In the heart of the Pacific Northwest's Puget Sound, Bellevue's waterfront urban oasis is a burgeoning culinary destination with plenty of access to local wildlife, National Parks, and ultimate relaxation. With a diverse community, a forward-thinking culture, and local pride for the city's cleanliness and safety, Bellevue boasts endless appeal for solo travelers. Discover the joys of traveling solo and get lost in the Pacific Northwest experience.

Solo dining highlights

Eating out by yourself isn't weird at all, it's kind of a flex. The mixologists behind the bar in Bellevue are friendly and talented, and you'll find plenty of solo diners in Bellevue, whether they're locals, just here for work, or visiting. Make way for fascinating conversations and don't sweat the lore of the "Seattle freeze" - Bellevue's got a warm soul with a welcoming feel. If you're looking for a meal, or to enjoy a drink while chatting up the bartender, here are some great places to dine solo: 

In downtown, enter the villas of Tulum at the bar at Cantina Monarca, slurp oysters and Singapore Slings at the Water Grill, observe Farzi Cafe's innovative cocktail creations at the bar while enjoying sophisticated Indian fare, or slowly enjoy Spanish tapas at the bar at Castilla. Takai by Kashiba offers seats at the Whiskey Bar, where you can experience the highly acclaimed sushi legacy a la carte without having to find a reservation. Tendon Kohaku offers incredible Japanese tempura and comfort foods. At Legion, you'll experience a piece of the Seattle Seahawks community and delicious Southern cuisine at the lively bar - plus there's always sports playing on the many screens. 

Outside of downtown, The Pumphouse is a favorite for burgers, beer and sports. The Bellevue Brewing Company in the Spring District is an excellent way to get a taste of local craft beer with your grub. Kura Sushi offers conveyer belt sushi, and solo diners typically get a seat faster than groups. 

Must-Visit Attractions 

Located in the natural beauty of the Puget Sound, with Lake Washington on our western border and Lake Sammamish on our eastern border, the serene wilderness of the surrounding National Parks and cascades offer plenty to explore. 

If you're walking around downtown Bellevue, you'll spot Bellevue Downtown Park on your way to Main Street, and it's a wonderful place to stroll or just chill. Bellevue Botanical Garden is a gem and you can use the free BellHop shuttle service to get there. You can expect to spend an hour there exploring the Pacific Northwest's native plants and forested environments. The 53-acre cultivated gardens and natural wetlands is located along the Lake-to-Lake Trail in Bellevue, which connects to Kelsey Creek Farm for a nice stroll and a meet and greet with the rescued farm animals in our "City in a Park." From springtime to fall foliage, dive into the local agricultural heritage with Bellevue's farmers markets, produce stands, and u-pick experiences.

If you love to walk and peruse, Bellevue's urban lifestyle destination is home to many shopping and entertainment districts. In the heart of downtown, explore The Bellevue Collection's 5.5 million square feet of over 200 retailers, 50+ restaurants, three luxury hotels, and premier entertainment venues connected by skybridges. Nearby, The Shops at the Bravern offers an exclusive European-inspired retail and dining destination featuring luxury boutiques and fine dining establishments. On Main Street, you'll find a charming neighborhood with local boutiques, artisanal cafes, patio dining, and independent retailers. 

Take a day, or half day, to explore the Pacific Northwest

In our charming neighbor city Issaquah, you can spend a day exploring the trails in the Issaquah Alps, go paragliding, or see Jakob Two Trees, the Northwest Troll. The Issaquah Alps Club is a great resource, and you can find more trails on WTA.org. Go 30 minutes north of Bellevue and you'll find yourself in Woodinville Wine Country, home to one of America's largest collections of wine tasting rooms, with over 130 wineries, tasting rooms, breweries, and distilleries. 25 miles east of Bellevue lies the majestic Snoqualmie Falls, as seen in Twin Peaks.

Local Events, Festivals, and Celebrations

Bellevue is host to a variety of arts and cultural events and festivals throughout the year. In the winter, Bellevue turns into a winter wonderland with Snowflake Lane and New Year's Eve parties, followed by the Wintergrass Music Festival, Lunar New Year celebrations, and a variety of festivities to celebrate HOLI. Springtime brings a wine walk along the boutiques, lounges, and cafes on Main Street. The cherry blossoms are in bloom, and you can spot them across Bellevue, like Meydenbauer Bay Park. 

The summer days here are long and beautiful, with Paws and Pride celebrating humans and pups to kick of June. Downtown's annual Bellevue Beats & Bites Music Series brings great food and great music to outdoor spaces, Seafair takes over Lake Washington, and Bellevue Family 4th is pumped with a full day of entertainment, food, and fireworks. There's Downtown Movies in the Park, the Bellevue Arts Fair, and a huge summer music lineup at Marymoor Park and Chateau Ste. Michelle, the Climate Pledge Arena, WaMu Theater, and more. Autumn brings Bellevue Fashion Week, the Jazz and Blues Music Series, the Northwest Chocolate Festival, and Halloween parties across town. 

Getting Around Bellevue Sustainably

Bellevue is the heart of the Eastside, home to the transit hub for the collection of small towns across Lake Washington from Seattle.