Seattle evening skyline. Photo by oakie on Unsplash.

Better known for being the home of many tech giants of the world, Seattle is an oft-overlooked destination city for travelers looking for something different to do. However, the unique charms of the city’s twenty-some neighborhoods keep those in the know coming back for more. From Old Ballard’s year-round bustling Sunday farmer’s market, Fremont’s quirks and oddities, to Downtown’s iconic landmarks, there is so much to do in this ever-evolving city. Located in the Northwestern state of Washington, it is served by the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport making it easily accessible from every corner of the world.

Make the most out of Pike Place Market

One cannot visit Seattle without going to Pike Place Market. Aside from its postcard-perfect Public Market Center sign, it is also the location of the first Starbucks (the humble shop at 1912 Pike Place), Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, the insanely addictive Pike Place Chowder, and the Pike Place Fish Market where fishmongers famously toss fish to each other. Visitors appreciate the friendliness of the locals, as they will use whatever means to make sure you come back.

Leave your mark on the Gum Wall

Don’t miss the Gum Wall under Pike Place Market where spent chewing gum is stuck on the brick walls in a tradition that started back in 1993. The narrow and admittedly smelly alley was deemed a touristic attraction in 1999 and is nowadays used as a popular backdrop for wedding pictures. It was even once used in a movie scene in Love Happens starring Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart.

The Gum Wall. Photo by Brian Trinh.

Discover Seattle's many historic piers

A short walk from Pike Place Market will lead to the Waterfront, recently rejuvenated by the removal of a double-decker highway that became an unwelcomed eyesore for decades. Notable attractions include the Seattle Aquarium, the Seattle Great Wheel offering panoramic views of the city, and the spectacular Wings Over Washington flying ride experience. Also, check out the classic carousel located inside the arcade at Miner’s Landing at Pier 57. Heading over to Pier 54, Ivar’s Fish Bar serves up Seattle’s favorite fish-and-chips. While you’re there, stop by Ye Olde Curiosity Shop for morbid curiosities and a plentiful variety of gifts and gags. Construction at the Seattle Waterfront is ongoing until 2024 to complete a revitalization project that will surely improve Seattle’s appeal to locals as much as to tourists.

Yikes! There's more to do?

There is plenty more to do in Seattle, as Pike Place Market and the Waterfront are only two of their most famous spots. For example, take a monorail ride to the Seattle Center complex to go up the Space Needle, then spend the afternoon at the Museum of Pop-Culture or the Chihuly Garden and Glass to admire Dale Chihuly’s famous glass sculptures. Alternatively, have a coffee at Elm Coffee Roasters in Pioneer Square before taking Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour to learn about the city’s colorful history as told by quirky entertaining guides. Seattle kept us busy for more than just a long weekend. It’s a city begging to be explored. We enjoyed it. We’re sure you will enjoy it too.

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Categories: Gastronomy