Pioneer Square

Address:Seattle, Washington

Pioneer Square, Seattle's first major neighborhood, is known as the cultural heartbeat of the Pacific Northwest, due to its lively and diverse atmosphere, rich artwork, history and culture. In 20 short city blocks, the square is filled with historical buildings, galleries and shops, and boasts the country's largest concentration of Victorian-Romanesque architecture, making it a must-see stop on any trip to Seattle.

The neighborhood is highly accessible by the Waterfront Streetcar, which travels through Pioneer Square along the harbor. Walking tours allow guests to show themselves around town, with the help of the "Pioneer Square Journey" booklet, available at the kiosk in Occidental Park, or guided MP3 audio tours, which are available during the summer. The walking tours highlight Pioneer Square's history, a journey through the Gold Rush years, the birth of Vaudeville, and the growth of the modern city. Other worthwhile sites to see include the Smith Tower Observation Deck, which offers the best view in Seattle, the Klondike Gold Rush National Park, which has free admission daily, the Grand Central Arcade, the Waterfall Gardens, and the Triangle Building, which was once the smallest hotel on the west coast. Stop at the National Parks Information Center if you need more information, and wind down at any of the many sidewalk cafes, restaurants, pubs or billiards rooms.

Art enthusiasts will not want to miss the Gallery Walk on the first Thursday of every month to browse the leading art galleries and their newest exhibits. Art in the Park also takes place in Occidental Park on the first Thursday of each month, giving local artists the opportunity to display their works.

Summer visitors to the square will enjoy concerts and the weekly Saturday Market in Occidental Park, and may arrive in time for the Pioneer Square Fire Festival in early July. This highly anticipated community festival features activities for children and adults, including the Firefighter Combat Challenge and a hotdog eating contest, as well as live music and a show of antique fire trucks. The holiday season also brings special events and activities for children, include The Holiday Express, a free trolley for shoppers around Pioneer Square.

Every niche of this eclectic neighborhood is filled with independently owned shops, selling antiques, books, hand-crafted jewelry, furniture, music, and much more. A stop in one of many bohemian-style coffee houses is a must-do, and tourists may also catch a live street art performance such as painting or glass-blowing.

Situated centrally between Seattle's downtown, stadiums, the International District and the waterfront, Pioneer Square is easily accessible by foot, bus, trolley, car, commuter rail, train, or ferry. Accommodations are limited to a few hotels, including The Silver Cloud Hotel and Best Western Pioneer Square.