Feeling Sleepless in Seattle and don’t know where to go? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for after-hours dining options after hitting the bars, or like a good nighttime stroll for some peace and quiet, we’ve compiled a list of things to do at night in Seattle for every kind of mood so you can get the most out of the city.
1. Visit Pike Place Market after sunset
One of the best nighttime activities in Seattle is going to Pike Place Market after the daytime crowds and produce vendors pack up because many restaurants, wine bars and speakeasies remain open late. There’s The Pink Door for Italian dishes with an American flair and jazz, Can Can Culinary Cabaret for a dinner and a risqué show, or Kells Irish Pub for cozy beers and drinks with your friends.
2. Paint the town red in one of Seattle’s jazz bars
Jazz after-hours just hits different, particularly in Seattle. From producing legends like Ernestine Anderson, Quincy Jones and Ray Charles that honed their craft on Jackson Street to becoming a symbol of sophistication in pop culture due to Frasier and his tossed salad and scrambled eggs, it’s safe to say Seattle lives and breathes jazz.
Some of our favorite spots for jazz music are Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Triple Door, and Zig Zag Cafe. Every week, they welcome local and national musicians and even offer late-night bites and cocktails.
3. Hit up Seattle’s comedy clubs
Everyone needs a laugh every now and again so going to a comedy show is always a safe bet. If you’re in search for something entertaining and light-hearted, the city’s comedy clubs are good night-out options. From Laughs Comedy Club that have headliners featured on Friday and Saturday nights to Unexpected Productions, Seattle’s longest running improv theater in Pike Place Market, there are many spots to choose from.
4. Ascend the Space Needle at night
It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or a tourist, going up the Space Needle is something you have to do at least once in your life. However, the experience is more worth it after dark because the Seattle skyline lights up at night and you can get views of Elliott Bay, the downtown area and Mount Rainer. Particularly, if you like photography or are looking for a romantic plan, the views add a cinematic vibe. The Space Needle opens everyday at 9am and closes at 11pm.
5. Go dancing at a nightclub
Maybe not the most original but certainly one of the most fun things to do in Seattle at night. Whether you love house music and EDM or love dancing to salsa and disco-infused tunes, the city’s nightlife scene blends eclectic energy with laid-back vibes. Neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, SODO and Belltown are the usual go-tos, with places like Q Nightclub, Supernova, Chop Suey and Barboza blasting hot beats well into the early hours.
6. Enjoy a peaceful nighttime jog
Not everyone likes crowded parties, though. For fitness enthusiasts that may like to take advantage of the empty streets, a cool run might just be your new favorite late night activity. You might ask yourself, where can I run at night in Seattle? Well, the city has some amazing spots that are not only scenic, but also relatively well-lit.
For example, the Alki Beach Trail offers stunning views of the city skyline, whereas a short jog in Capitol Hill and Volunteer Park guarantee slightly more challenging hilly streets for the pros. You get your miles in and as an added bonus, it’s one of the top things to do in Seattle at night for free.
7. Grab a late night bite
Having a late late dinner — or better yet — breakfast at The 5 Point Cafe diner is a classic because they’re open 24/7. Then there’s, Alibi Room — a pizza lover’s dream. Similarly, another spot that closes at 2am on Fridays and Saturdays is 13 Coins.
Some other dining places include Von’s 1000Spirits, Lost Lake Cafe & Lounge and Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge, specialized in elegant American dishes with a European twist.
8. Take in the views of the skyline and waterways with an evening cruise
If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Seattle at night, an evening ferry ride is a great option. From dinner cruises that include elegant dining, drinks and skyline views to sunset rides across the bay, each of these sails offer unique experiences to match your preferences.
9. Experience a breathtaking candlelit concert
Another amazing idea for music lovers, Candlelight offers varied programs for just about every genre, from pop and rock to jazz, neo-soul and even classical! As gorgeous venues across Seattle are bathed in the warm glow of thousands of flickering candles, audiences are serenaded by string quartets and other ensembles to popular tunes.
10. Indulge your senses with a blindfolded dinner
The elegant Collective Seattle in Bristol Myers Squibb is welcoming more blindfolded dinners this season thanks to the tantalizing Dining in the Dark experience. Guests are offered a delicious three-course meal and they can only use their senses of taste, smell and touch to discern the ingredients. Whether you’re a real foodie, want to take your date to the next level, or are simply curious to know your tasting capabilities, this is the place to embark on a culinary adventure unlike any other.
In short, it’s safe to say that Seattle offers a lot of options after the sun goes down. So if you’re wondering what to do in Seattle at nighttime, now you know where to go.