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A Day in Bellevue

Welcome to Bellevue. We'd like to suggest that you start your visit by getting settled in and exploring the neighborhood. Whether you are staying in or near downtown there are many places for you to explore within easy walk of your hotel.  Here's our take on how you might spend a day in Bellevue.

Morning

Start the day off with the most important meal of the day done the Bellevue way with coffee and a pastry or the full breakfast experience at one of many bakeries and eateries. Then grab a café latte to go and enjoy a morning stroll along the glimmering waterfall through Downtown Park admiring the many sculptures and the cool clean air, whatever the season.  After taking in a few of Bellevue's sights it's time to relax with a mani-pedi and other pampering at one of the numerous spas.

Afternoon

Now that you are relaxed its time for lunch and more exploring. If a sit down lunch is to your liking find a café with outside seating on a sunny day and enjoy people watching as you dine. If something more casual sounds good check out Lincoln Square Food Hall where seven casual feasting spots with the feel of a food truck round up offer plenty of options. Or, just start walking and see what looks good.  

Your Bellevue afternoon can be spent reveling in the ultimate shopping experience. Our downtown is anchored by two of the best shopping centers in the Northwest region; The Bellevue Collection and The Shops at The Bravern. Bellevue Collection includes over 250 world-class retail brands  you desire from like Gap, Anne Taylor, Coach and the Body Shop as well as inspiring stores such as Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co, Tesla, Burberry, Crate and Barrel, Apple and Microsoft  to just name a few. The Bravern, located a few blocks east, was founded on the premise of the European village shopping experience and is crème de la crème. Whether you are man or woman there are plenty of stores that offer what you need: Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Herme's, Gucci, Wolford and anchor; Neiman Marcus. A short stroll through Downtown Park will take you to the unique fashion and home-centric boutiques that line Main Street in Old Bellevue. Explore the Crossroads area for a multicultural

If shopping isn't your thing there are numerous other options. For those interested in the arts you can browse the Bellevue Arts Museum, numerous galleries and outdoor sculpture exhibits being sure to pick up the Bellevue ArtsMap to help you explore all 120 works of art. For the history buff, go on the Eastside Heritage Center's self-guided Early Bellevue Walking Tour using this brochure. For the outdoor explorer a short drive south of town will land you at Bellevue's historic Winters House and access miles of trails and boardwalks through Mercer Slough. Keep an eye out for the many varieties of birds and waterfowl that call this large urban wetland home. Walk out the east side of the slough and check out the tree house and interpretive displays at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center (a partnership between Pacific Science Center and Bellevue Parks).

Evening

As the sun begins to set we suggest getting a bird's eye view of the area by heading up, to Ascend Prime Steak and Sushi on the 31st floor of the Lincoln Square South Tower to take in panoramic views of Bellevue, Lake Washington, the Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier and Seattle's skyline. You can grab a drink or stay for dinner there or in any of downtown Bellevue's dozens of restaurants. Later, check out the new band at the local wine bar or hit some of the hottest clubs in the area, where you can take in dancing, music or a comedy show.  As the night winds down you will ponder the many things you still want to explore while you are staying in Bellevue, but you can do those, Tomorrow!

Ready to explore more? See our other Bellevue and Eastside Insider Itineraries.