Seattle’s neighborhoods

The Pacific Northwest is a thing of beauty, bounded by coastal waters and towering mountains. It’s also home to some of the most charming cities in the US, and Seattle is no exception. Nestled in the Puget Sound region, Seattle serves as a lush metropolis, surrounded by Elliott Bay and Lake Union.

As the largest city in Washington, there is plenty to do in the Emerald City. Seattle’s neighborhoods flourish with their own unique feel, from the historic peninsula of West Seattle to the commercial hub of Ballard. Reserve a Seattle rental car with Hertz and explore all this sensational seaport city has to offer.

Shop around in Georgetown

South of SoDo is where you’ll find Georgetown, one of the more eclectic Seattle neighborhoods. This strip once housed warehouses, factories and railroad tracks, but now thrums with art-filled streets, delicious eateries and enchanting green spaces.

Terrific bites await you at Fonda La Catrina, with queso fundido, ceviche de pescado and other flavorful family recipes. Or try the handmade pasta at Mezzanotte, a sister restaurant to neighborhood favorite Ciudad. For delicious Korean fare, BOPOX serves up bibimbap and bento, or matcha shortbread if you fancy something sweet.

Your visit isn’t complete without seeing Georgetown Trailer Park Mall. Nestled near Seattle’s original Boeing Field airport, this collection of Airstreams acts as an open-air mall where you can find just about anything. Vintage clothing, home décor, hand-made jewelry, balms and potions, artwork and vinyl records are just a few trinkets hidden in these unique storefronts. There’s even a wedding chapel if you’re looking to tie the knot.

Get quirky in Fremont

From outlandish statues to tree-shaped hills, Fremont boasts a special individuality that’s easy to get lost in. Located north of the canal, the neighborhood was once a separate city before it was annexed to Seattle in the late 1800s.

Now, it houses a cluster of sculptures and monuments, including the Fremont Troll under Aurora Bridge and the Fremont Skyrocket on Evanston Avenue North. Away from quirky landmarks, you’ll find notable eating spots like Lupo, a cluster of coffee shops, eccentric boutiques and outstanding public art. There’s also Hotel Hotel – one of the best hotels in Seattle.

Fremont is also great for getting a taste of local life. Fremont Fair and Fremont Solstice Parade heat up the streets in summer, and Fremont Canal Park offers glimpses of Downtown and wonderful backdrops of the city. Don’t forget to stop by Fremont Sunday Market, where you can discover unique jewelry, home goods, clothing, food and more.

Boogie down in Capitol Hill

Few areas sum up the city so well as Capitol Hill, one of the most colorful and inclusive Seattle neighborhoods. This electrifying district draws in young professionals looking to unwind with its vibrant nightlife and great selection of live music and restaurants.

During the day, wander sprawling lawns at Taqwsheblu Vi Hilbert Ethnobotanical Gardens, sample supreme shellfish at Melrose Market and visit Starbucks Reserve® Roastery for an immersive experience in the coffee roasting process. You’ll also learn of the global chain’s humble beginnings right here in Seattle.

When the sun sets, experience Capitol Hill’s magical nightlife at the Century Ballroom, where vintage jazz music plays throughout the week. If you’re lucky, you’ll also hear salsa, bachata and tango – with exclusive dancing classes available.

The food scene is just as exciting. Favorite eats here include Spinasse for rustic Italian cuisine, Stateside for French and Vietnamese fusion, and Taurus Ox for tasty Laotian small plates. Got a sweet tooth? Enjoy homemade ice cream at Molly Moon’s, or a latte at Espresso Vivace and Caffé Vita.

Chow down in Belltown

Originally a hill until the Denny Regrade Project flattened the land in the 19th century, Belltown is a trendy, youthful area with lots to do. High-rise buildings line the strip, while green lawns and fountains attract tourists looking for a retreat from Downtown.

Belltown is located on the waterfront, where glassy condos reflect glistening waters and ferries point towards the San Juan Islands. As a walkable neighborhood, you’ll find some of the best things to do in Seattle here. Along the thin walkways are boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, nightclubs and more.

