Did you know that Pioneer Square is Seattle’s first official neighborhood? Today, it is right next to the stadiums in SODO and Chinatown-International District. The Pioneer Square neighborhood is part of Downtown Seattle.
Before the settlers came to Seattle, the Duwamish and Suquamish people lived in the area for thousands of years. Founded in the 1850s, Pioneer Square was greatly affected by the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. This Seattle neighborhood was rebuilt in the Victorian Romanesque style, and some of the original buildings still stand today.
Pioneer Square is walkable and filled with history and charm. While most people may visit Pioneer Square for the Underground Tour or walk through it on their way to a Mariners Game, there’s lots to do in this neighborhood.
Here are 8 best things to do in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood today:
1. The Smith Tower & The Observatory Bar
506 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
The Smith Tower was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. This Seattle building was completed in 1913 and opened to the public in 1914.
The Observatory Bar is on the 35th floor of the Smith Tower in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood. They offer delicious food and cocktails.
One thing that makes this Seattle bar unique is the access to the open-air viewing deck. From there, you can see 360-degree views of Seattle. You can also sit on the famous “Wishing Chair.” This chair is rumored to have been gifted by China’s Empress Dowager Cixi.
2. General Porpoise
401 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
This Seattle donut shop offers delicious donuts made with seasonal jellies, creams, curds, and custards. The Pioneer Square location is beautiful, and they also have other locations in Capitol Hill and Laurelhurst. They have a beautiful cafe inside and also offer coffee, tea, and wine.
3. Floral & Henri
401 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Jane Hedreen founded this local Seattle business. Flora and Henri offer artisanal gifts, such as books, candles, clothing, and home goods.
4. Arundel Books
322 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
If you’re a book lover or collector, stop by Arundel Books. This Seattle bookstore first started as a fine press publisher in 1984. Today, it is located in a historic Seattle building. Arundel Books offers books for both collectors and avid readers. You can find self-help, children’s books, romantic fiction, horror, and various other literary genres.
5. Friend Museum
83 S King St #100, Seattle, WA 98104
If you’re a fan of vintage shopping, stop by the Friend Museum. This vintage store offers a well-curated selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories. It also has a coffee stand and wine shop.
6. Salumi
If you’re looking for a post to grab a sandwich or salad, stop by Salumi. This scratch kitchen has been making sandwiches for over 20 years. Saluma mixes old-world techniques with modern new flavors.
7. Lune Cafe
107 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
If you’re looking for a delicious treat, stop by Lune Cafe. They offer a beautiful space, unique drinks like pistachio milkshakes and rose cardamom lattes, and incredible crepes like the triple chocolate crepe.
8. Occidental Square
117 S Washington St, Seattle, WA 98104
This Seattle park is at the heart of Pioneer Square. Occidental Square is framed by maple trees and has Seattle businesses along its length.
One of the most unique features of Occidental Square is the wood carvings and totem poles. One of the totem poles was created for the 1974 Spokane World’s Fair and tells the story of the Raven stealing the moon.
I hope you enjoyed this post about the 8 best things to do in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood.
What other spots would you recommend checking out in Pioneer Square?
You can also watch my Pioneer Square things to do YouTube video:
Thank you for reading!
Love,
Emma
