10 reasons why you should visit Seattle in 2018

When thinking of travelling to the USA the usual sphere of holiday destinations come to mind, New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Las Vegas.

However, for 2018 why not head to America’s Pacific Northwest, where you have the opportunity to discover the laidback sophistication of Seattle.

It’s the hub of the iconic Space Needle, the birthplace of coffee, grunge and a great nightlife. This is one great city with more than enough activities to keep you sleepless.

For us lucky Brits, a trip to Seattle doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg as in September 2017 low-cost airline Norwegian launched a new direct flight from London Gatwick, opening the city’s door to UK visitors on a budget.

Here, we breakdown our top ten recommendations of things to keep you cheerful while in Seattle.

1. Seattle Road Dog tour – a cheers to the city

The Seattle Road Dog tour can help fight jet lag following a 10 hour flight from London to Seattle. The tour invites its guests to bar hop through the city’s finest coffee roasters, craft breweries and distillers.

The tour starts off at Seattle’s Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting room, the Willy Wonka of Starbucks coffee factories worldwide.

First-hand you’ll watch custom-designed pneumatic tubes whirl beans to be ushered through the building to be roasted, packaged and distributed to more than 60 countries and 21,000 stores.

Talk to a coffee master who can help choose which Starbucks Reserve coffee suits your taste before freshly brewing it on the spot for you.

The Seattle Road Dog tour also pays homage to the city’s rich brewing heritage and makes pint stops at Alehouse’s Outlander Brewing, Hales Ales and Pyramid Brew, who are considered a pioneer of craft brewing in the Pacific Northwest.

2. Fremont troll – The Instagram worthy moment in Seattle

Apart of your welcome pack to Seattle is saying hello to the 53ft Fremont Troll located in the funky and hip neighbourhood of Fremont.

This beloved public sculpture was created by a team led by Steve Badanes and depicts a large, fearsome troll devouring an actual Volkswagen.

Taking its inspiration from Norwegian folklore, the mixed troll weighs more than two tons and sports one good eye made of a hubcap.

You can find this must-see work of art underneath the George Washington Memorial Bridge also known as the Aurora Bridge.

It’ll be happy snapping as you enjoy this picture worthy moment in Seattle!

3. Visit the Observation Deck at the Space needle centre

The Space Needle is undoubtedly the city’s most stand-out icon as it is positioned 605ft into Seattle’s skyline. This flying-saucer design first came to be during the 1962 World Fair and is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

A swift ride on the elevator takes you to the observation deck for a 360-view of the city. The journey to the top is worth it as you’ll have a glimpse of one of the State’s most beautiful waterways, Puget Sound. Night owls can still have the scenic experience as the Space Needle is opened until 8pm everyday.

The Needle’s SkyCity restaurant has been closed to the public since September as the Space Needle is currently undergoing a $100 million revamp. The swanky renovations will include a rotating glass floor, that will offer vertigo-inducing views of the 184 metres of ground directly below.

When it reopens in May 2018 it will become the world’s first rotating glass-floor restaurant.

4. Chihuly Garden and glass museum – explore the art of glassblowing

Located at the foot of the Space Needle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum. The permanent exhibition space is a vivid and colourful exploration of the studio works of artist Dale Chihuly.

Over eight galleries and three drawing walls visitors get a rare and intimate glimpse into the pieces and influences that have shaped Dale’s career.

The real star of the exhibit is the 40-ft tall glass and steel glasshouse which houses a 100-foot long sculpture in a colour palette of reds, oranges, yellows and amber.

Outside in the garden you’ll find four of Dale’s monumental sculptures that have been intermixed with plants and landscapes elements from the Pacific Northwest. A blossoming sight indeed!

5. Have a MARVEL-lous time at Seattle’s MoPOP museum

Marvel fans should flock to the Emerald city in 2018 for an incredible exhibition of the comic book empire’s films at the Museum of Pop Culture.

The exhibit, Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes, will feature more than 300 original pieces and artefacts that have never been released for the public.

The display will not only celebrate 10 years of Marvel movies and TV shows, but will also feature costumes and props from Spider-Man, Iron Man, Avengers and more.

