The Emerald City combines spectacular natural beauty and cosmopolitan flair like few places can. An outdoor and coffee mecca, Seattle also offers up some of the best seafood anywhere along the Pacific Rim. Named after the great chief of the Suquamish Indians, Seattle enjoys a fusion of American, Asian and Native American cultures you won't likely find anywhere else.

Seattle is often characterized by its laid-back attitude and rainy climate, but this thriving metropolis also offers one-of-a-kind architecture, the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, and a unique urban sophistication.

The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss

A trip to Seattle isn't complete without visiting Pike Place Market. Here, you can browse the stalls of local merchants and artists, take in a street performance, or watch fishmongers play catch with the catch of the day.

Other Fun Things to Do

Take in the view from the Space Needle, a 650-foot structure left over from the 1962 World's Fair. Check out the Experience Music Project, a rock-n-roll museum known not only for its contents, but for its architectural design. Stroll through the historic district of Pioneer Square, filled with art galleries, restaurants, and plenty of bookstores and boutiques. Gain some historical insight at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Walk along Alaskan Way, which will bring you through downtown Seattle's waterfront, past gift shops and restaurants.

Shopping Around

If you're looking for an upscale shopping mall with character, head downtown to Westlake Park. To uncover an antique treasure, you'll want to go to the Pioneer Square Antique Mall, where more than 60 dealers have their collections on sale. Or, for more traditional crafts and specialty stores, Pike Place Market is the place to be.

Get a Taste of Local Flavor

Thanks to the fish-abundant waters, Seattle offers fabulous seafood restaurants, ranging from fine dining to casual eating. There's also a great selection of brew pubs, and of course, coffee shops. With lattes and cappuccinos on just about every street corner, Seattle's easygoing attitude seems to be fueled by caffeine.