This is a list of some of the more popular sites to visit as well as a few of our favorites if you have the time to explore the city while you are here:

Pike Place Market
Seattle’s famous Farmers Market is full of so many fun things to explore, such as the guys who throw the fish to visiting the very first Starbucks coffee shop.  There are many wonderful foods to try out here (take notice of the many samples you can try!) and an opportunity to check out the local arts & crafts.  Our favorite stops here include the mini-doughnut maker, the crepe place nearby, DeLaurenti’s italian grocery store where Audrey loves to buy her cheese, the Steelhead Diner where we love to brunch and the nearby Bottega Italiana where we love to buy gelato for our walk back up the hill.

Space Needle
Seattle’s most famous landmark is actually pretty accessible from downtown even though it’s located in the Queen Anne neighborhood.  You can either walk over there or go to the top of the Westlake Center Shopping Mall downtown and take the Monorail over to the Seattle Center, just steps away from the Space Needle.  There is an observation deck at the top with all sorts of interesting information about Seattle as well as a rotating restaurant.

Seattle Underground Tour
I think this is one of the more unique tours that Seattle has.  Step back in time where you will learn about Seattle’s history, where the original downtown was, where the original Skid Road was and why all the front entrances of businesses in the Pioneer Neighborhood are the original 2nd floors.  This tour begins at the corner of 1st Ave & Yesler Way in Pioneer Square.  From downtown, you can walk over or take a free bus.

Experience Music Project (EMP) & Sci-Fi Museum
Both of these museums are housed in the same unique architectural masterpiece created by Frank Gehry.  These are both located right next to the Space Needle and would be easy to visit after going up the Needle.  EMP is the creation of Paul Allen who has the world’s largest collection of Jimi Hendrix memorabilia, much of which can be found here.  Much of the music artifacts found here reflect music from the 20th century and the museum contains a lot of fun interactive exhibits.  If you are a Science Fiction fan, the SciFi Museum is for you and super fun to explore.

Ballard Locks
This is more formally known as the Hiriam Chittendam Locks and is the place where Lake Union meets the Puget Sound.  The 2 major bodies of water are at different levels and so the locks exist to facilitate boats and ships that need to pass by.  If you’ve never seen Locks in progress, this is very fun to see.  Also located here is the Fish Ladder which exists to help salmon jump up from the Puget Sound to Lake Union.  You can go down below and watch the salmon jump and it’s fascinating to see.  This is located in the Ballard neighborhood and you’ll need a car to get here.

Bruce & Brandon Lee’s Grave Site
A lot of people don’t realize this but both Bruce Lee and his son, Brandon, are buried right here in Seattle.  You can find them in the Lakeview Cemetery which is in Capitol Hill (our neighborhood!) and pay homage to them.

Seattle Library
This building designed by Rem Koolhaas is one of the most spectacular buildings to visit.  It truly is an architectural wonder with its distinctive diamond-shaped exterior. You’ll love exploring the insides of this library, whether it be riding the elevators, going up the escalators or exploring the “Books Spiral” where the entire non-fiction section is displayed in one continuous run.  The library is easily accessible downtown, located at the corner of 5th & Spring.

Seattle Art Museum
The SAM recently spent $86 million to renovate and re-opened in May 2007 with over 1000 new pieces of art, including a substantial collection of contemporary and pop art.  The space is beautiful and is a worthwhile visit if you like museums.  We went to visit during their Grand Reopening and loved it.  The museum is located downtown at the corner of 1st & Union, very close to the Pike Place Market.

Olympic Sculpture Park
This park, just opened in January 2007, is located near the waterfront and just down the street from the Pike Place Market.  It’s a great opportunity to see sculptures in an outdoor setting where you can enjoy amazing views of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound.  Best of all–it’s FREE to the public! 

Alki Beach
Alki Beach is located in West Seattle and is a little world of its own with children playing in the sand, college kids playing beach volleyball, crowds of cars driving slowly down the strip and plenty of people watching.  Audrey loves taking her rollerblades and taking a spin along here because of its amazing views of the Puget Sound.  Go around the corner and you’ll get one of the best views of the city of Seattle since it’s across from the Sound.  From downtown, one of the easiest ways to get here is by foot via the Water Taxi which leaves from Pier 55 on the waterfront.  In 12 min., you’ll be in West Seattle and a nice stroll around the corner towards Alki Beach (approx. 2-3 miles…worth the walk!)