Seattle Things to Do Tips by emilienoelle

Pikes Place Market is probably one of the most visited, and most famous, places in Seattle. Because of this I was sure that it was going to be a seething tourist trap full of plastic junk and people wearing Budweiser t-shirts, but you know, it was nothing like that at all. In fact, the place is awesome!

Pikes Place is the real deal, full of actual local farmers and fishermen who bring their goods to the market early every morning. The fish there was breathtaking. I know that is a weird way to describe fish, but that is what it was. Most of it looked like it was still alive. The place is full of flowers as well. The flower vendors are everywhere and they are so lovely that you can't help but want to buy some.

You can also buy just about any type of ethnic food at the market. They have a Russian bakery, a Filipino barbecue, a Turkish sweets shop, a Latin American Grocery and a Greek take-out window.

You can also buy fresh honey, chocolates, ice cream, fresh donuts, French crepes and tons of non-food items. The market has a used book store, a newsstand that sells papers and magazines from around the world, and many clothing boutiques, jewelry stores and other types of shops.

The only bad thing about Pikes Place is that you can't take most of the stuff home with you!

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Address: Between Pike and Virginia Streets
Directions: Across from the Aquarium and up a lot of stairs.
Website: www.pikesplacemarket.org

The Space Needle is probably Seattle's most famous landmark, stretching towards the sky as it dominates the city's skyline. It was built for the 1962 Worlds Fair as part of a larger complex called "Seattle Center" near the downtown.

Well, I'm hear to tell you that although the Space Needle looks cool from a distance it's kind of a rip off to bother paying the $20 or so it costs to take the elevator ride up. The view is nice if it's a clear day, but it's really not worth it if it's cloudy.

On the lower level of the Needle is a gift shop which sells just about everything you can imagine with the Space Needle on it. It is very expensive. Very. Much more overpriced than any other touristy gift shop I've visited. I went to make my daughter a crushed penny with the Space Needle on it (she collects them) and they wanted $1.25!!!!!!!! For a crushed penny? Usually they are only $0.50, which is still too much.

The Space Needle also has a restaurant which is on an upper level. This may be a good way to see the needle actually. You a get a free elevator ride as well as dinner.

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Address: Broad Street
Directions: In the Seattle Center, kind of hard to miss.
Website: www.seattlecenter.com

One of Seattle's oldest neighborhoods, Pioneer Square has an interesting history. In the late 1880's the area was totally destroyed by fire. When the Alaskan gold rush began a few years later the square was rebuilt to accommodate the needs of the miners passing through the city. Today the area still has most of its beautiful Victorian architecture.

First Avenue, the square's main street, was also much lower when the area was first rebuilt. When the street was raised to accommodate the area's large hills, many of the businesses at street level went, literally, underground. Today some of the First Street's best spots are below street level.

Pioneer Square is a hip neighborhood full of cool shops and boutiques, bars and coffee houses, cafés and jazz clubs. The focal point of the area is a small grassy area with a large totem pole. This is a great neighborhood to just walk around in and see what you can find. When the Mariners or the Seahawks have home games Pioneer Square is also a great place to go for dinner or drinks before or after the game, as it is within walking distance from both of the teams' stadiums.

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Directions: Between Yesler Way and South King Street down to the waterfront.

Located along Alaskan Way, Elliot Bay is one of Seattle's most beautiful spots, though the city has quite a few of them. Elliot Bay's waterfront is also where many of the city's attractions are located including the Aquarium, several shops and restaurants and the ferry terminal. Observation points and parks are located along its length.

Alaskan Way in front of the Bay makes a nice spot for a walk or to sit and watch sailboats. Several restaurants here also have great views.

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Address: Along Alaskan Way

This beautiful old carousel is in the Bay Pavillion Shops, attached to the Red Robin restaurant at Pier 57 on Eliott Bay. Tickets to the carousel cost a couple of dollars, but if you eat at the Red Robin sometimes a guy dressed up in a big bird suit hands out free tickets to the kids! Maybe he'll give you one, too!

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Address: Pier 57, Alaskan Way
Website: http://www.pier57seattle.com/carousel.html