Nestled on the edge of Puget Sound, Seattle has been nicknamed the “Emerald City” for its lush evergreen trees and mountainous backdrop. It’s a vibrant cultural and business hub, with excellent museums, lively markets and charming historic districts to explore.

Things to do

Visit the oldest, continually-operating farmers’ market in the United States at Pike Place, which is packed with fresh produce, artisan bread and cheeses. The on-site fish market is famous for its daily salmon throwing and there’s a range of handicraft and souvenir stalls surrounding the market.

Want the best views of Seattle? Ride the elevator up to the 160-metre-high observation deck of the iconic Space Needle. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Olympic and Cascade Mountains and across the blue waters and islands of Elliott Bay.

Seattle Center is home to some of the city’s best museums, including the interactive Pacific Science Center. You’ll also find the Experience Museum Project, which is a must-see for Jimi Hendrix fans, while the Science Fiction Museum is a great destination for literary lovers of the genre.

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride along the cobblestone streets of Seattle’s oldest suburb, Pioneer Square, which is home to antique shops, eclectic restaurants and art galleries. Just to the east lies the International District, renowned for its ethnic restaurants in Chinatown and Little Saigon.

Getting around

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 20 minutes’ drive south of Seattle’s Downtown area. Buses, monorails, light rail and streetcars travel across the city, while many of the major sights are within easy walking distance of one another.