With its iconic coffee culture, bustling waterfront, and the Space Needle rising above the skyline, Seattle is a city that should be part of your travel itinerary—even just for a day.

Travelers from Manila can easily get there by booking a flight to Vancouver via Air Canada and holding a valid US visa. You’ll clear US Customs and Immigration at Vancouver International Airport before boarding a quick 60-minute flight on Air Canada Express.

Manila Bulletin Lifestyle recently joined this familiarization trip, which was filled with sightseeing and immersive experiences. From where to stay to what to see, here’s how you can make the most of a 24-hour Seattle adventure as curated by Visit Seattle Tourism.

Just 30 minutes from Tacoma International Airport, AC Hotel Seattle Bellevue/Downtown is conveniently located near Pike Place Market and other must-see attractions, making it an ideal base for a full day of exploration. Its lobby is a highlight, with an industrial-meets-contemporary design featuring clean lines, warm wood accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. The hotel’s aesthetic offers a stylish preview of Seattle’s creative and urban vibe.

Checking in right before noon gave us just enough time to settle in before heading to our first stop. After hours of being confined on a long-haul flight, Gas Works Brewing was the perfect place to ease into Seattle, with its relaxed atmosphere and calming views of Lake Union. Its rustic, warehouse-style setting set the stage for a leisurely lunch of burgers, sandwiches, and tacos paired with a mug of locally crafted beer.

At 1:30 p.m., we made our way to Aurora Bridge—or more precisely, beneath it—to meet the famous Fremont Troll. Built in 1990 by a team of local artists, the once-neglected underpass is now one of Seattle’s quirkiest photo stops. Visitors have been spotted climbing onto the troll’s massive shoulders or perching on its concrete hands for some playful snapshots.

Around 2 p.m., we took a 15-minute leisurely walk through the quaint neighborhood and arrived at the 19.1-acre Gas Works Park, a green space with an interesting history. Once the site of a coal gasification plant that operated from 1906 to 1956, the property was purchased by the city in 1962 and transformed into a public park in 1975. Today, its towering, rust-colored pipes stand as striking reminders of Seattle’s industrial past.

Its wide stretches of greenery, scenic views of Lake Union, and the Seattle skyline make it an ideal spot for picnics. We also saw families flying kites across the open fields, while boats and party barges cruised along the lake, adding to the cheerful and wholesome atmosphere.

This chill stop set us up for an hour of sprint shopping from 3 to 4 p.m. at Trader Joe’s in Capitol Hill. The store is a treasure trove of fun eats you won’t easily find back home—everything-bagel seasoning, cookie butter, and playful snack packs that make perfect pasalubong for friends and family.

We headed back to the hotel to unload our shopping and freshen up. By 5 p.m., we found ourselves at the Gemini Room for happy hour. It’s a café by day that transforms into a cocktail lounge after work. With its mid-century accents and modern retro feel, the space evokes a chic swinging vibe, creating just the right setting to unwind as the evening begins.

We left around 6 p.m., and a 10-minute walk brought us to Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar. What’s impressive is how this five-generation family business, which began in 1890, continues to serve the freshest oysters on ice. With its communal tables and no-fuss style, the place captures the heart of Seattle’s dining scene—simple, fresh, and best enjoyed over good drinks and easy conversation.

Capping off the day was a visit to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room in Seattle, the company’s very first and largest roastery at about 1,394 square meters. The space has a retro-futuristic appeal, blending sleek steel, warm wood, and a massive copper coffee roaster with mid-century-inspired furniture. It’s worth taking a few moments just to soak it all in—this is nothing like your regular neighborhood Starbucks. Beyond the design, the roastery offers a full sensorial experience as you watch beans being roasted in real time, explore different brewing methods, and even try coffee-inspired cocktails at the bar. And of course, fans of the brand will find it hard to resist the exclusive merchandise and coffee blends that are only available here.

No trip to Seattle is complete without exploring Pike Place Market, a century-old hub still buzzing with both locals and tourists. The first thing that caught our eye was the flower market, where bouquets of vibrant blooms, along with stalls of handcrafted goods and small-batch food products, all ready to be brought home.

Our guide from Visit Seattle Tourism recommended some must-tries, such as the baked pork buns at Mee Sum Pastry, the indulgent mac and cheese at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, and, of course, the original Starbucks, where the lines are always long. If you plan on grabbing a drink or souvenir there, it’s best to go early.

Buskers can be found around the market, with their music adding a charming vibe as people wander and discover new finds. We also came across larger-than-life bronze pig statues that serve as popular photo spots. They also serve a meaningful purpose as they double as charity piggy banks, with proceeds supporting social services.

For those seeking a more interactive experience, there are two spots to check out. At the fish stalls, it’s not just about watching fishmongers throw salmon across the counter with theatrical flair. You can even step in and try catching one yourself. A few minutes away is the infamous gum wall in Post Alley—a colorful, ever-growing “art installation” that began in the early 1990s when theatergoers who aren’t allowed to chew gum inside the theater started pressing chewed gum onto the brick. Today, visitors are invited to leave their own sticky signature on the city.

Finally, Filipinos shouldn’t miss out on these two stops. Have lunch at O Mart, a beloved Filipino eatery, and try its all-time favorites like salmon sinigang, adobo, longganisa, and pancit. Opened in 1971 by Filipino immigrant Milagros Apostol, it is now run by her daughter Leila, fondly referred to as “Ate Lei.” The cozy stall is filled with handwritten notes and photos from Filipino celebrities who enjoyed her cooking, giving it the familiar feel of a carinderia back home.

End your meal on a sweet note at Hellenika Cultured Creamery, a gelato yogurt shop whose Greek owners grew up with Filipino influences. Must-tries include Kapeng Barako, Jackfruit Pandan, Calamansi Curd, and Ube Coconut. With so many tempting options, it’s hard to pick just one, so bring the family and sample a little of everything.

Each stop revealed a different side of Seattle’s charm, from its creative energy to its comforting flavors. And while 24 hours offered just a glimpse, it proved that this city is filled with discoveries, with many more still waiting to be experienced.