We will be going to Seattle in June. I haven’t been in many years. I’m interested in apt rentals and would like recs for best areas to stay in Seattle. We prefer walking and being near public transportation. Want to be able to walk to restaurants for dinner. In the past we stayed in Capital Hill and enjoyed it. Suggestions for areas would be appreciated. TIA

If you don't want to stay in a downtown hotel which is most convenient for most visitors, then Capitol Hill would be my best suggestion. That's where I live. Is there a reason you don't want to stay here again?

Somewhat similar neighborhoods but still fairly central would be: Queen Anne, Fremont, Ballard, Wallingford, Roosevelt, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Madison Park, Madrona, Leschi, Central District, Beacon Hill, West Seattle.

Thanks! No, I don't have any objections to staying there. I haven’t been in years and neighborhoods change, new, interesting ones pop up also.

Our daughter lives in Wallingford. It's a charming neighborhood with great public access to the tourist sights. If you stay in Wallingford and enjoy Afghan cuisine, I highly recommend Kabul. Should you venture into Ballard (or stay there), I can also recommend the Lebanese-Mexican fusion place, Situ Tacos.

Thanks! two questions about those areas -- about how far to the "main" sites? And are there restaurants within walking distance for dinners?

Sadly, Kabul is closing on Dec. 31 (the owner is retiring.)

How long will you be here and what sorts of activities and places to visit appeal? Lodging in Seattle during the Alaska cruise season Has become very expensive, a trend that's spread to vacation rentals to some extent. The problem will be exacerbated in June and July 2026 by the soccer World Cup matches that will take place at Lumen Field on several occasions. Between the cruisers, soccer and baseball fans, and general tourism, the town is likely to be packed all summer, but especially June and July.

As to neighborhoods, I'd probably look at Capitol and Beacon Hills (the latter an emerging hot spot for restaurants) but personally would focus on Lower Queen Anne (aka "Uptown") which is the area just north of Seattle Center. But be prepared for sticker shock anywhere in town.​​​
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Thanks, Gardyloo! Another World Cup issue -- I'm having that with bookings in NYC. We could visit Seattle in mid May upon arrival or upon departure the beginning of June. I will check to see the difference in rates. I've been to Seattle several times, but long ago. I havent really looked at what we want to visit yet. There is an underground tour that I heard about and we like the Chuily GArden. As long as we are near public transport we are good. thanks for your suggestions.

I don't know how long ago your trip was, but I've lived on Capitol Hill for 35 years. There are new condo buildings, etc. but the 'vibe' of the neighborhood is the same as always.

Wallingford to downtown is about 5 miles. If you search the words "map of Seattle neighborhoods" you'll find helpful visuals to get a feel for things.

Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, U-District, Roosevelt, Maple Leaf, Ravenna - are to the north
West Seatttle - south and west of downtown
Central District, Beacon Hill - to the south and a bit east of the freeway
Madison Park, Madrona, Leschi - are down on Lake Washington
Capitol Hill - east of downtown
Queen Anne - north of downtown

None of these are more than about 10 miles, in various directions, from the Pike Place Market (as a landmark downtown)

Thanks! this is helpful.

As far as the walking to restaurants for dinner, I think you'd find the most on Capitol Hill, maybe Queen Anne. Certain parts of Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford too. But some of the neighborhoods named cover very large areas much of them purely residential so not like there's a restaurant on nearly every corner depending on exactly where you rent. While on Capitol Hill there are dozens and dozens of restaurants if you count between along 19th Ave E, 15th Ave E, 12th Ave E, Broadway, and the PIke/Pine Corridor.

Not knowing your budget, but since you have mentioned Capital Hill, these places I would highly recommend:

1. Residence Inn by Marriott
2. Moxy Seattle Downtown
3. Shearton Grand Seattle

"Sadly, Kabul is closing on Dec. 31 (the owner is retiring.)"\

Bummer. I told DD and she and her flatmate went there for a farewell dinner last night.

None of the places in #11 are on Capitol Hill.

Looks like we have yet another member who posts about things of which they have no knowledge.

This is more of a puzzle than it seems to be on the surface. "The past" Seattle gave far less cause for pause when selecting a spot.

Now, your first move should be to map the trends of the homeless and the druggies and do all in your power to not be walking around where they congregate.

Also, the light rail is becoming more and more convenient all the time, which opens up a considerable range of areas you could select and know convenience brought by the light rail lines.


Spots as far north as central Lynnwood are now in play, which would have lodging options aplenty, and a vast mall area which would offer walkable restaurant choices.

On days when you want to go into Seattle to see the central sights... the rail would get you right there without complications. The airport is a straight shot on the rail, albeit one that takes some time.

Surely there are local car rental spots if you want to drive off into the countryside... any of which would allow you to avoid the downtown Seattle core traffic if driving off to the north.

The fact that you could land at SeaTac and wheel your luggage to one train, and get all the way to Lynnwood on the one train, really broadens the horizons.

(No reason you need to stay in/near the homeless corridors for what used to seem like convenience)

Downtown or Capitol Hill is certainly not a "homeless corridor" or only "for convenience". Sheez. And no I wouldn't recommend staying all the way out in Lynnwood! Sorry but that's about the last advice I'd ever give a visitor as a long time resident here. And yes I love Capitol Hill, so that's the line you have to beat, and Lynnwood does not hold a candle to us.

Thanks everyone for all your comments. I have looked at apts in several areas that have been suggested. I found an apt that suits our needs on Capital Hill. Thoughts on its location would be appreciated.

Personally, I would not stay there, at least not yet. I know there are efforts to improve the safety of that area, but when I (solo female) travel to visit DD, Wallingford is my preference. I've safely walked two blocks at 4:30 a.m. there pulling my luggage to my rental car (to catch a flight to the East Coast) --I wouldn't do that around Cal Anderson Park unless in broad daylight.

I don't think you need to go as far as staying in Wallingford (lol) but I agree about the area around Cal Anderson park being somewhat dicey. And definitely no where I'd go walking with a suitcase in the dark!

Can you find a place nearer to Volunteer Park? That more north part of "the Hill" is less dense, safer, older, more single family homes (and mansions), family-oriented. The place you tagged on the map the crowd is younger, tattooed, hipster, seriously 'alternative'.

Thanks, suze! I will look around the areas you mention,