Lifestyle
Waking up in Seattle: Design hotels, local flavors, lakeside escapes
Nestled on the Pacific Northwest coast, Seattle is the largest city in Washington State, home to more than four million people across the metropolitan area that includes Tacoma and Bellevue. Just 155 kilometers (96.3 miles) south of the Canadian border, the region has been inhabited for over 4,000 years, though European settlement began in the mid-19th century. Known for its diverse neighborhoods and cosmopolitan population, Seattle thrives on a vibrant mix of culture, pop culture and seafood.
Whether you love outdoor adventures or prefer indoor exploration, Seattle offers something for every taste. The city’s downtown is the hub of high-rises, iconic attractions, and luxury hotels, while each district within carries its own unique personality. Here, urban life and nature coexist seamlessly: sip your morning coffee at a waterfront cafe, watch seaplanes take off from Lake Union, or escape to the mountains by afternoon. Highlights include spotting bald eagles in Seward Park or catching a sudden, breathtaking view of Mount Rainier on a clear day.
Traveling from Istanbul is straightforward: Turkish Airlines (THY) offers two daily direct flights to Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA), a 12-hour and 30-minute journey. From the airport, Uber takes around 15 minutes to downtown, or you can hop on the Seattle Airport Light Rail, which reaches Westlake Center in about 38 minutes.
Where to stay
Grand Hyatt Seattle
Rising 30 floors above the city, the Grand Hyatt Seattle offers panoramic views of downtown, the Cascade Mountains, Lake Union and Elliott Bay. Located in the heart of the retail and theater district, it’s steps away from the Washington State Convention Center, Pike Place Market, the waterfront and the Space Needle. Its 457 rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, spa-inspired bathrooms, and contemporary decor, with many suites offering pull-out sofa beds for longer stays. Dining options include Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a casual deli, or the on-site Starbucks.
Hyatt at Olive 8
Sleek, stylish, and unmistakably Seattle, Hyatt at Olive 8 blends modern design with Northwest soul. Just a short walk from Pike Place Market, MoPop and Capitol Hill’s nightlife, the hotel appeals to younger, international travelers. Its 346 rooms combine floor-to-ceiling windows, spa-inspired bathrooms, and cozy Pacific Northwest touches, such as dark woods, thick throws and stone showers. Foodies love TIDAL+ restaurant, serving sustainable seafood, while mornings begin at O8 Bagel Shop with Victrola coffee and fresh bagels. Wellness amenities include a saline pool, Peloton bikes and Elaia Spa for organic treatments.
W Seattle
One of the very first W Hotels globally, it remains iconic and effortlessly cool. Bold, stylish and a little bit rock ’n’ roll, W Seattle channels the city’s music scene and Native American roots with a cool, urban lodge vibe. Some rooms on the 14th floor showcase vibrant murals created by the W’s resident artist, Morgan Zion. Each artwork captures the essence of Seattle’s spirit and culture, drawing inspiration from the city’s beloved pastimes, music scene, hidden gems and rich diversity.
Following a 2016 renovation, the property’s 415 rooms and nine suites boast wood-paneled walls, industrial touches, and floor-to-ceiling windows. TRACE Restaurant & Bar offers Pacific Northwest flavors with an Asian flair, featuring a 10-seat sushi bar. Meanwhile, the Living Room is a hub of activity, boasting a 22-foot record wall, a steel fireplace and live DJ sets.
InterContinental Seattle Bellevue
Located just outside downtown in the stylish Bellevue neighborhood, InterContinental Seattle Bellevue is the city’s newest and most fashionable hotel. Surrounded by shimmering waters, it blends modern luxury with Pacific Northwest elegance. Its 208 rooms and suites are designed with feng shui principles, creating balance and harmony throughout. General Manager Alexandar Kandalaft personally ensures every guest feels cared for. Steps from Bellevue Square and the scenic Meydenbauer Bay Park (my favorite spot), the hotel is perfect for exploring both city life and nature.
Located within the hotel, Fresco serves Dungeness crab omelets, ricotta pancakes and Italian coffee for brunch, while LE BAR offers an exclusive sushi menu in a chic lounge.
