Where to Stay in Seattle in 2023 (By a Local)

10 Best Neighborhoods and Areas to Stay in Seattle

Seattle has tons of neighborhoods between Puget Sound on the west and Lake Washington to the east, but the majority of the best neighborhoods to stay in Seattle are adjacent to the downtown area.

Generally speaking, these neighborhoods have the best hotels in Seattle and harbor the bulk of tourist attractions. That said, places a bit further afield are great for visitors whose main objective is to get more of a local experience. 

I’ll start with the best neighborhoods around the city center, and then walk you through the ones further away. 

Downtown Seattle

👉 Best Area For First Time Visitors | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: Fairmont Olympic • Inn at the Market • Four Seasons

First-time visitors probably have their sights set on seeing the famous Pike Place Market and the Seattle waterfront, so booking a hotel in the heart of the city is a stellar idea. Staying downtown means you’ll have tons of options for gorgeous, historic hotels with top-notch amenities within walking distance to attractions in the city. These include the Seattle Art Museum, the Aquarium, and The Great Wheel. 

High-end eateries and rooftop bars with Puget Sound, Space Needle, or Olympic Mountain views are nestled in the areas around Pike Place Market and the waterfront. Fantastic public transit makes it easy to get anywhere downtown and to surrounding neighborhoods. 

Since downtown Seattle is the business center it means there are more buildings here than green spaces and activity slows down after work hours. But because of its central location and the surrounding must-see sites and attractions, I think downtown is the best place to stay in Seattle for first-time visitors.

Pros of Staying in the Downtown Seattle Neighborhood:

• Great public transportation
• Many hotels to choose from
• Close to sites and attractions
• Easy to get anywhere else in Seattle

Con of Staying in the Downtown Seattle Neighborhood:

• Not as pretty as other areas
• Crowded during peak tourist seasons

Lower Queen Anne

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Lower Queen Anne Hotels: Mediterranean Inn • The Maxwell Hotel • Hyatt House Downtown Seattle

The Lower Queen Anne neighborhood is home to Seattle Center, one of the best things to do in Washington state. Come to get up close and personal with the Space Needle, and stay to wander through a glass garden, visit the Museum of Pop Culture, ride the monorail, attend an opera, and more. 

The neighborhood has trendy Seattle restaurants and bakeries, animated bars, a great music scene with multiple theaters and performance halls, and superb cultural events. Kid-friendly play spaces, activities, and hotels are in abundance here, so this neighborhood is a good option in Seattle for families. 

Those who want to check out the downtown waterfront or Pike Place Market will still have easy access via buses. If you stay here, be sure to venture further up the steep Queen Anne hill to check out Kerry Park for one of the best views of the city.

Pros of Staying in Lower Queen Anne Neighborhood:

• Seattle Center is here
• Very walkable area
• Great for families

Con of Staying in Lower Queen Anne Neighborhood:

• Entrance costs to attractions can get pricey

Belltown 

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Belltown Hotels: Hotel Andra • Belltown Inn • Edgewater • Ace Hotel

Looking to experience Seattle’s nightlife scene? Then Belltown is your best area to stay in Seattle. Sandwiched between downtown and Queen Anne, Belltown is chock full of restaurants, bars, and clubs that are always ready for a party. 

By day you can spend time at the gorgeous Olympic Sculpture Park along Puget Sound or explore the vibrant boutique shops on 1st and 2nd ave. By night, you can go out dancing, pop over to Jazz Alley to hear live music, or grab cocktails at Bathtub Gin and Co., one of Seattle’s best speakeasy-style bars. 

Because it’s home to some of the best nightlife, Belltown can get loud and rowdy at night, so it’s not the best option for families with younger kids or anyone craving an undisturbed night of sleep. Visitors should also note that since the 2020 health crisis, there is an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness in the area.

Pros of Staying in Belltown Neighborhood:

• Energetic nightlife
• Close to the city center and within walking distance of attractions
• Nice mid-range hotels

Con of Staying in Belltown Neighborhood:

• Loud and rowdy at night

Pioneer Square

👉 Best Area For Sports Fans, History Buffs | ✨ Best Pioneer Square Hotels: Lotte Hotel • The Arctic Club • Embassy Suites By Hilton

The original Seattle neighborhood is Pioneer Square. It was established in the late 1800s and packs tons of charm. Located south of downtown and west of the International District, Pioneer Square is filled with Romanesque-style buildings and caters to history buffs and sports fans.

You can tour the original underground city on which the current one is built and learn about Seattle’s gold rush history. Afterward, go watch a game at the nearby T-Mobile Stadium or Lumen Field.

