World City Guide

Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview
Seattle was founded in 1869 and did not really blossom until the Alaska Gold Rush of the late 19th century, when the city glittered with racy Wild West ‘underground’ prostitution and illegal drinking dens. As a result, its historic attractions, outside those 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 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 for visitors 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, 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 Belltown, the city’s most rapidly gentrifying neighbourhood and entertainment quarter, full of restaurants, art galleries and nightclubs. 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, the Opera House and KeyArena – a major sporting venue.

Other neighbourhoods of interest include Ballard, in north Seattle, once a Norwegian shipping village and now home to artists’ studios, galleries and a number of live music venues, restaurants and the Hiram M Chittenden Locks. Fremont, Capitol Hill and the University District are equally youthful neighborhoods, with cinemas, vintage clothing shops, home furnishing stores 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 (Nov–Mar); Mon–Fri 0830–1700, Sat 1000–1600 (Apr and Oct); Mon–Fri 0830–1700, Sat 1000–1600 and Sun 1000–1600 (May–Sep).

There are other visitor centres at the airport, at Pike Place Market and, from June to August only, at Pioneer Square, Occidental Street and South Main Street.

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$35.00 (concessions available), is valid for nine days and can be purchased from the attractions on the day or online in advance.