Guide of cool things to do in Seattle

If Seattle were a type of person, it would be smart, different, intriguing and fun. It’s a thinking person’s city, with quality shopping options, off the wall museums and great restaurants. In fact, there’s so much to be crammed into a two or three day trip to this North Western jewel; it should be on any American holiday itinerary.

Visit Seattle’s Past on the Underground Tour

The founding of Seattle is both entertaining and scandalous, which makes the Seattle Underground tour so engrossing. Built at low tide by a naïve timber philanthropist, an endless series of bumbling mishaps eventually saw Seattle burned down and then rebuilt – on two levels. This tour will take visitors on a leisurely walk below the sidewalks of Seattle’s past, to see the bars, shops and burlesque houses of old. The tour runs multiple times daily and is $15.00 for adults.

Enjoy Unique Shopping at Pike Place Market

The Market is the heart of Seattle’s commercial district and offers a departure from the usual big name brands. One of America’s oldest farmers’ markets, it offers numerous traditional food and clothing stalls, along with a variety of other interesting shops on the lower levels. Out the back is the impulsively created ‘chewing gum wall’, a testament to the originality of Seattle residents.

Enjoy a Brew at the Original Starbucks Coffee House

Across from the Pike Place Market is the first ever Starbucks Coffee shop. With the original ‘old fashioned’ sign still up front, the shop, which has since spawned an world-dominant brand, it’s well worth a visit.

Give Above it all on the Monorail

Glide high above Seattle’s streets on the Monorail: costs $2.00 one way and, while not a roller coaster, is a novel ride for the whole family. The Monorail journey takes you from the Westlake Centre in central Seattle, to ‘Seattle Centre’, the site of the following three attractions.

Get a Rock Education at ‘Experience Music Project’

Seattle is a city that plays on its own strengths. As the originator of grunge and the home town of Nirvana, Soundgarden and 60’s rocker Jimi Hendrix, the Experience Music Project is an excellent hands-on museum of Seattle music and music in general. In fact, ‘museum’ is almost too stuffy a term – the ‘Experience’ is literal; from playing real instruments to an interactive mixing display of Hendrix’s best hits to a cool guitar museum. Plus the bizarre exterior of this museum must be seen to be believed: it was designed to look like a smashed guitar! Tickets are $15.00, which also gives entrance to the adjacent-

See the Future at the Science Fiction Hall of Fame

Again proving museums don’t need to be boring, the Science Fiction Hall of Fame will please almost any Sci Fi fan. Amazing full colour displays, interactive audio commentary and an immensely comprehensive insight into all forms of the genre – films, TV, literature and comics. It’s a museum to entertain as much as it does educate.

Seattle’s best Views from the Space Needle

Possibly the most recognisable attraction in Seattle, this impressive tower reaches 520 metres and offers awesome views of the city. There’s a revolving restaurant on top, or for those who just want the view, its $16.00 for adults.

See Free Art at the Olympic Sculpture Park

For those who like all things art (and all things free), Seattle’s newest attraction is this original public sculpture park. Beautifully maintained and only 10 minutes walk from Seattle Centre; the park’s sculptures are clever, ambitious and controversial. In other words, they’re art! Much like Seattle itself.