After spending our first days exploring Seattle’s main downtown attractions, we knew we needed to round out our experience with a visit to Pioneer Square. Located on the southern edge of the city center, Pioneer Square is known as Seattle’s “first neighborhood.” With its beautiful historic architecture—hiding indie boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants & bars—we think this area is a must-see for art lovers, foodies, and history buffs visiting Seattle for the first time!
On our first trip to Seattle, we couldn’t get enough of exploring Pioneer Square’s historic charms. Wandering the streets here feels like stepping back into turn-of-the-century Seattle, when the neighborhood rebuilt itself following the Great Fire of 1899. We found oodles of attractions to explore, from historical must-sees like Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to modern urban gems like Waterfall Garden Park.
Of course, no visit to Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood is complete without exploring its food & drink scene. Whether we wanted fresh oysters, sushi, craft beer, or innovative cocktails, we stumbled upon a restaurant or bar to tackle the cravings.
Ready to explore Seattle’s oldest neighborhood? Let us help you plan your holiday with our complete Pioneer Square neighborhood guide, including our recommendations for what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay!
What to see & do in Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square
We don’t think there’s a better place to start exploring the neighborhood than at its namesake, Pioneer Square. Located at the north end of the neighborhood, this small urban park attracts tourists from every corner of the city. And after seeing its stunning 50-foot-high Tlingit totem pole, we now totally understand why!
Besides the landmark totem pole (a 1940 replica of the original 1899 installation), we also loved walking under the park’s distinctive cast iron and glass pergola, admiring its intricate details. Designed by American architect Julian F. Everett, the pergola was installed in 1909 as a cable car shelter.
(We learned on a walking tour that the pergola once sheltered an underground public bathroom that was claimed to be one of the most lavish in the United States at the time.)
Wandering around the square, we also spotted historic street lamps and a bust of Chief Seattle, the Suquamish and Duwamish leader, whom the city is named after.
If you’d like to grab a coffee or a bite to eat after your visit, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area surrounding Pioneer Square. Walk across the street for a warm latte or cold brew at Caffé D’arte (99 Yesler Wy). If you’re hungry, step next door to chow down on Vietnamese favorites like pho or banh mi at The Monkey Bridge II (105 1st Ave S).
EDITOR’S NOTE: Although we were super charmed by the square on our last visit, we’ve been hearing from locals that it’s becoming a prominent spot for homeless encampments in recent years. Although we’ve never had any sketchy experiences ourselves in Seattle, we would recommend staying vigilant around here, especially at night.
Occidental Square
Like the neighborhood’s namesake square, Occidental Square is another one of our favorite spots to chill and enjoy Pioneer Square’s heritage vibes. Wandering around this historic city square, we found everything from shops and cafes to indie bookstores and even a few art galleries.
In the warmer months, grab a seat in the courtyard under the shade of London Plane trees to admire the historic buildings crawling with greenery. If you’re visiting Seattle as a family, Occidental Square also offers a park and playscape area for the little ones to blow off some steam.
Occidental Square is also a hotspot for adults who want some playtime. On our visit, we spotted a giant chessboard, foosball, ping pong, and other game tables for everyone to enjoy.
Interested in the local arts scene? Admire the several totem poles carved by Duane Pasco on display around the square. Keep on the lookout, too, for the Fallen Firefighters Memorial by Hai Ying Wu. The bronze sculpture pays tribute to four local firefighters who lost their lives fighting a fire in the adjacent Seattle Chinatown-International District.
We found plenty of great places to eat & drink around Occidental Square, too. Head across the street for coffee and pastries at the industrial-chic Lady Yum (116 S Washington St). Their macaroons are to die for!
For beers and cocktails with a side of authentic Mexican food, pop over to Baba Yaga (124 S Washington St). Snag al pastor tacos washed down with innovative signature cocktails like The Magician’s Mule or Rise of the Moon.
(Although it’s fairly unassuming by day, we heard that Baba Yaga transforms into one of the area’s coolest live music venues by night. Next time we’re in town, we hope to catch a show here!)
PRO TIP: Visiting in the afternoon? On our visit to Occidental Square, we saw a couple of food trucks rolling into the area. Locals tell us that the food trucks are constantly rotating, giving us plenty of choices throughout the week!
