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Located on Puget Sound, Seattle is surrounded by the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. It has a reputation for being wet and rainy, but as a result Seattle is extremely lush and green, hence its nickname "the Emerald City."
Founded in 1869, Seattle was the last US departure point for those chasing the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, Seattle has a booming economy thanks to international trade and tech firms such as Microsoft and Amazon. It's also a major port city for Trans-Pacific and European trade. Seattle offers recreational opportunities year round, but although its residents are thought of as being rather "outdoorsy," Seattle isn't just for backpackers. It's a major cultural center with first-class restaurants, museums and shopping. Considered the birthplace of grunge music, Seattle is also the coffee capital of America. Even though Starbucks was born at Pike Place Market, most local "Seattleites" avoid the giant chains in favor of independent cafes. So grab a cup of Joe--or a microbrew if you desire--and enjoy Seattle's easygoing lifestyle. If you can deal with the weather (remember to pack a raincoat), you'll quickly discover why Seattle is consistently voted as one of America's most livable cities.
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Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is the nation's oldest continually working farmer's market. Founded in 1907, it was created to cut out the middle man, allowing shoppers to buy directly from farmers. In the 1960s, it was in danger of being closed, but a grass roots movement managed to save it by having the nine acre, open-air market declared a National Historic District. While visiting the popular Seattle tourist destination, which sits underneath its large neon clock and glowing "Public Market" sign, save some change to feed the market's giant bronze piggy bank, Rachel, which has raised over $100,000 since 1986. And watch out for flying fish at Pike Place Fish Market, where the employees toss salmon while goofing around with the customers. In addition to fresh fish and produce, over 150 local vendors can be found selling food, handmade crafts, jewelry and more.
The Space Needle
An internationally known symbol of Seattle, the Space Needle is also a landmark for the entire Pacific Northwest. The space-age looking tower was built to be the focus of the 1962 World's Fair, whose theme was Century 21. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. In 2000, the tower underwent a $20 million renovation. Today, it takes 41 seconds to reach the top of the Space Needle, which features an observation deck and a revolving restaurant. Tourists are treated to breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier and Elliott Bay. Just make sure to visit the Space Needle on a clear day.
Experience Music Project
Named after Seattle native Jimi Hendrix's band, EMP allows visitors to explore American popular music through hands-on exhibits, rare artifacts and memorabilia. Guests are invited to take part in exhibits where they can learn a guitar lick, mix a platinum record, or take to a stage and perform with their "bandmates" in front of a virtual audience. For those interested in architecture, the museum is a must-see. Designed by Frank Gehry, it is said to symbolize the energy and fluidity of music.
Pioneer Square
Don't leave Seattle without checking out its oldest neighborhood: Pioneer Square. Today, the 20 block historic district boasts over 30 fine art galleries and 200 unique shops, as well as many restaurants and nightspots. Go on the popular Underground Tour, which takes visitors underneath the streets of Seattle through the eerie subterranean passages that were once the main roadways and first floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle before the Great Fire of 1889.
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