Seattle, Washington -- National Geographic's Ultimate City Guides

As seen from Queen Anne, Seattle scores points as a postcard-perfect metropolis.

Photograph by Rich Frishman

Nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington and bordered by the snow-capped Olympic and volcanic Cascade Mountains, Seattle offers a wealth of outdoor adventures, from kayaking to rock climbing. But this fleece-loving city that launched the grunge music movement and a national espresso craze is no backwater. Home to innovative companies including Amazon.com and Microsoft, Seattle supports world-class cultural institutions—the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet—and award-winning theater troupes. And with distinctive neighborhoods on seven hills, the Emerald City boasts diverse attractions, from Old West saloons and high-tech hotels to trendy boutiques and a 100-year-old public farmer’s market.

Seattle Photos and Quiz

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