Seattle Downtown

Occupying a narrow isthmus between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle Downtown is a beautiful city and among the most popular places to visit in Washington. The largest city in the Pacific Northwest might be best known for Starbucks, but there is a lot more that Seattle has to offer. It's a large, densely packed city, but downtown Seattle reveals its more relaxed side at the waterfront. Here, piers and parks rim the shoreline. Pike Place Market is the standard draw for tourists, but other historic buildings and venerable institutions add diversity to a visit. Downtown, stop in at Pike Market for fresh produce and fish caught that morning.

You can experience the culture of the city at the Experience Music Project, an incredible museum devoted to music, movies and pop culture. Head to the Space Needle for views over the city and across the Puget Sound, or walk around Green Lake for some fresh air and a glimpse at local life in Seattle. Visitors will likely wish to catch an underground tour near Pioneer Square, or a performance at Benaroya Hall. And back on the waterfront, a sea-level exploration takes you from the Olympic Sculpture Park in the north to the Seattle Aquarium and ferry terminal farther south. The waterfront is also a popular spot to depart on some of the best day trips from Seattle.

Official site: downtownseattle.org

Address: 1809 7th Ave. Suite 900. Seattle, WA 98101

Phone: 206-623-0340

Entrance fee: adult tickets are $12 and children tickets are $10.

Google rating: 4.7/5.0