Seattle is known as the 'Emerald City', and just like the home of the Wizard of Oz in the fairy tale, it is a magical place. Rated as one of the world's most liveable cities, after Melbourne and Montreal, it boasts among its citizens three out of the world's ten richest men, including Bill Gates, head of the mighty Microsoft Empire. The city's emergence as a trend-setting and fashionable metropolis with sky-high property prices has occurred in less than 200 years, since it was founded in 1869.

Sitting at the extremity of the United States' northwest, at the gateway to Canada, Seattle reaches for the sky with its landmark soaring 'space needle', built in the 1960s, a modern monument that epitomises the city's image as a high-tech, dynamic and young community.

Seattle is not a place that fosters couch potatoes. Visitors and locals alike revel in the outdoor activities the city's situation provides for. Seattle sits on the shores of two large lakes and Puget Sound, with remote wilderness less than an hour away, and it is flanked by two major mountain ranges (Olympics and Cascades), with Mount Rainier in full view from the city. It is also within easy reach of the San Juan Islands, Pacific Ocean beaches and major rivers.

This active city lends itself to walking tours, particularly around the two main tourist areas, the waterfront and Pike Place Market. In addition, 80 percent of the city limits are surrounded by water, so tour boats also abound. To fully enjoy Seattle be prepared to go boating, and bring a comfortable pair of shoes.

Pike Place Market

Address: First Avenue, between Pike and Pine Streets Seattle

Admission: Open daily. Hours vary for different businesses, and Sundays are voluntary opening days so some shops may be closed

Telephone: (206) 682 7453

Rachel, a giant piggy bank, stands guard over the Pike Place Farmer's Market in downtown Seattle, placed there to raise funds to preserve this National Historic District founded in 1907. The bustling market has provided the local people with producer-priced goods for decades, and continues to do so today as about 100 farmers and fishmongers tout their wares. They have been joined by more than 150 local craftspeople and artists who have also set up shop here, along with street performers, dozens of restaurants and numerous speciality shops. The world's first Starbucks coffee shop opened here in 1971, and is still brewing up its famous beverage on the original site. At the north end of the market Victor Steinbrueck Park provides a popular grassy place to sit in the sun and escape the milling crowds.

Space Needle

Address: 400 Broad Street Seattle

Admission: $16.80 (adults), $9.45 (children 4-13). Day and night tickets allow for two visits in 24hrs: $22.05 (adults), $13.13 (children) Sunday to Thursday 10am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 9.30am to 10pm

Telephone: (206) 905 2100

Anyone who has followed the Hollywood movies will be familiar with Seattle's internationally recognised symbol, the futuristic creative Space Needle building. From afar it looks like a spinning top, with the needle aerial pointing skywards. The Space Needle was built for the 1962 World's Fair to showcase upcoming architectural development, and proved itself by withstanding an earthquake experienced in the city in February 2001 measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale. Visitors can ascend the 607-foot (185m) building as far as a revolving observation deck 520 feet (158m) above the city, where high-powered telescopes are positioned to allow you to pick out the city sights. There is also a restaurant on top of the tower.

Experience Music Project

Address: Seattle Center, 325 Fifth Avenue North Seattle

Admission: $15 (adults); $12 (children 5-17). Other concessions available. Free from 5pm to 8pm on first Thursday of every month (All Access Nights) Daily 10am to 7pm (22 May to 1 September); daily 10am to 5pm (2 September to 21 May)

Telephone: (206) 770 2702

One of Seattle's most popular attractions is the Experience Music Project, basically a rock 'n roll music museum with a difference, housed in a huge, colourful psychedelic building, designed by Frank Gehry at the base of the Space Needle. The museum was planned originally by Microsoft entrepreneur Paul Allen as a memorial to Jimi Hendrix, the superstar guitarist who was born in Seattle and died more than 30 years ago. The Hendrix exhibit, featuring artefacts associated with the rock legend, remains the biggest drawcard at the museum, but the collections and interactive exhibits have been expanded to include the general history of American popular music. Exhibits range from the first electric guitars of the 1930s to a rock 'n roll thrill ride akin to a roller coaster. In interactive rooms visitors can try their hands at mixing on DJ turntables or playing various instruments. The museum is also the venue for numerous concerts.

