The best things to do in Seattle
Pike Place Market
Seattle is home to one of the country’s oldest farmers’ markets – Pike Place. It’s situated on the Elliott Bay Waterfront, where you can breathe in the aromas of in-season fruits, vegetables and baked goods – ready to sample when you visit. There’s also a crafts market, selling everything from handmade goods to vinyl records, books and comics.
Space Needle
Perhaps Seattle’s most iconic landmark, the Space Needle offers unforgettable 360° views for those brave enough to ascend to its observation deck. Take the elevator up to admire the surrounding Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges, as well as the bustling city below. There’s also The Loupe – the world’s first rotating glass floor – presenting a view directly down from 520ft high.
Seattle Center
Right by the Space Needle is the Seattle Center, the city’s cultural hub. This gigantic campus packs-in public event spaces, museums and immaculate gardens. Here, you’ll find the International Fountain, which has several water displays set to music throughout the day. There’s also the Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Seattle Center Monorail terminus.
The Museum of Flight
Nine miles south of Downtown (98108), the Museum of Flight is the biggest private air and space museum on the planet. It features more than 175 air and spacecraft you can get up-close to, including a Boeing 747, Concorde 214 and the Caproni Ca.20 – the world’s first WWI fighter plane. There are also regular educational events, for an insight into the history of air and space travel.
The best Seattle restaurants
Canlis
Drive to Aurora Avenue (98109) and discover fine dining, Seattle style. Experience a four-course meal, with delectable dishes including a caramelized mussel starter, grilled carrots side, dry-aged ribeye and a decadent Japanese sweet potato dessert.
The Pink Door
With classic Italian American lunch and dinner dishes on its stacked menu, the Pink Door sources most of its ingredients from nearby Bainbridge Island. It’s close by Pike Place Market, and its Lamb “Osso Buco” grilled polenta is not to be missed.
Where to stay in Seattle
Inn at the Market
Over 70 comfortable rooms and suites, waterside views and a short walk from the original Starbucks – what’s not to love about the Inn at the Market hotel? Close to the Seattle Waterfront, it’s perfect for a relaxing stroll any time of day.
Four Seasons Hotel
Revel in five-star luxury near the Seattle Museum of Art, at the Four Seasons Seattle. Enjoy modern, understated suites and relax with a dip in the Infinity Pool & Bar. It’s the only heated rooftop pool in the city and boasts stunning sunset views of nearby Elliott Bay.
Best museums in Seattle
Museum of Pop Culture
From Nirvana to Minecraft, the Museum of Pop Culture is a window to the world we live in. It’s home to several revolving and permanent exhibits. Step inside the unique curved, purple and silver building, which the Seattle Monorail runs through, and explore exhibitions on grunge music, movies, gaming and subcultures.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Discover the works of acclaimed glass sculptor Dale Chihuly, one of Washington state’s favorite sons, in the museum dedicated to his works. Perhaps the most striking part is the Glasshouse – a greenhouse full of blown glass flowers – presenting a striking collage of reds, oranges and yellows.