“Here we are now, entertain us.”
Kurt said it best in ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit." So let’s get this one going, since you’re here!
Can you truly say you’ve lived in Seattle without listening to Nirvana’s “Nevermind” album or walking through the Pioneer Square neighborhood? Well, if you have or haven’t (no judgements…), either way we’re going to take you through some of the best Pioneer Square spots near the station to spend the 49 minutes and 15 seconds that span one of the most iconic grunge albums.
A quick three-minute journey from the Pioneer Square station is the former tallest building on the West Coast (now the 23rd tallest building in Seattle). This unique 38-story skyscraper offers debatably the best observatory view (sorry, Space Needle). Whether you want to just breeze by and admire the historic Seattle structure or take the journey up to the (almost) top, it’s an essential visit.
Music, history and Seattle - you bet we’re including a vintage store on this list. And not just any vintage store; it's one of the trendiest, coolest shops in Pioneer Square. This mom-and-pop shop curates an ever-rotating selection of 50’s - Y2K era items. Maybe you’ll even stumble upon a vintage Nirvana shirt or two.
Just around the corner is Seattle’s oldest saloon. The Central has lived many lives since its origination in 1892; its location has served as a café, post office, employment hall, and even a brothel. Central Saloon saw a change of pace in the 1980s as they introduced live music into their space. In 1988, a young band from Aberdeen played their first show in Seattle at the Central Saloon. That band was none other than Nirvana. Needless to say, it’s worth the stop out of pure nostalgia.
A four-minute jaunt from the Central Saloon is the hidden Waterfall Garden Park. This lowkey spot offers a change of pace from the downtown core with its 22-foot man-made waterfall surrounded by trees. A true Seattle secret oasis perfect for relaxing, enjoying a snack and possibly listening to a few songs from a great album.
Every Seattle journey comes full circle with a cup of coffee. Three minutes from Waterfall Garden Park is this local neighborhood favorite. Great coffee, great food, great people - there’s no better way to close this one out.
Looking to find your way to your next destination? No worries, Zeitgeist is only seven minutes away from the International District/Chinatown Station, where you connect to Link light rail or the nearby Sounder train.
Favorite tracks: "Come As You Are," "In Bloom," "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (honorable mention – "Polly")
Album rating: 10/10 (it’s a classic after all)
*Encore locations (because who doesn’t love more options?)
Iron Pergola & Tlingit Indian Totem
Sinking Ship Parking Garage
Magic Mouse Toys
Merchants Café
Occidental Park (Firefighters Memorial)
Flatstick Pub
Last Resort Fire Department Museum (Free!)
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (Free!)
What did we miss? Tag us on social media @SoundTransit or email lifestyle@soundtransit.org.