Five reasons to visit Seattle

There’s lots to see and do in the home of coffee culture

The Space Needle is now the symbol of the city. You can take an elevator to the top for great views across Seattle
The Space Needle is now the symbol of the city. You can take an elevator to the top for great views across Seattle

Seattle, in the Pacific Northwest US, is surrounded by water, mountains and forest and has thousands acres of parkland to enjoy. The largest city in Washington State, it is also home to a large tech industry with Microsoft and Amazon headquartered here. Here are five things reasons to visit Seattle.

You have to try the coffee shops

The original Starbucks on Pike Place – Seattle is the home of coffee culture
The original Starbucks on Pike Place – Seattle is the home of coffee culture

Seattle is the locus that turned us all into coffee-istas, and is where Starbucks was founded, in the Pike Place Market. Some people say that they are hundreds of coffee shops because it rains so much in the city. See this autumn list from Seattle Eater for the latest cafes in the city,

The world’s best glass artist is from here

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And installation by glass artist Dale Chihuly at Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases at the Seattle Center
And installation by glass artist Dale Chihuly at Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases at the Seattle Center

The Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases at the Seattle Center display the incredible talent of the glass artist Dale Chihuly with a series of jaw-dropping indoor and open-air installations. His distinctive glass art is a mixture of colourful shimmering cones, spears, coils and entanglements. Lismore Castle in Waterford has a turquoise chandelier designed by him.

Visit the Space Needle

The Space Needle is now the symbol of the city. You can take an elevator to the top for great views across Seattle
The Space Needle is now the symbol of the city. You can take an elevator to the top for great views across Seattle

If you have a head for heights then you must not miss the Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle quickly became the symbol of the city. The high-speed lift takes only 43-seconds to whizz you to the observation level. Views from the 605-foot tall are spectacular, and you can see the Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier. Space Needle

Enjoy the night life in Seattle

Havana Social Club is at the throbbing epicentre of Seattle’s nightlife
Havana Social Club is at the throbbing epicentre of Seattle’s nightlife

Capitol Hill is nightlife central, and Havana Social Club is at the throbbing epicentre. With its swaying palms and gold pressed-tin ceiling, the place feels like a quaint old tropical hotel. You'll find mostly young, pierced folks throwing back tequila and gyrating to soul, rap and indie hits. Havana Social Club

Experience an intimate Seattle Living Room show

The Seattle Living Rooms concerts give you a chance to get up close and personal with music acts in unusual venues
The Seattle Living Rooms concerts give you a chance to get up close and personal with music acts in unusual venues

This is a unique way to see a live concert. All shows take place in a secret Seattle venue, where you'll be face-to-face with some of the best up-and-coming musicians from around the country. It is an intimate setting for both musician and listener. Seattle Living Room.