Welcome to the Emerald City!

So you’ve decided to visit the Emerald City, home of the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and radio psychiatrist Dr Frasier Crane, the iconic character from the 90s TV sitcom.

There are lots of reasons why you and millions of other people decide to visit Seattle every single year. It’s a bustling metropolis known for its stunning views, buzzing coffee culture, iconic landmarks, and excellent nightlife.

Seattle welcomes visitors of all kinds, from solo travelers looking to experience what the Pacific Northwest has to offer, to couples who are searching for the perfect backdrop for their romantic getaway and of course, families!

With such an eclectic mix of famous attractions and hidden gems, Seattle is certainly a city that caters to the masses. In this post, we’ll explore how you can make the most of your first trip to the Emerald City with some travel tips and a closer look at some well-known highlights and local secrets of the area.

Getting Around Seattle

You’re visiting a major US city, so you’d be right in assuming that it’s pretty easy to get around and navigate! When it comes to transport in the city, visitors have plenty of options, you could hire a car from the airport and drive around Seattle with ease, or you could try some of the following suggestions:

Try the Light Link Rail Network

• This service covers most of Seattle so you can expect to get to all the major areas with ease.
• It’s very affordable and accessible.
• This service runs frequently making it incredibly convenient for visitors.

Try a Ferry

• Taking a ferry ride across Pudget Sound is a must-try experience in Seattle.
• Take a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island which will offer beautiful views of the city skyline, Mount Rainer, and surrounding waterways too.
• Visitors can enjoy shops, parks, and dining experiences at Bainbridge Island before taking the ferry back.

See the City on Foot

• Seattle is classed as a “walkable” city – particularly downtown areas.
• The best neighborhoods to explore on foot include Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and Capitol Hill.
• There are plenty of parks to enjoy and the city is easy to navigate on foot, with plenty to see and experience along your route.

Iconic Landmarks – What to See on Your First Visit

Seattle is home to world-famous landmarks and attractions. They’re all wonderfully unique, have their own history and you’re sure to find a favourite! Whether you’re hoping for a romantic stroll through Chihuly Gardens and Glass or you want to show your children around the famous Pike Place Market and watch the fishmongers throwing their daily catch to each other, you’re sure to make plenty of memories! Here are our top picks for iconic landmarks in the city:

Pike Place Market

What could be better than a trip to Pike Place Market, home of the very first Starbucks and the famous fishmongers who are notorious for throwing fish across the counter and over the heads of shoppers? Here you’ll find a gorgeous selection of artisanal stalls and shops, selling everything from fresh pastries and sweet treats to gifts, flowers, and seafood. The area has a lively atmosphere that makes it a fun way to spend an afternoon shopping and soaking up the atmosphere.

The Space Needle

No trip to Settle is complete without a visit to the iconic Space Needle. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle was designed to be an insight into the architecture of the future and has been a landmark and iconic symbol of Seattle ever since. Head to the top and you’ll get some pretty impressive 360-degree views of the city, as well as Mount Rainier and surrounding islands. If you’re feeling brave you could always try the Glass Floor attraction there which means standing directly over the city below  – not for the faint-hearted!

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Are you an art lover? Even if the idea of visiting a stuffy art gallery isn’t your vibe, you might still enjoy a visit to Seattle’s Chihuly Garden and Glass. This beautiful place showcases stunning glass sculptures from Dale Chihuly. These breathtaking installations are everywhere, both inside and outdoors, offering a unique fusion of nature and art. If you purchase the Seattle Center Day Pass – you can gain entry to multiple attractions like this one and the Space Needle for one price.

Discovering Local Secrets – Additional Activities You Won’t Want to Miss

Seattle is a bustling metropolis but there are plenty of hidden gems and local secrets to discover on your visit. Here are our top choices:

The Fremont District

If you want to spend some time in a modern, trendy area that is bursting with artistic flair and creatine then the Fremont District will certainly appeal. There are plenty of unique boutiques and galleries, public murals, and little cafes where you can watch the world go by – you could also search for Fremont Troll – a massive sculpture under a bridge that’s a fun and quirky photo opportunity!

Kerry Park

If you want to get away from the crowds and the loud city then take a trip to Queen Anne Hill and enjoy Kerry Park. Renowned for offering some of the best cityscape views in Seattle, you’ll have to make sure you have plenty of battery in your phone for all the gorgeous pictures you’ll inevitably fill your camera roll with.

Theo Chocolate Factory Tour

Do you love chocolate? Or perhaps you want to keep the little ones entertained for a while? If so a trip to the Theo Chocolate Factory is a must. Take a tour of the factory and learn all about their sustainable chocolate production practices, enjoy the interactive experiences and maybe take home a sweet souvenir or two!

Final Thoughts…

It’s easy to see why Seattle is considered a must-visit destination in the US. With its amazing skyline, fun attractions, and secret gems, this won’t be the last time you visit the Emerald City.