An exciting development, especially for shopping enthusiasts: starting Aug. 18, the world-renowned Saks Fifth Avenue will open its club doors inside the hotel. Operating on an appointment-only basis, this exclusive shopping experience is not to be missed for those looking for personalized luxury.
Outside, guests can enjoy luxury shopping, take peaceful walks in Downtown Park, lakeside strolls along the bay and art at the Bellevue Arts Museum.
Must see
Seattle is the birthplace of the iconic Starbucks brand, and its very first store, located in Downtown Seattle, is still in operation. Opening as early as 6 a.m., the shop often sees long lines of coffee lovers eager to visit this historic spot. Since Starbucks was founded here, it’s no surprise that you can find multiple locations on almost every corner of the city. The company’s global headquarters also remains in Seattle and right beneath the building lies a stunning Starbucks Reserve, open to the public, a must-visit for any coffee enthusiast.
Seattle is synonymous with fresh seafood. At Pike Place Market, octopus and Alaskan salmon are displayed on ice for shoppers to admire. The city’s culinary scene blends the Pacific Northwest’s bounty with international influences, whether at a high-end restaurant or a waterfront cafe.
One of the world’s most iconic and photographed landmarks, the Space Needle was originally built as the centerpiece for the 1962 World’s Fair, themed “The Age of Space.” Rising 605 feet, the tower was designed to embody humanity’s aspirations during the Space Age and, since its grand opening on April 21, 1962, has stood as a symbol of Seattle’s innovative and forward-thinking spirit. At 520 feet, the tower’s distinctive saucer-shaped “top house” provides visitors with the city’s only 360-degree panoramic views, both indoors and outdoors, panning downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound and the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges.
Open from early morning until 11 p.m., the iconic Space Needle offers an unforgettable experience both day and night. For those who wish to explore more of Seattle’s museums and attractions at a better value, special passes are available offering discounted rates for either 24 hours or three consecutive days.
Sunset cruises last about an hour, and ferries departing from Seattle treat passengers to postcard-worthy views: the Space Needle, shimmering skyscrapers and distant mountains rising beneath a clear blue sky, which is a perfect reflection of the city’s rare harmony between urban vibrancy and natural beauty.
Culinary highlights
La mar Bellevue
Created by world-renowned Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio, La Mar brings the vibrant spirit of a traditional Peruvian cebichería into a setting that is both relaxed and refined. The new Bellevue location joins the brand’s celebrated flagship in Lima and a collection of international outposts stretching from San Francisco and Miami to Buenos Aires, Bogota, Santiago, Doha and Dubai.
Set across a stylish multi-level dining room, the restaurant offers a journey through Peru’s iconic dishes: from cebiches (citrus-marinated raw fish) and tiraditos (delicately sliced seafood) to causas (colorful, potato-based creations) and smoky, grilled anticuchos (marinated skewers). Signature plates include the Cebiche Nikkei with ahi tuna, daikon, avocado and tamarind leche de tigre; the Tiradito Bachiche with local white fish, parmesan artichoke sauce, capers and basil oil; the classic Lomo Saltado, wok-seared beef tenderloin with onions, tomatoes, soy sauce and potatoes; and the comforting Causa Limena, topped with chicken salad and aji amarillo aioli. One of the most memorable culinary experiences I’ve had in a long time.
Burgermaster
Founded as a classic 1950s-style drive-in, Burgermaster offers a nostalgic nod to America’s golden age of car culture. During my visit, I was pleasantly surprised by the seamless system: instructions guided me on how to signal I was ready, the order was taken right from my car, payment was handled on the spot, and within minutes, my meal arrived in a simple paper bag delivered straight to my window.
I opted for the signature burger, which was freshly prepared and served with crisp, flavorful vegetables. It wasn’t over the top, but it hit the spot — exactly what you’d hope for in a drive-in experience. For anyone craving a no-fuss, made-to-order burger while on the go, Burgermaster is a solid and satisfying choice.
Dukes seafood
Perched along Seattle’s iconic waterfront, Duke’s Seafood South Lake Union has become a go-to destination for both locals and visitors in search of fresh, sustainably sourced flavors with a view. Overlooking the sparkling waters of South Lake Union and Lake Washington, the restaurant offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, complemented by a menu that celebrates the very best of the Pacific Northwest.
