If you’re looking for uber trendy Portland, but got your Pacific Northwest wires crossed and somehow found yourself in subtly cool Seattle, it’s okay because we assembled a list of the most alt spots for you to find yourself and be creative in the Emerald City. Behold, the official Orbitz list of 13 unashamedly hipster things to do in Seattle.
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1. Stay in a hipster boutique hotel
Unless a drummer said you could hang at his place, you’ll be looking for a place to crash. The original Ace Hotel is smack in the heart of Seattle’s arty Belltown, so it won’t be much of a task to get there by fixie or even bare foot. This alternative sleep shack is packed with unusual, vintage and locally made furniture.
Ace Hotel, Seattle
2. Become an art creative
Consider yourself an artiste? Prove it at Pratt. The Pratt Fine Arts Center is a haven for professionals and amateurs alike. Offering workshops in woodwork, glass, jewelry and metal, this place allows you to create the ultimate hipster talisman: something no one else has.
3. Experience Music Project
EMP museum is a must-see Seattle staple. Building on the city’s rich musical and cultural history, this non-profit millennial mecca hosts exhibitions on curious culturalniches such as the costumes of Star Wars and the artistry behind Daffy Duck.
EMP, Seattle
4. Go veggie in style
Gone veggie but all you can muster is mac ‘n’ cheese? Book yourself a class on veggie cooking at Paris Eastside and fix up something fancy like vegetables clafoutis or zucchinis and goat cheese minted salad.
Paris Eastside, Seattle
5. Hang in a really cool bar that practically noone knows about
Needle and Thread is as hard to find as a needle in an organic haystack. This hidden speakeasy is stashed above Tavern Law; ring the old-timey phone box downstairs to wrangle your way in.
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6. Get your fixed gear rental
Fixies and Mixtes, they have both for rent and more at Dutch Bike Co. At $30 for three hours you pay for style, but would you be caught dead on anything else in the happening areas of Capitol Hill or Union Park?
7. Find food with values
If environment-conscious grub is important to you, chow down in Local 360, a sustainable restaurant in the heart of Belltown. It also boasts the best deviled eggs in the Pacific Northwest.
Local 360, Seattle
8. Smell like strong spirits
If you’re on the Nirvana trail, swing by Linda’s Tavern. It’s reportedly the last bar where frontman Kurt Cobain was seen alive.
9. Swap Starbucks for hipster coffee beans
Seattle takes its coffee seriously (but of course) so shy away from generic S’bucks and visit Citizen Cafe and Bar for a more boutique café culture.
Citizen Coffee, Seattle
10. Sport some sweet flares, bro
Wavy garms and vintage threads are in abundance at Beats and Bohos. Grab yourself a ’70s outfit and stand out from the squares.
11. Kick your can-can
For an edgy evening, hop downtown to the Can Can for an alternative array of burlesque dancing or cabaret.
Can Can, Seattle; Photo Credit: Alex Crick
12. Find your face hair fundamentals
Beard stuff and man-cuts are essentials for the millennially hairy; visit Squire Barber Shop for a trim from an equally cool cutter.
13. Update your record collection
Spin Cycle is a record store haven for the alternatively minded. Find yourself a rare vinyl so you can write about it on your Tumblr.
