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 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.

Seattle's Convention & Visitors Bureau
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.

The CityPass (website: www.citypass.com) offers free admission to five Seattle attractions - Pacific Science Center, Seattle Aquarium, Museum of Flight and Woodland Park Zoo and a Seattle Harbor Tour with Argosy Cruises. It is valid for nine days and can be purchased from the attractions on the day or online in advance. Another pass, the Go Seattle Card (tel: (206) 285 3010 or 1 800 887 9103; website: www.goseattlecard.com) offers a one- to multi-day card for free admission to over 30 attractions.