Founded by Duke Moscrip, a pioneer in sustainable fishing, Duke’s champions responsibly caught seafood alongside grass-fed burgers and creative beverages. Signature favorites include oysters, seafood “nosh” bites, chowder samplers and line-caught halibut and salmon prepared seven different ways. Classic comfort dishes like fish tacos, fish & chips and the “Un” Chopped Seafood Salad round out the offerings, while a thoughtful selection of gluten-free options ensures there’s something for everyone.
Whether it’s a leisurely lunch by the water or a lively dinner with friends, Duke’s South Lake Union strikes the perfect balance between laid-back charm and bold, memorable flavors. It’s also an ideal choice for group dining and special events, pairing unbeatable views with the city’s most beloved seafood.
A 190-year-old Greek Orthodox church in Kayseri, central Türkiye, whose restoration was completed last year, stands out for its striking wall paintings and is set to become part of the Cappadocia tourism circuit.
Built in 1836, the Church of St. Eustathios is an important historical and cultural landmark in Kayseri’s Incesu district and features numerous paintings and other remnants on its interior walls.
The three-aisled, vaulted church underwent restoration by the Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality in 2021. Its load-bearing walls and historic fabric were reinforced using materials and techniques compatible with the original structure.
The stonework and frescoes, or wall paintings, inside the church were preserved, while Karamanlı inscriptions – Turkish written in the Greek alphabet – depicting various scenes, as well as charitable endowment records, reliefs and carvings on the walls, were conserved and brought to light.
Restoration of the church was completed last year using archival photographs and documents as references to ensure the building remained faithful to its original appearance. The site, known for its distinctive wall paintings, will serve as the Incesu City Museum.
More than 80% of the exhibition and interior arrangement work has been completed. The church is also being prepared for inclusion in the Cappadocia tourism circuit, with nearby destinations such as Avanos, Ürgüp and Göreme located 45 to 50 kilometers (28 to 31 miles) from Incesu.
Tayfun Talaslı, head of the municipality’s Historical Buildings and Museums Branch Directorate, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the three-aisled, vaulted church, built on a rectangular plan, is an example of classical Greek Orthodox architecture in Anatolia.
Talaslı said the building served as a place of worship until the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Türkiye, after which it was used for various purposes, including as a military warehouse, archive, theater and vocational school.
He said restoration work began toward the end of 2021 under a protocol signed between the Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality and Incesu Municipality and was completed last year.
Talaslı emphasized that the main principle guiding the largely completed exhibition and interior arrangement work was to avoid causing any damage to the historic structure and said preserving the building’s original character was a top priority throughout the restoration.
“We used old photographs of the church as references during the restoration. We also based the project on art history reports that took into account the oral histories of people who once lived here,” he said.
He said the remaining work is expected to be completed soon, after which the museum will open to visitors.
“We are creating a museum on the ground floor of the building, which we have repurposed as the Incesu City Museum, focusing on the city’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage,” Talaslı said.
“Visitors will be able to trace Incesu’s history, learn about notable figures who were born here or left their mark on the city and explore its architectural heritage,” he said. “We will highlight a wide range of local treasures, from the Kara Mustafa Pasha Complex to the Roman-era milestone that has become one of the symbols of Incesu.”
Talaslı said visitors will also be able to see ceramics and other archaeological finds unearthed in Örenşehir, while the museum will offer a broader look at Incesu’s heritage, from its cuisine and population to the 1923 population exchange and the city’s historical development.
“We will cover everything from who the building was commissioned for to the area’s flora and fauna, geological structure, agriculture and grape production,” he said.
The Karaelmas Touristic Express, which operates between Ankara and Zonguldak, will return to the rails on Oct. 2, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced, offering travelers a chance to explore the region’s natural, historical and cultural treasures by train.
In a written statement, Uraloğlu said the tourist train, launched by TCDD Transportation in cooperation with the Western Black Sea Development Agency (BAKKA) and the Zonguldak Provincial Special Administration, contributes to tourism-focused rail travel between Ankara and Zonguldak.