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Let’s continue the Pioneer Square history lesson and learn about everyone’s favorite precious metal at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. This “park” is actually a museum located on 2nd Avenue South in the former Cadillac Hotel. The park rangers will take us on a grand journey through the history of gold mining and this unique time in Seattle’s past.
During a visit to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, browse two floors of self-guided interactive exhibits, watch one of the park’s feature films (Gold Fever: Race to the Klondike and Seattle: Gateway to the Gold Fields), and even try your luck at panning for gold! Visitors can also check out rotating temporary exhibits in the museum’s Kerr Room.
Traveling with kiddos? Let them participate in a series of interactive learning activities to earn a Junior Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park badge to bring home. What an awesome souvenir from one of Seattle’s coolest museums!
Admission to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is free.
PRO TIP: Ask for a copy of the Trail to Treasure map at the park’s Visitor Center. The map outlines a self-guided walking tour through the Pioneer Square neighborhood, hitting up all the main historical attractions.
Smith Tower
Now that we’ve spent time exploring the streets below, let’s see them from above! Smith Tower is one of our must-sees around Pioneer Square, and an all-around good time for history buffs, sightseers, and happy hour celebrators alike.
Dating back to 1914, Smith Tower was the city’s first skyscraper, sitting on the southern edge of Downtown Seattle. Although it doesn’t stand out as much as the city’s modern skyscrapers (like the nearby Columbia Center), this beautiful high-rise is such an iconic part of Seattle’s history that we can’t leave it off any Pioneer Square sightseeing itinerary.
The highlight of any visit to Smith Tower is to ascend to the 35th floor to be dazzled by stunning bird’s-eye views of the Seattle skyline.
You can score tickets for the Observatory at the check-in desk outside the lobby. In our experience, though, it’s cheaper (and easier) to buy your tickets online ($15) before arriving.
Before heading up to the Observatory, check out a few fun exhibits to learn about the building’s history. Pick the knowledgeable elevator operator’s brain for fun facts about the building’s history while hopping onto the vintage Otis elevators en route to the observatory.
After arriving on the 35th floor, step out onto the open-air terrace (Seattle’s only open-air observation deck) and take in the views at your own pace.
Our favorite part of the tour, though, was enjoying a beverage at the Smith Tower Observatory Bar. This speakeasy-style restaurant & bar is the only place in Seattle to taste the exclusive Smith Tower barrel-aged liquors. The menu also includes a line of signature cocktails, local and international wine, and craft beers from some of Seattle’s most popular craft breweries.
NOTE: Although access to the Observatory Bar requires a ticket, entry is first-come, first-served. Reservations aren’t possible. During peak times, like weekend evenings, expect to wait 30 minutes or more for a table.
PRO TIP: We love the views from Smith Tower at any time of the day, but the vistas from the Observatory are extra special at sunset! Check sunset times and arrive just before the show to watch the sun sink under Puget Sound from above.
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
On our first visit to Pioneer Square, we learned there’s a whole other world in Seattle just underneath our feet. Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour takes us below the surface to get a look at the city before the Great Fire of 1889. Today, these tunnels connect the remains of the “Original” Seattle to the magnificent modern metropolis built on top that we know and love today.
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour shows us the humble and now-buried beginnings of the Pioneer Square neighborhood. Walk through the brick-lined underground tunnels to get a taste of the city before the Great Fire of 1899.
All the while, expert tour guides keep things entertaining, injecting their humor with the history. (And, yes, we mean in that exact order!)
After the tour, browse the exhibits at the Rogues Gallery and shop for Pacific Northwest-inspired souvenirs at the Underground Gift Shop. History buffs can pick up a copy of Sons of the Profit by Bill Speidel to bring the history lesson home.
The underground tours run daily on the hour from 9 am to 7 pm between April and September, and from 10 am to 6 pm between October and March.
Waterfall Garden Park
When we were exploring Pioneer Square for the first time, we stumbled upon a little hidden gem: Waterfall Garden Park. Although it’s just a block from Occidental Square, this small pocket park is easy to miss. It’s set behind a gate, with small, easy-to-miss entrances on both 2nd Avenue and South Main Street.
The highlight of Waterfall Garden Park is, of course, its namesake feature: a 22-foot artificial waterfall. We loved stepping inside the park, set on the grounds of the first UPS headquarters, to enjoy the relaxing greenery and take a break from the busy Seattle streetscape. (It reminds us of a mini urban Japanese garden, so we were hardly surprised to learn that it was designed by a Japanese-American architect, Masao Kinoshita.)
