Seattle Guide

The fresh waters of Lake Washington meet the brine of Puget Sound within Seattle’s limits, a fact of nature that could perhaps symbolize the city's clash of characters. On one hand, there’s the influx of young professionals who have driven the city’s economic growth behind Fortune 500 companies such as Amazon.com, Microsoft, and ubiquitous coffee chain Starbucks. On the other, there’s the freewheeling, occasionally caustic spirits who have made the Emerald City some of the world’s most fertile ground for rock and indie music, both of which feature prominently at the Frank Gehry-designed Experience Music Project. Dedicated to exploring the history of pop and alternative music in Seattle, the EMP Museum shares the Seattle Center campus with the city’s most iconic building: the Space Needle. A remnant from the 1962 Century 21 Exposition that put Seattle on the map as a world-class city, the pointed structure rises 520 feet above sea level and has been featured prominently in everything from films and TV shows to the logo of beloved local soccer team Sounders FC. Century 21 also brought with it the Monorail, the nation’s first full-scale commercial system of its kind. The elevated rails connect the Seattle Center to the Westlake Center and serve as downtown’s main artery. Passengers who disembark at the Westlake Center mall will find themselves a mere three blocks from the famed Pike Place Market, which looks out onto the glassy waters of the Puget Sound. Along the cobbled street of the market's Pike Place Fish, fishmongers sell live manila clams, whole Dungeness crabs, and filets of wild salmon. Also in Pike Place is the very first Starbucks Coffee store, which opened its doors in the 1970s and has been successful (to put it mildly) ever since. Coffee is an intrinsic part of Seattle’s culture, and locals’ affinity for the caffeinated beverage extends far beyond the major chains. A profusion of micro-roasters has emerged in recent years, with connoisseurs such as David Schomer and Geneva Sullivan of Espresso Vivace leading the search for the world’s highest quality Arabica beans.

What others are saying

Robin
14, Sep
3 to 5 hour Orca Only Tour with Guaranteed Orcas Valid May 01, 2025 to September 30, 2025
We had a great time on this excursion. Becca, Tiffany, Sam and Captain Drew were great! I especially loved the music they played on the boat and the kind attention Captain Drew gave to his special guest that joined him at the helm! Great experience!
Whale or Orcas Watching Tours in San Juan Islands
Dejim
7, Jul
Chicago CityPASS®
The return on the purchase was better than I expected! I loved the extras like the expedited access at Skydeck. I would recommend this to anyone that is visiting Chicago and has a flexible schedule.
CityPASS- Save up to 49% on Admission to Top Seattle Attractions
Erika
15, Aug
Mobile Gold Detail for a Truck, Van, or SUV
Good communication, polite and pleasant and they did a great job on our vehicle.
Up to 32% Off on Exterior & Interior Car Detail at Nik's Auto
molly
13, Sep
Getaway Spa Package with 50-Minute Couples Massage with 50-Minute Spa Time in The Tent Suite
I highly recommend!! Fabulous service all the way around!!
Surprise Your Special Someone with a Romantic Couples Massage Package at The Little Red Day Spa (Up to 40% Off)
Brianne
12, Sep
90 Minute Full Body Massage + Hot Stones
Quality straightforward service! Definitely will be back.
Experience 60- or 90-Minute Full Body Massage with Hot Stones
rdv
14, Sep
3 Day Parking
Great service
Up to 31% Off on Airport Parking at Masterpark Lot G

Neighborhoods

Popular Searches

Categories

Searches Nearby