Seattle Art Museum

Address: 1300 First Avenue Seattle

Admission: $15 (adults), $9 (youth 13-17), free for under 13; other concessions available. Free admission on the first Thursday of every month. Special exhibition ticket prices vary Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm; Thursday and Friday 10am to 9pm

Telephone: (206) 344 5275

Seattle's downtown Art Museum is landmarked by the animated thudding massive steel sculpture by Jonathon Borofsky called 'Hammering Man' that stands outside. Inside the remarkable building, designed by Robert Venturi, are a large range of exhibits covering European and American art, from ancient through to a vast 20th-century collection devoted to Northwest contemporary art. Free guided tours of the different collections are offered.

Pioneer Square

Address: Seattle

Admission: Klondike National Park: daily 9am to 5pm. The Underground Tour ticket office opens daily 9.30am to 6pm

Telephone: Pioneer Square Community Association: (206) 667 0687

Billed as 'where Seattle begins', the historic district of Pioneer Square features more than 20 city blocks of historic buildings, more than 30 galleries, a vibrant retail sector and the city's most exciting nightlife. The district is south of the main downtown area, and encompasses two major attractions. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park recalls the days when Seattle was a jumping off point for hopefuls heading for the goldfields. Another visitor favourite is the unique Underground Tour, taking in the sunken storefronts of the original 'Skid Road', where timber used to be slid down to the steam-powered mills on the shores of Elliott Bay.

Museum of Flight

Address: 9404 East Marginal Way South Seattle

Admission: $14 (adults); $7.50 (children 5-17); other concessions available. Admission is free on the first Thursday evening of every month from 5pm until 9pm Daily 10am to 5pm; open until 9pm on the first Thursday of every month. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

Telephone: (206) 764 5720

Next to Boeing Field, south of downtown Seattle, the Museum of Flight consists of a six-storey high glass and steel construction, which was the original Boeing factory. Inside is a collection of more than 130 aircraft, some suspended from the ceiling, which includes some of history's most famous airplanes. There is, for example, a replica of the Wright brothers' first glider and the original Air Force One presidential plane used by Eisenhower. The museum covers the entire history of flight right up to the space programme. The Museum's most recent acquisition is a British Airways Concorde - the only one on America's West Coast. Concorde arrived in true style setting a new world's record time from New York to Seattle.

Snoqualmie Falls

Address: Seattle

About an hour's drive into the Cascades Mountains east of Seattle is the resort of Snoqualmie Falls, where the Salish Lodge and Spa is famous for having been the setting for many scenes from the hugely popular television series, Twin Peaks. The dramatic falls plunge 270 feet (82m) down a precipice into a pool of deep blue water, close to the town of North Bend. The world's first underground electric generator still operates behind the falls. There are several hiking trails in the area and picnic sites with a view of the waterfall. Snoqualmie also boasts four ski slopes: Alpental, Snoqualmie Summit, Ski Acres and Hyak. In the town of Snoqualmie is the Northwest Railway Museum and the historic Snoqualmie Valley Railroad, which runs steam train trips to North Bend between May and October.

Puget Sound Islands

Address: Seattle

Washington State Ferries depart regularly from the Seattle waterfront piers carrying passengers to and from the many islands in scenic Puget Sound. Visitors generally favour Bremerton, about 20 miles (32km) west of the city, actually on the tip of the Kitsap Peninsula. Here stands the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Museum, and visitors can also explore the historic destroyer, USS Turner Joy that is tied up at the ferry dock. A popular island destination is Bainbridge, just 10 miles (16km) west of Seattle, which has its own winery. Winslow, the main town on Bainbridge Island, is a pretty historic town with some fine restaurants and shops and a great view of Seattle. Vashon Island, 10 miles (16km) southwest of the city is an artist's colony. A little further afield are the San Juan Islands boasting miles of unspoilt beaches, state parks, whale-watching opportunities and primeval forests.