Pioneer Square has abundant bars and restaurants, and tons of art galleries to tour during city Art Walks. Staying here will also put you within walking distance to the ferry terminal, which makes it easy to get to places like Bainbridge Island, one of my highly recommended day trips from Seattle. 

Visitors should note that there are a lot of social services buildings in the area. This means the unhoused population is pretty prevalent here, and some parts of the neighborhood can be quite gritty; it may not be the safest place to stay in Seattle.

Pros of Staying in Pioneer Square Neighborhood:

• Close to sports stadiums
• Great bars and art galleries in a historic neighborhood
• Easy access to the ferry terminal

Con of Staying in Pioneer Square Neighborhood:

• Can feel unsafe at night
• Some spots are very gritty

Capitol Hill

👉 Best Area For Bar Hopping | ✨ Best Capitol Hill Hotels: Silver Cloud Hotel on Broadway • Hotel Sorrento • The Art Inn

Capitol Hill is hands down one of the best areas to stay in Seattle for people looking for a place that’s vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich. It’s a hot spot for the LGBTQ members of the community and has a distinct counterculture vibe. 

Gentrification has affected it significantly over time, but community leaders continue to fight for its authenticity as it morphs and changes. The northern end is a bit sleepier but with many cute shops, cafes, and parks, and the main stretch around the Pike/Pine Corridor is full of the best bars and gay clubs in Seattle.

Along with Belltown, Capitol Hill is another great place to stay in Seattle for nightlife. Outdoor lovers can unwind in Volunteer Park, which is home to both the Seattle Asian Art Museum and a breathtaking Conservatory. For a real local treat, be sure to spend hours in Elliot Bay Bookstore and sample the goods at the famous Molly Moon’s Ice Cream. 

Pros of Staying in Capitol Hill Neighborhood:

• Always lively and entertaining
• Has some of the best bars in Seattle

Con of Staying in Capitol Hill Neighborhood:

• Can be loud and crowded on weekends

South Lake Union

👉 Best Area For Business Travelers | ✨ Best South Lake Union Hotels: CitizenM • Moxy Seattle Downtown • Even Hotel

Over the past years, South Lake Union has seen a lot of development, particularly by businesses like Amazon, which has its headquarters here. SLU is east of the Seattle Center, at the bottom of Capitol Hill, and has a distinct “techy” vibe.

While it can feel a bit bland in comparison to some of the best neighborhoods in Seattle, South Lake Union is great for business travelers who don’t want to stay downtown. It’s near the Convention Center and there are some hip bars and dining spots surrounding Lake Union to grab a post-work drink and meal.

Lake Union Park is a popular place for kayakers, joggers, bikers, or anyone who wants to spend some time on the water for great views of the Space Needle. SLU can be admittedly dead at night, but this means anyone visiting for a business trip won’t have to worry about being kept up too late from noise. 

Pros of Staying in South Lake Union Neighborhood:

• Near Lake Union Park
• Centrally located but quiet

Con of Staying in South Lake Union Neighborhood:

• Feels blander than other neighborhoods 
• Very limited parking

University District

👉 Best Area Budget Travelers | ✨ Best U-District Hotels: Graduate Seattle • College Inn Hotel • Watertown Hotel

The University District is the area surrounding the University of Washington. With youthful, college town vibes, affordable hotel, and dining options, and its proximity to the light rail station, it makes for a great option for budget travelers (and, if that’s you, be sure to read my guide to Seattle on a budget).

You’ll find the majority of the fun shops, indie cafes, cheap eats, and the quirky culture of the neighborhood along The Ave, but you can also do some shopping in the U-Village. Also be sure to relax in the Quad on the University of Washington campus, bike along the Burke-Gilman trail, or catch a bus, Lyft, or Uber ride to some of the other fun neighborhoods in north Seattle.

Though the U-district is a bit removed from the downtown area, the light rail station makes this a non-issue. Hop on and you can easily and quickly get downtown and to neighborhoods beyond like the International District and Columbia City. 

Pros of Staying in the University District Neighborhood:

• Easy access to north Seattle neighborhoods
• Great for budget travelers
• Connected to the rest of Seattle and beyond via the light rail station

Con of Staying in the University District Neighborhood:

• Some travelers might not like the college vibe
• Loud during weekends when school is in session

Ballard

👉 Best Area For Foodies | ✨ Best Ballard Hotels: Hotel Ballard • Ballard Inn

Wondering where to stay in Seattle with hip, local vibes, and tons to do, see and eat? Go further afield to Ballard and you won’t be disappointed. In north Seattle, located across the Ballard Bridge, this neighborhood is a desirable spot for people moving to Seattle. Luckily, it’s a great place to visit as well. 

