8 reasons Seattle is one of America’s coolest cities

When it comes to American cities, the Seattle skyline is almost as famous as the Big Apple. From Sleepless to Seattle and Greys Anatomy, its mix of skyscrapers, Space Needle and snowcapped mountains have formed the backdrop for plenty of movies and TV shows.

Once you’re on the ground in Seattle, it’s easy to understand why the film crews come rolling in all the time. A three hour flight from Los Angeles, and you’re touching down in a city that’s surrounded by water and at the footsteps of National Parks and Forests. Expedia’s Kiwi travellers usually spend 2-3 nights in the city. Aside from the movie sets, Seattle is also home to big business – companies like Microsoft and Boeing have offices scattered around town. A trip out to the cavernous Boeing Factory is a neck-craning insight into how commercial aircraft are manufactured for airlines around the world.

Whether you’re on a business trip, just passing through or here for an extended stay, here’s our guide on how to spend 24 hours (not sleepless) in Seattle.

Watch the salmon soar

Whether it’s food, wine, coffee, culture, architecture or all of the above, Seattle is a city where there’s a little bit of everything for everyone. Old meets new, with some of the city’s most famous landmarks sitting side by side with budding businesses. Start your day early down at the Pike Place Market. Looking out over Elliott Bay, the markets began life as a group of wagons back in 1907. These days, the arcades are home to around 500 stalls selling everything from fresh fruit to smoked hazelnuts. Meander through marvelously fragrant flower arcade towards Pike Place Fish Co, where you’ll catch a glimpse of fins flashing in the air as the fishmongers throw salmon across the stalls. Doughnut Company’s bite sized daily dozen come piping hot from the deep frier and are a great breakfast treat.

The Original Starbucks

When you’re finished at the markets don’t forget to wander back along Pike Place, which runs parallel to the market – you’ll pass fromageries making fresh cheese in the windows and bolt hole bakeries selling gigantic gluten free cinnamon scrolls. Number 1912 Pike Place is perhaps the most famous resident. Home to the world’s first Starbucks, you’ll find people lining up out the door from the early hours for the chance to see the brand’s original logo and to pick up a coffee in a limited edition Pike Place cup. A stop here is a right of passage for many dedicated Americans.