Seattle is home to at least 31 neighborhoods, all with their own vibe and bringing something unique to the Emerald City. But of all the best neighborhoods in Seattle? The neighborhood that lies north of Lake Union – Fremont – ranks as one of my top favorite neighborhoods in the city. Away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, Fremont brings funk and class to Seattle. With a killer food scene, breweries, parks, shopping, and even trolls; if you’re visiting Seattle don’t miss checking out Fremont.
This hipster, bohemian, funky neighborhood was once it’s own until it was annexed to Seattle in 1891. It’s rather small – only 0.89 square miles and gets its name from Fremont, Nebraska. It truly is one of the best neighborhoods in Seattle to visit!
Situated north of the canal near Ballard and Wallingford, you can spend hours exploring Fremont, Seattle. Start your day at Gas Works Park, visit the Fremont Troll, grab a coffee, and shop your way throughout the area. Oh and don’t miss the Fremont Bridge – one of the most frequently opened drawbridges in the USA! When you’ve worked up an appetite stop for food at one of the many delicious Fremont restaurants!
Seattle Neighborhood Guide
Getting to Fremont
The only downside to visiting Fremont is that the link light rail (the train that services Seattle) does not make a stop in the neighborhood. Instead, you will have to drive, bike, or take the bus. Weather permitting I recommend to hop on an electric JUMP bike, scattered around the streets of Seattle, and bike to Fremont. If the weather doesn’t permit both Uber and Lyft operate in Seattle. Or if you have a car there is street parking around the area, although sometimes hard to come across. (New to Lyft? Use code KYLEE45415 for $5 in ride credit. Or if you’re new to Uber use code vi9bs for $2 off your first three rides).
You’ve made it to one of the best neighborhoods in Seattle! Now what?
Thanks to its small size, my favorite way to explore Fremont is on foot or electric bike. Of all of the Seattle neighborhoods, I’ve found Fremont to be one of the most walkable. Clean, wide sidewalks, and fewer crowds than the tourist downtown area, you can thoroughly enjoy moseying around the area. Plus Fremont is bike-lane friendly so you usually don’t run into too many problems with bikers on the sidewalks.
What to See and Do in Fremont, Seattle
Visit the Fremont Troll
This troll is one of the most popular attractions in Fremont so while you’re area stop by and say hello! (Talk about strange Seattle, Washington attractions). The Fremont Troll was sculpted in 1990 as a means to rehabilitate this area under the bridge. The idea of having a troll under a bridge comes from folklore in Scandinavia and is a free attraction.
Have a Picnic at Gas Works Park
Although Gas Works is part of the Wallingford neighborhood, its so close to Fremont that many refer to the park as being in Fremont. Because this is one of the most beautiful parks in Seattle, don’t miss your chance to visit if you’re in the Fremont neighborhood. I prefer to bring a picnic set up while watching the sailboats and kayaks glide by. And watch as the seaplanes land and take off. Plus it’s one of the best places to view the stunning and unique Seattle skyline.
Wander the Fremont Sunday Street Market
If you’re in Fremont on a Sunday don’t miss the weekly European-style street market. The market features antique shops, bakery stands, food trucks, art, clothes, and more! The market is open every Sunday from 10 am-4 pm. (Pst, don’t miss the Phorale food truck!)
Shop the Boutiques
Spend the day popping in and out of the many artisanal boutiques Fremont has to offer. My personal favorite is Pipe and Row, found on 35th Street.
Where to Eat and Drink in Fremont
One of the best things about Fremont is the top-notch restaurants, bars, and breweries scattered throughout the neighborhood. Below are some of the best that I’ve found…
Looking for Italian? Try Agrodolce! A chic and intimate space serving Italian right.
Craving Asian? Head to Joule where you can find some of the Korean Asian fusion that Seattle offers.
What about Mexican? Head to El Camino for authentic Mexican food in a lively, well-decorated atmosphere. Just make sure to come hungry! Or if you’re looking for upscale American-Mexican food in a chic atmosphere try Pablo y Pablo.
As far as breweries go, Fremont Brewing is one of my favorites not only in Fremont but in Seattle in general. With a great indoor/outdoor space it’s the perfect stop for a sunny or rainy day.
If you’re craving cocktails or wine head to The Barrel Thief; an innovative wine and cocktail lounge.
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Seattle, don’t pass this neighborhood up. Although it may take some work to get to it’s worth it once you’re there. After all, it’s one of the “cool” neighborhoods in Seattle filled with things to do, attractions to see, restaurants to eat at, and drinks to be had.
Planning to spend an entire weekend in Seattle? Don’t miss How to Have a Perfect Weekend Trip to Seattle
Do you prefer visuals over words? Head over to my Instagram page/highlight reel for a visual look at Seattle! You can find highlights under “Seattle Eats”, “Seattle Drinks”, and “Seattle, WA”. Or search the hashtag #ppinwashington
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Kylee is a traveling Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) nurse with a love for solo travel, wine, and Taylor Swift. Inspiring nurses to travel both near and far, Kylee began Passports and Preemies in 2017 while volunteering in Skopje, North Macedonia. Passports and Preemies was created as a way to reach nurses and advocate for the prevention of nurse burnout by traveling. Kylee is the original creator of the “8 Day Vacay” – a vacation geared towards nurses who aim to take advantage of the potentially 8 days off between work weeks with no need to use PTO.
Makes me want to revisit Fremont!! Well done!