Site of one of the earliest settlements, Pioneer Square is said to be Seattle's oldest neighborhood. Although somewhat unkempt, Pioneer Square also seems to be one of the "trendy" parts of the city. It is home to antique shops, bookstores, art galleries, restaurants and entry to the "Underground." On the first Thursday of every month, the "Art Walk" takes place when art galleries open their doors to the maddening crowd for browsing and shopping. Pioneer Square is also recognised for having other notable landmarks---the oldest restaurant in the city, the observation deck of the architecturally notable Smith Tower (which once was the tallest building west of the Mississippi), and the Klondike National Gold Rush Museum. You could easily spend a whole day exploring the neighborhood, having dinner at one of the many trendy restaurants, then enjoying one of the jazz clubs at night. Safeco field is also a short distance from Pioneer Square.
Directions: Pioneer Square is roughly bound by Alaskan Way on the waterfront, 4th Avenue to the west, Columbia on the north, and Safeco Field to the south. Pioneer Square can also be reached by taking the free buses from the downtown area.
more