Olympic National Park

Address: Seattle

Admission: $15 per vehicle; $5 per individual hiker, cyclist or motorcyclist. Valid for seven days Open daily, 24-hours a day. Some roads may be closed during winter. Visitor centre hours vary throughout the year

Telephone: (360) 565 3130

Wilderness lovers revel in retreating to the wild Pacific Coast with its glacier-capped mountains, magnificent stands of ancient forest, fascinating biological diversity, and wild Pacific coastline. About 95 percent of the park has been designated a wilderness area, which protects a unique ecosystem on the Olympic Peninsula that encompasses eight kinds of plants and 15 species of animals occurring nowhere else on earth. The Peninsula separates Seattle from the Pacific Ocean.

Mount Rainier National Park

Address: Seattle

Admission: $15 per vehicle; $5 per individual hiker, cyclist or motorcyclist. Valid for seven days Open daily all year round, but access is limited in winter

Telephone: (360) 569 2211

One of the oldest national parks in the United States, Mount Rainier National Park was founded in 1899 to preserve the lofty volcano, Mount Rainier, known to the Native Americans as Tahoma. The snow-capped peak is visible from Seattle, 90 miles (145km) away and dominates the region, drawing thousands of climbers every year to dare the dangerous ascent to its summit. The rest of the park is a beautiful wilderness containing glaciers, rivers, deep forests, lush alpine meadows and over 240 miles (380km) of maintained trails.

Mount St. Helens

Address: Seattle

Admission: Depending on what sites one plans to visit, there is a Regional Northwest Forest Pass ($5 per vehicle)

Telephone: (360) 274 0962 (Mount St. Helens Visitor Center)

One Sunday morning in May 1980, Mount St Helens, one of the snow-covered peaks of the Cascades Mountains, lying about 168 miles (271km) south of Seattle, erupted, causing a massive landslide and devastating a vast area of forest. The volcano continued erupting intermittently for six years. Today the area is being preserved as the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument, being left to revive naturally from the experience while scientists continue to monitor the volcano and the environment of the surrounding landscape. The Monument has become a fascinating tourist attraction equipped with numerous viewpoints and miles of trails enabling it to be explored by car or on foot. Forest Interpreters host visitors during the summer months organising activities like walks and amphitheatre presentations, while in winter the mountain slopes provide cross-country ski and snowmobile trails. Climbers take on the journey to the crater rim and five visitor centres operate on State Road 504 on the west side of the mountain providing information about the volcano and the environment. A gift shop at the Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center offers hand-crafted items made from Mount St. Helens ash.

Seattle Aquarium

Address: Pier 59 Seattle

Admission: $16 (adults), $10.50 (children 4-12) Daily 9.30am to 5pm

Telephone: (206) 386 4300

Located on Seattle's waterfront, the Aquarium provides fun and exciting ways to see amazing sea creatures and colourful coral life of the Pacific, and includes touch pools with animals like sea stars and urchins from Puget Sound and Washington's outer coast. The Window on Washington Waters is a huge exhibit that is filled with native marine life, where dive shows take place three times daily, while the Marine Mammal exhibit features sea otters and seals viewed from both above and below the water. The Underwater Dome is one of the largest exhibits, an undersea room that provides 360 degree views of the fish and sharks as they swim past.

Washington State Ferries

Address: Seattle

Admission: Prices vary on distance and type of transport

As riding the mechanical bull is to Dallas, so is the ferry ride to Seattle - a quintessential part of experiencing the city. Coffee mugs are adorned with ferries, little model ferries are offered to tourists as trinkets to remember their visit by. Ferrying is a culture and a way of life to Seattle residents, many of whom commute to work across the Union Lake and Elliot Bay areas. Ferries are operated by Washington State Ferries and a schedule is available on their website. Wake up early and drink your morning coffee (Seattle's other cultural pastime) on the water with the friendly locals.

