If you’ve been keeping up with our Peaks of the Week, you’ll know I recently traveled to Seattle for my brother’s wedding.
In my first visit to the West Coast, I wrote extensively about every sight to see in Seattle and how quickly I fell in love with the city.
After my most recent trip, I am even more enamoured with it and even more eager to return.
Seattle is a city that boasts so many fun and interesting things to do, it’s impossible to check them all off your list during a short stay. From the Olympic Sculpture Park, Chihuly Garden, Art Museum, Aquarium and Pacific Science Centre you have three full days of sightseeing right there.
But, my favourite part about exploring a new city is becoming enveloped in its culture. It doesn’t have to be exotic to have its own distinct personality – one that should be embraced upon every visit. Below my top five picks to do just that in Seattle:
1. Pike Place Market.
A no brainer, right? The ultimate Seattle tourist destination, perusing the market at a leisurely pace should be top-of-list. I left with no souvenirs other than a $4 peach that I happily consumed (worth it) but seeing what Seattle’s artisans have to offer along the backdrop of the Seattle Harbour is second to none. It made me realize I don’t appreciate Ottawa’s own ByWard Market quite enough. 
2. Find some place high, and take the view in.
The Space Needle, the Great (ferris) Wheel, a lookout point to see Mount Rainer. Whichever method you choose, I highly recommend seeking higher ground to properly view the Seattle skyline. Skyscrapers meet Ocean, Ocean meets Mountain. That duality is something unique to the West Coast and is worth conquering a fear of heights for.
3. Experience the 12th man.
I’ll admit, I dished out a small fortune to be able to see the Seattle Seahawks face the Denver Broncos in a spectacular Superbowl rematch. Being part of the crowd at CenturyLink Field was something I won’t soon forget. But, you don’t have to empty your pocketbook to experience the power of the “12th man” in Seattle. If you can’t make it to a game, head to your nearest bar to be among some of the rowdiest and most passionate fans in the NFL. A sea of blue and green, along with high fives in the street, will last far beyond the last whistle.
4. Embrace your inner hipster.
Perhaps given its proximity to Portland, hipster style and mentality has found a home in Seattle. You’ll be met by a laidback attitude and casual threads from locals, while restaurants and bars often bear a rustic, mason-jar-like feel. But, who doesn’t love craft beer and burlap? Go off the beaten path and ask Seattle natives where their go-to dining spots are. More often than not, the food, drinks, and decor will be a home run. Or at least, something to Instagram. #hipster
5. Sip the coffee, feel the friendliness.
When I think of a coffee shop, I think of a warm care-free place, where creativity is born and strangers are likely to engage in friendly conversation. Well, considering Seattle is the coffee capital of North America, it makes sense that the people who live there treat it as one big place where chatting with a passerby is the norm, help is offered readily and smiles are free.
Especially, I’ve found, for their Canadian neighbours.
Lucky us.
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