The Top 15 Things To Do In Pioneer Square (2024)

Looking for unique things to do in Pioneer Square?

You’ve come to the right place. Welcome to the Secret Seattle guide to Pioneer Square. We’ve gathered up the best neighborhood restaurant, the coolest bar, several free things to do, and a few hidden gems as well. Pioneer Square is Seattle’s oldest and most historic neighborhood, so it’s not hard to see beautiful architecture, art galleries, and charming cafes everywhere you look. Whether you’re a Seattle local or you’re only visiting for a day, you’ll find something new and exciting to check out on this list.

Interested in exploring more Seattle neighborhoods? Check out one of our other neighborhood guides:

• The top things to do in Capitol Hill
• The top things to do in West Seattle
• The top things to do in Ballard
• The top things to do in Queen Anne

Here are the top things to do in Pioneer Square:

1. Take a crafty class at The Works

Looking for a unique activity in Pioneer Square? The Works offers a wide variety of in-person classes (and also sells DIY kits that you can do at home or purchase for a gift). You can take a class on floral arranging, screen printing, pie art, and more. It’s a great activity to do with with friends, or a great way to meet new friends! Get all the info you need on The Works website.

Address: 512 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

2. Enjoy champagne and macarons at Lady Yum

Lady Yum is a sophisticated dessert shop located in Pioneer Square that is the place to get macarons in Seattle. Go there on Tuesdays to enjoy Bottomless Bubbly with your macarons.

Address: 2130 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121

3. Get drinks in a hidden basem*nt speakeasy

The Pharmacy is a speakeasy bar hidden inside the basem*nt of Temple Billiards in Pioneer Square. They’re open Thursday through Saturday starting at 4:00 p.m. Check them out for craft co*cktails and retro vibes.

Address: 126 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104

4. Grab a meal at Damn the Weather

Damn the Weather is our favorite spot for lunch or dinner in Pioneer Square due to the elevated New American fare, craft co*cktails, and romantic ambiance. Note that as of right now they are closed Sundays and Mondays.

Address: 116 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104

5. Go ice skating for free in December

This is a seasonal activity, but mark your calendar now for next December. To celebrate the holidays, a free ice skating rink pops up in Pioneer Square for one weekend only. Read more about Seattle’s free ice skating rink.

6. Enjoy free “Parties in the Parks” in the summer

Pioneer Square also hosts free fun in the summer months. Every week in the summer you can head to Pioneer Square for free mini golf, live music, kid-friendly activities, happy hour, and food trucks. Read more about Parties in the Parks.

7. Join the monthly Pioneer Square Art Walk

On the first Thursday of every month, you can head to Pioneer Square for a free art walk! Read more about this and other Seattle art walks.

8. Get soft serve or take a class at The Pastry Project

Indulge your sweet tooth at one of The Pastry Project’s classes in Pioneer Square. Choose from classes on chocolate, pastry, bread, and more. You can see their class and event schedule on the Pastry Project website.

Hot tip: In the summer months, they also have a pop-up window that serves some of the best soft serve in Seattle.

9. Take the Seattle Underground Tour

Remember how we mentioned that Pioneer Square is Seattle’s most historic neighborhood? If that interests you at all, then you have to take the Seattle Underground Tour. You get to explore the still-existing underground streets below the city and learn some truly mind-boggling facts about Seattle history.

10. Go shopping at a boutique

Looking to treat yourself or shop for a gift in Pioneer Square? This neighborhood is full of charming boutiques (such as Flora and Henri which is pictured above), bookstores, toy stores, and more. Head over to our guide to shopping in Pioneer Square.

11. Visit Smith Tower for brunch, movie nights, and more events

You probably knew that Smith Tower has a great view, but did you know you can now go there for weekend brunch, free movie nights, co*cktail classes, night markets, and dance parties? Read all about all the things to do at Smith Tower in 2023.

12. Find the secret urban waterfall

This tiny pocket park, dubbed the Waterfall Garden, can be found at what used to be the original location of the United Parcel Service (UPS) in Pioneer Square. You’ll find a few tables and chairs there next to a 22-foot man-made waterfall. It’s a great place to enjoy a coffee and a book.

13. Tour the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

You can enjoy a free, self-guided tour at this Gold Rush museum located in Pioneer Square. It is open daily and has two floors with short films, exhibits, and a chance for kids to earn their Junior Ranger Badge. Get more info on the National Park Service website.

14. Eat at Pioneer Square D&E

This veteran-owned restaurant and bar in Pioneer Square is beloved by Seattleites for their fried chicken sandwiches and fresh oysters. They’re open daily except for Mondays for lunch, brunch, happy hour, and dinner.

15. Play a round of mini-golf at Flatstick Pub

This pub in Pioneer Square is a great place to have a few drinks while playing mini-golf. You can event rent out a private course for your group. Bonus: Flatstick Pub is dog-friendly.