Seattle

Seattle

It’s hard to believe, but there was a time when Seattle wasn’t a famous travel destination. Today, this large city in the Pacific Northwest is at the heart of pop culture history.

After all, Washington’s capital gave birth to grunge rock and was the home of Nirvana, while films such as Say Anything and Sleepless In Seattle, and TV shows such as Frasier and Grey’s Anatomy put it firmly on the map.

The centre of town, which runs right to the water's edge, is constantly evolving, while growing suburbs such as Ballard are filled with people who value a quality restaurant, some fun entertainment and an evening in a trendy lounge to welcome in the weekend.

Like many American cities, Seattle has a vibrant downtown area filled with luxury hotels and high-rise apartment buildings, as well as plenty of restaurants, nightlife venues and cafes.

In fact, the city runs on caffeine – Starbucks was founded here and many independent roasters line the streets. The world's best-known coffee chain isn’t the only major company with roots in Seattle – Amazon started here too. The online retailer has a huge presence in the city and helps to drive the local economy.

Seattleites are extremely proud of the place they call home. Evidence of this is everywhere, perhaps nowhere more so than at local sporting events.

From the Seahawks (National Football League – NFL) to the Mariners (Major League Baseball – MLB) to the Sounders (Major League Soccer – MLS), try and catch a game during your visit to see sports fandom at its best.

Things to do in Seattle

■ Visit the Pike Place Fish Market
■ Visit the Museum of Flight
■ Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass
■ Tour the Olympic Sculpture Park
■ Go whale watching
■ Climb the Space Needle

Stay in Seattle

■ The Maxwell Hotel
■ The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
■ The Edgewater
■ The Arctic Club Seattle
■ Hotel Ballard
■ Alexis Hotel

Eat in Seattle

■ Terra Plata (International)
■ TAT’s Delicatessen (Cafe)
■ Sutra (Vegetarian)
■ Palisade (Seafood)
■ Miller's Guild (Steakhouse)
■ Canlis (International)

Scheduled Flights to Seattle (from Kuala Lumpur)

■ Delta Airlines (1 Stop)
■ United Airlines (1 Stop)
■ Emirates (1 Stop)
■ American Airlines (1 Stop)