Nestled between snow-capped mountains and the waters of the Puget Sound, Seattle offers a rich tapestry of culture, innovation and natural beauty. From iconic landmarks to quirky attractions, check out eight experiences which showcase the heart and soul of the Emerald City.
1. Soar Above the Skyline at the Space Needle
Attracting visitors from far and wide, the Space Needle is arguably one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. Take in 360-degree panoramic views of the Seattle skyline as well as Mount Rainier on a clear day. For a unique thrill, step onto the Loupe, the world’s only revolving glass floor and marvel at the city below.
2. Savour the Flavours of Pike Place Market
Discover the charm of Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the United States. Spanning nine historic acres in the centre of downtown Seattle, the market is filled with fresh produce, artisan crafts, and local delicacies. Don’t forget to visit the original Starbucks, the birthplace of the coffee culture revolution in 1971.
3. Pay homage to the birthplace of Grunge
Explore Seattle’s rich musical history at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). With permanent exhibitions on display dedicated to the likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Jimi Hendrix, the museum also offers visitors the opportunity to create their own sound in the interactive lab. Stay at The Edgewater Hotel, which has hosted rock legends like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, for a touch of rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia.
4. Contribute to the colourful Gum Wall
Just a few metres away from Pike Place Market, the famous gum wall is a vibrant mosaic of chewing gum which has become a surprising city landmark. Look at (but don’t touch…) the colourful gum collection from locals and tourists travelling from far and wide, each with a story to tell.
5. Get spooked by the Fremont Troll
Visit the whimsical Fremont Troll sculpture inspired by the Norwegian folk tale “Billy Goats Gruff”. Standing at 18 feet tall and crushing a Volkswagen Beetle with its hand, it’s a must see piece of Seattle’s quirky art scene hidden beneath the Aurora Bridge in the eclectic Fremont neighbourhood. Created in 1990 by sculptor Steve Badanes and his team, the Troll was part of a community effort to transform a neglected area into a creative landmark.
6. Discover Seattle’s underground city
The Seattle Underground is a series of subterranean passageways and basements situated in the Pioneer Square neighbourhood of Seattle, Washington. Originally at ground level when the city was established in the mid-19th century, these underground spaces fell into disuse following the elevation of the streets. Now visitors can enjoy guided tours to explore the fascinating history of the streets.
7. Immerse Yourself in a City of Literature
Seattle’s literary culture shines as a UNESCO City of Literature. Boasting numerous bookstores such as Elliott Bay Book Company and an impressive public library system, including the architecturally renowned Seattle Central Library, Seattle is perfect for the avid book lover.
8. Spot the Famous Floating Home from Sleepless in Seattle
Located on the picturesque Lake Union, spot the houseboat from the romantic 90s classic movie Sleepless in Seattle starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Built in 1978, the quirky home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. For travellers who want to admire the building from the outside, there are numerous operators which offer Lake Union sightseeing cruises.
Stella Ryne is an art historian, traveller, conscious consumer and a proud mother. When she is not trying to improve the things around her (and herself, for that matter), she likes to lose herself in a good book. She’s deeply into green practices, cherishing the notion that sustainable living and sustainable travel will not only make us far less dependent on others regarding the dwellings we inhabit and what we eat, but also contribute to our planet being a better place to live on.