Among the artefacts will be Thor’s hammer used by actor Chris Hemsworth and the “Cloak of Levitation” worn by Benedict Cumberbatch in Doctor Strange.

The exhibition will also explore how Marvel’s storytelling has influenced culture and world issues, including commentary on gender, race, and mental illness.

It’s sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience any comic book nerd will want to have.

The exhibit will open on April 21, 2018.

6. Go on the Food & Culture Tour of Pike Place Market with Savour Seattle Food tours

Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers markets in the United States. Having had over a 100 years worth of trading under its belt, it’s one of Seattle’s most famous attractions for fantastic and historic dining establishments.

Have a delicious bite of what this renowned food establishment has to offer by signing up for a spot on the Food & Culture Tour of Pike Place Market.

This Food tour lets you nibble to your heart’s content as you sample sweet and savoury bites at seven of the best market vendors.

Local specialities on the menu include delectable maple bacon doughnuts from the Daily dozen doughnut company.

Meanwhile, Country Dough serves up a Szechaun chicken sandwich on a succulent Chinese flatbread.

Elsewhere on the Pike Place Market adventure you’ll have warm breakfasty treats and see colourful fresh fruit and veg at Frank’s Quality produce.

Stand out moments on the tour include seeing fish fly at Pike Place Fish market.

This fish market features acrobatic displays from employees as passers-by try their hand at catching a flying fish. Plus you’ll have a taster of some of the stall’s best sellers like the fresh hot salmon.

With over 30,000 people weaving in and out of the market daily, avoid the crowd and book for the VIP Pike Place Market food experience which allows early access into the market.

You’ll also have time to break out of the hustle and bustle by heading to the sanctuary of the Pike Place urban garden.

7. Gum wall – Seattle’s sticky piece of art

Buy a piece of Hubba Bubba and pay your respects to this sticky local landmark and tourist attraction. The French may have had their Love Lock bridge but in Seattle, tourists leave their mark of endearment by plastering chewing gum on the city’s ‘Gum wall’.

Hidden behind Pike Place Market, the sticky piece of art is a 12m stretch of brickwork layered in a wad of chewed gum. The “gum wall” is located in Pike Place Market down a passage by the box office for Market Theatre in Post Alley. More than likely you’ll smell this rainbow of chewed gum even before you see it.

8. Puget Sound Express Whale Watching

Get in touch with Marine life as you head towards the San Juan Island in Puget Sound on a fast comfortable catamaran to wherever you can find whales.

Whale watching is very much like waiting for paint to dry, however, once these mammoths of sea life, whether its orcas or humpback whales, make their presence known it’s a magical site.

Don’t worry about bringing a packed lunch as when making your reservation, you’ll have the option of pre-ordering gourmet boxed.

9. Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour

Aviation geeks will not be able to contain their excitement as they explore interactive exhibits and displays of the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour.

Visitors go behind-the-scenes of the only commercial jet assembly plant open for public tours in North America.

Get ready for take-off as the 90-minute tour lets you watch the assembly of 747s, 777s or 787 Dreamliners.

10. Take the ultimate road trip into Washington State

If you get bored of city life in Seattle you can opt for a change of scenery and take a quick 45-minute Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Wenatchee.

Head to Wenatchee’s downtown national historic district where you’ll find the Pybus Public market. Located in a renovated steel manufacturing warehouse it’s the permanent home of the Wenatchee Valley farmers market.

The market houses about 20 year-round restaurants and shops, including fruit stands, meat and seafood shops and specialty stores featuring flavored vinegars and oils, tea, beer, wine, nuts and home decor items.

Look out for the Pybus Market’s Little Free Library where you can take and leave a book.

A two hour drive from Wenatchee will lead you to the vast wilderness of Withrop. The super-scenic route showcases some of the state’s famous landmarks.

Another place of interest is the Lake Chelan Wine Valley, Washington State’s 11th American Viticulture Area, which means you’ll never be too far from an award winning wineries.

One of the region’s shining stars is Tsillan Cellars Winery where you can sample its renowned and award-winning wines paired with antipasti dishes.

Adding to the thrill of visiting this winery is seeing the vineyards sustained by the glacial waters of the North Cascades from the winery and from a bird’s eye view during a helicopter tour.

