Best Shopping Malls and Centers in Seattle

One of the largest indoor shopping malls in the Pacific Northwest, this South Seattle complex features shops like Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitter, bareMinerals, Bergman Luggage, Eddie Bauer, Fireworks Gallery, Forever 21, Gene Juarez Salon and Spa, H & M and lululemon, as well as anchors Macy's, Sears, Nordstrom and JCPenney. Indeed, shoppers have plenty from which to choose at this modern complex, where wide corridors, ample lighting, a food court and comfortable common areas enhance the overall shopping experience. Dine at eateries like Duke's Chowder House, Ivar's, JOEY Kitchen, Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya, Piroshky Piroshky, Ruby Thai and Villa Italian Kitchen.

Sure, there are multiple REI locations across the country these days, and of course, you can shop for their gear online, but the Seattle location is a destination in itself. Whether you're gearing up for a planned hike at Mt. Rainier National Park, looking for a kayak rental to ply Puget Sound or are just a helpless outdoor gadget geek, this is your place. The sheer volume of the place and the amount of gear itself is a wonder, but before you get to the ice-axe handles of the giant wooden front doors, you wander along a miniature section of Northwest trail complete with pine trees, ferns and a waterfall. In addition to wowing first-time visitors, the area is meant for trying out hiking boots and mountain bikes before buying. Parkas can be pushed to the limit in the "rain room." Also, enjoy the towering indoor climbing wall (reservations required).

The University District, as full of young faces as you would expect, features plenty of shopping venues, thrift stores, restaurants, cafés and cultural centers. The area was also the site of the Alaska-Yukon Pacific Exposition in 1909; a few of the buildings constructed then are still in use today. Aside from the gorgeous campus, the district offers museums, libraries, comedy clubs and bars for day and evening entertainment. In addition, the area boasts a farmers market and a veritable cornucopia of unique stores and boutiques. Find hip, young fashion at American Apparel and Buffalo Exchange or stock up on UW paraphernalia at the bookstore.

The International District, or the "ID," was originally settled in the 1880s by a group of Chinese railroad workers. Since that time, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean cultures have come together to form the Asian-American district of Seattle. The area also boasts a plethora of delicious Asian restaurants and authentic shops well worth your time and a visit. Particularly noteworthy is Uwajimaya, an enormous market where you can find everything from arts and crafts to live fish to fresh produce and herbs. Save some time for a meal after your shopping spree, as this district boasts some of the city's most delicious ethnic food.

Wallingford Center carries the tagline "Life's necessities and little luxuries." This venue offers a pleasant and intimate shopping experience (in a former schoolhouse) and features more than 17 local and regionally based retail boutiques, many of which offer fair trade, organic, sustainable and eco-friendly goods. Among other gems, shoppers find handmade women's clothing, jewelry, gifts, handbags, home decor items, craft supplies at Bad Woman Yarn and culinary treats at Trophy Cupcakes. (After your shopping's complete, enjoy a meal at Chutneys Bistro.) This unique shopping destination's location off 45th Street in the neighborhood of Wallingford is easy to access by car or bus.

Entering this neighborhood, you're greeted by a sign that says, "Welcome to the Center of the Universe." Thanks to its bohemian and funky culture, some of Seattle's most famous public artwork can be found here as well, including "Waiting for the Interurban," the Fremont Troll and a statue of Vladimir Lenin. The area continues to accumulate new restaurants, cultural venues and unique boutiques. Shopping thrives in this zone, thanks to an array of friendly shops that stock desirable goods from trendy women's clothing to funky cowboy boots and charming stationery to stunning artwork perfect for the office or home. Find cute seasonal pieces and accessories at Show Pony, thoughtful gifts at Portage Bay Goods and sweet treats at Theo Chocolate. Also, check out the Fremont Fair that sets up shop along N 34th Street each Sunday!

Occupying multiple levels on the basement, street and mezzanine of a massive combination Microsoft office tower-and-condo complex in downtown Bellevue, the Shops at the Bravern is tony and upscale. This collection of high-end merchants and restaurants has elevated Northwest shopping by creating an environment that attracts international luxury brand retailers to the region. The prime example is department store Neiman Marcus, for which the Bravern is an initial outpost in this part of the country. Local bakery phenomenon Trophy Cupcakes, star restaurateur John Howie and Seattle Asian-cuisine institution Wild Ginger have all set up shop here. In addition to Nieman, heavy-hitting haute retailers here also include the likes of Jimmy Choo, Karen Millen, David Barton Gym, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore, Ferragamo, Tory Burch, Hermes and Wolford. On chilly evenings, the huge stone fireplace in the courtyard is a great place to gather.

Downton's premier five-story shopping center, occupying an entire city block at the intersections of two major hubs, has recently undergone an exciting refresh. The venue's grand new Amazon-facing entrance at Seventh Avenue and Olive Way opens up to South Lake Union, with a second recently enhanced downtown-facing entrance at Sixth Avenue and Pine Street. The center will soon complete its multimillion-dollar redevelopment "as one of Seattle's most important can't-miss shopping, dining and entertainment destinations." With the addition of Bezel & Kiln and Wishes Toys, Books & Games, the shopping center continues its active pop-up store program that  showcases art, new retail brands and experiences. More than 20 shops, restaurants and AMC Pacific Place 11 are currently open for business include Tiffany & Co., JNBY, Michael Kors, Aveda, Trophy Cupcake and Din Tai Fung. The mall's 1,200-space underground garage provides ample parking. If coming by Light Rail, use Westlake Station.

The hub of the Seattle's University District shopping scene, University Village is an attractive open-air complex that features popular hometown outdoor clothier Eddie Bauer along with chains such as Barnes & Noble, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Gap, Athleta, Lululemon, Bluemercury and the Ibex Outdoor Clothing. More than two-dozen local merchants also maintain stores in this unique center, providing shoppers a touch of Northwest flavor. Among them are chic candle maker Glassybaby and Fran's Chocolates. Attractive garden areas, numerous restaurants and ample free parking prove additional draws. Among the restaurants, you'll find Bamboo Sushi, Ba Bar, Veggie Grill, Elemental Pizza, JOEY Restaurant, Din Tai Fung and Ram Restaurant and Brewery, an outpost of a regional craft brewery that originated in Tacoma.

It could be argued quite persuasively that Pike Place Market is Seattle's heartbeat. Sure, it's on everyone's must-see list, but believe us, it's worth the hype. Situated along the water, the market was originally founded to allow produce growers to sell directly to consumers. Today, it's a protected historic district that inundates you with sights, sounds, smells and the best people-watching in town. Whether in suits or tie-dyed t-shirts, wearing boutonnieres or strewn with wildflowers, people of all persuasions find the market a fabulous destination. 2017 marked the unveiling of a $74 million MarketFront project summer that realizes a long-held vision of Market advocates. The project boasts 30,000 square feet of open public space that offer picture-perfect views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and sparkling Puget Sound, plus three public art installations, 47 new tablespaces for farmers and craftspeople and 40 low-income senior housing units.