The peace and quiet, the freedom of going at your own pace, the ease of getting a table at popular restaurants—Seattle’s opportunities for the unaccompanied traveler are endless.
Isabelle Johnson
Eat Smart
Pair your morning pastry and latte with a side of people-watching at Capitol Hill’s Espresso Vivace (532 Broadway Ave E) or Fremont Coffee Company (459 N 36th St), which are located in two of the city’s most unique neighborhoods. When it comes to lunch and dinner, solo-travelers have a special advantage. Skip the line at popular restaurants where limited reservations can result in long waits for larger parties and slide into the bar seating or snag one of only 14 seats at Sushi Kashiba’s (86 Pine St, Ste 1) bar for a front-row view of sushi master Shiro Kashiba in action.
Kayaking at Alki Beach. Courtesy Alki Kayak Tour
Leave it to Professionals
Take a step back from planning and make some friends with sight-seeing tours like the pay-what-you-feel Seattle 101 walking tour from Seattle Free Walking Tours (2001 Western Ave), or Seattle Bicycle Tours (Vine St) Basic Seattle City Tour. To taste the best of Seattle from local experts, take one of Savor Seattle’s (1916 Pike Pl, Ste 12–480) delicious guided food tours. From cupcakes on Capitol Hill to VIP access at Pike Place Market, you can learn the history behind different vendors—like what chocolatey Seattle treats were served in the Oval Office. If you want to get active, then paddle away with one of Alki Kayak Tours’ (1660 Harbor Ave SW) guided options as you search for seals and enjoy the breeze off Puget Sound.
Reflect and Explore
Spend some time looking inward (and outward) with a relaxing stroll through one of Seattle’s parks or museums. Meditate by waterfalls and koi ponds or participate in an authentic tea ceremony at the 3.5-acre Seattle Japanese Garden (1075 Lake Washington Blvd E) or ponder some internationally renowned artwork at Seattle Art Museum (1300 First Ave). On Capitol Hill, find a thrilling novel from nearby Elliott Bay Book Co. (1521 10th Ave) then head to the tranquil reflecting pool at Cal Anderson Park (1635 11th Ave). Combine museum and park in one by exploring fashion and maritime exhibits at the Museum of History and Industry (aka MOHAI, 860 Terry Ave N) after meandering the waterfront of Lake Union Park (860 Terry Ave N).
Cats, coffee, and company. Courtesy Neko Cat Cafe
Take Some “You” Time
Traveling alone means indulging in some rest and relaxation, and after many exciting adventures, you deserve to unwind. Decompress with a massage and mud wrap at Banya 5 (217 Ninth Ave N), or try one of the trendy, sensory depriving float pods at Level Float Spa (567 John St). For some animal therapy, snuggle with one of the adoptable cats at Neko: A Cat Cafe (519 E Pine St). Finally, for some liquid leisure, sip a cocktail at one of Seattle’s more laid-back dive bars like Blue Moon Tavern (712 NE 45th St), famous for hosting big name poets like Allen Ginsburg and Theodore Roethke.
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