5 Things to do in Seattle

Seattle is famous for many things, from Starbucks, to Frasier, and Microsoft, and it unsurprisingly offers a huge range of things to do and see. If your North America cruise includes a stop here, it can seem daunting to decide what to choose – particularly if you only have a day or so. For a little help and guidance, find out what our Marketing Manager Nicole recommends are the 5 top things to do in Seattle.

Seattle is so much more than Starbucks coffee and music. During my 4 days there I experienced a variety of activities and adventures giving me a good overview of the city. Here are my top recommendations.

1.  See the Chihuly Garden and Glass

This is a must when visiting the city of Seattle. It showcases the artwork of Dale Chihuly - an internationally acclaimed artist. His collection contains 8 exhibition galleries and 3 Drawing Walls. Be prepared to be gobsmacked by the creations of blown-glass in various colours and shapes hanging from the roof, suspended in mid-air and growing out of the ground.

2. Dine at the Edgewater Hotel

Please, please order their King Crab platter, truly suited for a king. The restaurant is situated on the water and overlooking the marine, so diners can enjoy beautiful sunsets while indulging their palette. This is the same hotel The Beatles were infamously photographed fishing from their hotel window!

3. A Ride the Ducks Tour

This is a great one-of-a-kind experience, giving tourists an hour or two of great laughs and sightseeing through the city. After a land tour the bus-come-boat then heads for the water on which you’ll be treated to a gentle cruise, before riding back out on to dry land.

4. A Whale-Watching Tour

One of the most memorable experiences was the Puget Sound Express whale watching tour. We were fortunate enough to see an Orca, humpback whale, minke and sperm whale. The crew onboard is very quick to respond, and they do their utmost to get you as close to the whales as possible. It’s an experience I will truly never forget.

5. The Savour Seattle Food Tour

This tour introduced us to the history of Pike Place Market; a spot where people come from all over the world to experience the ambience and taste of fresh produce. Pike Place market is also home to the first Starbucks Coffee - where they still use the original logo. On an average day people queue for up to four hours to buy a cup of coffee and their souvenir mug from the first ever Starbucks coffee shop.

Many cruise lines include a stop in Seattle on itineraries in the northwest corner of North America. Discover more about cruising in Alaska and Canada, and combining your cruise with the fantastic Rocky Mountaineer train ride. This exhilarating experience links Canada to the United States – from Seattle to Vancouver – a journey which Nicole was lucky enough to take. Discover her helpful hints and tips for things to do in Vancouver next.