Capitol Hill
47.6243° N, 122.3210° W
Welcome to Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is undeniably one of Seattle’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods. Everywhere you turn, art pops up—from colorful murals on building walls to quirky sculptures tucked along the streets—giving the area a creative and lively vibe. While it’s famous for its nightlife, Capitol Hill is far more than just a party destination; there’s something for everyone at any time of day.
You can go bowling at Garage, catch live music at Neumos—the beating heart of Capitol Hill’s music scene—or browse for unique threads and lush houseplants at Glasswing.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try axe throwing at Blade & Timber, dig through vinyl at Porchlight Records, or admire exotic plants at Volunteer Park Conservatory. For dance enthusiasts, Reverie Ballroom offers classes and social dances that let you move to the rhythm of the city. With so many options, Capitol Hill perfectly blends culture, creativity, and fun into one unforgettable neighborhood experience.
Walk Score: 84
Things to Do: Capitol Hill
Get Grounded
Visiting Volunteer Park Conservatory is an incredible experience—especially on a rainy Seattle day. For just $6, you can wander through lush displays of tropical plants and vibrant blooms, including an impressive cactus garden reminiscent of Saguaro National Park. After exploring, take a stroll through Volunteer Park, where you’ll find scenic walking paths, picnic spots, and a playground perfect for families.
Get Lost in Stories
The Elliott Bay Book Company, located in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill, is more than a bookstore—it’s a community hub for book lovers. With over 150,000 new titles and a large collection of remainders, it’s one of the region’s best spots to find your next great read. Twice Sold Tales is my favorite used bookstore with loads of live-in-the-bookstore cats to help show you around.
Let’s Caffinate
Seattle’s love for coffee shines in Capitol Hill. Stop by Mintish for single-origin brews and Middle Eastern–inspired treats like the unforgettable Kunafeh Cheesecake. Tailwind Cafe, offers coffee, beer, cocktails and wine and "the finest avocado toast in the city". And don’t miss Boon Boona Coffee, a Seattle favorite blending Eritrean tradition with community—hosting local artists, non-profits, and small businesses.
Tempt Your Tummy
At General Porpoise, doughnuts are made fresh daily with farm-fresh eggs and filled with seasonal jams, curds, custards, and creams. Pair them with their carefully curated coffees, sourced from top local roasters, or a draft cold brew for the perfect treat. If you’re searching for ice cream you have to check out Salt and Straw, where you can get a full ice cream flight to sample any flavors you want to try!
A Purrfect Outing
Located in Capitol Hill, NEKO is a cozy cat café where rescue cats and humans can relax and connect. Book time in the cat lounge to cuddle and play, join a Cat Yoga class or grab a drink in the café and watch the cats through the windows. All cats come from Regional Animal Services of King County—most are adoptable, while a few “purrmanent residents” happily call NEKO home.
Let’s Dance
Inspired by iconic dance halls like The Savoy Ballroom, The Palladium, The Crystal Ballroom, and Paradise Garage, Reverie Ballroom honors that rich history while celebrating something unique. “Reverie” evokes the magic of dance—the feeling of losing yourself in the rhythm, the music, and the moment. Whether your passion is swing, fusion, salsa, tango, or ballroom, Reverie is your space to dream, dance, and create unforgettable memories.
Ready to Start Your Next Adventure?
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.
