Of all the cities that I went to in US, I'm gonna start with my favourite stop, Seattle.
Well known for its rainy weather, public market, and the space needle, the famous waterfront city sits right on the top of the norther-american west coast. It haven't been a usual choice within my circle of friends as one of the stops to visit when travelling in US. I chose it to be one of my stops mainly because of, Microsoft and Starbucks. In my thought, there must be a reason why these great companies are born here.
I was there for 4 days and 3 nights, I would say it was just enough for a short trip. If you arrived at Tacoma-Seattle International Airport (SEA), its pretty easy to get to the city. Just look for the light rail and it will bring you to downtown Seattle for about USD 2.50
Fresh food of all kinds is all around the market, I had most of my meals here at the market. Seafood of all kinds. A few notable food joints:
Columbia Tower
The tower stands right downtown, also known as the Bank of America building. It is the highest building in Seattle. A ticket is required to access the top view, could be purchased at the lobby. The view gives you a 360 view of the city, from Mount Rainier, to Bainbridge Island, to Kirkland and of course the Space Needle.
Of course there are more things that I did, but these are some practical highlights for those who are stopping by at Seattle for a short visit. Overall, Seattle has this balance of urban and nature. People there live good lives, appreciates all little details of it. I was lucky enough to be there and none of the days rained.
Signing out with the rockstars of the tech world!
Well known for its rainy weather, public market, and the space needle, the famous waterfront city sits right on the top of the norther-american west coast. It haven't been a usual choice within my circle of friends as one of the stops to visit when travelling in US. I chose it to be one of my stops mainly because of, Microsoft and Starbucks. In my thought, there must be a reason why these great companies are born here.
I was there for 4 days and 3 nights, I would say it was just enough for a short trip. If you arrived at Tacoma-Seattle International Airport (SEA), its pretty easy to get to the city. Just look for the light rail and it will bring you to downtown Seattle for about USD 2.50
Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle
My accommodation which I highly recommend when visiting Seattle alone or backpacking style, is the Green Tortoise Hostel. Here's a few things that I like about the hostel:
- Its right in downtown and very near to the light rail station towards the airport. Located at Pike Street, it is surrounded by many attractions such as the famous market, the first ever Starbucks, the gum wall and etc.
- The rate is about USD 30-40 per night, which is a reasonable price for hostel stays in the US. This includes a breakfast every morning
- Some nights they even have free dinner, I was there for Taco night. The good part about it is not just about the free food, different people from all over the world will gather at the common area of course when theres free food and thats where you meet a lot of friends.
- These guys know what a backpacker wants. Each bed has their own storage right under it where you can lock your belongings. 4 power outlets are provided for each bed with a mini fan and reading light, and of course, shades. There's coin operated laundry, and the bathrooms are very clean.
- Activities! Pub crawls, free walking tours, music and etc.
Pike Place Market
Staying next to it, I went to the market almost everyday. I couldn't finish exploring the whole thing in a day. Farmer's market, fish market, public market, pike place market, it has all kinds of names, and I'm just gonna stick with THE market. Trust me you won't miss it
The Pike Place Fish Co. is one of the reason why the place if often known as the fish market. Fishmongers here toss and hurl the customers over the counters for wrapping, while shouting and repeating the order simultaneously. It is definitely a tourist attraction. While people are just watching, I braved up and asked the tough guys whether I can catch the fish behind the counter. And yes I did it :)
Fresh food of all kinds is all around the market, I had most of my meals here at the market. Seafood of all kinds. A few notable food joints:
Market Grill- Salmon/Cod/Halibut Sandwich or with Rice and Salad
Michou- Deli place (Recommended by Starbucks Barista)
Pike Place Chowder- All range of chowders
Piroshky-Piroshky Bakery- Smoke Salmon Pate
Beecher's Handmade Cheese - Mac and Cheese
Getting a good view of the city skyline
The space needle is a beauty, but its not where you want to get your view from, it is what you want to see together with the skyline. So head to these 2 other options instead:
Kerry Park
Accessible by public bus, or a walkable distance from the space needle. The park is located on a hill top, it takes a little bit of walking to reach the park but the scenery is worth it. Do reach the park right before sunset and stay until night time, the pictures will tell why. Best part, this is free!
The tower stands right downtown, also known as the Bank of America building. It is the highest building in Seattle. A ticket is required to access the top view, could be purchased at the lobby. The view gives you a 360 view of the city, from Mount Rainier, to Bainbridge Island, to Kirkland and of course the Space Needle.
The First Starbucks
Now this was a must for me, as I mentioned before I do collect Starbuck tumblers from the cities that I have ever visited around the world. Don't get surprise when you visit one of the biggest and well known coffee company in the world, and you see their pioneer shop is half a shop lot. History tells us that Starbucks when it started, it only sells coffee beans. After great demands only it started brewing in their shops. And that is why the first ever Starbucks is so small that it couldn't even fit the queue waiting outside. The merchandise is here is exclusive to the shop itself, not even the rest of Seattle.
Hint: Ask the barista for a exclusive gift card, they do not put them on display
Underground Tours
If you're into historical stuff, an underground tour is a must to do. Staying at the hostel, I got a discount for one of the many underground tour in Seattle called "Beneath The Streets". The tour guide is amazing. Spoiler alert*. He did few hundred year Seattle history in just 1.5 hours, guiding you through some of the underground (used to be street level) passage, and some notable old buildings on modern street level.
Signing out with the rockstars of the tech world!
Next Stop. Portland
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