The historically Scandinavian neighborhood is packed with brunch joints, pubs, and restaurants of all flavors and varieties along Ballard Ave. Make sure to explore the vintage and boutique shops, visit Mox Boardinghouse for board games, try out Virtual Reality at Portal, and watch the sunset at the beloved Golden Gardens Park.

If sampling some of Seattle’s best brews is on your to-do list, you’ll definitely want to check out Ballard. It’s the epicenter for some of the best breweries in the city.

Pros of Staying in Ballard Neighborhood:

• Authentic local neighborhood
• Abundant dining and shopping options
• Tons of breweries

Con of Staying in Ballard Neighborhood:

• You’ll want a car to get around
• Far from the main sites and attractions

West Seattle

👉 Best Area For Laidback Travelers | ✨ Best West Seattle Hotels: The Grove West Seattle Inn

It’s not on the top of my list for where to stay in Seattle for first time visitors, but if you’ve already seen the key sights and attractions in the heart of the city, West Seattle could be a good home base for further exploration.

In West Seattle you’ll find a more easygoing and communal culture than a lot of other neighborhoods. There are tons of small businesses selling locally made goods, a year round farmer’s market, and friendly people. 

Alki Beach is a great place to relax while you admire the Seattle skyline, get awesome views of the Olympic Mountains and grab a bite to eat at one of many beachfront dining spots. Though West Seattle is one of the more overlooked parts of the city, if you’re a visitor who wants to move at a slower pace, you’ll love it here.

Pros of Staying in West Seattle Neighborhood:

• An easygoing communal vibe
• Great outdoor spaces to relax in
• Easy access to Alki Beach, Vashon Island ferry, downtown water taxi

Con of Staying in West Seattle Neighborhood:

• More isolated and a long commute to the rest of Seattle
• Very few accommodation options

Bellevue

👉 Best Area For Luxury Shoppers | ✨ Best Bellevue Hotels: W Bellevue • The Westin Bellevue • AC Hotel

Bellevue is a city east of Seattle and if you choose to stay here, you won’t be staying in Seattle at all. It could be a good option for people who don’t want to deal with the hustle and bustle of the big city. 

If you need just a few days to explore Seattle and want to have easier access to hiking trails and more outdoor adventures, Bellevue is a good choice. It’s also great for people who plan to do a lot of shopping on their trip because there are several shopping districts in Bellevue with notable luxury brands.

The city doesn’t have the dynamic energy of the rest of Seattle, and it can feel a bit sterile to younger travelers, but it’s equipped with upscale dining choices and has a family-friendly suburban feel that will appeal to different crowds. See my full guide to what to do in Bellevue for activity ideas.

Pros of Staying in Bellevue:

• Multiple large shopping districts
• Quiet at night
• Closer to outdoor activities

Con of Staying in Bellevue:

• You’ll need a car to Seattle and to get around the city
• Can feel sterile and cooperate

Tips for Staying in Seattle

Utilize the Bus System

Finding parking in Seattle can be difficult, especially if you’re staying within or around downtown. Paid parking lots will end up costing you a premium. Luckily, the public transit system is convenient, inexpensive, and extremely easy to use. You can even use the OneBusAway app to help you plan out your routes!

👉 We’ve Got More Guides! Check out our complete Seattle travel guide for more practical tips & advice for travel in Seattle.

Explore Beyond the City Center

Make sure after checking out the top sites on your list that you venture out to see the rest of the city. There are tons of other neighborhoods that aren’t listed here but that add to Seattle’s personality as a whole. If you want to get a really authentic feel for this incredible city, find the places locals haunt.

Don’t Be Afraid of Coming During “Off-Season”

Seattle summers are glorious and it’s when most people come to visit. But even during rainy, cloudy, and colder seasons, you’ll find that in Seattle things to do are still plentiful. Don’t be afraid of coming during mid-fall, late winter, or early spring!

As long as your Seattle packing list includes layers to keep comfortable and dry, you can experience a less crowded city with more affordable hotel options.

👉 Want more tips? See my full article with my 22 best tips for traveling to Seattle!

Answers to FAQs About Seattle

***

🛑 Before You Go: Be sure to check out my guide to the best stuff to do in Washington state!

I hope this has given you insight into where to stay in Seattle on your next trip to the Pacific Northwest! Now all that’s left is for you to book your hotel and get packing. If you want to keep planning, though, check out my epic list of the 51 best things to do in Seattle.