Seattle

Perched between Mount Rainier and Puget Sound, Seattle enjoys one of the most dramatic settings of any city in the United States. It’s best appreciated from a viewpoint like Queen Anne Hill, with the famous Space Needle in full view, but you can also visit the top of Washington state’s most iconic tower for a 360-degree view of a city blessed by nature. The gateway to beautiful Washington state, Seattle’s urban energy has plenty to reward those who get outside, but it has just as much to keep you occupied on those infamous rainy days.

The centre of life in Seattle is Pike Place Market. Arrive early to watch seafood traders barking and bartering over the morning’s fresh catch, then browse your way through this warren of stores selling art pieces, clothing, knick-knacks, oddities, sweet treats, and souvenirs for every taste. Across the street, join the queue for a latte at the very first Starbucks, then switch to independent cafes for the rest of your trip to experience Seattle coffee culture at its fullest.

Ingrained in Seattle’s history and identity is the underground city. Condemned in 1907, this labyrinthian remnant of Seattle’s past preserves another world between the pavement of pretty Pioneer Square. Tours invite you to discover another Seattle, with stories that have shaped the city that towers above the underground today. Just as important are the stories of Seattle’s many innovations. Overlooking Lake Union, the Museum of History and Industry offers the ultimate Seattle collection, while the Museum of Flight, located just south of Kings Country Airport, tells the story of air travel in Boeing’s home city.

Nothing screams ‘Seattle’ more than the Space Needle. The beloved tower rises from Seattle Centre, a nexus of the city’s coolest attractions. Explore the eye-popping world of Dale Chihuly’s creations at Chihuly Garden and Glass. Hop through rock and roll history in the home of grunge at the Museum of Pop Culture, before beaming into another world at the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. The parks that surround the precinct also show off some of Seattle’s best public art, though you’ll need to trek north across the Fremont Cut to get your photo with the famous Fremont Troll.