From the moment I arrived in Seattle, I was struck by its relaxed yet dynamic energy, an inviting mix of creativity and calm. The city still carries echoes of the grunge era, when local legends like Nirvana and Pearl Jam redefined rock music, yet it effortlessly embraces a modern, forward-thinking culture.
This spirit of ingenuity extends beyond its musical roots. As the hometown of Bill Gates and the launchpad for global giants like Amazon and Boeing, Seattle has long been at the forefront of shaping industries and inspiring progress.
Seattle offers a lifestyle that feels refreshingly different from any other US city. The renowned coffee culture invites visitors to linger in cosy cafés, while the food scene delights with everything from artisan bites to the local speciality, seafood chowder. Planning ahead, purchasing a Seattle CityPASS is a smart choice as it offers considerable savings on entrance to the city’s top attractions. Here are some highlights that I highly recommend…
Pike Place Market
One of Seattle’s most beloved landmarks, Pike Place Market has been delighting both locals and tourists since 1907 and is one of the oldest public markets in the US. A maze of shops and stalls spread across multiple levels, it can feel overwhelming at first, making a guided tour a great choice.
I joined a tour with Eat Seattle, led by the highly knowledgeable Silas, who guided us through the bustling upper street level, home to fishmongers, fresh produce and artisan foods, while sharing fascinating stories about the market’s rich history. Along the way, we sampled local delights like Hellenika’s tasty cultured Greek yoghurt gelato and Totem Smokehouse’s smoked salmon jerky.
We also stopped by the Truffle Queen, known for gourmet delights made from this exquisite delicacy, and the Atrium Kitchen, a hub for cooking classes and events. Special recognition goes to their Nourished Neighbourhood programme, which has served over 112,000 free meals to seniors and the homeless since 2017.
Better equipped to navigate the market after my tour, I continued to explore more and discovered a true gem: Golden Age Collectables. Founded in 1961, this treasure trove is the world’s oldest comic shop, offering vintage comics, collectables, figurines and posters.
The Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
Just one block from Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum offers an exceptional array of art spanning centuries and cultures. Its modern and inviting space features an impressive collection, including European masterpieces, contemporary works and thought-provoking installations.
Among the highlights is a room dedicated to Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn, showcasing a selection of his intricate etchings. Another standout is a portrait of Léon Delafosse by John Singer Sargent, one of the most celebrated portrait artists of the late 19th century. His depiction of Delafosse, a French pianist and composer that Sargent greatly admired, is particularly captivating. A talented pianist himself, Sargent kept a Bechstein piano near his easel and often played for his sitters.
Capitol Hill
I met with Sam Castillo of Visit Seattle to explore the vibrant Capitol Hill area. Known for its eclectic charm and creative energy, this area is a haven for artists, musicians and food lovers.
On the sidewalk, we came across a life-size statue honouring a larger-than-life local hero, legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Nearby, music fans can also check out Linda’s Tavern, famously the last place where another Seattle icon, Kurt Cobain, was seen before his untimely passing.
For lunch, we headed to Oddfellows Café & Bar, a Capitol Hill staple serving delicious food in a rustic-chic setting. Right next door is the Elliott Bay Book Company, a sprawling bookshop that feels more like a library, with tall wooden shelves brimming with books of every genre imaginable. We ended our tour on a sweet note at Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Seattle Center
This must-see area is home to the Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, a trio of attractions that highlight Seattle’s creativity and innovation. Conveniently, the downtown station for the city’s famed Monorail was right across from my hotel. Covering just about a mile in under two minutes, the Monorail offers a quick, scenic connection between downtown and Seattle Center. Its sleek, retro design embodies the futuristic optimism of the 1960s, when it was built as a showpiece for the Seattle World’s Fair, an event that attracted nearly ten million visitors to the city.
The Space Needle, also built for the 1962 World’s Fair, stands at 184 metres tall and is Seattle’s most recognisable landmark. Patrons can take a high-speed elevator to the saucer-shaped top, where panoramic views of the city skyline await. The rotating glass floor offers a unique and exhilarating perspective, making sightseers feel like they are floating above the city.
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is an architectural marvel – the building is a work of art in its own right. Inside, the museum celebrates the cultural phenomena that have shaped modern Seattle and beyond. One of its standout features is an impressive guitar sculpture, a towering two-storey installation made of more than 500 guitars and other instruments. I was especially captivated by the Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix collections, which beautifully celebrate Seattle’s musical legends. Another standout was the interactive Sound Lab, where I couldn’t resist jamming and experimenting with various instruments.
MoPOP isn’t just about music, there are also Science Fiction and Horror galleries. I was also fortunate to get to see a temporary exhibition, Keith Haring: A Radiant Legacy. This comprehensive showcase traced Haring’s meteoric rise from a subway graffiti master to internationally acclaimed artist.
To conclude my trip to Seattle Center, I went to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, a dazzling tribute to the artistry of Dale Chihuly. The vibrant glass sculptures, ranging from intricate seaforms to monumental installations, are beautifully integrated into indoor galleries and an outdoor garden. The blend of art and nature creates a mesmerising, almost otherworldly experience.
Harbour Cruise
To wrap up my visit, I took a harbour cruise around Elliott Bay with Argosy Cruises, and it proved to be the perfect way to relax while taking in the city’s beauty. From the deck, I enjoyed panoramic views of Seattle’s skyline, including the towering Space Needle, the bustling port and sweeping vistas of the Olympic Mountains and the majestic Mount Rainier.
Our guide added to the experience with engaging stories about the city’s history, maritime culture and notable landmarks. It was a wonderful way to reflect on my memorable trip and take in the essence of Seattle one last time.
- ‘Seattle Stories: Uncovering the treasures of the Emerald City’ is published in Anthology Volume 23. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
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