Seattle’s most densely populated and walkable neighborhood, Belltown lives in proximity to the gastronomical and cultural wonders of Pike Place Market, South Lake Union, Downtown, and Uptown. Along Fifth Avenue, below the whiz of the Monorail, grab a doughnut from legendary Top Pot (2124 Fifth Ave) or a vegetarian falafel sandwich from Eggs and Plants (2229 Fifth Ave), from where you can watch glass artists mold their molten creations next door at Seattle Glassblowing Studio (2227 Fifth Ave).
The scene heats up as you get closer to the water and the edge of the Market. Pop into Sell Your Sole Consignment Boutique (2121 First Ave) for gently used women’s designer clothes, or peruse the classic Patagonia (2100 First Ave) for practical, high-quality gear. Take your pick of cuisines for dinner, from Italian plates alfresco in the romantic courtyard at La Fontana Siciliana (120 Blanchard St) to Japanese sushi and izakaya-style tapas at Umi Sake House (2230 First Ave). Belltown is also a hot spot for nightlife. Get comfy at Bathtub Gin and Co. (alley between First and Second), a Prohibition era-style basement cocktail bar, or take in a show at the The Crocodile (2505 First Ave). Need a late-night bite? Belltown Pizza (2422 First Ave) serves New York–style slices until 2 a.m.