Seattle is the kind of city that rewards curious travelers—those who want to go beyond the basics of coffee and the Space Needle. If you’re planning a weekend trip, you can easily balance hands-on creativity, iconic attractions, and incredible food. Here’s how to spend a weekend in Seattle that’s equal parts fun, unique, and delicious.

Day 1: Arrival + Pike Place Market

Kick off your Seattle weekend with a visit to Pike Place Market, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Established in 1907, the market is home to hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and local produce to artisan crafts and flowers.

• Don’t Miss: Watching the fishmongers toss salmon, snapping a photo under the iconic Pike Place Market sign, and exploring the quirky shops tucked into every corner on every floor.
• Eat Here: Grab a bowl of clam chowder, a piroshki, or a coffee at the original Starbucks. There are plenty of options and you can ‘eat your way through the market’ by visiting different restaurants for different courses. Don’t forget to grab some amazing pastries! 
• Check out my favorite shops:
  • Eclipse Hat Shop owned by the lovely Sharon. Be sure to stop by and see Sharon and her amazing selection of hats for every occasion! 
  • Sosio’s Fruit & Produce has a great selection of amazing quality fruits and vegetables, plus, they offer free samples. Want to take something home? No problem – Sosio’s will pack it up for you and select the best products to ensure premium quality and ripeness when you get home! 
  • Pike Place Fish is arguably the most iconic stand in the market. Watch the fishmongers toss salmon and peruse the other seafood offerings. Want to take something home? Pike Place fish has you covered! They’ll pack everything up for you to take home (TSA compliant when checked) or they can air mail it to you (additional fee). 
  • DeLaurenti Food & Wine offers an incredible selection of wines, meats, cheeses, and pantry items. I could spend at least an hour just wandering the aisles looking at everything!
  • Any of the Flower Stalls. 

Spend the afternoon wandering Pike Place Market and stroll along the waterfront to take in the views. Consider the Seattle Aquarium or a harbor cruise. Whale watching cruises also depart from Seattle during the regular season. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of Seattle’s many farm-to-table restaurants before settling in for a good night’s rest.

Day 2: Creativity at Leolo + Exploring the City

Your second day is all about tapping into your creative side. Leanne Corcoran is the proprietor and creative genius behind Leolo, a modern leather goods shop. I found Leanne and Leolo when I visited Pike Place Market back in 2022. Since then, I have returned to Leolo to purchase shoes, belts, earrings, and other items because the quality is impeccable. Within the last couple years, Leann has started offering hands-on workshops where you can tap into your own creative genius.

The tote-making class at Leolo is a highlight of the weekend. You’ll pick your leather, cut and assemble the pieces, and hand-stitch your bag under the guidance of expert instructors. The end result? A beautiful, functional tote that’s not just a souvenir—it’s something you made yourself.

• Why Go: It’s a one-of-a-kind Seattle experience that blends craftsmanship, creativity, and a lasting keepsake. Leanne and her mom are AMAZING and it is a lot of fun!

After class, spend the afternoon exploring Seattle’s landmarks:

• Space Needle: It’s an icon. The views from the top overlook Seattle and the harbor making this a fun, if slightly pricey, stop. 
• Chihuly Glass Gardens: worth a stop for those with an appreciation for art and anyone interested in glass blowing. (Also very close to the Space Needle.) 

No Seattle weekend is complete without dessert, and Deep Sea Sugar & Salt is the place to go. This small-batch cake shop has developed a cult following for its inventive flavors and decadent slices.

• Must-Try Flavor: The London Fog cake, infused with Earl Grey and layered with rich buttercream, is a personal favorite.
• Pro Tip: Go early or order in advance online—the cakes often sell out!

After your sugar fix, take one last stroll along the waterfront or through Discovery Park before heading home.

Why This Seattle Weekend Works

This itinerary blends the best of Seattle:

• Iconic Attractions: Pike Place Market and the city’s waterfront.
• Unique Experiences: Tote-making at Leolo gives you a hands-on memory to take home.
• Local Flavor: From market eats to Deep Sea Sugar & Salt, Seattle’s food scene shines.

Whether you’re a creative traveler, a foodie, or just looking for something different than the usual tourist path, this weekend in Seattle has it all.