Lo mejor para hacer en Seattle

Desde su construcción para la Feria Mundial de 1962, la Space Needle se ha convertido en un icono reconocido a nivel internacional y en la atracción más popular de Seattle. Tanto si vas por contemplar las vistas como por comer en el SkyCity, la Space Needle tiene que estar en tu itinerario.

Qué hacer.
Los visitantes deben reservar parte de su tiempo para comer en el restaurante SkyCity: en sólo 47 minutos el restaurante giratorio hace una rotación completa de 360 grados. La Plataforma de Observación no sólo tiene excelentes vistas, sino también pantallas interactivas e informativas en el interior. Esto te dará más información sobre lo que estás viendo a tu alrededor.

Qué ver.
Desde su cima, la Space Needle en realidad parece más alta que sus 605 pies (184 metros). Sus telescopios gratuitos ofrecen a los visitantes la oportunidad de hacer zoom en el centro de la ciudad o de catapultarse hacia los montes Olympic y Cascade. En un día claro se pueden obtener unas grandes vistas de los montes Rainier, el monte más alto del estado de Washington.

> > Más información sobre la Space Needle.

De celebración por su 50 aniversario en 2012 (el Space Needle también cumplió 50 años en 2012), el Pacific Science Center continúa atrayendo a los visitantes - especialmente a los jóvenes- mediante una variedad de experiencias personales.

Qué hacer:
Los niños pueden acercarse al Insect Village y a los Body Works (donde las Bicis Calóricas calculan la energía generada). En Dinosaurios: un viaje a través del tiempo en el que puedes tomar el control de un Pneumoferrosaurus animatrónico para aprender cómo funcionan la animatrónica, a la vez que exploras el mundo Mesozoico a tu alrededor.

Qué ver:
El mayor atractivo puede ser el Tropical Butterfly Village, donde aquellos que lleven amarillo y rojo atraerán fácilmente amigas voladoras. El pueblo es hogar de cerca de 500 especies diferentes de mariposas importadas semanalmente de América del Sur y Central, África y Asia. ¿Puedes verlas todas?

> > Más información sobre el Pacific Science Center.

Solo el hecho de poder contemplar el edificio de líneas fluidas que alberga este museo, diseñado por Frank O. Gehry y anteriormente conocido como el Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum, ya hace que la visita merezca la pena. En su interior podrás encontrar exposiciones vanguardistas que han recibido galardones y que celebran el proceso creativo y la cultura popular.

Qué hacer
Súbete a bordo de la réplica de una estación espacial, disfruta con la colección de objetos de ciencia ficción, los trajes utilizados en películas, las fotografías y las exposiciones interactivas. Dirígete a la Guitar Gallery para descubrir cómo ha evolucionado el instrumento más característico de la historia del rock and roll. El EMP cuenta con una colección permanente de 236 guitarras, de las cuales unas 50 están expuestas en la Guitar Gallery.

Qué ver
No te pierdas las actuaciones y los vídeos que se exhiben en la sala de vídeo cubierta con la pantalla más grande del mundo. ¡Ah!, y no te olvides de sacar a tu Jimi Hendrix (el famoso músico natural de Seattle) interior mientras interpretas tu propia composición en el Sound Lab. En el centro del EMP se erige la escultura sonora "IF VI WAS IX", compuesta por más de 500 instrumentos musicales y 30 ordenadores.

> > Más información sobre el Museum of Pop Culture.

El Seattle Aquarium, situado en Pier 59, es el séptimo acuario más visitado de Estados Unidos y cuenta con más de 380 especies de aves, peces, invertebrados y mamíferos marinos.

Qué hacer
Los visitantes pueden tocar con cuidado algunos animales marinos que habitan en las pozas de marea Life on the Edge o hablar con los buceadores del acuario. Sal al exterior para disfrutar de la exposición al aire libre Birds and Shores, en la que podrás contemplar diversas aves marinas autóctonas de la zona de Puget Sound.

