Seattle travel guide

This intimate, Asian-inspired Central District music venue books well-known touring bands as well as lots of up-and-coming local acts (especially of the hip-hop persuasion). And it's dark and seedy, like a good indie club should be. Catch acts such as Junior Boys and the French Kicks at a place like this.

It's tough to find bad coffee in Seattle. Its current popularity in the US was essentially born there. But if you're looking for something outside the Starbucks/Seattle's Best Coffee reign, try out this cafe, which is a tiny converted house in the Fremont neighborhood. Locals love the strong drinks, friendly staff and, when the weather cooperates, the breezy outdoor patio.

The hip Capital Hill scene is perhaps best summed up with this dive bar, which opened in 1994 and has surely been the second home to many a musician over the last decade and a half. I stopped in here for a couple stiff drinks and to plug the jukebox, which is full of indie and punk classics. I liked the cheap drinks, and while I didn't try to food or the back patio, locals have told me those are the two main reasons they go to the place.

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.

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.