Sleepless in Seattle at 30: Big screen romance in the Emerald City

This September iconic movie “Sleepless in Seattle” celebrates its 30 years since its release.

It is an apt time to rediscover the city or explore Seattle for the first time.

With a constant backdrop of the city, the movie is one of the most loved rom-coms in recent years, starring the dynamic duo Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

Travellers can follow in the footsteps of the characters in these sought-after Seattle spots.

Dive into Dinner at Serious Pie

Formerly known as Dahlia Lounge, Tom Douglas’ Serious Pie is a hearty pizzeria with a bread baker’s soul. Serving salads, sandwiches and pizzas with fresh crusts, they’re known for being ‘light with enough bite’. Each pizza is made in a stone-encased apple wood-burning oven. Here, Sam Baldwin was photographed by a private investigator hired by Annie Reed, whilst enjoying a date with another woman.

Breakfast at Bacco Cafe & Bistro

A mixture of Pacific Northwest cuisine with modern fare, Bacco Cafe & Bistro serves breakfast and lunch with local produce and organic eggs. Just steps away from Bacco is ‘Inn at the Market’ which can be seen receiving a small cameo in the movie. This is where Baldwin and Jay (Rob Reiner) walk underneath the hotel’s sign on their way to Pike Place Market.

Discover Pike Place Market

One of the oldest continuously operated farmers markets in the US, Pike Place Market offers everything from local specialty foods and beverages to artisan crafts and shopping stalls. An iconic landmark, the venue is considered ‘the soul’ of the city spanning nine acres in downtown Seattle. With more than 10 million visitors annually, Pike Place Market is Seattle’s most popular tourist destination. Pike Place Market is where Baldwin, his date and Jay are grocery shopping for their dinner. They purchase groceries from Manzo Brothers Produce.

Lunch at Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar

Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar was first opened by three Greek brothers in 1909. Some say the venue has some of the best views in the city. The sign on the door is the original one which hung there over a half a century ago. Fans of the film can recreate the famous scene where Sam and Jay have steamed clams and brews for lunch whilst discussing the mysteries of dating, including the famous ‘tiramisu’ conversation. They can even sit at the same spot – look out for the “Tom Hanks Sat Here” plaque marking the stool where the character sat in the movie.

Explore Alki Beach

From Seattle, hop on the water taxi to Alki Beach and experience unmatched views of where the city and water meet. A long beach strip that runs four km long, Alki Beach is a popular spot amongst walkers, joggers, rollerbladers, volleyball players, and cyclists enjoying the sun. Alki Beach is where Annie watches Sam and his son Jonah (Ross Malinger) from a distance before they dart off in their motorboat. Today, Duke’s Chowder House is on that very same spot.

Canderé Cruise to the famous houseboat

The most popular request of all, explore Seattle’s waterways in search of the famed houseboat where Sam and Jonah live. Travellers can head out in style with Canderé Cruising to discover the houseboat made famous in Sleepless in Seattle. Travellers can also venture out to Fremont Bridge where Sam and Jonah take their motorboat followed closely by Annie.

Enjoy a cosy stay at Hotel Sorrento

Hotel Sorrento is the shining star of Sleepless in Seattle. A hotel destined for romance, this is where Annie can be seen conversing with Becky (Rosie O’Donnell) about love. For those looking to stay in the same suite – opt for room 608. Each of the 76 rooms and suites features the building’s original 1909 details including carved wood mouldings, vintage furnishings and one-of-a-kind artwork.

To plan a trip to Seattle, visit www.visitseattle.org. 

Learn more about :   Visit Seattle ( N. America )