Qué ver
Adéntrate en la bóveda submarina, una sala esférica rodeada de 1500 metros cúbicos de agua. A la entrada del acuario, toma asiento y disfruta de la exposición Window on Washington Waters, una muestra que contiene 454 metros cúbicos de agua en la cual los buceadores se sumergen a diario. Las nutrias marinas y las focas son otro de los atractivos más populares entre los visitantes. Podrás verlos jugar desde los cómodos asientos al aire libre o contemplarlos bajo el agua gracias a las numerosas ventanas de observación.

> > Más información sobre el Seattle Aquarium.

El recorrido narrado de una hora Spirit of Seattlete permitirá contemplar cómodamente muchos de los principales puntos de interés de la ciudad desde una posición privilegiada. No es de extrañar que la navegación a bordo de uno de los cruceros Argosy Cruises sea una de las actividades más populares entre los turistas de Seattle.

Qué hacer
Relájate y disfruta de las vistas de la ciudad mientras dejas que otra persona se encargue de la navegación. Tú decides, puedes sentarte dentro o en la cubierta, o bien darte un paseo para contemplar las distintas vistas que ofrece la bahía Elliot Bay. También se ofrecen refrigerios a bordo para hacer que tu recorrido sea aún más agradable.

Qué ver
Pike Place Market, Olympic Sculpture Park, Space Needle, Safeco Field y Qwest Field son algunos de los puntos de interés que podrás contemplar durante este paseo. Los recorridos a bordo de los cruceros Argosy Cruises ofrecen las mejores vistas de la ciudad. Trae tu cámara para inmortalizar las mejores vistas que existen del paisaje urbano de Seattle y de las cordilleras Olympic y Cascade o hacerte selfis desde el barco.

> > Más información sobre el Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour.

Descubre el increíble y maravilloso universo de color del Chihuly Garden and Glass, a pocos pasos de la Space Needle. El Chihuly Garden and Glass cuenta con ocho galerías en las que se expone una extensa colección de obras de arte del reconocido artista Dale Chihuly.

Qué hacer
Date una vuelta por el jardín para admirar la perfecta fusión entre las obras de arte en vidrio y los árboles y flores que las rodean. Entre las obras del jardín se encuentran «Sun», «Crystal and Icicle Towers» y «Reeds on Logs». No te pierdas el interior de la Glass House, donde podrás admirar una escultura suspendida de más de 30 metros de longitud, una de las obras más grandes de Dale Chihuly. A continuación, tómate un descanso en la peculiar galería Collections Cafe..

Qué ver
En el Theater se emiten vídeos cortos en los que se explica el proceso creativo de Chihuly y se hace un recorrido por la gran cantidad de obras que tiene diseminadas por todo el mundo. En el Theater también se celebran conferencias y eventos educativos y comunitarios de manera ocasional.

> > Más información sobre el Chihuly Garden and Glass.

El Woodland Park Zoo, con sus cerca de 1100 animales, es reconocido a nivel nacional por su compromiso con la creación de entornos fieles a los hábitats naturales de las distintas especies. En el zoológico hay representadas cerca de 300 especies de todo el mundo.

Qué hacer
Los niños tienen su propio lugar especial dentro del parque, el Zoomazium, una zona de juegos cubierta inspirada en la naturaleza. El Zoomazium incorpora funciones multimedia y áreas de juego temáticas relacionadas con la naturaleza diseñadas para el juego imaginativo y dirigidas a niños de 8 años o menores.

Qué ver
Contempla a los hipopótamos y a las jirafas vagando por la sabana africana y no te pierdas a las aves que vuelan libremente por la selva tropical. Una visita obligada es el nuevo complejo de tigres y osos perezosos, el Banyan Wilds. Se intentan replicar las características exactas de los hábitats naturales de los animales, así que te sentirás como si estuvieras visitando lugares tan diversos como Alaska, Australia, América del Sur o África.

> > Más información sobre el Woodland Park Zoo.

