Exploring Seattle: 10 must-do experiences in Chinatown-International District
Seattle Pacific students Heidi Speck (left), Hugo Lam, and Grace Meyer talk under the Chinatown gate in Seattle. We get it — you’re in college. You have classes, exams, dorm life, and more on your plate. But Seattle Pacific University's location in one of the best cities in the country has its perks, including some epic spots to explore.
For one thing, SPU’s campus is only a 15-minute Uber ride away from Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, a neighborhood staple if you’re looking for fresh flavors and distinctive shops. We sent students Heidi Speck, Hugo Lam, and Grace Meyer to explore the area.
Here are 10 things to do in the neighborhood that will give you serious FOMO:
Think of this as the gateway to Seattle. Nearly 3 million passengers pass through this station each year on their way to other parts of the city or to get out of town. Built in 1906, the three-story structure features a clock tower modeled after the San Marco bell tower in Venice, Italy. The interior is a great place for people watching and gathering with friends.
Located on the east end of the neighborhood, the gate is a great place to get some pics for the ‘gram. The gate, made from 8,000 ceramic tiles, mimics the intricate gates marking the entrances to many Chinese towns and foreshadows the Asian flavors and flair you’re about to encounter.
3. Duk Li Dim Sum Restaurant
Tucked away about five blocks from the gate, feast upon traditional steamed dumplings, spring rolls, and other tasty Chinese dishes. The food is affordable, and the restaurant also offers takeout options for on-the-go convenience.
It literally means the “Celebrate Happiness Public Park,” and it lives up to its name. It’s the gathering spot for neighbors practicing martial arts or meditation, and it features a temple-like structure made in Taiwan. The park is a great spot for an outdoor meal and a casual game of ping pong, or a quick workout on its outdoor fitness equipment.
For $15, visitors can play on a massive collection of pinball machines from as early as the 1930s.
6. Young Tea
Among the neighborhood’s myriad tea houses is this gem, where guests wanting a quiet place to study or meet a friend can sip on some Oolong or Matcha tea. The shop also serves its own all-natural milk teas, where customers can decide their own level of sweetness.
It’s picnic perfect and picture perfect. The 10-acre park, named after the national hero of the Philippines, provides spectacular views of Seattle’s skyline from its location on a hill.
Who doesn’t love free samples? The tea gallery has free tea samples of its loose leaf tea for visitors browsing its many shelves of tea.
9. Momo
Look through Asian and European inspired clothing, knick knacks, and gifts in this eclectic shop. Maybe you’ll find a great Korean face mask, a kimono, or some stationery to give a friend.
10. KOBO
If you’re feeling artsy, take a stroll through KOBO, an art gallery featuring jewelry, paintings, sculptures, and other works made by Japanese and Northwest-based artists.
