It’s apparent that Seattleites love to read, due to the popularity of Seattle library cards and the vast array of independent bookstores in Seattle. You’ll often see locals reading on park benches, on the bus, and at the beach. But if you’re looking to get out of the house and enjoy some quiet time with your book in the city, we have several more unique reading locations for you to check out. These spots all have plenty of comfortable seating, a chill vibe, and excellent food and drink options on-site or nearby. Some of them even offer perks such as a fireplace or a scenic view.
Check out these top 10 places to read in Seattle:
1. The Fireside Room at Hotel Sorrento
If you want to read a book somewhere cozy on a gloomy, rainy evening in Seattle, head to The Fireside Room: Hotel Sorrento’s lobby bar. True to its name, it has a fireplace plus plenty of comfortable seating. It is open daily from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. with no reservation required. They also host regular Silent Reading Parties with live piano music, but these require a reservation and have a food and drink minimum. See more about Silent Reading Parties at Hotel Sorrento.
Address: 900 Madison St, Seattle, WA 98104
2. The Brim Coffee Shop at Edgewater Hotel
Located on Pier 67, Seattle’s historic Edgewater Hotel has stunning waterfront views that you can enjoy from its lobby, restaurant, and coffee shop. The Brim Coffee Shop is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. so you can sip on a coffee by the fireplace and take in the view while you read.
Address: 2411 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
3. Seattle Central Library
If you’re looking for a quiet place to read that doesn’t cost any money, go downtown to the Seattle Central Library. The 10th floor has stunning viewpoints as well as plenty of comfortable seating and natural lighting under the geometric glass walls. If you get hungry there’s plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area (we recommend Monorail Espresso) and if you bring food with you, there’s a designated eating area on Level 3 near the Fifth Avenue entrance. The Central Library opens daily at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. Friday through Monday and at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
Address: 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
4. Third Place Books
Third Place Books has three locations: Ravenna, Seward Park, and Lake Forest Park. Each location is designed to be a welcoming third place where you can linger, relax, and read whatever you discovered on their shelves. All three locations have food and drink on-site as well.
5. The Velvet Elk
The Velvet Elk is a cozy, funky little cocktail bar in Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood. You’ll find plenty of mood lighting and comfortable vintage chairs on the second level for enjoying a book with a drink. Note that they are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Address: 3605 S McClellan St, Seattle, WA 98144
6. Gemini Room
Gemini Room in Capitol Hill is an all-day cafe and bar with a groovy ’70s vibe and lots of cozy seating. You can get late-night espresso here to fuel your reading marathon, as well as breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and small bites in the evening. They’re open daily. Note that it switches to a 21+ only establishment after 5:00 p.m.
Address: 1101 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122
7. The Nook
The Nook in West Seattle is a two-story cocktail bar with a cozy vintage vibe that is perfect for curling up with a good book. Also, they’re dog-friendly! Note that they are closed on Mondays.
Address: 2206 California Ave SW APT A, Seattle, WA 98116
8. Olympic Sculpture Park
When it’s too beautiful out to stay inside, take your book to the Olympic Sculpture Park located downtown on the Seattle waterfront. There is lots of seating in the park and a stunning view of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. It’s free to visit and is open daily, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. If you’re there between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can grab a tasty bite or beverage from Market at the Park.
Address: 2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
9. Folio at Pike Place Market
Did you know there is a hidden library in Pike Place Market? It’s called Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum. This quiet space on the upper level is perfect for escaping the bustle of the market for some restorative reading time: it has books, cozy seating, and views of Elliott Bay. However, it is somewhat exclusive. You have to either be a member or pay $5 for a one-day pass. Read more about the secret library at Pike Place Market.
Address: 93 Pike St #307, Seattle, WA 98101
10. Bainbridge Ferry
If you’re craving an adventure, take your book on a ferry ride. There’s nothing like reading on the ferry while taking in views like Mount Rainier over the water on a sunny day or the Seattle skyline twinkling in the rain. We recommend hopping on the Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry. Once you get to Bainbridge Island, you can disembark and either walk around the charming downtown area (be sure to get coffee at Pegasus Coffee House), or take the bus from the ferry terminal to the Bloedel Reserve, which might be one of the most peaceful and scenic places on the island to read.