Este histórico mercado fue creado hace más de 100 años con la idea de reunir a agricultores y consumidores locales. Hoy en día, el Pike Place Market es uno de los mercados públicos de productos agrícolas más antiguos de Estados Unidos y se ha convertido también en uno de los lugares más visitados de Seattle.

Qué hacer
Hazte una foto con Rachel, la cerda de bronce que sirve como mascota del mercado, o inmortaliza la famosa pared cubierta de chicles de Post Alley, también conocida como «Gum Wall». En Pike Place podrás encontrar una amplia variedad de restaurantes, así que toma un asiento y come algo mientras disfrutas del ambiente del mercado.

Qué ver
El mercado es una fiesta para los sentidos, con sus salmones voladores, el estallido de color de sus flores y el aroma embriagador de los productos recién horneados. En las plantas más bajas del mercado, podrás encontrar una amplia variedad de tiendas en las que perderte y descubrir muchas cosas interesantes, desde antigüedades hasta cómics, pasando por artículos de colección y muchas cosas más. En el Pike Place Market la diversión está asegurada para todos los públicos.

>> Más información sobre el Pike Place Market.

Thanks to Army Corps of Engineers district chief Hiram Chittenden, boats have had an easy route from Lake Union and Lake Washington to the Puget Sound for nearly 100 years. The Ballard Locks carry more boat traffic than any other lock in the United States.

What to Do
Stand atop swinging walkways to watch the vessels’ progress. All sorts of boats make their way through the Locks including yachts, tugs, barges, motorboats, sailboats, and more. Stop by the visitor's center to learn more about the Locks and how they work.

What to See
Visitors have a special viewing window for the fish ladder – a 21-step structure that helps fish safely move to and from saltwater to freshwater. If you're lucky you might see a variety of different kinds of salmon. King, Silver, and Red salmon all use the ladder.

>> Learn more about the Ballard Locks.

Covering 23 acres (93 hectares), the arboretum showcases more than 5,500 different plants from around the world. The park is a joint project between the University of Washington and the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation.

What to Do
Visit the Japanese garden that features a copper-shingled tea house and 11-tier pagoda. During Spring take a stroll through Azalea Way, a stretch of the park that is home to a unique tapestry of azaleas in a variety of colors, making it a popular photo spot.

What to See
Walk along the Shoreline Trail and see Lake Washington from Marsh and Foster Islands. In addition to plants you're likely to see some blue herons, Canadian geese, and pied-bill grebes along the shore.

>> Learn more about the Washington Park Arboretum.

Bursting at the seams with crowds at full capacity, Safeco Field opened its doors on July 15th, 1999. Years later, Safeco Field is still home to the Mariners, Seattle’s beloved Major League Baseball team. With great views and exciting games, it’s easy to see why Safeco Field is highly praised as one of the most terrific fields in modern MLB.

What to Do
Make your way to the Bullpen Market behind left field for heaps of family-friendly fun. Exciting, interactive games and the Fan Walk will make pre-game time fly by faster than you think. Try the famed garlic fries, a popular snack for game-goers sure to satisfy your taste buds.

What to See
The Outside Corner Picnic Patio provides stunning views of Puget Sound. Lookout Landing puts fans above the baseball field and showcases the city’s grand skyline. It’s also the perfect place to catch birds-eye action of the Mariners at play.

>> Learn more about Safeco Field.

CenturyLink Field is the humble abode for both the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders. The stadium is conveniently located within the SoDo (South of Downtown) district and has earned a reputation as one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL thanks to rowdy and dedicated Seahawks fans.

What to Do
Kettle corn is the perfect treat to pop in your mouth when you’re not busy cheering on the Sounders or the Seahawks. The wide range of concessions available, from classic dogs to salmon flatbread, will give you the energy you need to keep up with the devoted fans.

What to See
The wide, open concourse of the CenturyLink Stadium provides fans with great views of the game and shots of Seattle’s beauty from almost every seat. The breathtaking Olympic mountain range, waterfront and modern cityscape provide the perfect backdrop to Seattle’s roaring football and soccer games.

>> Learn more about CenturyLink Field.