Alaskan Ferry

Address: Seattle

Telephone: (360) 676 0212 for Bellingham office

Large cruise ships regularly travel to major ports in Alaska but a better, smaller option is the Alaskan Ferry. Departing from Bellingham Washington, these large ferries bounce against the major coastal towns of Canada, The Gulf of Alaska and stretching to the Alaskan Peninsula. The landscape is staggering, revealing hundreds of craggy forest-dense islands and coastlines. Eagles, killer whales, bears and other hardy wildlife are all part of the view. The months of operation are May to September, when the weather is bearable and sunshine illuminates most of the ‘night' hours. Costs vary greatly on length of voyage and accommodation. Most ferries rent cabins but those in tune with Alaska's pioneer spirit can pitch a tent on deck or just use a blanket.

San Juan and the Gulf Islands

Address: Seattle

The San Juan Islands and the Canadian Gulf islands form one of the best boater paradises in the world. The hundreds of islands are separated by nationality but are part of the same scenic and rugged archipelago, located off the northwest coast of Washington State. Much of the area is in a rain shadow behind Vancouver Island, making a surprisingly dry and sunny reprieve in the northwest. Little island communities, great wildlife and the open water provide a real and intuitive disconnect from the mainland. Frequent government ferry services connect the mainland and larger inhabited islands to each other, but scores are only visitable by smaller shuttle boats and yachts. Friday Harbour is San Juan's largest town and an enchanting tourist destination, seemingly out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Anchorages are bustling throughout summer, but largely empty in other seasons. Yacht charters are available out of Bellingham.

The Gorge Amphitheater

Address: Seattle

High on the cliffs above the Colombia River, The Gorge is one of the best music venues in the country. A natural ravine coalesces at a cliff edge where a large stage hosts the biggest acts on tour in the Northwest. The 20,000 seat venue is privilege to both the stunning view and sound quality resulting from the natural theatre like setting. Visitors usually spend the night at Gorge campground in front of the venue. Here, all manners of cars, campers, RV's or simple tents are scattered across for an often rowdy night of celebration. Vehicles are charged 40 dollars for access and individual campers an extra 10. The Gorge is in George, Washington, an easy three hour drive east on I-90. There is very limited motel accommodation nearby and the isolated nature of the area means it's better to pack your own. The venue is the annual host of Sasquatch Festival in May.

Woodland Park Zoo

Address: 601 No. 59th Street, Seattle Seattle

Admission: 1 October – 30 April: $11 (adults); $8 (children). 1 May – 30 September: $16.50 (adults); $11 (children) Open daily 1 October to 30 April from 9.30am – 4pm; From 1 May to September 30 from 9.30am – 6pm. Closed 25 December

Telephone: 206 548 2500

Located in the Green Lake neighbourhood of Seattle, the Woodland Park Zoo is a great place to take the kids for a day out exploring and meeting the animals. Kids can enjoy animals such as African elephants, Arctic foxes, sloth bears and red pandas, or birds like snowy owls, parrots, Chilean flamingos and golden eagles as well as a fantastic variety of invertebrates such as spiders and butterflies. For families on holiday in Seattle, a trip to the Woodland Park Zoo is not to be missed.

Seattle Children's Museum

Address: 305 Harrison Street Seattle

Admission: $7.50 (adults and children). Children under the age of 1 free Open Monday to Friday from 10am – 5pm; Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 6pm

Telephone: 206 441 1768

Kids will absolutely love the Seattle Children's Museum which is located in the Seattle Center. With constantly changing exhibits and programs, families are guaranteed to see something fresh and new and children will constantly be challenged and will have fun learning.

Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art

Address: 1116 108th Ave. NE, Bellevue Seattle

Admission: $8 (Adults); $5 (children) Open Monday to Saturday from 10am – 5pm; Sundays from 1pm – 5pm

Telephone: 425 455 1116

A must for little girls and doll lovers of all ages, the Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art contains one of the largest doll collections in the world, with more than 3,000 dolls on display, including 17th-century wooden dolls, 19th-century china dolls, and the original Barbie. A fascinating day out for the whole family, or just for mothers and daughters.

