winter. To prepare, pack layers. While it might be chilly by the water in the morning, by the time the clouds clear and the sun comes out, you’ll be peeling off your coat. And if you want to soak up all the city’s goodness while’s steering clear of crowds, opt for the cold season. Trust me: Your bravery will be rewarded.

How to Get Around

When it comes to planning your Seattle weekend trip, structure your daily itinerary by neighborhood. Once you’re in a neighborhood, everything is a quick and easy walk away. Plus, going by foot, bike, or public transit is always a nice way to become familiar with a new city.

Where to Stay: Seattle Hotels
Thompson Hotel. I’ve stayed at a few places in Seattle, and the Thompson Seattle has been my favorite. It’s centrally located and just a block over from Pike Place Market, while also boasting incredible interiors that speak to the cozy weather iconic to the PNW. Get up early and grab a coffee down in the restaurant. And in the summer, be sure to spend some time on the rooftop bar overlooking the water.

Thompson Seattle | 110 Stewart St, Seattle, Washington 98101 | website | Instagram

Palihotel. Just a few blocks over from the Thompson, I’ve stayed at the Palihotel for overnight trips in town. The rooms are a bit smaller, but the restaurant and coffee shop downstairs are some of my local faves. Stake out the lobby for its cozy library vibes.

Palihotel Seattle | 107 Pine Street Seattle, Washington 98101 | website | Instagram

Ace Hotel. Like their locations in other cities, the Ace is always on my list of options anytime I visit. The interiors are slightly more hip and artsy than what you’d expect for a PNW lodging, but the location is close to many great shops and places to visit.

Ace Hotel Seattle | 2423 1st Ave, Seattle, Washington 98121 | website | Instagram

Day 1

Grab a late breakfast/brunch at London Plane

I always come back to this beautiful spot in the city at least once on my trips to Seattle. Chances are, you’ve seen the stunning restaurant on Instagram, and it’s absolutely worth the visit. After enjoying a casual breakfast, spend some time browsing the selection of local goods that make the perfect gift or souvenir.

Note: The London Plane space has sat dark for the past several months. However, entrepreneur Marcus Lalario and footwear designer Ben Kirschner (previously of Nike) are working to remake and revive the space. Stay tuned!

Explore the neighborhood
Between Occidental Square and the shops in the Pioneer Square neighborhood, spend a leisurely post-breakfast morning of exploration. We stopped and browsed at shops like Clementines and Flora and Henri which had an incredible curation of clothing and goods, as well as browsing the shelves at Arundel Books. Grab a coffee from Caffe Umbria and shop at Cassandra LaVelle’s shop, Casa di LaVelle for a beautiful collection of vintage finds as well.

Head over to Pike Place Market

I love a great market and could spend hours wandering the stalls and exploring. But before you do, there are a few stops to see along the way. Depending on who you’re traveling with, stop by the Seattle Great Wheel, Waterfront Park, and the Seattle Aquarium if you’re traveling with kiddos.

Check out Pike Place

A truly iconic destination, the market is always worth a visit. You could spend as little as 30 minutes here or a few hours if you wanted. There are lots of restaurants and cafes in the market and adjoining streets that make it a great place to browse and eat at the same time. Grab a ginger beer and piroshki, some mac and cheese from Beecher’s, or a chowder and sandwich from Pike Place Chowder. Or, browse for fruits and cheeses and pack a picnic to eat on the pier overlooking the water.

I loved lingering around different stalls to learn what produce was in season and taking in the fresh fish market before doing some shopping. Yes, it’s a tourist attraction, but it’s one of those places that’s totally worth the visit.