TrekAmerica s City Guide to SEATTLE

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "TrekAmerica s City Guide to SEATTLE"

MargaretMargaret Rich
5 years ago
Views:

1 TrekAmerica s City Guide to SEATTLE

SEATTLE OVERVIEW Once a simple fishing town used as a jumping off point to its neighbour state

It s known for its music scene (grunge, jazz and blues) as much as it is for its technological

face to face with a new vibe. Posh, punky, hipster, preppy; it s all here for you to explore.

Seattle is also a city built for the outdoors.

Mount Rainier watching over from a distance, you ll soon see why Seattle s one of our favourite

You re unlikely to miss the 520ft Space Needle, but make sure you ascend to the top for the

ALKI BEACH When the weather is good there s no better place to kick back and relax than Alki

PIKE PLACE MARKET A great place to try local food, buy souvenirs and... dodge flying fish?

THE EMP Located by the Space Needle, the Experience Music Project (EMP) showcases the best of

CATCH A BALL GAME Seattleites are crazy about baseball.

you feel like a kid all over again. Jump aboard and take in the city views. 5.

life was like in mid 19th Century Seattle, before the ground level was raised. 8.

2 SEATTLE OVERVIEW Once a simple fishing town used as a jumping off point to its neighbour state Alaska, Seattle has grown into a glittering city, full of grit and soul. It s known for its music scene (grunge, jazz and blues) as much as it is for its technological advances (Microsoft and Boeing), but it s the city s beautiful setting between Puget Sound and Lake Washington that steals the show. Less a city and more a collection of neighbourhoods, walking just a few blocks will bring you face to face with a new vibe. Posh, punky, hipster, preppy; it s all here for you to explore. Plus the food! Gorgeous fresh seafood and piled-high meats abound, so tuck in! Seattle is also a city built for the outdoors. Beaches, hills and parks are scattered across the 369 square kilometres, and with the 4,392m tall Mount Rainier watching over from a distance, you ll soon see why Seattle s one of our favourite cities in America. DON T MISS! 1. THE SPACE NEEDLE OK, let s be honest here. You re unlikely to miss the 520ft Space Needle, but make sure you ascend to the top for the incredible view and interactive exhibits. 6. ALKI BEACH When the weather is good there s no better place to kick back and relax than Alki Beach in West Seattle. It also has some amazing views back towards the mountains. 2. PIKE PLACE MARKET A great place to try local food, buy souvenirs and... dodge flying fish? Yep, the fish hawkers here do just that: hawk the fish high in the air and catch them! 7. THE EMP Located by the Space Needle, the Experience Music Project (EMP) showcases the best of Seattle s music scene. See artifacts from Hendrix, Nirvana and many more. 3. CATCH A BALL GAME Seattleites are crazy about baseball. If you re in town on game day, head to Safeco Field, home of the Mariners, grab a hot dog and cheer on the home team! 4. SEATTLE GREAT WHEEL The largest ferris wheel on the West Coast, the Seattle Great Wheel will make you feel like a kid all over again. Jump aboard and take in the city views. 5. SEATTLE UNDERGROUND This network of tunnels beneath Pioneer Square gives you a glimpse into what life was like in mid 19th Century Seattle, before the ground level was raised. 8. CHIHULY GARDEN AND GLASS The Chihuly Garden and Glass is home to an incredible arty Glasshouse, filled with colourful glass sculptures. Tip: Go at night for the best possible experience. 9. VISIT THE ORIGINAL STARBUCKS Seattle has 1,118 coffee shops (and counting), including 424 Starbucks. But did you know that the mega coffee chain began right here? See the original store at 1912 Pike Street. 10. OLYMPIC SCULPTURE PARK This outdoor museum, situated by the beach, spans a whopping nine acres and is filled with mind-blowing art. And it s completely free!

the sun, including big band, folk and jazz. The Space Needle Olympic Sculpture Park 2.

Arrive before 9am to have the pick of the bunch. 3. Free art If you re in town on the first Thursday of the month, then you re in luck!

University of Washington See what college life is like in the U.S with a free tour, led by students.

Free flicks After a long, hot day exploring, pack a blanket and some snacks and head to Seattle Center s Movies at the Mural or Bellevue s Summer Outdoor Movies in the Park

3 THINGS TO DO FOR FREE 1. Free concerts At lunchtime on the first and third Thursdays of every month, you can head down to City Hall where local live acts will be playing every genre of music under the sun, including big band, folk and jazz. The Space Needle Olympic Sculpture Park 2. Set sail Every Sunday for the past 25 years, volunteer skipper crews have taken locals and tourists into the waters for free at the Center for Wooden Boats. Arrive before 9am to have the pick of the bunch. 3. Free art If you re in town on the first Thursday of the month, then you re in luck! The Seattle Art Museum opens its doors for free to show off its collection of Native American, African, Asian and indigenous Australian art. 4. University of Washington See what college life is like in the U.S with a free tour, led by students. See the gothic style buildings, the Drumheller Fountain, Husky Stadium (football stadium), and even sit in on a class. 5. Free flicks After a long, hot day exploring, pack a blanket and some snacks and head to Seattle Center s Movies at the Mural or Bellevue s Summer Outdoor Movies in the Park for free outdoor film fun. Belltown Pike Place Market Waterfront Park Best Selfie Spots Queen Anne Hill 1,000 steps to get up there, but these are best skyline views in Seattle. Fremont Troll Yes, there really is a troll under the George Washington Memorial Bridge! Weird. Pike Place Market Sign Because you ll want to remember this (pike) place forever. The EMP The Original Starbucks The Great Wheel Talk like a local Seattle has some pretty crazy weather, which means you can t see the mountains on most days of the year. If you ask a Seattleite to point them out on a grey day, they ll tell you that the mountains are out today!

