Bellevue
47.6769° N, 122.2060° W
Welcome to Bellevue
Bellevue, Washington, is a dynamic and prosperous city on Seattle’s Eastside, home to more than 150,000 residents and often called a “city in a park” thanks to its 100+ parks and 2,700 acres of green space. A thriving hub for technology, retail, and global business, Bellevue features a striking modern skyline alongside renowned shopping, dining, and major employers such as T-Mobile, Microsoft, and Amazon. Its highly educated and diverse population—nearly half of whom speak a language other than English at home—contributes to a vibrant, international community.
Set between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, Bellevue balances leafy residential neighborhoods and a small-town feel with an energetic urban core, strong safety record, and exceptional quality of life. Popular destinations include Downtown Park, Mercer Slough Nature Park, the Bellevue Botanical Garden, and the Bellevue Arts Museum, while major events like the annual Arts and Crafts Fair draw hundreds of thousands of visitors. With expanding light rail, electric transit options, and continued growth as a commercial center, Bellevue blends innovation, culture, and natural beauty into one of the region’s most desirable places to live and explore.
Walk Score: 94
Things to Do: Bellevue
Old Main
In the heart of downtown, Old Bellevue’s Main Street is where the city’s story began and its most charming shopping and dining still flourish. This tree-lined, walkable district features locally owned boutiques, artisan shops, and specialty retailers offering distinctive fashion, handcrafted goods, and unique gifts. With cozy cafés, bakeries, and acclaimed restaurants nearby, Old Main invites you to slow down, explore, and savor the experience.
Above It All
Ziplining in Bellevue is an exciting way to experience the Pacific Northwest from above the forest canopy. Located at Eastgate Park near the South Bellevue Community Center, Bellevue Adventures lets riders glide through towering trees on a series of scenic lines, combining outdoor adventure, beautiful views, and a safe, guided experience for families, groups, and thrill seekers alike.
Art Fair
Bellevue Arts Fair Weekend is a signature annual celebration of creativity, bringing together artists from across the country to present and sell handcrafted work in over 20 different mediums. The event also features live performances, a variety of local food trucks, and engaging hands-on art experiences for all ages—creating a vibrant, festival-style atmosphere that invites the community to explore, connect, and be inspired.
garden
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape in the heart of the city, the Bellevue Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to wander and unwind. Stroll along serene woodland trails, discover seasonal blooms and thoughtfully designed gardens, and enjoy quiet moments beside streams, ponds, and shaded benches. The gardens offer a calm, welcoming retreat in every season, from a relaxing walk, to inspiration for your own garden, or a gentle connection with nature.
Market Day
The Bellevue Farmers Market is a beloved seasonal tradition where visitors can discover the very best of Washington. Held every Thursday from May through October the market features a rotating mix of farmers, artisans, fresh foods, flowers, and ready-to-enjoy cuisine, all sourced within the state. With live music, kids’ activities, and community wellness programs, it’s a lively and welcoming gathering place for all ages.
Start the Day
Get your morning rolling with a quad shot vanilla latte at Third Culture Coffee or try a coffee flight for a taste of all of their different roasts. At Five Stones Coffee Co. you can savor a milk + honey + cinnamon with your espresso (yum!) and pair that with a thick slice of locally made sourdough bread. Or, if matcha is your crave, go support a woman- and minority-owned café at Matcha Magic! Whether you’re looking to slow down or energize, Bellevue has it all.
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Living Here: A Neighborhood Snapshot
Seattle’s neighborhoods are unusually distinct and character rich because Seattle isn’t one city — it’s like a constellation of small towns that just happen to be next to each other… each with its own micro culture, its own tempo, its own aesthetic language. Coffee, pubs, bakeries, boutiques, bookstores are very neighborhood specific and beloved here. People belong to their café. Their bakery. And the architecture makes it even better — old craftsman, mid-century, modern, industrial conversions, Victorian leftovers, Scandinavian touches. Porches, gardens, hidden alleys, random staircases… it all creates this lived-in story everywhere you walk.