But it’s the food scene that locals hold dear, with 100-plus restaurants to choose from. Experience Belltown flavors like Serious Pie, the pizzeria serving up pies with seared crusts. Or Lola, a joyful mashup of Mediterranean and North African riffs like Penn Cove shellfish and wild king salmon.

Don’t leave Belltown without a stroll around the Olympic Sculpture Park. This landmark features monumental artworks over nine acres and breathtaking views of Puget Sound.

Light up your day at Beacon Hill

As one of the oldest Seattle neighborhoods, Beacon Hill sits just south of Downtown and is home to a diverse community. What was once a quaint residential area has become a foodie hotspot thanks to its distinct cultural medley.

Here you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Seattle, with a variety of cuisines catering to just about any palate. Head to El Quetzal or Baja Bistro for a tasty taco or indulge in authentic Asian cuisine at Wicked Chopstix or Dim Sum House. If you fancy a fresh coffee, the prominent bakery and coffee shop, Fresh Flours, is located just by the Link light rail.

For outdoor adventures, Hilltop Jefferson Park features a skate park, picnic shelters, a golf course and a playground. As night falls, head to Dr. Jose Rizal Park and take in the spectacular views of Puget Sound.

The area isn’t without its celebrated history, either. El Centro de la Raza on Beacon Avenue is a vibrant community center providing multi-ethnic social services, educational and cultural programs for the Latino/Chicano community.

Catch waves in West Seattle

Bordered by water on three sides, with idyllic enclaves and dense forests, West Seattle is a true showcase of dreamy Seattle neighborhoods. Cross the bridge to this rugged peninsula and you’ll feel like you’re on a summer weekend beach getaway, courtesy of iconic Alki Beach and its promenade.

After some sun-soaked fun, head downtown to The Junction, the intersection of Alaska Street and California Avenue, where you can find a smattering of local shops that draw from the city’s creative soul.

But the real appeal is the acclaimed food spots, with new arrivals and longstanding favorites boasting gorgeous waterfront views. Indulge in tender morsels of fried chicken, crisped basil and jasmine rice and other Thai flavors at Buddha Ruska or try crisp pizza and puffy-edged pies at Pizzeria Credo.

Get cultured in Columbia City

Columbia City may be one of the smaller districts in Seattle, but its neighborly hometown vibes have a major city feel. Tucked away in the south, Columbia City is a historic district of Seattle. It’s also incredibly diverse, with over 60 languages spoken here.

The neighborhood is often heralded as a bite-sized United Nations of restaurants. Eat your way around the world with varied dining options including Caribbean and Senegalese through to Ethiopian and Vietnamese cuisine. Experience top soul food at Lil Red, serving up smoked brisket, jerk chicken and escovitch fish. Or enjoy mezzi rigatoni with lamb sausage in a parmesan broth at acclaimed Italian joint La MeDusa.

Columbia City’s unique vibe extends to its boutiques, bookstores and mom-and-pop stores. Be sure to visit Columbia City Theatre for live performances. There’s also the famous Farmers Market and BeatWalk Festival in the summer, attracting residents from all over Seattle.

Gorge on Oysters in Ballard

Situated north-west of Capitol Hill, Ballard offers a slower-paced alternative to the city’s usual bustling scene. It was once a hub for fishing and lumber industries, with its residents almost exclusively of Scandinavian heritage, but has since become a cultural hotbed.

Today, this waterfront neighborhood houses trendy shops, art galleries, microbreweries and bars – all on Ballard Avenue, which runs parallel to Salmon Bay. You can also catch the year-round Ballard Farmers Market on Sundays.

There’s no shortage of places to eat either. Lap up mouthwatering local oysters and fresh seafood at The Walrus and the Carpenter, or experience some of the best sandwiches in Seattle at Un Bien. If you have a sweet tooth, then visit Frankie & Jo’s for incredible plant-based ice cream.

Get some fresh air at Ballard Locks, the epitome of engineering that connects the fresh waters of Lake Washington and Puget Sound. Then wrap up your day meandering through Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden, which overlooks the water.

With a variety of wonderful neighborhoods to explore, Seattle is the perfect destination for family trips or a vacay with friends. Reserve a Seattle car rental and journey through Washington state’s Emerald City with Hertz.

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