Seattle has been a high-tech hub for years, but it wasn’t until Frasier became a hit that it really found a place on the tourist map. There’s plenty to see and do here and some of the best places are still only really known to the locals.
Snoqualmie Falls
This is one of the places that the locals like to point out to their favourite visitors. As well as being a lovely spot in its own right, it was also featured in the opening credits of Twin Peaks.
- Snoqualmie FallsElephant wearing striped pants / Water Photos / CC BY-NC-SA
Fremont and its Troll
Fremont is to Seattle what Greenwich Village is to New York. It’s hip, boho and fun. It’s such a great place to be that the Fremont Troll took up residence there under the Aurora Bridge and is quite happy to have his picture taken by locals and tourists alike. He’s often a guest at neighbourhood events (or represented by his growing family there).
Archie McPhee
Anyone who’s looking for something unusual, quirky or just plain weird will probably find it here. It’s easy to find this shop – there’s a giant lizard head coming out of the side of the building.
- Archie McPheezoomar / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
Bhy Kracke Park
While Kerry Park draws in hordes of tourists who want to snap the classic Seattle pictures they’ve seen on the TV (or have the chance to be on TV as camera crews seem to be a permanent feature of this place), Bhy Kracke Park draws in locals in the know who want to avoid them. It’s a gorgeous little park, which somehow seems to escape the attention of most of the people in Seattle, let alone visitors.
- Bhy Kracke ParkAtomic Taco / Foter.com / CC BY-SA
Vitos
A Seattle feature since 1953, Vitos has had to accommodate modern legislation regarding health and safety, hygiene and smoking, but it makes no bones about the fact that it started out life as a hangout for gangsters, gamblers and politicians. One of its features that almost certainly come under the heading of “that wouldn’t be allowed these days” is a room with a glass cabinet holding real stuffed cougar. This is usually a function room so a lot of Seattle locals never actually see it, but if you pop in when it’s quite and ask nicely, the staff may let you have a peek.
- Vitos Seatle&y / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
Bathtub Gin Co
You need to be sober to find this place, it’s hidden in plain sight in Belltown, a place where there is no shortage of bars and clubs pulling in thirsty patrons and frequently putting them out very much the worse for wear. The Bathtub Gin Co, provides a refreshing alternative, where people go to chill out in style rather than to get drunk and can leave by walking in a straight line. That said, the cocktail range is amazing and the staff are lovely.
- Bathtub Gin Co&y / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
The Hideout
The Hideout does put its name on its front door, but you really have to look to see it. Once you’ve passed the entrance exam by finding the place, you’re in one of the most individual bars anywhere. This place not only serves amazing drinks with attitude, but also has an amazing art collection and a couple of unique quirks. It has a vending machine for art and a magazine created by contributions from patrons, which can only be collected from the bar.
- The Hideout Seattlethelizabeth / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
With so many iconic places to visit during your trip to Seattle, you’ll want to make sure you save as much money on your flights and accommodation so you’ve got lots more to spend during your trip. And it’s always a good ideas if you’re flying all the way to Seattle, to fly out with a half filled suitcase so you’ve got plenty of room to fit in all your souvenirs and bargains on the flight back! To get an idea of the best times to fly and to get the best deal on your site, take a look at flight and accommodation comparison site, momondo.com.
