Layover in Seattle (flat fee, hotels, university)

[gregir]

IMy wife and I will be at SEA on our way overseas. We have 7 hours layover between flights. I figure we have five hours to leave the airport go to someplace fabulous and totally Seattleriffic.
It will be my wifes birthday and I would like to show her a good time.
Any ideas would be appreciated.

[Jalhop]

This assumes your layover is during the daylight hours. You'd have time to take the light rail train from the airport to downtown Seattle. Pike Market and nice restaurants are there. I don't know the restaurants too well anymore, so someone else could recommend one. The Pink Door is still good, I think. If you have extra time you could walk or take a free bus to Pioneer Square (you can take the light rail back to the airport from there). In Pioneer Square is the free Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park museum, if you want to learn some Seattle history, and you're there during 10am-4pm (I don't know exact hours). The Waterfall Park (original UPS headquarters) is a block away, also free and a good way to spend 5 minutes. I think it's 40 minutes from the airport to downtown, so you'd have ~3 hours downtown. I can recommend a coffee place too.

You could do the Space Needle but the light rail doesn't go close to it, so I think it'd be hectic on your 5 hours.

[SitoUK]

Originally Posted by Jalhop

This assumes your layover is during the daylight hours. You'd have time to take the light rail train from the airport to downtown Seattle. Pike Market and nice restaurants are there. I don't know the restaurants too well anymore, so someone else could recommend one. The Pink Door is still good, I think. If you have extra time you could walk or take a free bus to Pioneer Square (you can take the light rail back to the airport from there). In Pioneer Square is the free Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park museum, if you want to learn some Seattle history, and you're there during 10am-4pm (I don't know exact hours). The Waterfall Park (original UPS headquarters) is a block away, also free and a good way to spend 5 minutes. If this plan sounds good and you like coffee tell me I'll add a bit more.

You could do the Space Needle but the light rail doesn't go close to it, so I think it'd be hectic on your 5 hours.

Well, the Light Rail link takes you to Westlake Center from where it's a 20min walk or short taxi ride to the Needle. It's 18 dollars to go up but well worth it on a sunny day. There's also a restaurant on top. You'll almost certainly need a booking there but as far as I know it includes a visit to the viewing platform. If you're running late a taxi will take you to the airport from anywhere downtown for a 35 dollar flat fee.

[sekhmet1974]

5 hours isn't that much time. 1 hour commute minimum to and from the airport. Take the lightrail to downtown and then go to Pike Place Market. That alone (if you go through all of it) could take a couple of hours. If it is nice out, have some drinks on the outside tables at Zig Zag Cafe (bartender Murray is famous btw)....great place to people watch and drinks are killer. On the Hillside Climb directly behind Pike Place Market between Western and Alaskan *alfway down the stairs. Eat dinner/lunch: Elliot's Oyster Bar on pier 56 I think, outside seating on the water. Food is great there, but if you want even better, I suggest I'll Bistro, Matt's In the Market, Cafe Campagne or Campagne. Reservations recommended. Be sure to walk through/down Post Alley, too. Also the Inn at the Market hotel....if you go in (act like you are a guest) go up to I think the 5th floor in the elevator and you can get to their rooftop access (has chairs, tables etc). No room key card required. Can even get a bottle of wine and some food and go up there, beautiful view of the water and market.

Imo, the Space Needle view is fine, but in your short time, don't waste your time. It's not worth it and the restaurant food is waaaay overpriced for what you get (and not that great).

[noexcuseforignorance]

1. Underground tour
2. Fish Market
3. Seattle Center if you have time

There are nice hotels downtown too if you want to fit a romantic rendezvous in there.

Have fun!

[cjg5]

For such a short time Seattle may be too much of a hassle. Southcenter Mall is not too far from the airport and you can take a bus to and from. Lots of restaurants there and you can just kill time walking around. Not exactly "seattlerific" as malls are everywhere and such but its closer and easier than Seattle from the airport for such a short period of time.

[cjg5]

If you do want to take the light rail downtown though, see the market and walk the waterfront. Ye Old Curiosity Shop is pretty cool to waste a few minutes in.

[gregir]

Thanks to all for the tips. I think we will take the light rail to Pike Market and eat a late lunch and head back to the airport.
That sounds doable and not too hectic. I can give her her birthday present at lunch.
Thanks to all.

[Hemlock140]

The light rail only goes to University Street, you have to go about a 1/4 mile on foot or bus. At a good pace maybe 5-10 minutes.

[MaikeerinWA]

Westlake (last stop) is actually the closest light rail station to Pike Place Market. I second the earlier suggestion of Matt's in the Market, for lunch.

Originally Posted by bisjoe

The light rail only goes to University Street, you have to go about a 1/4 mile on foot or bus. At a good pace maybe 5-10 minutes.