Olympic Sculpture Park is a nine-acre outdoor sculpture museum free to the public and full of awe-inspiring sights. Olympic Sculpture Park fuses urban culture with an outdoor setting and nature with art, making it the perfect pit stop on your Seattle itinerary.

What to Do
Take a break from the daily grind by strolling along the Z-shaped path that winds around the modern sculptures throughout the park. Or, sit on one of the many park benches, also designed with art in mind, and enjoy a casual read or the views of the water beneath a breathtaking sunset.

What to See
The Neukom Vivarium is a unique installation of a fallen, decayed hemlock and the new life that arises from it. Visitors are provided with magnifying glasses to get a closer look at the log and it’s varying forms of life and death.

>> Learn more about Olympic Sculpture Park.

Myrtle Edwards Park is a scenic outdoor escape located along the Seattle waterfront. Right next to the Olympic Sculpture Park, Myrtle Edwards is a colorful place to take in the natural beauty of Seattle.

What to Do
The gorgeous view of Puget Sound is the perfect excuse to plan a delicious picnic in this park. Or, if you’re feeling active, go for an easy jog or bike ride along the scenic trails that stretch a little over a mile long.

What to See
On a clear day, you can see the Olympic Mountain range, which can serve as the perfect backdrop for family photo ops or selfies. Watch the Ferries coast the waters or look out for the marine life that hangs out on the beach. From seals to seagulls, Myrtle Edwards Park is full of life.

>> Learn more about Myrtle Edwards Park.

While many of the parks in Seattle provide impressive views of the city, Kerry Park gives you one of the best vantage points to take it all in. After all, Kerry Park was specifically given to the City in 1927 so that every guest could enjoy the view.

What to Do
Kerry Park has become a popular photo op for the unbeatable views. With direct views of the city skyline, including the well-known Space Needle, a photo from Kerry Park will be the perfect addition to your scrapbook. Make a day of it in the late afternoon so you can take a picture of the fantastic sunset.

What to See
In the middle of the park sits a beautiful steel sculpture, called Changing Form, and was designed by artist Doris Totten Chase in 1971. The sculpture has been a centerpiece in the park since its installation and serves as a creative way for photographers to frame their photos of the Seattle skyline.

>> Learn more about Kerry Park.

Sandwiched between two big bodies of water, Seattle is a hub of maritime culture. At Lake Union, located close to downtown Seattle, you can see the city as you sail the fresh water. In a city where water is the backbone, there’s plenty to do and see in this watery wonderland.

What to Do
At Lake Union, you can take a jog, kayak, or go for a swim. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, visit the Center for Wooden Boats to see the history of Seattle’s maritime society. There are also plenty of places to sit and watch the boats float by if you’re looking for some much-needed quiet time.

What to See
Houseboats, similar to the ones that Tom Hanks’ character occupied in Sleepless in Seattle, line the eastern and western sides of the lake. Keep an eye out for seaplanes as they splash-land on the Union water. Bring your own toy boat and launch it into the park pond, a small-scale version of the real Lake Union.

>> Learn more about Lake Union.

The rich art of Seattle thrives on the energetic pulse that flows through Seattle’s Pioneer Square. Delicious food, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and an exciting nightlife make Pioneer Square a happening spot for locals and visitors alike.

What to Do
Sip on a warm latte at one of Pioneer Square’s aromatic cafes and, after, head to one of the many art galleries in the area. Next, visit all the little shops full of handcrafted goods to take home a uniquely Seattle souvenir (one that doesn’t have an image of the Space Needle on it).

What to See
See the streets of the past frozen in time with an Underground Tour. This humorous walking tour delves into the city that once was—before the Great Fire of 1889. Venture into Waterfall Garden Park, a secluded area that houses a 22-foot waterfall in the middle of Pioneer Square, to forget the fact that you are actually in the middle of a busy city.

>> Learn more about Pioneer Square.

This historic theatre has been entertaining the people of Seattle since it was established in the late 1920’s. From silent films to the rocking performances by acclaimed bands such as Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead, Paramount Theatre is, well, paramount to any other.

