How to Enjoy the Best of Seattle

Seattle is a city ripe with eclectic attractions, scenic wonders, steaming caffeine and fine cuisine. Here are some suggestions for enjoying a sampling of the best Seattle has to offer on all fronts.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Good walking shoes
• Comfortable clothes

1. Best Way to Greet the Day: Kick things off with an early morning visit to the legendary Pike Place Market. Nestled upon Seattle’s downtown waterfront, the market offers up a nice taste of local culture, from shops, eateries and fresh seafood to craftspeople and floral vendors. Be sure to wander across the street to Le Panier, a French bakery where the espresso and pastries are to die for.
2. Best Art Excursion: Another Seattle waterfront gem is the nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park. Free to the public, the park treats visitors to a truly extraordinary experience--taking in a myriad of sculpture in an outdoor setting, against the picturesque backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.
3. Best tourist attraction: Seattle’s iconic Space Needle and the Experience Music Project sock a great one-two destination punch. Located at the Seattle Center, the Space Needle—a remnant of the 1962 World’s Fair—boasts a bird's-eye view of the entire region, from skyscrapers to mountaintops. Nearby, “EMP’s” Frank Gehry-designed rock & roll museum reveals the city’s musical soul.
4. Best Place to See the Locals: For a taste of the local life, check out one of the city’s truly rare gems: The Elliott Bay Book Company. A corner bookstore in Pioneer Square that’s short on boxiness and tall on exposed-brick charm; it’s the perfect place to hang with the locals and pick up some of the latest titles. And be sure to check out the café downstairs!
5. Best Hip Neighborhood: If you want to sample Seattle’s hip hangouts, saunter over to the Fremont District. Busting at the seams with specialty shops, cafés, pubs and public artwork, there’s a little bit of mojo for everyone. Don’t miss Burnt Sugar (look for its rooftop rocket ship); it's some of the best shopping in the area.
6. Best Dining Experience: A visit to Seattle without a meal at Wild Ginger is a memorable—and mouth-watering experience—missed. This dependable downtown destination serves up Asian fusion and spectacular service amidst a warm and inviting atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back for more.
7. Best Side Trip: If you’re feeling adventurous and want to wander outside the city limits, Tacoma’s Museum of Glass is THE place. There you’ll peer into the heart of the region’s vibrant glass culture by exploring the latest shows and checking out live glassblowing demos in the Hot Shop. Be sure to visit the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a walkway linking the museum to downtown Tacoma, featuring countless glasswork creations by hometown son, artist Dale Chihuly.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared for rain almost any time of year. And parking can be a challenge, so try to walk or take public transportation when possible.