Holidays in Seattle

Whatever your budget, there's no shortage of Seattle hotels; from luxury sea-view rooms with spa access to cosy, wallet-friendly downtown destinations that are just a short stroll from, well, everything.

• If you want to scale the heights of luxury on your holiday to Seattle, book in at the Hyatt at Olive 8 Hotel. Your stay comes complete with access to a relaxing spa, pool and sauna to help you unwind after a busy day's sightseeing. It’s also walking distance to the Pike Place Market, the perfect place to start your day with a little coffee pick-me-up. For a handy downtown location, opt for the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. This art deco hotel gives you a real feel for the city's history and it pays close attention to detail to ensure your stay is comfortable – including a yoga mat in each room. Namaste.
• Heading to Seattle on a honeymoon? Waterfront views, cosy fireplaces and clawfoot bathtubs give The Edgewater a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. And it's steeped in musical history too, offering a 750 square foot Beatles Suite in homage to the Fab Four's stay here during their first world tour.

You probably already know that Seattle is famous for its coffee, but did you know it has a scrumptious food scene too? From quick bites on the go to a romantic table for two, an eatery for every itinerary is never far away.

• Pike Place Market is Seattle’s famous food market. From light bites to full meals and fresh produce, this is the place to be if your stomach's rumbling. Take your time exploring the vast space and try a little bit of everything – we particularly recommend the blackened fish sandwiches at Market Grill. The market's also home to the original Starbucks, so don't forget your loyalty card. The fish-throwing is another colourful highlight – but we'll let you find out about that one for yourselves.
• For great cocktails head to Tilikum Place Cafe, where you can sit at the bar to watch your drinks being made. If you can’t decide what to eat, go with the Dutch Baby pancakes – we promise you won’t be disappointed.
• Andaluca is a secluded Mediterranean restaurant specialising in tapas and paella. The cosy atmosphere is just right if you’re celebrating a romantic occasion. Be sure to book ahead, as it can get busy.
• Drop by The Crumpet Shop to experience crumpets in a whole new way, with topping combinations such as smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber slices – there are plenty of delicious sweet and savoury options to try. Beat the queues by going for an early breakfast when its doors open at 7:00am.

Whether you take one of the many available Seattle tours or decide to explore at your own pace, there’s culture and history on every corner of the Emerald City.

• Known as the original downtown neighbourhood, Pioneer Square is an arty spot, packed full of bohemian boutiques and brimming with history. If you've got a couple of hours to spare, take the underground tour to learn about the gold rush.
• Seattle Central Public Library is a feat of modern architecture. This 11-storey glass and steel building is stunning outside and in. You can take a self-guided tour using your phone.
• See a different side to Seattle in the Chinatown-International District. Delicious, aromatic food and stunning buildings make this a feast for all the senses. And if you’re lucky, you might catch one of the many festivals the locals organise – keep your eyes peeled for Dragon Fest, Night Market and the Autumn Moon Festival.

When you’re planning things to do in Seattle, getting a snap or two of the world-famous skyline should be near the top of your list. Here are the places to be for the photo op of a lifetime.

• For a clear view of Mount Rainier, take a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. A round-trip is usually around $8 and you can board at Pier 52. Go to Kerry Park and hike up the south side of Queen Anne Hill for a breathtaking skyline view. If the weather’s right, you should be able to see Mount Rainier from here, too.
• The Seattle Great Wheel is relatively new and a relaxing way to see the sights from up high (175 feet high, to be exact). Head to Pier 57 to ride. The Nest, at the top of the Thompson Seattle hotel, is a rooftop bar, lounge and terrace, overlooks a land and sea scape beyond words.
• The iconic Space Needle offers panoramic views of the city and a fine dining experience. To skip the queues, book a table in the restaurant and head straight up. If you don't fancy eating, it's most quiet first thing in the mornings – arrive at opening time on a weekday and you might even get the observation deck all to yourself.

The birthplace of Jimi Hendrix and home to some of America’s jazz royalty, Seattle has a buzzing arts scene waiting to be explored.

• The Seattle Art Museum is walking distance from Pike Place Market and a great way to spend a quiet morning. Download the museum's podcasts to get a bit of extra insight into the exhibits.
• Art meets nature at the Olympic Sculpture Park. Explore beachside trails and cycle paths while taking in sculptures by renowned artists such as Richard Serra.
• The Museum of Pop Culture is a must-visit for music fans. Learn about the history of bands like Nirvana, then create your own tunes in the interactive Sound Lab. Put aside a full afternoon to get the most out of the three floors of exhibits.