One of Seattle's most famous landmarks, Pike Place Market is the oldest continuously working public market in the United States and one of the world's top 50 most visited attractions. Pike Place opened in 1907 as the city's first public market, expanding to keep up with its growing popularity as a convenient option for both shoppers and merchants. The market remains a veritable cornucopia of culinary and artisanal options, its crowded aisles and bustling halls thronged with customers jostled between vendors of fresh produce and gourmet eats, alongside fishmongers and craftsmen. The street level is dominated by the food and produce stalls, while the lower levels house a fantastic variety of shops including antique dealers, head shops, florists, and local artisans. A whirlwind of sights, sounds and aromas, Pike Place Market is nothing short of paradise for foodies and connoisseurs of unique wares.
Chihuly Garden Glass amazes visitors with displays of colour and fine artistry. With the iconic Space Needle serving as its backdrop, this unique exhibit – conceived by artist Dale Chihuly – features glass sculptures that have to be seen to be believed. The splendour of lush gardens showcasing Chihuly's signature glass creations is a truly serene experience. Easily accessible via the Seattle Monorail, there is no excuse for not experiencing this incomparable display of nature and glass.
Located on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park is a popular park in Seattle that is renowned for providing the beautiful panoramic views of the city. With Mount Rainier as a picturesque backdrop, this park is popular with locals and tourists alike. At night, the view of the city from the park is breathtaking and dream-like which makes it perfect for pictures.
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, locally known as the Ballard Locks, is a unique and historic location in Seattle. Completed in 1917, this landmark connects the waters of Lake Washington, Lake Union and the Puget Sound. Watching the boats navigate the locks is interesting enough, but the location also hosts an unusual fish ladder that connects salt and freshwater for the local migrating Pacific Salmon. The grounds feature a visitors centre as well as the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens.
Located in Downtown Seattle, Benaroya Hall is a large 189,750 square foot (17,628 square meters) performing arts complex that takes up an entire city block. Located inside are the two performance halls, the Taper Auditorium and the Nordstrom Recital Hall, which each feature state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology. This giant complex provides ample public space and entertainment throughout the year through its various events such as lectures, musicals, festivals and more. A true highlight is the concerts put on by the Seattle Symphony, which call Benaroya Hall, home. For more information regarding venue rentals or upcoming events, visit the website.
Sitting on Capitol Hill with Volunteer Park's large grassy knoll at its entrance and a neighborhood known for its unique culture surrounding it, the Asian Art Museum is not to be missed. Have lunch in the park overlooking downtown Seattle, and then wander into the museum to be immediately engulfed in some of the world's most precious Asian art. Browse through over 23,000 objects that include African, Asian, European, Oceanic, Aboriginal, among other international art. From one of the top five US Japanese & Korean Art collections to ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, visitors are able to absorb prominent multi-cultural art. Call ahead for visiting hours.
For more than 20 years this gallery, a vital part of Seattle's art community, has focused on contemporary art in a variety of mediums including paint, glass art, jewelry, stone and bronze sculpture. The gallery, located on the edge of Pike Place Market, draws from a pool of local, national and international artists for its wide array of bold pieces. You'll find dazzling variety, from twisting bronze and granite sculptures to delicate glass vases to bright watercolors.
Market Theater is a well-equipped, 230-seat venue, dedicated to the performing arts, and is managed by the company Unexpected Productions. This theater is tucked inside the Pike Place Market, so when you go shopping there you can catch a show at Market before heading home. The Market Theater hosts several events, award functions, film festivals and documentary screenings along with regular plays and comedy shows.
Although Discovery Park has a beach, it is not a prime spot for sunbathing or swimming as the water's a little cold and the beach a little rocky. Most visitors hike the miles of trails, which offer great bird-watching opportunities. One of the trails extends to Puget Sound, and after a lengthy downhill walk, you will find tide pools and a lighthouse.
The Green Lake Park is one of Seattle's most popular recreation parks that became a part of the city as a part of the grand Olmsted plan which aimed at creating a cluster of interconnected green spaces within the city. The lake is engulfed by a 2.8 mile (4.5 km) path that is divided into two different lanes, one for unmotorized vehicles and the other for pedestrians. These paths attract a lot of people seeking relaxation and exercise and hence can be crowded especially on weekends. The Park also features watersport facilities, a golf course, a library and a theater. The Green lake is home to a wide array of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Looking to sail on Lake Union? Then look no further than Electric Boat Company which rents our boats for a moderate rate. The 21 foot long boats includes a sound system and the top of the boat can be enclosed, in case of rain or leave the top down during good weather. There is a two hour minimum for a rental.
Opened as a vaudeville theater in 1926, 5th Avenue Theatre shortly became a movie house. Closed in 1978, it was restored and reopened in 1980. The ornate interior of deep red, blue and gold is modeled after decor from Imperial China. The theater averages 175 shows a year, mostly musicals, including classics like The King and I and Les Miserables. The long, narrow theater seats 2130 with the back seats far from the stage.