Waterfall Garden Park is only open from 8 am to 5:45 pm daily. Plan your visit accordingly.
Pioneer Square Habitat Beach
Sure, it’s not going to win an award for “best beach in Seattle,” but that doesn’t mean that Pioneer Square Habitat Beach isn’t worth a quick visit! We found this small stretch of waterfront between the Seattle Ferry Terminal and the historic Washington Street Public Boat Landing.
The rocky shorelines at Pioneer Square Habitat Beach aren’t suitable for swimming, but we think it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a fresh-air picnic with beautiful views of downtown and over Elliott Bay.
PRO TIP: Next to the Smith Tower Observatory, Habitat Beach is our favorite spot in the area to catch a blazing sunset. Get there early to snag a seat on the rocks and watch the sun dip below the water.
Lumen Field
Sports fans visiting Pioneer Square need to carve out time to catch an event at Lumen Field. Located at the southern edge of the district, this world-class stadium is home to both the Seattle Seahawks football team and the Seattle Sounders soccer team.
Seattle is a sport-crazed city, and nowhere is this more obvious than catching the Seahawks in action at Lumen Field. Grab tickets to a game to cheer on the home team alongside the wild local fans.
Not into sports? Lumen Field and the adjacent WAMU Theater also host several events throughout the year, including big-name concerts. Check the events calendar to see what’s on during your visit.
PRO TIP: We recommend searching for seats in the southeastern corner of the stadium to enjoy both incredible views of the field and of the Seattle skyline!
Where to eat & drink
The Pioneer Square neighborhood might not take up much space on a map. But that doesn’t mean we won’t find plenty of great places to eat & drink in the area.
For a morning caffeine boost, grab a cup of coffee at Zeitgeist Coffee (171 S Jackson St). With its unique industrial-chic design and local artwork, this cafe & coffee shop is a breath of fresh air, even in this coffee-obsessed city.
On our travels, we never say no to delicious deli sandwiches. So when our hotel told us about Salumi (404 Occidental Ave S), we knew we had to give it a go!
As the name suggests, this deli is famed for its salami. To craft the perfect salami sandwich, choose between four different varieties—classic, hot sopressata, fennel, and mole—all made in-house.
Salumi also offers a variety of hot and cold sandwiches without their signature salami, ranging from braised porchetta to classic muffuletta. Planning a picnic for later in the day? Take their sandwiches and sliced meats to go or order a fully curated cheese and charcuterie board.
For a delicious burger and fries in Pioneer Square, we recommend heading to McCoy’s Firehouse Bar & Grill (173 S Washington St). The restaurant building has a rich history, but, despite its name, it’s never been a firehouse. Instead, it’s all decked out in firefighter gear and memorabilia from all over the world, including uniform patches, hoses, helmets, and more.
Spend a happy hour (or two!) on Occidental Avenue at the Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar (410 Occidental Ave S). Home of award-winning Bloody Marys and some of the freshest oysters around Seattle, this historic lounge is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. (For non-oyster fans, other seafood dishes like their shrimp po’boy or Dungeness Crab roll should hit the spot.)
Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar is also close to Lumen Field (the home stadium of the Seattle Seahawks) and T-Mobile Park (home to the Seattle Mariners), making it the perfect pregame spot.
Damn the Weather (116 1st Ave S) is the ideal resto lounge for couples, friends, and lively small groups. Though we found some options for picky eaters, we think this gastropub is better suited for a more adventurous crowd. Damn the Weather is known for its experimental dishes like Duck Fat Fries and Lemongrass-Hibiscus Sorbet, fried fava beans with seaweed, and a fettucini dish with morels and grape-leaf pesto.
To catch one of Washington State’s favorite wineries in action, pop into the Seattle branch of the Browne Family Vineyards Tasting Room (413 1st Ave S). Sip the vineyard’s most popular wines, from uncorked chardonnay and pinot gris to cabernet sauvignon and its Tribute red blend.
PRO TIP: If you’re around on a Tuesday between 4 pm and 7 pm, visit the Browne Family Vineyards Tasting Room to snag their Wine & Pizza Tuesday deal. Indulge in a bottle of Browne Tribute Red or Sauvignon Blanc paired with a pizza from neighboring Bar Sosta for just $50. We think it’s perfect for a romantic couple’s night in Pioneer Square!
