World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Seattle  - Sightseeing
Sightseeing

Seattle was founded in 1869 and did not really blossom until the Alaska Gold Rush of the late nineteenth century, when the city glittered with racy Wild West 'underground' prostitution and illegal drinking dens. As a result, its historic attractions, outside that of Native American culture, are little more than a century old, focused around Pioneer Square and Yesler Way, near the city's Waterfront. The International District/Chinatown is similar to London's Soho and filled with medicinal herb shops and wonderful Asian restaurants and shops. The Waterfront area is full of unique maritime attractions and is a good place to enjoy the views and fresh air of Puget Sound from Waterfront Park or to board a Washington State Ferry to local islands.

Pike Place Market, at First Avenue and Pike Street, is a now-renowned fish and vegetable market, which also contains open crafts bazaars, as well many trendy bars and restaurants. Continuing north from First Avenue is the Denny Regrade area or Belltown, the inner city's most rapidly gentrifying neighbourhood and entertainment quarter, full of art galleries and jazz clubs. At various points, visitors can board the famous monorail to the Seattle Center, home of the Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center, the Seattle Repertory Theater, Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Opera House.

Other neighbourhoods of interest include Ballard in north Seattle, once a Norwegian shipping village and now full of artists' studios, galleries and a number of live music venues and restaurants, and the Hiram M Chittenden Locks. Youngsters throng to Fremont, Capitol Hill and the University District, full of cinemas, retro clothes shops and coffee bars.

Tourist Information

Seattle/King County Convention & Visitors Bureau
800 Convention Place, Galleria Level
Tel: (206) 461 5840. Fax: (206) 461 8304.
E-mail: visinfo@seeseattle.org
Website: www.seeseattle.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1700; plus Sat 1000-1600 (Apr-Oct) and Sun 1000-1600 (Jun-Aug).

There are other visitor centres at the airport, at the Pike Place Market and for Jun-Aug only at Pioneer Square (at Occidental and South Main Streets).

Passes
The CityPass (website: www.citypass.com) offers free admission to five Seattle attractions: Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Aquarium, Museum of Flight and Woodland Park Zoo, plus a one-hour harbour cruise. It costs US$33.50 (concessions available), lasts for nine days and can be purchased from the attractions on the day or online in advance.



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
GENERAL
City Overview
City Statistics
Cost of Living
 
GETTING THERE
Air
Water
Road
Rail
 
GETTING AROUND
Getting Around
 
BUSINESS
Business
 
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing
Key Attractions
Further Distractions
Tours of the City
Excursions
 
ENTERTAINMENT
Nightlife
Sport
Shopping
Culture
Special Events
Food and Drink