We landed right on schedule at SEA-TAC and made our way through immigration and out of the airport with surprising ease. The terminal was unusually quiet this morning, which made for a smooth and stress-free arrival.
Taking the light rail from the airport is a convenient and hassle-free way to reach Downtown Seattle, especially since SEA-TAC is located in the city’s southern corridor. With a few hours to kill before we could check into our accommodation, we opted to store our luggage at a nearby post office. That way, we could roam the city unburdened and make the most of our first day of exploring.
We made our way down to Seattle’s vibrant waterfront and took some time to explore the iconic Pike Place Market.
It was the perfect way to kick off our adventure—soaking in the lively atmosphere, browsing unique stalls, and catching glimpses of the famous fish toss and local artisans.
In a fun and unexpected twist, we stumbled across a Zoltar machine! Movie lovers will instantly recognize it from the classic 1988 film Big, starring Tom Hanks. It was a quirky little blast from the past.
At one end of Pike Place Market, there's a quirky little alley that’s become an oddly iconic attraction—it’s completely covered in chewing gum. Both locals and tourists have been sticking their mark here for decades, creating a colorful (and slightly gross) mosaic of used gum that’s as fascinating as it is bizarre. It’s definitely one of Seattle’s more unconventional photo ops!
Gum Wall story
We continued our stroll along the docks and made our way down to Pier 57 to get a better sense of the waterfront. Like many cities, Seattle has its own signature Ferris wheel—appropriately named the Seattle Great Wheel. It’s a striking feature on the skyline, offering sweeping views of the bay and beyond, and adding a fun, iconic touch to the harborfront experience.
The original freight dock area, including Pier 57, has been transformed into a vibrant, tourist-friendly zone filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions. What was once a bustling industrial hub now features modern apartments and hotels, blending Seattle’s historic charm with contemporary flair. Scattered throughout the area are unique statues and public art pieces, like the one pictured above, adding character and creativity to the waterfront experience.
Our stroll eventually brought us to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, which also doubles as an ice cream shop and lunch bar. The tempting scent of fresh chocolate and warm confections made it impossible to resist. It was the perfect spot to pause, indulge in a sweet treat, and recharge before continuing our waterfront adventure.
After some deliberation, Harry finally chose the Birthday Cake-flavored ice cream, and it was no small scoop! The cone was absolutely massive, piled high with what felt like half a tub of ice cream. It was a colorful, sugar-loaded delight that definitely made his day.
Later in the afternoon, we picked up our luggage from the post office and headed to Belltown Court (above), our home base for the next few days. This mixed-use complex features both residential and vacation apartments, offering a cozy and convenient spot to settle into while we explore Seattle.
From our apartment balcony at Belltown Court, we had a clear view of one of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks, the Space Needle.
After settling in and giving our feet a well-earned rest, we headed back out in search of dinner. One thing that quickly stands out in Seattle is its vibrant creative spirit, the city is a haven for artists of all kinds. Nearly every corner feels like an open-air gallery, with murals, sculptures, and installations adding colour and character to the streets.
