A travel guide to Seattle, from the Space Needle to Pike Place Market

Seattle is a city that is constantly evolving and can’t be defined by just one thing. It’s both a technology hub and home to business giants like Amazon and Starbucks, as well as a cultural hub where Pearl Jam and Soundgarden got their start. And it’s also a destination for nature lovers seeking green spaces. Here are a few ways to experience the best the Emerald City has to offer.

Explore Seattle

To really see Seattle, head to the Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, this 600-foot-tall futuristic landmark offers stunning panoramic views of the city, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Cascades, and the Olympic Mountains. A short elevator ride takes you to the top, where you can walk around an outdoor deck and sit on benches that give you the feeling of floating in midair. Enjoy a drink and a different view of the ground below at the Loupe Lounge, which features the world’s only rotating glass floor.

Right next door is a newer Seattle landmark: Chihuly Garden and Glass. This fascinating museum is filled with works by Tacoma-born glass artist Dale Chihuly. His work is bold and beautiful, the colors deep and vibrant, and when the gallery lights fall on installations like “Mille Fiori” (Italian for “a thousand flowers”), they come alive. Inside the glasshouse, a 100-foot-long red, yellow, and orange glass sculpture stretches across the ceiling, while outside, more colorful artwork surrounded by plants and flowers can be found around every corner. After your tour, stop at the bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass for a cocktail or a snack, like the rich salmon dip or smoky clam chowder.

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Since 1907, crowds have flocked to Pike Place Market to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, flowers and everything else the talented artisans and farmers sell daily. This is one of the largest continuously open public markets in the country, known for its diverse offerings and fun like fish-tossing shows. The market covers nine acres and features 500 small businesses as well as several famous names. It’s home to the first Starbucks on Pike Place in 1912 and the original Sur La Table at 84 Pine St.

Seattle is located on Coast Salish territory and is named after Chief Seattle, a leader of the Suquamish and Duwamish peoples. There are numerous ways to learn about the city’s indigenous history, starting with the Indigenous Walking Tour at the University of Washington. You can see contemporary and traditional works by indigenous artists at the Seattle Art Museum, and see artifacts and maps that tell the story of Seattle’s first inhabitants at the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center.

The city is also known for its native delicacies, like Dutch Baby and American teriyaki. For the former, Eater Seattle recommends brunch at Tilikum Place Cafe, where you’ll get the “cross between Yorkshire pudding and pancakes” served in a “hot cast iron skillet with all the pomp and splendor of breakfast fajitas.” For the latter, try Okinawa teriyaki, where the “thick slices of juicy grilled chicken are phenomenal” and served in “giant portions.”

Throw a rock in Seattle and you’re likely to hit a cafe. True coffee lovers will want to make a pilgrimage to Espresso Vivace, which is credited with bringing latte art to the U.S. from Italy. “There’s no fake hipster vibe here,” said Fodor’s, “just good company and beans, fluffy lattes and a seat for everyone.” Caffè Fiorè is another favorite, “thanks to its full-bodied and smooth organic Caffe Vita coffee,” as is Cafe Solstice and its “uniquely smooth blends and high-quality espresso.”

The modern rooms are designed to anticipate needs. With the touch of a button, guests can open or close the blinds, turn on the do not disturb system, and chat with a digital concierge. The amazing corner room with views of the Space Needle has windows on two sides, and as a bonus, you can also see Lake Union in the distance. The same view can be had from the rooftop Altitude Sky Lounge, which has indoor and outdoor seating. Start your evening with a cocktail like the Queen Anne’s Revenge, made with pineapple rum with brown butter, pineapple juice, calamansi juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Then head to Otium Grill and Greens for a dinner that combines the flavors of the Pacific Northwest.

You feel the State Hotel’s history as soon as you walk through the door. Built in 1904, the recently renovated building now offers 91 stunning guest rooms with high ceilings, comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms. Original art is found throughout, from the portraits of famous Seattleites that hang in the rooms to colorful wallpaper designs by Kate Blairstone inspired by the nearby Pike Place Market. The building’s west facade also features a mural by Shepherd Fairey titled “Fire Sale,” which the artist says is a “commentary on the challenges that each individual must face in taking responsibility for the environment and climate,” especially given the “tremendous power” of fossil fuel companies.

The State’s friendly front desk staff is always happy to answer questions, call taxis or recommend the on-site restaurant, Ben Paris. Located just off the lobby, Ben Paris is a hive of activity during brunch and dinner, serving upscale classic American dishes like the fig and bacon grilled cheese sandwich and cauliflower Caesar salad. On summer Fridays and Saturdays, guests can also enjoy a drink or a light bite at Little Ben’s rooftop bar.