Where to eat and drink?

Pike Place Chowder

Warm up your winter belly with America’s no, 1 most talked about chowder at Pike Place Chowder. This comfort food eatery will be hard to miss thanks to its infamous queue and briny aromas.

Try the Seafood Bisque, a delectable medley of Pacific Cod, Northwest Salmon, Oregan Bay Shrimp simmered in a creamy tomato-based broth and flavoured with fresh basil .

In addition to the various chowder offerings, including vegan chowder, there are salads and sandwiches.

Aqua by El Gaucho – the waterfront splendor of Seattle’s seafood restaurant scene

Seafood rules in Seattle and Aqua by El Gaucho is one of the best restaurants to enjoy such dishes. The menu is playful with items such as crab-stuffed halibut to cedar plank-roasted salmon or grilled swordfish.

Overlooking the water, the atmosphere is far from dull expect a lovely ambience filled with live piano music and a retro-yet-timeless deco. The drinks menu features an extensive range of great cocktails and a wine list with locally sourced (NW) wines.

Step back into time with Oddfellows cafe + Bar

The Oddfellowes building was built in 1908 and features historic details such as old wooden floors, original brick and windows. Located in Seattle’s dynamic neighbourhood of Capitol Hill, this French bistro is open from 8AM until late, and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late night bite.

Have a taste of the Cascade Loop

While in Wenatchee dining at Chateau Faire le Pont is highly recommended. The foods are fresh and speak the finest taste of the Cascade Loop’s cuisine.

Its menu features highly-acclaimed Pacific Northwest cuisine which are all sourced from local farmers and ranchers. The restaurant has a winery in its cellar so you’ll have no problem in raising a glass to Wenatchee Valley’s award-winning wine selection.

Head for a drink at Linda’s Tavern

Round off the day at Linda’s Tavern, the last place where Kurt Cobain was seen alive. The beloved Capitol Hill bar is cosy and offers its guests an impressive drinks collection, plenty of tables and a great outdoor patio.

Where to stay?

Stay Pineapple – Hotel Five

Hotel Five reflects Seattle’s vibrant nature with retro touches to decor and bright coloured Staypineapple motifs emblazoned in various parts of the room.

Guests will fall in love with the hotel’s Naked Experience which provides the bare necessities of comforts including a plush bathrobe, cosy slippers, over-the-top luxurious sheets, blankets, European style duvets and sleep with me pillows.

Hotel Five is a central location to most of Seattle’s touristy must-see’s as the property is only a stone throw away from the Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden, and the MOPop museum.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco

Kimpton’s hotel Monaco is one of the city’s best boutique hotels for having a luxurious experience in Seattle.

Life is suite in the hotels Seattle suite which provides at least 500 square feet of plush living amenities, a stylishly chic decorated space, sleep-inducing pillow-top beds and a contemporary bath to unwind in.

Find a spot in the suite’s sitting area to send that work email or to entertain your fellow Seattle travel companions.

Adding to the VIP experience is having your own dedicated express elevator to your suite. This hotel is well situated in the heart of downtown Seattle.

The Sun Mountain Lodge

The Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop is one of the premiere spot for visitors to enjoy the natural splendours of Washington State and of course its exceptional Pacific Northwest cuisine.

The resort is perched on the top of a mountain and overlooks the spectacular Methow Valley which is an open gateway to North Cascade National park.

Life can be an outdoor adventure while staying at the lodge as its onsite amenities include horseback riding with JD Outfitters at the Sun Mountain Lodge stables.

Nearby at the Patterson Lake you can sign yourself up for a session of paddle boarding or kayaking.

Tourist must-buy

It’s easy to fill your days in Seattle with the ease of the Seattle CityPass as it entitles you to visit five of the city’s top attractions including fascinating museums and enjoying epic views from soaring skyscrapers.

Getting to Seattle

Norwegian fly four times a week direct from London Gatwick to Seattle using brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft with two cabins – Premium and economy.

Fares start from £159.90 one way and Premium fares start from £499.90 one way which includes lounge access and more than a metre of legroom at www.norwegian.com/uk

For more information on Seattle visit the Port of Seattle website.