Northwest Folklife Festival

Where: Seattle Center,Seattle

When: May 2010 TBA

Celebrating the traditional arts of North America, the Folklife Festival is the largest in the country, attracting people from around the world to take part in or to enjoy the variety of cultures presented. Different ethnic traditional acts are staged, including dance and music performances from over 100 countries, and storytelling. There is also an art and crafts market, an international food village, dance and music workshops, folklore exhibits, and hands-on educational opportunities for children to learn about other cultures.

Seafair

Where: Various,Seattle

When: June to August annually

Seafair is one of the biggest community festivals in the country, a summer tradition that is rated as one of the top events in North America. Major events include the famous US Navy Blue Angels air show, Hydroplane Races, the Torchlight Run and Parade, and the traditional Milk Carton Derby in which families take to the water in homemade milk carton boats and rafts. There is also plenty of live music, art and cultural attractions, and demonstrations throughout the city, as well as half marathons and triathlons to participate in. Seafair has been an annual event in Seattle since 1950.

Bite of Seattle

Where: Seattle Center,Seattle

When: 16 - 18 July 2010

A food carnival that has grown into the city's largest summer festival, Bite of Seattle brings together a feast of enticing food and exciting entertainment. A variety of the city's culinary offerings are brought together by participation of more than 60 restaurants, as well as food product companies, beer gardens and wine tasting exhibits. Live entertainment is also an integral part of the experience and includes the comedy club, a piano bar, kids entertainment, and music. The Bite Cooks is a popular event which features top celebrity chefs in a creative and interactive cooking show and demonstration.

Bumbershoot Festival

Where: Seattle Center grounds,Seattle

When: September 2010 TBA

Bumbershoot is the biggest arts and music festival in the country, showcasing the work of thousands of artists from around the world. It is an extravaganza featuring live music performances, dance, theatre, film, comedy, literary and visual arts, as well as street performers, an international food bazaar, and art and crafts market.

Pike Place Market Street Festival

Where: Pike Place Market,Seattle

When: May 2010 TBA

As a fundraising event, the Street Festival celebrates the beginning of summer with live music, a huge variety of food, children's activities, beer gardens, and arts and crafts stalls. The festival started in 1971 as a way of thanking Seattle's residents for their vote to save the market, and today the Market Foundation works to preserve the vitality and diversity of one of Seattle's most iconic attractions.

Canlis

Address: 2576 Aurora Ave N Seattle

Food Type: American

One of the best restaurants in Seattle, Canlis has been wowing diners since 1950 with its contemporary Northwest cuisine and is a long standing favourite for those celebrating a special occasion. The stylish interior complements its fine cuisine, and its wine list is one of the city's best. Canlis is famous for its steaks, but there are also favourites such as the prawns, oysters and fresh fish, and the desserts are sublime. A tasting menu is available. Open for dinner Monday to Saturday. Bookings essential for Fridays and Saturdays. Dinner jacket required for men.

Café Campagne

Address: 86 Pine Street, Pike Place Market Seattle

Food Type: French

A Parisian café that has won many awards, Café Campagne is popular for its weekend brunches, but also serves a delicious lunch and dinner, and has a wine bar with 40 wines available by the glass. The menu changes seasonally, but fare includes dishes like the French-style rolled omelette, lamb burgers, quiche, and a variety of salads and sandwiches. For dinner it is possible to have the fixed price three course menu or a choice of meat and fish dishes from the regular dinner menu. The cosy atmosphere is very French. Open for lunch Monday to Friday, dinner nightly, and for brunch on weekends until 4pm.