What to Do
With a full schedule, there is never a dull day at the Paramount Theatre. Famous comedians, musicians, and many other notable figures have graced the stage of the Paramount Theatre every year. There’s always a show, and it’s always a good one. The Paramount wouldn’t have it any other way.

What to See
The opulent interior design of the Paramount Theatre is jaw-dropping. A beautiful staircase in the main lobby, decadent furnishings, and an exquisite stage tell a story of the theatre’s history that no book could put into words. The venue is a prime spot for talent, and continues to thrive as one of Seattle’s premiere attractions.

>> Learn more about Paramount Theatre.

In 1869, Seattle's first library association was founded. But the high hopes of expanding opportunity for learning were shattered in a flurry of natural disaster, budget restrictions, and relocations. Now, Seattle boasts 22 branches, "Libraries for All," and a dazzling 11-story Central Library: an award-winning architectural masterpiece that has garnered international attention for its unique contemporary design.

What to Do
With multiple events crowding the Seattle Central Library calendar, you're bound to find an event that tempts your curiosity: live scary story readings, free workshops that teach you how to write a memoir or use Photoshop, and kid-friendly puppet shows. Combine the powers of imagination and information, and enjoy most of the events free of charge! —Just be sure to register early.

What to See
The bold design is all the reason you need to make a visit to the Seattle Central Library. From Fifth Avenue, the glass exteriors of the library's multi-angled walls shine like a billion diamonds. Inside, check out the Seattle Collection, one of the library's many special collections that showcase Seattle's colorful history with documents, old yearbooks, paintings, sculptures, and nostalgic photographs.

>> Learn more about the Seattle Public Library

Great books and good vibes are aplenty in Seattle's very own Elliot Bay Book Company. Located in the Capital Hill neighborhood, The Elliot Bay Book Company is boasts over 150,000 titles in a space that will make you want to curl up and read for hours on end.

What to Do
Whatever book you seek, you'll find it at the Elliot Bay Book Company. Multiple levels of the store supply readers of all varieties with the material they desire—fiction, non-fiction, magazines, poetry, and more. You name it, they've got it. High ceilings, beautiful staircases, and the tantalizing Little Oddfellows café will make your reading experience all the more enjoyable. After an exhausting Seattle adventure, you can spend hours browsing for books, but you will feel as if only minutes have passed. Enjoy a house scratch soda or a warm cappuccino while you peruse the pages of a classic tale or an unexplored novel.

What to See
Literature lovers can see various author readings on average of ten times per week at the Elliot Bay Book Company. Lined with books from corner to corner, the cozy reading room is home to many literary events, most of which are free of charge and well worth your time. Stay after the reading for an exciting Q&A, and get to know the author behind the book.

>>Learn more about the Elliot Bay Book Company

Not just any Ferris wheel can add "great" to its name—unless said Ferris wheel climbs 175 feet high in the sky. Not only is the Seattle Great Wheel a colossal attraction, the magnificent views of the Puget Sound and the cityscape make it a perfect, one-of-a-kind ride.

What to Do
As astonishing as it is to see, the Seattle Great Wheel is best enjoyed while circling up, around, and off the ground in one of the roomy, climate-controlled gondolas. The ride time varies depending on the crowd, but summer hours offer around 12-20 minutes of breathtaking views (each ride is 3 full wheel rotations). Take the whole family with you: each gondola fits up to eight guests. For the star treatment, take the VIP gondola and enjoy leather seats, a stereo system for a stellar soundtrack, and a champagne toast at Fisherman's Restaurant.

What to See
The largest observation wheel on the west coast is bound to offer a sight worth seeing. Depending on where you sit, you can see the stunning Seattle cityscape or Mount Olympia. The Elliot Bay view during sunset makes for a romantic date, and during special events and holidays, the wheel offers stunning LED light shows to enhance the night ride experience. You'll want to have a camera handy—the photos you take will be show-off material for a long, long time.

>> Learn more about the Seattle Great Wheel