Few places can offer such a unique city break as Seattle. If New York is about polished, high-octane energy and glamour, then creative Seattle is its Hipster young sibling. Known for being the birthplace of Kurt Cobain and the early grunge scene and home to the very first Starbucks, Seattle also gained fame as the setting for 90s sitcom Fraiser and the movie, 10 Things I Hate About You. But there's so much more to this city, which buzzes with culture and hidden gems.
As well as being among the most creative cities in the world, it's widely recognised as one of the best places for food and drink. The imposing neon sign that sits outside Pike Place Market may well be familiar - the city's famous farmers' market has been going strong since 1907. You need to head here early if you want to avoid the crowds - or maybe get among the busy bustle at lunchtime and try the award-winning chowder from Pike Place Chowder.
Salty's on Alki Beach is the perfect brunch spot for the freshest seafood and most delicious pastries and pancakes. Start with the Salty's twist on a Bloody Mary, the Sunday Mary, with house-infused habanero vodka and Taylor Shellfish oysters, which come with a choice of seven sauces, followed by steamed Dungeness crab or the peel-and-eat white Gulf prawns.
Seattle's buzzing food and drink scene really comes to life after dark. Award-winning chef Jason Wilson heads up the kitchen at new restaurant Aerlume, which focuses on quality local ingredients and offers a modern-meets-hearty menu. Locally sourced fare also reigns supreme at Local 360, which sources everything on its menu from within a 360-mile radius; and, of course, it's all organic. Upmarket steakhouse Bateau does classic steaks really well and is worth a trip for the sides as much as the meat. If it's seafood you're after, head to Matt's in the Market for their steamed mussels and clams, seafood stew, or, if it's in season, the spectacular Copper River salmon. Can't make up your mind? Why not try a tasting tour of Seattle's best local eateries.
Seattle started the craft-beer revolution in the 1980s and is now home to 250 breweries, making it the perfect place to sample a pint of the local brew. Redhook Ale Brewery is the original ad reputedly the best. Founded in 1981, it continues to make fresh, innovative craft beers at its main brewery and at its pub, Redhook Brewlab, On Oike Street. Here you can enjoy 16 taps of rotating craft brews among hipster locals in a chic industrial space.
Seattle's rich history sets it apart as a city of art and culture. Explore the city's grunge heritage at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), designed by architect Frank Gehry, or visit Seattle Art Museum (SAM) for a curated edit of world-class art. The museum runs an exciting schedule of exhibitions celebrating everything from fine to modern art and sculpture.
There are three ways to catch the ultimate panorama of the city skyline. If you're feeling adventurous, take a water taxi to West Seattle, where you can see some of the best views of the impressive skyline from the water.
For a bird's-eye view, head to the landmark Space Needle, where you can see everything from the city to the mountains from an unbeatable 360 degree vantage point. Located on the south side of Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park offers postcard-perfect views of the skyline with the Space Needle at the forefront, and of Mount Rainier, too.
With jaw-dropping mountain and water views, Seattle's scenery is worth exploring. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon at Green Lake or go paddle boarding on Lake Union. Epic Snoqualmie Falls is a must-visit and one of Washington State's most popular scenic attractions. Take a short hike around the falls and drink in the beautiful scenery that was the backdrop for TV show Twin Peaks.