Built atop one of Seattle’s steepest hills, this neighborhood is named for its abundance of Queen Anne–style architecture—charming, well-maintained homes with manicured gardens. In this inviting area you’ll discover leafy staircases, viewpoints, and quaint parks, and at its very top perch restaurants, cafés, and boutiques.
The Basics
Queen Anne Hill contains several neighborhoods in one. At the base, Lower Queen Anne sits under the famous Space Needle and near several major Seattle attractions, including the Museum of Pop Culture and the Key Arena. West, East, and North Queen Anne are quiet residential areas with stately homes and tucked-away parks. At the neighborhood’s heart is a thriving dining and café scene.
On clear days, the view from Kerry Park is one of the best in the city. Photography enthusiasts gather here at sunset for a classic view of the Seattle skyline frequently seen on postcards, with the Space Needle prominently in the foreground. On cloud-free days, Mount Rainier’s glacier-capped summit looms eerily behind the city, turning pink as the sun sinks. Queen Anne Hill is a popular stop on city tours, including those specially designed for cruise ship passengers embarking in Seattle.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be prepared for a lot of walking, as the neighborhood’s many charms are best experienced on foot.
- Queen Anne has many steep streets and sidewalks, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Photography buffs will find plenty to photograph, from viewpoints to landscaping to unique architecture.
How to Get There
Queen Anne Hill is north of Seattle Center and south of Fremont and encompasses four smaller neighborhoods: North, West, and East Queen Anne on the hill, as well as Lower Queen Anne, which is adjoining downtown. It’s serviced by city bus numbers 2, 13, and 29.
When to Get There
Queen Anne is lovely any time of year, in any weather. But if it’s views you’re after, come on a clear day. The neighborhood can be surrounded by bumper-to-bumper traffic on weekdays during evening rush hour, so that’s worth working around.
Where to Eat in Queen Anne
Queen Anne’s dining scene has several neighborhood gems. Find upscale Italian at How to Cook a Wolf, or skew toward clean eating and organic cuisine at Bounty Kitchen, where farm-fresh fare and juices make up the menu. Date night is best at Eden Hill, with its cozy dining room and multicourse menus.
