The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Bellevue, USA
Discover adventure in Bellevue, where the city meets nature.
03 May 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Bellevue is a vibrant city located in the state of Washington, United States, just a few miles east of Seattle. With its picturesque scenery, fantastic weather, and pedestrian-friendly streets, it is the perfect place for a relaxing weekend getaway. There is plenty to see and do, including shopping at the Bellevue Collection, exploring the downtown parks and museums, and hiking at Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Hotel: The Westin Bellevue a luxurious 4-star hotel with stunning views of the city.
- Start with a coffee and pastry from Belle Pastry a quaint, family-owned bakery.
- Visit the Bellevue Arts Museum, featuring local and international artists.
- Enjoy lunch at 99 Park, known for its delicious seafood and rustic atmosphere.
- Take a stroll through Downtown Park, an urban oasis filled with fountains and sculptures.
- Shop at The Bellevue Collection, home to over 200 stores and restaurants.
- End the day with a cocktail at Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi, a rooftop lounge with breathtaking views of the city.
- Start at the top with breakfast at The Nest, a rooftop bar at Thompson Seattle.
- Take a short drive to Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, for a wine tasting and tour of the estate.
- Head back to Bellevue for lunch at Facing East, a Taiwanese restaurant with authentic dishes.
- Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Lake Sammamish State Park, with beautiful views of the lake and mountains.
- End the day with dinner at Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar, specializing in fresh seafood and sushi.
- Bonus: Visit Snowflake Lane during the holidays for a magical winter wonderland experience, complete with a parade and fake snow!
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Bellevue by plane is to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and take a taxi or rental car to Bellevue.
Car
Driving is a convenient way to get to Bellevue, as there are major highways connecting the city to other parts of the region. From Seattle, take Interstate 90 East to reach Bellevue.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no train station in Bellevue so traveling by train is not an option.
Boat
While there is no direct way to get to Bellevue by boat, there are a few options available. One can take a ferry to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton and then drive to Bellevue or rent a boat and dock it at one of the area marinas before driving or taking a taxi to Bellevue.
Bus
Taking a Greyhound bus to Seattle and then transferring to a local bus or taking a taxi or rental car to Bellevue is the best way to get there by bus.