Planning a trip to Seattle? This travel report provides 9 highlights for the metropolis in the northwest of the USA that you shouldn't miss! Art and culture characterise Seattle just as much as grunge, pop and rock. In the middle of it all: the Space Needle - the city's famous landmark - the waterfront, Pike Place Market and lots of greenery. In general, the distances to nature from Seattle are very short ...
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Location
01 - Waterfront
Good views at Seattle's waterfront!
Our Seattle city tour starts at the Waterfront. From Pier 48 to 70 we have great views of the harbour again and again. If you're a seafood lover, you'll find plenty of opportunities to whet your appetite here. We head for Pier 57 with the "Seattle Great Wheel". We are not interested in a ride on the Ferris wheel, but from the pier, in sunny autumn weather, we have a great wide view of Puget Sound, all the way across to Canada. At Pier 59 we pass the famous Seattle Aquarium with its variety of marine animals and plants of the American Northwest.
02 - Letterpress shop
Letterpress - a haptic and visual experience
This shop is perhaps only exciting for graphic designers like us. Or is it? At the aquarium we turn off in the direction of the city centre. Quite by chance we come across the small letterpress shop "Pike St. Press". Letterpress, formerly known as letterpress, is the oldest printing process that makes printed matter tangible in a unique way, both haptically and visually. For us as graphic and design aesthetes, this is a jackpot! We leisurely browse through the shelves full of postcards, books, wedding invitations and also admire the old Heidelberger platen printing press from the 1950s.
03 - Gumwall
Is this art, or can it go? How chewing gum "beautifies" Seattle
The next coincidence leaves us somewhat amazed - and disgusted. In a small alley just off Pike Market Place, millions of pieces of chewing gum are stuck to the old brick walls. For more than 20 years, it has apparently been part of a visit to Seattle to stick one's chewing gum somewhere on the 30-metre-long wall. Whether it's art or not, it makes for a cool and whimsical motif!
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04 - Pike Place Market
When the way to a man's heart is through his stomach - Seattle's marketplace.
Pike Place Market may be a little touristy, but it's also delicious. In the long market halls between Union St. and Lenora St. we find lots of fish stalls, fruit and vegetables in splendid colours, oils and spices, honey and jam, flowers, jewellery and clothes. Street musicians sit among the strolling people and sweeten the atmosphere for you. And the world's very first Starbucks is just a stone's throw away. The smells everywhere are so good that our mouths water - and we can't decide which stand we want to nibble on next.
05 - Space Needle
Space Needle is the landmark of Seattle!
With our stomachs full, we stroll through the city centre and head for Seattle's landmark: the Space Needle. The 184-metre-high tower was erected in the course of the 1962 World's Fair, and its futuristic architecture is still far ahead of its time today. We would love to risk a view over the city and the Sound from the observation deck.
Right next to the Space Needle is the famous museum of glass artist Dale Chihuly: in the "Chihuly Garden and Glasses" he presents his unique art made of glass, in the form of glass plants and sculptures, in all imaginable colours and shapes.
A completely different museum is also located right next to the Space Needle: the Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPop for short. The extravagantly designed building bears the signature of star architect Frank Gehry - the resemblance to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles is obvious at first glance. Inside, an immense collection of around 100,000 music-related items awaits visitors, including songs, guitars, letters, videos, games and films. In between, there are always special exhibitions (like the current Nirvana and Pearl Jam).
We are particularly interested in MoPop, but honestly ... when we look at the prices, we quickly lose our anticipation. Per person you have to pay
$37 = Space Needle
old. $49 = Space Needle + Chihuly Garden & Glass
old. $78 = the complete Pacific Science Center & Seattle Center Monorail Ticket
$28 = MoPop (museum only) or $34 including extra exhibit.
This would mean we would spend $220 dollars for both of us in entrance fees in one fell swoop. We decline with thanks, because that is clearly too expensive for us. Too bad!
Futuristic architecture of MoPop by star architect Frank Gehry
"Art and culture shape Seattle just as much as grunge, pop and rock. Right in the middle: the Space Needle."
Seattle, Washington - 47°37'13.6 "N 122°20'57.5 "W"
06 - Kerry Park
Fantastic view of the Seattle skyline
A great view of the Seattle skyline is not only offered by the Space Needle, but also by Kerry Park on the southern slope of Queen Anne Hill. From the Seattle Center we reach the park in a good 20-minute walk, and we accept the fact that it is a very steep uphill walk. In return, the path leads through a very nice residential area, and the view of the city from the park doesn't cost us a dollar, just a few calories.
From Kerry Park you have a clear view of the Seattle skyline - including the Space Needle.
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07 - Bruce Lee
Interesting for fans of martial arts: The grave of Bruce Lee
North of Volunteer Park is Lake View Cemetery. For fans of Asian martial arts and its most famous son, this is an interesting address: In the middle of the cemetery is the grave of world-famous martial arts star Bruce Lee and his son Brandon. Having already visited Lee's birthplace in Hong Kong, his final resting place is also something special for us.
08 - Capitol Hill
Walk through Capitol Hill
The Capitol Hill neighbourhood is probably the most beautiful residential area in all of Seattle. The beautiful houses with their staircases or front porches remind us strongly of New York City. A short walk through the neighbourhood is worthwhile, as you can always catch a glimpse of the front gardens and through the windows of the houses.
South of Capitol Hill is the famous Broadway East. A casual, alternative and hip area characterised by murals, trendy bars and restaurants as well as numerous shopping opportunities.
09 - Excursion tips
Seattle excursion tip: Off into the countryside to Olympic Peninsula & Mt. Rainier
Seattle is a very green city - not only with a lot of nature, but also with a strong focus on sustainability by American standards. For those who find the city too much, the way to the green is not far from Seattle! Both a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park and a trip to the Olympic Peninsula with the Olympic National Park are very worthwhile, because they are both a unique nature experience! Especially in the Oylmpic we learn a lot about the history of different Indians, discover the greenest rainforest, hike on mountains with breathtaking views and relax on pristine beaches like La Push. You can find all the details in our Washington State travelogue.
We would like to highlight also that there is a variety of fancy hotels in Seattle that cater to discerning travelers looking for an exceptional stay. These luxurious establishments combine opulent accommodations, exquisite dining experiences, and personalized service to create an unforgettable visit. You will definitely not be dissapointed!
Mt. Rainier National Park is a great day trip from Seattle.
Get close to the rainforest on a hike through the Hoh Rain Forest on the Olympic Peninsula.
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