Get a feel for Seattle when you visit these five attractions

Limited time in Seattle? These hotspots will keep you busy.

October 2017 saw me leaving New Zealand for a few weeks away in North America. While I was mainly visiting family and friends in Oregon, we did stop off in Seattle for two nights, cramming as much as we could into our one full day in the beautiful city. There were a few things on my Seattle bucket list that I really wanted to check out, and our friend and guide managed to squeeze them all in, with a few of her own suggestions thrown in for good luck.

Pike Place Market

A trip to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Pike Place Market. Stretching along one of the stunning coastal roads in downtown Seattle, the fabulous marketplace is filled with beautiful handcrafted goods, aromatic bouquets of flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, fish straight from the sea, and souvenirs. If you have time, stop in for a meal at one of the delicious restaurants overlooking the water.

The original Starbucks

If you’re visiting the Pike Place Market then you must make time to visit the original Starbucks. Located just opposite the market, the line of people running out the door and down the street will make it easy to spot. If your love of coffee is up there with your love of travel, stop in at this famous hot spot. Just be prepared to wait a while in the queue - those Seattleites love their caffeine! ​

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

Just north of Seattle are the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Bollard Locks). One side of the locks is the salty ocean, the other a freshwater lake. The locks are used to maintain the water levels between the two sides, and to let boats pass from one side to the other. Usually fish leap up the salmon ladder and it’s not uncommon to spot a seal or two on your visit. As well as being an interesting and informative stop, it’s really beautiful - especially in the early morning light.

The Fremont Troll

If you’re anything like me, then you’ll love visiting sites where your favourite movies have been filmed. If you’ve seen 10 Things I Hate About You, you may recognise the Fremont Troll. This giant stone monster is tucked in under the Fremont Bridge and while it may be an odd attraction, it definitely lived up to my expectations. As well as being a movie site for a 90s classic, it’s a great spot to snap some photos.

The Space Needle

If you’re visiting Seattle on a nice day, then a trip up the Space Needle is definitely worthwhile. From the top, you get a full 360 degree view of the city, the mountains, volcanoes, rivers and tree-lined streets below. The ride up to the top of the Space Needle costs USD$22 for an adult ticket, and you can spend as much time as you like wandering around, taking in that glorious view. If you’re looking for a souvenir to take home, there’s a  gift store (albeit expensive)  at the bottom of the tower.

While there are hundreds of other exciting things to do in Seattle, our limited time meant limited activities. What I saw, I loved, and I would definitely go back to explore more of stunning Seattle.

Author - Anjali 

Anjali Kay is a Kiwi in her 20s, whose love for travel started when she was just 18 months old when her parents moved with her to Mongolia. That was just the beginning. You can follow Anjali’s adventures on her blog,thewanderingjandal.com. ​