Things to do in Seattle

Seattle, long rated as one of the top US cities to live in, features a remarkable skyline showing off Seattles Space Needle, calm waters, snow-capped mountains and lush vegetation. A range of cultural, artistic and historic sites offer a profusion of exceptional and picturesque sightseeing opportunities.

Space Needle

Built for the 1962 World Fair, this skyscraper is Seattles most unique and striking landmark. An elevator rising almost 525 feet in just 41 seconds takes visitors up to the observation deck for 360 views of the Puget Sound, surrounding Lake Union, Elliot Bay and downtown Seattle. Swarovski Telescopes offer magnified views of a variety of landmarks all over the city and the interior is lined with informational displays stating varied facts and trivia. The rotating Sky City restaurant on the very top serves fine dining and award winning local wines, while providing spectacular views. Phone: +1 206 905 2100; website: http://www.spaceneedle.com.

Pike Place Market

This is the nations oldest continuously operating public market. Apart from fresh vegetables and fruits, you can see fish fly at Pike Place Fish, plentiful shops, including a health food and herb store, craft stores and flower stalls. Having bought your fresh ingredients, stop by at Sur la Table, which sells a variety of tools that will help you cook your meal. Fresh-baked pastries are on sale for dessert, and when your feet are tired, stop at one of the restaurants for lunch or a genuine Seattle latte before heading home. Phone: +1 206 682 7453; website: http://www.pikeplacemarket.org.

Underground Tour

Pioneer Square is Seattles oldest neighbourhood, and was at one time a place that people did not like visiting. The area used to be full of Wild West attractions, including brothels and card rooms. The tour leads visitors around Pioneer Square above ground and also the old Seattle that is now hidden underground. About 25 square blocks of Pioneer Square have hollow spaces under the pavements as a result of irregularities during the reconstruction after the great Seattle fire of 1889. Tours last about 90 minutes and leave hourly from 10:00 to 18:00 in summer, and less frequently the rest of the year. Phone: +1 206 682 4646; website: http://www.undergroundtour.com/.

Hiram M Chittenden (Ballard) Locks

Sockeye (red) salmon jump up the fish ladders of the Hiram M Chittenden Locks, known locally as Seattles Ballard Locks between June and October. Visitors can also see the sea lions that come to feast on the salmon, enjoy spectacular views and watch the boats travel between Lake Union and the Puget Sound. Among other attractions at the locks are the beautiful Carl South English Jr Botanical Garden and a gift shop selling exotic plants. The locks and gardens are open daily, but the visitors centre is only open on weekends in the winter. Phone: +1 206 783 7059.

Washington Park Arboretum

A must-see for every tourist to Seattle, this 200-acre park is worth a visit even for just an hour. Home to lush green spaces, a splendid Japanese Garden (opens 10:00 daily) and a wealth of rare trees, plants and flowers (over 40,000 species), this is one of the Emerald Citys brightest jewels. The park is traversed by the scenic and fittingly named Azalea Way. The Graham Visitors Center can be hired for social events, meetings and seminars for 45 to 75 guests. Phone: +1 206 543 8800; website: http://depts.washington.edu/wpa/.

Seattle Center

Seattle Center is a cultural centre and amusement park, located at the terminus of the Monorail line. It was built for the 1962 World Fair and is home to the most recognisable landmark of Seattle, the Space Needle. The amusement park, Fun Forest, features roller coasters and a Ferris wheel, miniature golf, arcade games and bumper cars. The Pacific Science Center has many attractions related to science and appeals to children with its IMAX movies, laser shows and community events. The Key Arena is home to the Seattle Super Sonics and serves as a regular venue for live music. The International Fountain is a popular destination on hot days for splashing around and cooling off. It is also home to the Seattle Opera, Seattle Repertory, Seattle Childrens Theater, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Childrens Museum, and numerous summer festivals are held on the grounds around the fountain. Phone: +1 206 684 7200; website: http://www.seattlecenter.com/.

Woodland Park Zoo

Located in north Seattle, this sprawling zoo is home to marvellous exhibits focusing on Alaska, tropical Asia, the tropical rainforest and the African savannah. One of the zoos top exhibits, the brown-bear enclosure, gives a very realistic imitation of an Alaskan stream and hillside. Zebras and giraffes graze happily in the Savannah near a reproduction of an African village. The elephant forest offers ample space for the zoos pachyderms. Other well landscaped habitats include the gorilla and orangutan enclosures. In summer, theres even a large walk-through butterfly house. The young ones especially like the farm animal area and petting zoo. Phone: +1 206 684 4800; website: http://www.zoo.org/.

Seattle Aquarium

Located on the waterfront, next to the Omnidome, this aquarium is home to exotic fish, sea mammals and other ocean life. The star attractions are the playful river otters, the sea otters as well as the giant octopus. The underwater viewing dome gives you a fish-eye view of submarine life. Here, you can even come face to face with a shark. In September, you can watch salmon return up a fish ladder to spawn. Lots of smaller tanks display the many fish of the Northwest, a beautiful coral-reef and fish from distant waters. New exhibits are added regularly, along with special events and outings. Phone: +1 206 386 4300; website: www.seattleaquarium.org.