I visited Seattle for the first time over New Years Eve and let me tell you, that’s a fun city! It actually reminded me a lot of Boston – it’s walkable, surrounded by water, and quaint. The only difference? Ones on the east coast while the others on the west.

Although I was only there for a few days, I feel like I saw all there was to be seen and definitely ate enough there was to be eaten. I’ve heard it rains in Seattle, but I actually got really lucky – 0 rain over the four days I was there. Apparently that’s unheard of, but hey, i’m not complaining! And guess where I spent my first moments of 2016? In the space needle no less.

Check out my Seattle tips if you’re interested in heading up there!

to stay:

The Westin
1900 5th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101; 206-728-1000
Confession: I love the Westin. They are always comfortable, they always have great beds, and you always know what to expect. Plus, this Westin is located right downtown walking distance from basically everything.

to eat:

Shiro’s
2401 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA, 98121; 206-443-8944
If you’re into sashimi, this is the sushi place for you. It’s small, crowded, and loud, but the sushi was fantastic.

Tavolata
2323 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA, 98121; 206-838-8008
We went here on New Years Eve and had a fixed menu but it was delicious! The restaurant itself has an industrial but cozy vibe to it with an open kitchen.

Pikes Place
85 Pike St., Seattle, WA, 98101; 206-682-7453
Obviously, right? There’s a store down there that makes homemade cheese. And guess what, they have a killer grilled cheese on their menu. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!

Lola
2000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98121; 206-441-1430
We went here for breakfast and it was a fun twist on a traditional meal! It’s greek so just imagine some great greek omelets!

to see:

Pikes Place Market
85 Pike St., Seattle, WA, 98101; 206-682-7453
No brainer.

Space Needle
400 Broad St., Seattle, WA, 98109
For great views of the city.

Chihuly Garden and Glass
305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA, 98109; 206-753-4940
Seriously such a cool museum. Chihuly is the guy who designed the Bellagio – so all you Vegas fans know what I’m talking about.

EMP (Experience Museum Project) Museum
325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109
This is a fun and interactive museum – great if you have kids with you. There are a bunch of different exhibits to see like a Star Wars exhibit, magical creatures exhibit, and even a John Lennon one for all you music fans.

The Fremont Troll
3405 Troll Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98103
It was weird and it smelled bad but if you’re a fan of “10 Things I Hate About You” it’s a must see.

Seattle Great Wheel
1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA, 98101; 206-623-8607
A big ferris wheel overlooking the water. However, I can’t imagine this is a great must-do on a rainy day.

Gum Wall
1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA, 98101
They recently cleaned off the walls but it’s still cool to see.