Lonely Planet - 48 Hours in Seattle: USA Trips Travel Guide Book

WHY GO A little rain never hurt anybody. All the more reason to stroll through a museum or linger over coffee. The second the sun comes out, youll relish your time outdoors all the more, and the nonstop spectacle of rhododendron and evergreens will make the rain all seem worthwhile.

The heavily caffeinated Seattle coffee drinker isnt just a stereotype: Seattleites drink it all day long and lots of it so they can power through weather-induced energy lags. So start this trip the way locals start their every day: with a latte. Youll find chain coffee shops on every corner, but Zeitgeist Coffee, located in a converted warehouse space in downtown, is a great place to hang out and get caffeinated.

If you need something a little more solid to sustain you, head straight to Salumi. Known for their cured meats and cheeses, this deli owned by Mario Batalis dad serves downright addictive sandwiches that have people lining up out the door. They close at four and are only open Tuesday through Friday, so depending on your timing, this might be your only chance to indulge.

Ready for a little culture? The Seattle Art Museum is the place to get it. The collections span multiple genres, from modern to tribal to classic. Whether its Warhols version of a gun-slinging Elvis, Northwestern totem poles, or flowery stained glass, everyone will find something they wish they owned.

When youre done, pop around the corner and check out the Seattle Public Library, one of the most dazzling modern structures in the city. The building is made almost entirely of diamond-shaped panes of glass, and, on certain days, it manages to feel sunnier indoors than out. Be sure to check out the wow-inducing, 12,000-sq-ft reading room with 40ft glass ceilings.

For dinner, make reservations for Dahlia Lounge. Its an institution, and one of those rare places that locals and tourists seem to agree on. With crimson walls, fabulous desserts, and celebrity chef Tom Douglas, its an easy choice for dinner, but, if nothing else, stop by and get something sweet to go from the Dahlia Bakery next door.

If theres anything else besides coffee that Seattle is known for, its well, you already know, its live music. Check out the local listings to see whats playing. If youre not sure where to start, try Neumos for indie rock, Tractor Tavern for rockabilly, alt country and acoustic, or Chop Suey for an eclectic lineup that includes both live music and local DJs.

By now, youre surely ready for bed. Many travelers on a budget have found the Green Tortoise Hostel located mere steps from Pikes Market to be a cheap, pleasant and convenient place to bunk down for the night. Belltowns Ace Hotel is artsy in a hip, minimalist kind of way, although its more fit for heavy drinkers than light sleepers, since the downstairs bar is always hopping.

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One of my favorite things to do in Seattle is rent a kayak and go out on Lake Union, especially when the weathers nice. You get great views of Downtown and the Space Needle, and you can row right by Gas Works Park, which has the neat old towers and generators from when it was a power plant.

Tameika Taylor, Seattle, WA

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A fairly recent addition to your sleeping options is the elegant Arctic Club, opened in 2008. This historic building known for decades as the walrus building for the plaster walrus medallions adorning the exterior was established in 1908 as a mens club for Klondike explorers. Now its a lavish hotel, where you can slumber in rooms that look like they could have been teleported from the 1920s.

The next morning, hit Pike Place Market early so you can spend more time dodging flying fish and less time dodging hordes of people. Locals love it because you can buy fresh flowers, produce, and seafood. Out-of-towners love it because of its buzzing energy, and its big neon sign is a quintessential Seattle photo op.

Afterwards fuel up for a full day with breakfast at 5 Spot in Queen Anne. The five spots in question refer to the five US regions from which the eatery takes inspiration, with a changing decor to match the mood. For a gastronomic homage to Seattle grunge scene, try the Red Flannel Hash.

You may have noticed that huge, crazily colorful building at the foot of the Space Needle that looks like a huge blob of childrens toys melted under a heat lamp. That would be the Experience Music Project & Science Fiction Museum. Say what you will about Frank Gehrys design (many already have), this pair of genre museums is a fun place to immerse yourself in rock and roll and/or sci-fi for one admission price.

The music side, while a little Seattle-centric, does have some significant memorabilia, as well as crazy stage costumes that include touches such as fur leg warmers or spiked codpieces. The sci-fi side has beamed up a multidimensional collection ranging from Klingons to