Most people don't know that much of downtown Seattle is basically a city on top of a city. After a fire in 1889 destroyed 25 city blocks, the city regraded many streets two stories higher than the original street grade, and lined with new streets with concrete and all-brick buildings. Bill Spiedel's tour is the best available to get a glimpse of the century old storefronts that rest under the new Seattle. This is truly one of the most fascinating things to do in Seattle.
Things to do
Seattle is a beautiful city from any view. I personally suggest finding a nice high spot on the University District where the downtown skyline is just amazing.
No trip to Seattle is complete without taking in some music. Seattle had a vibrant music scene before grunge, and it'll have one long after it. And the city's love for tunes is perhaps best displayed at this legendary venue. Pretty much every night of the week a well-known rock or hip-hop act will be playing this 1,000-seat auditorium. The place also reeks of history. Performers such as Al Jolson, the Ramones and Pearl Jam have all played the turn-of-the-century Art Deco room.
I'd never really considered myself a wooden boats enthusiast. But as I had an afternoon to waste in Seattle, I figured this would be an interesting museum to check out instead of the touristy Space Needle and Experience Music Project. And I was absolutely delighted. Who knew there was so much history about these tiny vessels? The museum is free and they also offer free boat rides.
Thousands of rock fans make a pilgrimage to this Lake Washington home every year to see where they're idol, Kurt Cobain, committed suicide in 1994. Cobain's wife, Courtney Love, razed the greenhouse were Cobain shot himself, but the house itself is still standing. Thought it's in the possession of private owners, so be respectful of their privacy if you make a visit. There's a memorial for the rocker next door in Viretta Park, where messages and dedications have been carved into wooden benches.