Want to add a little excitement to your mealtime? Flatstick Pub (240 2nd Ave S) is a bar for people who can’t sit still. Between beers and platters of nachos and tacos, play the night away with a handful of arcade games invented onsite.
Games include Seattle-themed mini golf (including a replica Space Needle), a one-of-a-kind hybrid of Duffleboard (another Flatstick specialty), and beer pong. Flatstick Pub also hosts Bingo and Trivia Nights every week.
For an excellent craft cocktail, pull a chair up at the Good Bar (240 2nd Ave S). Located across from the Waterfall Garden Park, this bar has a wide selection of mixed drinks, a series of Spanish gin and tonics, and a handful of beers on tap. Feeling peckish? The Good Bar also has a select menu with Middle Eastern-inspired dishes like halloumi, harissa chicken, and signature lamb burgers. Yum!
PRO TIP: Time your visit to the Good Bar with their happy hour (3 pm to 6 pm Tuesday to Saturday and 9 pm to 12 am Friday and Saturday) for discounted beer, wine, and bar bites.
Looking for dinner and a show? Central Saloon (207 1st Ave S) combines the pleasure of live performance with the traditional pub experience. It’s also Seattle’s oldest bar, dating back to 1892. Step into this historic space—full of exposed brick walls, sticker collages, and of course, a band stage—to delight in intimate rock concerts and good beer.
FUN FACT: The Central Saloon isn’t just the city’s oldest bar, but touts itself as the “Birthplace of Grunge.” Several famous Seattle bands played at the venue, including Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Nirvana. Legend has it that Nirvana even played their first big-city gig at the Central, which ultimately led to a record deal with Sub Pop Records!
Where to stay
With its central location and historic charms, Pioneer Square is one of our favorite areas to stay in Seattle. There isn’t a huge selection of accommodations here, but, in our searches, we often find high-quality options that offer slightly better value than other hotels closer to the center of downtown.
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
If you want to travel in style without eating through your travel budget, we think the citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square is the perfect spot. Like other hotels we’ve stayed at in this chain, this uber-trendy, high-design hotel offers bright splashes of color and an emphasis on modern art. The hotel even has a massive library you can borrow for a cozy evening curled up with a good book. It’s also part of a sustainable travel network, meaning you can sleep easy knowing you’re helping the environment by making smart tourism decisions.
Embassy Suites By Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square
At the Embassy Suites By Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square, it’s all about the amenities. Included are complimentary made-to-order breakfasts, evening receptions, access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, and use of a private sundeck. We’re big fans of the two great restaurants on site: the Seattle classic 13 Coins and the ocean-friendly Zephyr Bar. Of course, we dig the guest rooms here, too, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the harbor and city skyline.
Courtyard Seattle Downtown / Pioneer Square
Looking for an oceanview room from a brand you know and trust? Courtyard Seattle Downtown / Pioneer Square is the perfect choice for a Seattle vacation at a mid-range price point. The hotel offers a beautiful bistro (with Starbucks coffee) and an indoor pool, plus subway access, making it super easy to get around the city for all your adventuring. To get a bit closer to a homestyle experience, we suggest renting a studio apartment with full access to a kitchen and other amenities.
Getting there
On foot
Pioneer Square is located in the southern part of Downtown Seattle. From Westlake Center or Pike Place Market in the heart of downtown, it’s about 20 minutes on foot to the neighborhood.
By tram
The area is served by the First Hill Line of the Seattle Streetcar. From the Occidental Mall stop, it’s a 22-minute ride to Broadway & Pike-Pine in the Pike/Pine Corridor and 25 minutes to Broadway & E Howell St in Capitol Hill.
By light rail
The quickest and easiest way to get to Pioneer Square from the heart of downtown with public transportation is via light rail. From Westlake to International District/Chinatown Station, it’s just a 5-minute train ride on the 1 Line. From the light rail station, it’s less than a 10-minute walk to the heart of the district.
By train
Pioneer Square is home to King Street Station, Seattle’s main train station. Both Amtrak trains and Sounder commuter trains enter the city via this station. From King Street Station, travelers can also connect to other local transit, including Sound Transit Link light rail, the First Hill Streetcar Line, and Sound Transit commuter trains.
