Tips on What To Do in Seattle

You'll get a better feel for the city if you spend some time touring Seattle's diverse neighborhoods, particularly Fremont, Ballard, the downtown area and Capitol Hill. Among the many must-visit sites in the city is Pike Place Market on the Elliott Bay waterfront, recognized as one of the oldest farmers' markets in the United States.

Despite persistently poor weather, Seattleites love the great outdoors, and there are many outdoor options around Puget Sound, and especially at Olympic National Park. You can ski, camp and hike. Residents and travelers also frequent Mount Si, just outside the city, for hiking, while Discovery Park offers a natural escape within the city limits.

• It's raining again, but you don't mind. This is your cue to duck inside for another latte. Maybe you'll chase it with a local beer, then tackle the Space Needle before rocking the Crocodile Café." -- Lonely Planet
• Okay, so the waterfront is as touristy as San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, but what a view! Seattle is a city of views, and for many visitors, the must-see vista is the panorama from the top of the Space Needle." -- Frommer's
• Seattle's waterfront was once known as Skid Road, but the historic district has burst to life with gorgeously restored buildings, cute boutiques and inviting cafes." -- New York Times

Pike Place Market

Seattle's most famous market rents space to hundreds of crafts workers and farmers daily, and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Seattle. In addition to offering great shopping opportunities for foodies, Pike Place Market is an ideal spot for viewing the Seattle waterfront.  

• Between stops on this rigorous itinerary, you can people-watch, listen to street musicians, and shop for everything from fresh salmon to tropical fruits, to magic tricks, to art glass." -- Frommer's

Music

Seattle has one of the liveliest music scenes in the United States, and also one of the most unique music museums: The Frank Gehry-designed Experience Music Project, which chronicles the history of various genres of music and song.

• Seattle may be best known for grunge music, but the Experience Music Project is a museum dedicated to preserving the history of all types of song." -- Smarter Travel

Museums

Seattle's arts offerings include the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) and the Olympic Sculpture Park, which includes various sculptural works from local sculptors and internationally renowned artists. But to get the best overview of the artwork in the city, you should participate in an art walk, held on the first Thursday of the month in Pioneer Square.

• You can reach most points of interest by foot, bus, or trolley, or the monorail that runs between the Seattle Center and the Westlake Center." -- Fodor's

Nightlife

Seattle has a laidback but still active nightlife, with emphasis on small cafés and music venues, performing arts and art exhibitions. Check out the Alibi Room, located near the waterfront on Pike Street, for art, music and food. The upscale bars and clubs in the downtown area are also worth your time. The University District is the place to go for college-style dive bars, while Capitol Hill hosts a handful of gay bars and clubs.

• The perfect place to hide from the perfect crime, the Alibi provides entertainment as well as a hideout, with regular DJ nights, art installations, standup performances and experimental film screenings. Good eats, too." -- Lonely Planet

Sports & Leisure

Nearby Mount Si provides ample opportunities to escape the city for hiking, while Mount Rainier makes a great winter sport venue. If you're not looking to leave the city, head to Discovery Park, a sprawling forested area perfect for a taste of nature.

• Alki Beach, across Elliott Bay from downtown Seattle, is the city's most popular beach and is the nearest approximation you'll find in the Northwest to a Southern California beach scene." -- Frommer's