Seattle Sightseeing
Sightseeing Overview
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 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 Key Arena - 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 neighbourhoods, with cinemas, vintage clothing shops, home furnishing stores and coffee bars.
Tourist Information
Citywide Concierge Center
Washington State Convention and Trade Center
7th Avenue and Pike Street
Tel: (206) 461 5888.
Website: www.visitseattle.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700, closed for lunch 1300-1400; also open Sat-Sun in summer.
Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau administrative offices are located at One Convention Place, 701 Pike Street (tel: (206) 461 5840) and accept postal, e-mail and telephone enquiries only.
There are other visitor centres at the airport, at Pike Place Market and, from June to August only, at Pioneer Square (open in summer through September), Occidental Street and South Main Street.
Passes
Tours of Seattle
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