For those of you who are new to Seattle or just do not know much about the city, the following activities are a great way to figure out what being a Seattleite is all about. Every city has its own personality, and it takes awhile to figure out how all of the pieces fit together.
This list of top picks for new residents offers up the best ways to get to know the city and its inhabitants. All of them are relatively inexpensive, take less than a day, and do not require a lot of planning.
1. An afternoon on Broadway in Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is the most densely and diversely populated neighborhood in Seattle. Broadway, the main thoroughfare, has the most active sidewalk scene, day or night, in the city. It is a bustling area that is home to the entire cross-section of Seattle’s population. A trip down Broadway will basically introduce you to everyone you share the city with. It also has many diverse shops and restaurants worth visiting. Spend an afternoon
shopping on Broadway and grab an inexpensive lunch.
2. Starbucks at the Space Needle
The 41-second ride to the top of the Space Needle is overpriced at $16.95 for adults. However, you only need to take the trip (a rite of passage to be a Seattleite) once and should go in the summer. It offers spectacular views of
Mt. Rainier, and the Cascade and Olympic mountains. You can also see float planes land on Lake Union and ferries cross Elliott Bay. Make it a truly Seattle-experience by ordering your favorite iced latte from the Starbucks at the top. They really are everywhere.
3. Washington State Ferries (WSF)
WSF offers an inexpensive way to see Seattle from the water. You can catch the ferry to Bremerton at Pier 52 for $6.50 round-trip as a passenger. It will cost an extra $7.60 each way to take your car. The ride is 60 minutes each way with a 20-minute stop in Bremerton. It offers excellent views of Blake Island, the naval shipyard in Bremerton, and downtown Seattle from the water upon your return. Pack a lunch and enjoy a better time than you would have had on an expensive Elliot Bay Cruise.4. Pike Place Public Market
The famous market is an excellent place to spend an afternoon. It is popular with tourists, but is also a great place for locals to sample what Seattle has to offer, and browsing is encouraged. A trip to the market is also a rite of passage. It is home to Pike Place Fish, where employees throw fish to each other. The market has a lot of fresh produce and several prepared food options. Starbucks was founded here in 1971. The first store is still operating a block north of its original location.5. Pioneer Square and Underground Tour
In 1853, Seattle was founded in the area now known as Pioneer Square. An area of about ten square blocks serves as both the center of Seattle's nightlife and history. You can see and learn a lot without covering much ground by taking a
Walking Tour of Pioneer Square. Go on
Bill Speidel's Underground Tour first. The 90-minute, $11 guided-tour will help you get your bearings and allow you to experience things in chronological order. It is the best activity in Seattle that nobody knows about.