Herbfarm

Address: 14590 NE 145th Street, Woodinville Seattle

The most unique restaurant in the Northwest, the farmhouse styled exterior is decorated within by a rich and ornate décor. Herbfarm itself and its neighbouring farms grow much of their ingredients to create weekly changing nine course meals complete with five matching wines. Lummi Island reef netted sockeye in a squash with lemon thyme is a glimpse into the night's menu. Reservations are essential.

Metropolitan Grill

Address: 820 2nd Avenue, Downtown Seattle

Food Type: American

'The Met' is primarily a business venue, situated within the heart of the financial district in a historical building built in 1903. This traditional steakhouse has been a Seattle favourite for years, specialising in prime beef and serving up classics cooked to perfection, such as filet mignon, New York peppercorn steak or the porterhouse steak, but there is also a good selection of pastas and salads. Meals are complemented by an excellent wine list. Open for lunch and dinner on weekdays, and dinner only on weekends. Reservations are recommended.

Ray's Boathouse

Address: 6049 Seaview Avenue, NW Seattle

Food Type: Seafood

The spectacular bayside view over Puget Sound is a perfect complement to the impeccably fresh Northwest seafood on a menu that changes regularly to reflect what is locally and seasonally available. Favourites include the crab cakes, oysters, wild salmon, or any fish prepared in sake kasu. Upstairs there is a more casual and less expensive café with an outdoor deck that serves lunch, while the downstairs restaurant serves dinner only. Reservations are required.

Serafina

Address: 2043 Eastlake Ave. E, Lake Union Seattle

Food Type: Italian

One of Seattle's best Italian restaurants, Serafina is charming and romantic with a rustic ambience. The freshest ingredients are presented in a homely way that transports diners to the Italian countryside. Enjoy the bruschettas, pasta dishes, or Serafina's signature dish, the eggplant rolled with ricotta cheese, basil, and Parmesan and baked in tomato sauce. There is live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, while live jazz on Sunday mornings makes this one of the most popular brunch spots in the city. Dinner daily, lunch Monday to Friday, brunch on Sundays from 10am. Reservations recommended.

Rover's

Address: 2808 E. Madison Street, First Hill Seattle

Food Type: French

Owned by award-winning chef Thierry Rautureau, Rover's is an intimate restaurant that is dedicated to good service and superb food and wine, and is recognised as one of the finest restaurants in the region. Although the food has a French emphasis, the cuisine is described as Pacific Northwest with traditional French accents. There are three different set menus available: an eight-course, five-course and a five-course vegetarian menu. The seasonal menu might include dishes like venison medallions, smoked duck, foie gras, or Dungeness crab cakes, with a cheese assortment to finish the meal off. There are also some superb vegetarian dishes on offer. Open for lunch on Fridays and dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Reservations recommended, and dress is business casual.

Wild Ginger

Address: 1401 Third Avenue Seattle

Food Type: Asian

Southeast Asian inspired food that now sets the benchmark for all Asian food in the Northwest, the restaurant is consistently chosen as a favourite among northwest dining awards and diners alike. The Chefs varied backgrounds reflect the eclectic Asian foods and ingredients from Chinese to Indonesian and also a rare chance to mix great wines with Asian cuisine. Reservations are advised.

Andaluca

Address: 407 Olive Way, Mayflower Park Hotel Seattle

Food Type: Mediterranean

Local ingredients are thrown together to create a sumptuous Mediterranean style of cuisine. Dishes to try on the dinner menu include the crab tower, stuffed dates, shellfish stew or lamb dolmas, and end off with one of the tempting desserts accompanied by a dessert wine or port. Open for breakfast and dinner daily, and lunch Monday to Friday.

Etta's Seafood

Address: 2020 Western Avenue Seattle

Food Type: Seafood

Close to Pike Place Market, Etta's is always packed with both locals and tourists, who come to savour the delicious crab cakes, oysters on the half shell or Alaskan halibut. Besides a variety of fresh seafood dishes there are also other options such as beef burgers, thai chicken salad or lime leaf coconut curry. The breakfast menu offers a range of egg dishes, along with French toast, oats and granola with yogurt, while the brunch menu smacks more of the sea.