The Space Needle is one of the landmarks of Seattle, built for the World’s Fair in 1962 and still lookin futuristic to this day. Enjoy the 360 degrees views of the Emerald city of Seattle from the Observation desk at 184 metres, step into the Loupe – the world’s first and only rotating glass floor, take the virtual reality bungee jump, experience the illusion of floating though the open air at the Skyrisers – the tilting glass walls or enjoy a meal at the rotating restaurant at 152 metres.
Visit the nearby Museum of Pop Culture (the EMP Museum) to see the largest collections of Seattle born musicians Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix’s artefacts. The building’s unique design resembles a smashed guitar and was created my Frank O. Gehry. The museum is dedicated to the ideas that fuelled and fuel modern day pop culture with a focus on the rock ’n’ roll music. It attracts more than 750 thousand visitors per year with its interactive Sound Lab, the largest LED screen in the world at the concert venue, the opportunity to play in your own virtual rock band and a collection of over 140 thousand historic music objects from the Northwest.
For an insight into the community and culture of Seattle, head over to the Pike Place Market – the longest continuously running Farmers’ market in the United States, established in 1907. Shop some local organic produce, check out the artisan shops and eateries and take home some local arts and crafts. You can do so much more at this nine-acre historic district, rather than just shop – see the world’s largest collection of giant shoes at Giant Shoe Museum, take a food tour, eat chocolate covered cherries at Chukar Cherries, meet the market vendors at the North Arcade, learn a magic trick at the Market Magic Shop, or try the best ginger beer in town at Rachel’s Ginger Beer.
There are a few more unique and fascinating museums to see – the Seattle Pinball Museum where you can play vintage games that you may actually win (!), see the Pacific Science Museum, the Seattle Art Museum and the Olympic Sculpture Park, the Museum of Flight and the Future of Flight Aviation Centre and the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI).The people of Seattle are especially proud with the Chihuly Garden & Glass garden-gallery. Celebrating the work of Washington born glass artist Dale Chihuly, the garden is the best place to hang out at a rainy day with its colourful and whimsical display of glass art.
The Central Public Library is also worth seeing, as is the city’s Chinatown – International District. Seattle is the home of the now international Starbucks chain and here you can experience the coffee production at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting room.
If you would like to experience more of the lovely outdoors in and around Seattle - take a Washington State Ferry to Bainbridge Island in only 35 minutes, breath the fresh air at Kerry Park, go to South Lake Union, hire a kayak from Alki Beach in West Seattle or try some of the local wine at Woodinville Wine Country.