FOR THE FOODIES Seattle s location right by the sea naturally means that it s packed to bursting with fresh seafood, but the city

Pike Place Chowder Expect a long line at one of Seattle s most famous fast food joints, but it s worth the wait.

Northwest. 2. Serious Pie Pizza lovers rejoice!

hot dogs, crispy pork belly and whiskey cocktails are ah-mazing.

However, if you want to get a little further afield, or if you just want to rest your legs, the King County Metro Transit bus

From the airport, get to the Downtown area by using the Link Light Rail, which with a fare of only $3 is one of the cheapest

Nightlife The greatest thing about Seattle s nightlife is its selection of local bars and pubs, occupied by the friendliest folks.

Blues clubs, British bars, Irish pubs, lounges, dive bars and college bars are just a few of the varieties of drinkeries that

If you re looking for something a little different, then head to Keys on Main, where a pianist will belt out your favourite tunes

For something a little more low-key, pull up a chair in any of the dozens of brewpubs in the Pike Place or Downtown areas.

4 FOR THE FOODIES Seattle s location right by the sea naturally means that it s packed to bursting with fresh seafood, but the city s food scene extends far beyond fish. Here are a few of our favourite places to dine whilst in town. Our favourites: 1. Pike Place Chowder Expect a long line at one of Seattle s most famous fast food joints, but it s worth the wait. Steaming hot seafood chowder served in a bread bowl or seafood sandwiches bulging at the sides are the best in the Pacific Northwest. 2. Serious Pie Pizza lovers rejoice! Serious pizza with serious toppings ensures that you ll be left full all day, and who doesn t love a slice of pizza after a day of exploring? 3. Radiator Whiskey A small place with just a few tables means it s best to make a reservation, but the beef brisket, cream cheese hot dogs, crispy pork belly and whiskey cocktails are ah-mazing. GETTING AROUND Seattle is a small, walkable city and most of the big attractions can be covered on foot. However, if you want to get a little further afield, or if you just want to rest your legs, the King County Metro Transit bus system is cheap and reliable, and will get you almost everywhere you want to go (except the airport). From the airport, get to the Downtown area by using the Link Light Rail, which with a fare of only $3 is one of the cheapest airport runs in the whole country. Nightlife The greatest thing about Seattle s nightlife is its selection of local bars and pubs, occupied by the friendliest folks. You ll soon feel like part of the scene. Blues clubs, British bars, Irish pubs, lounges, dive bars and college bars are just a few of the varieties of drinkeries that Seattle has to offer, and jazz bars can be found all over the city too. If you re looking for something a little different, then head to Keys on Main, where a pianist will belt out your favourite tunes on request (singing along encouraged), or to Unexpected Productions where improv comedy will accompany your drinks. For something a little more low-key, pull up a chair in any of the dozens of brewpubs in the Pike Place or Downtown areas. Don t forget your I.D as entry is strictly over 21s. Watch out for Seattle is a very safe city, but it s always smart to be aware of any potential dangers, especially at night or whilst walking alone in unfamiliar neighbourhoods. Don t flash your cash or your phone at night, and make sure you don t drink so much that you re out of control. Downtown has a lot of homeless folk, but if you re asked for money, a simple no, I m sorry I can t help you is usually enough to allow you to pass untroubled. The iconic Seattle Center Monorail travels between Westlake Center in Downtown and Seattle Center, and the South Lake Union Trolley will take you from Downtown to the South Lake Union area, one of the city s most buzzing, up-and-coming neighbourhoods.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS APRIL TO SEPTEMBER MAY - JUNE Seattle International Film

Hosted in various venues throughout the city, this is the largest film

solstice, expect a lot of bizarreness including naked cyclists buzzing

Seattle s largest food festival, entry is free and you can eat and drink

Parade, Fleet Week, Hydroplane Races and the Boeing Air Show featuring the

Tour Leader Tip To get a great view in Seattle, I always recommend a trip

5 FESTIVALS & EVENTS APRIL TO SEPTEMBER MAY - JUNE Seattle International Film Festival. Hosted in various venues throughout the city, this is the largest film festival in the USA with over 400 films shown over 25 days. JUNE Fremont Fair. Typically held on the 3rd weekend in June to coincide with the summer solstice, expect a lot of bizarreness including naked cyclists buzzing through town. JULY Bite of Seattle. Seattle s largest food festival, entry is free and you can eat and drink your way around the exhibitions for just a few dollars a pop. AUGUST Seafair Week. The final week of Seafair is a big deal around here, with the Torchlight Parade, Fleet Week, Hydroplane Races and the Boeing Air Show featuring the Blue Angels. Tour Leader Tip To get a great view in Seattle, I always recommend a trip to the top of Smith Tower at sunset. After riding in an old-fashioned elevator to the top, travellers are rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountain Range, and Seattle s Space Needle! Contact details website and international Tel no in the footer. i Trek to see Big City Lights Ad for Trek? Find your ultimate adventure and be part of something truly legendary

Superyacht Seattle. Moorage Options

Superyacht Seattle. Moorage Options Superyacht Seattle Moorage Options Terminal91 Terminal 91 2001 W Garfield St Seattle, WA 98199 206.787.3751 seaops@portseattle.org Terminal 91 is a secure facility located on Elliott Bay, at the north