From the waterfront, check out the mummified figure and strange objects at the historic Ye Old Curiosity Shoppe, or taste real saltwater taffy at the candy shop.
For the tastiest clam chowder in any restaurant Seattle has to offer, walk south a few piers to Ivar's fish bar.
Seattle pridesitself on its microbreweries, where some of the best American beers are brewed and served. Names to look out for include Red Hook, Elysian, Pyramid, and Maritime Pacific. To sample some of Seattle's posh-nosh and award-winning restaurants, here's a few pointers.
Head to the Phinney Ridge neighbourhood to enjoy gourmet vegetarian cuisine at Carmelita's. Andaluca, a real gem that residents swear by, is hidden away in the Mayflower Hotel, on Olive St. Serving small dishes of sumptuous Mediterranean cuisine in a luxurious setting, it's a must-visit.
Cross the Alaskan Way viaduct to West Seattle. The junction has a groovy record store/diner called Easy Street. It's packed every Sunday morning, and is a stellar example of urban-cool Seattle dining.
For a boutique hotel experience par excellence, the Pan Pacific Seattle is a sparkling property on the edge of downtown, just 10 minutes walk from the Space Needle. Nestled among a throng of trendy restaurants and fashion boutiques, the hotel sports its own Starbucks and complete grocery store.
Pan Pacific offers magnificently-sized suites, in which you can turn off the air-con and breathe in the pure ocean air.