The train will begin this year’s service Oct. 2, Uraloğlu said.
The Ankara-Zonguldak service will depart on Oct. 2, 16 and 30 and Nov. 13, while trains traveling from Zonguldak to Ankara will depart on Oct. 3, 17 and 31 and Nov. 14.
Trains from Ankara to Zonguldak will leave at 11 p.m. on Fridays, while return services will depart Zonguldak at 11 p.m. on Saturdays. The train will have a total of seven carriages, including six sleeper cars and one dining car, with a capacity of 120 passengers.
The Karaelmas Express first operated as a tourist service in 2025, completing four outbound and four return journeys along the Ankara-Zonguldak-Ankara route, for a total of eight trips.
Since its inaugural journey, the train has offered passengers a different way to discover the Western Black Sea’s natural, cultural and industrial heritage, Uraloğlu said.
“For the 2026 schedule, passengers traveling from Ankara to Zonguldak will make sightseeing stops in Yenice, while those on the return journey will stop in Çankırı and Kalecik,” Uraloğlu said. “This journey, stretching from Yenice’s natural beauty and Zonguldak’s history to Çankırı’s cultural heritage and Kalecik’s local treasures, will bring rail travel and tourism together.”
Venice is looking at expanding its tourist entry fee, applying it for a longer period of the year and raising the daily charge to as much as €30 ($34), a senior official in the city government has said.
Budget and taxation councilor Michele Zuin said the current fee of €5 to €10 ($5.7 to $11.5 ) was too low to safeguard against overtourism, but said the new price for 2027 would have to be discussed and agreed with the government.
“The current €5-10 charge is affordable for virtually everyone; the risk is that it no longer has the deterrent effect that this measure is supposed to have,” Zuin told the Sunday edition of regional daily Il Gazzettino.
In remarks that were widely picked up by national media on Monday, the councillor said there was “even talk of (going up to) €50 ($57),” but added that authorities could settle for a maximum charge of €30.
The tourist fee, applicable only to day-trippers, was introduced in 2024, in a world first. Early bookers get to pay the lower rate and there are several exemptions, including for children under 14.
In 2026, it was operational on selected days from April 3 to July 26, from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and brought into city coffers more than €5.2 million ($5.9 million) from the sale of just under 680,000 entry tickets.
In a city that has long suffered from overtourism and depopulation, local officials say the scheme is meant to encourage visitors to avoid the most crowded periods of the year, such as the May Day public holiday.
Tokyo tourist hot spot Shinjuku will impose a ban on more than half of its holiday rentals, including homes on Airbnb, an official said Monday, after a surge in complaints about visitors.
Known for its buzzing commercial and entertainment district, the ward hosts nearly 10% of Japan’s 42,000 short-term rentals.
But it also has a large residential population, who have become increasingly exasperated with tourists who fail to properly dispose of rubbish, smoke where they’re not supposed to, and make too much noise.
A Shinjuku official supervising holiday rentals told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the district was “planning to revise the current ordinance … to ban private lodging” in residential zones and areas near schools.
“As the number of private lodging businesses has risen, complaints and troubles around them have increased,” the official said on customary condition of anonymity.
More than 50% of short-term rentals in Shinjuku face a ban under the new rules, he said, adding that the plan would formally be announced by the Shinjuku mayor on Tuesday.
Shinjuku’s policy will apply to existing properties, he added.
The move comes as other cities around the world attempt to crack down on private lodgings available on Airbnb and other platforms, including New York City and Barcelona.
Like elsewhere, overtourism has emerged as a major issue in Japan.
Residents of Kyoto and other hot spots have expressed annoyance at selfie-taking crowds as well as traffic congestion and soaring land prices.
In Shinjuku, the number of complaints over vacation rentals increased by around 40% in the fiscal year to March, the official said.
“Many complaints are about the violation of trash disposal rules while others include smoking and trespassing,” he said.
Shinjuku’s ban comes after the Japan Tourism Agency in July gave municipalities the right to regulate short-term lodgings if “a tranquil living and educational environment” is under threat or if they “hinder the maintenance of a permanent population and local community.”
Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto is also considering a ban on short-term lodging, but only for new rentals within residential and industrial areas.
Several Airbnb hosts contacted by AFP declined to comment.
Visitors to Hasankeyf, one of southeastern Türkiye’s major tourism destinations, are exploring the district’s historic and natural attractions through boat tours on the Ilısu Dam reservoir.
Located in Batman province, Hasankeyf is considered one of the world’s oldest settlements and continues to attract visitors with traces of civilizations that have shaped the region over centuries.
The district is known for historic landmarks including the Imam Abdullah Tomb, Zeynel Bey Tomb, Artuqid Bath, Hasankeyf Museum and Er-Rızk Mosque. The Ilısu Dam reservoir has also given the area a new character, offering visitors an opportunity to experience its landscape from the water.
Domestic and international tourists visiting Hasankeyf can tour its historic sites before taking boat trips across the reservoir to see its canyons and Hasankeyf Castle.
Before setting off, guides brief passengers on safety rules and provide information about the historic castles, caves and canyons along the route. The boat tours last about an hour, allowing visitors to take in the area’s natural and historic scenery.
‘The boat tour was excellent’
Mustafa Yıldız, who traveled from Manisa as part of a tour of the southeastern Anatolia region, said his group visited Hasankeyf after stopping in Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa and Mardin.
“I really liked Hasankeyf. The boat tour was especially excellent. We really enjoyed seeing the canyons and caves,” Yıldız told Anadolu Agency.
Ramazan Kızar, who traveled from Batman to visit the district, said Hasankeyf was an important destination for cultural and historical tourism.
Kızar said the boat tour gave him the chance to see the historic castle and canyons.
“Thanks to the boat tour I took with my daughter and wife, we are exploring Hasankeyf’s unique beauty,” he said.
52,000 visitors take boat tours
Şehmus Batıhan, a captain and member of the Hasankeyf Kale Tourism Cooperative, said the cooperative operates eight boats offering tours of the reservoir.
Hasankeyf becomes particularly busy with domestic and international visitors during the summer months, Batıhan said, adding that the boat tours have brought additional activity to the district alongside its historic sites.
Visitors are picked up at the harbor and taken on a tour covering the area where the old settlement once stood. The tours last approximately one hour, he said.
“About 52,000 guests have taken advantage of the boat tours in the past eight months,” Batıhan said. “We also provide our guests with information about Hasankeyf’s history during the tours.”
He added that many visitors from European countries join the boat trips.
“Visitors can see many important historical works here and they really enjoy the boat tours,” Batıhan said.
Bosnia’s capital, Sarajevo, is enjoying a robust summer season, with concerts, cultural events and its internationally renowned film festival drawing visitors from across Europe and beyond.
More than 100,000 tourists visited the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina in July, according to the Federal News Agency, as the city increasingly attracts travelers for its music, cinema, gastronomy and natural attractions alongside its historical heritage.
Three concerts by regional music star Dino Merlin at Kosevo Stadium in late July and early August attracted more than 200,000 people in total.
Visitors traveled from across the Balkans and other parts of Europe, putting hotels and private accommodation under significant pressure.
Sarajevo recorded nearly 78 million euros ($91 million) in fiscal turnover during the three concert days, with restaurants, cafes, shops and transportation companies benefiting from the influx.
The concerts were followed by a performance by British electronic music group The Prodigy on Aug. 13 and by the opening of the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) the following day.
Established in 1995 during the final year of the siege of Sarajevo, the festival has developed into one of southeastern Europe’s leading film events. This year’s guests included Woody Harrelson, Emily Watson, Pawel Pawlikowski, Diego Luna, Asghar Farhadi and Celine Sciamma.
In addition to these entertainment and cultural events, Sarajevo offers a blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture, along with landmarks linked to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and sites preserving the memory of the 1992-1995 siege.
Its proximity to the Olympic mountains of Trebevic, Bjelasnica, Igman and Jahorina also allows travelers to combine a city break with hiking, cycling and winter sports.
Major events are becoming increasingly important for Sarajevo’s tourism economy by attracting new visitors, extending stays and boosting spending across the city.
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