Seattle, known as the ‘Emerald City,’ is consistently rated as one of the world's most liveable places, and continues to draw thousands of visitors and new residents each year. It was founded in 1869 and is a gateway to Canada due to its location in the northwest US. Among its citizens, the city boasts three of the world’s ten richest men, including Bill Gates, head of the Microsoft empire. The city has become fashionable and a trend-setter with property prices skyrocketing over the last few decades. It’s high-tech, modern and young, with its eye on the future.

Seattle is located on the shores of two large lakes and Puget Sound, providing endless opportunities for outdoor activities, with true wilderness less than an hour from the city. It’s flanked by two major mountain ranges, the Cascades and the Olympics, with Mount Rainier in full view. It’s also in easy reach of the San Juan Islands and the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. This city lends itself to walking tours, particularly in the two main areas of interest to tourists, the waterfront and Pike Place Market. As most of the city area is surrounded by water, tours by boats are very popular and are a great way to get a full appreciation of the city’s beauty.

There are numerous options for accommodation in Seattle with hotels ranging from five-star luxury to modern family-orientated establishments. They range in price and standards with the summer peak season making booking in advance essential.

Before Europeans arrived, the Seattle area was home to a peaceful tribe of Native Americans known as the Duwamish, who fished in Puget Sound and were friendly with the early white settlers.

In 1851, the first group of settlers arrived from the eastern US at Puget Sound by way of the Oregon Trail and quickly recognised the area's seaport possibilities. The group first laid claim to land at Alki Point, which is in present-day West Seattle, but after the heavy winds and rain of winter, they relocated to Elliott Bay. Their new settlement was named Seattle, in honour of the Duwamish chief Sealth, who had befriended them.

Early Seattle was populated largely by bachelors until a founding father went back east on a scouting mission to persuade young women to come to the area. Two trips netted a total of 57 women, who married the early settlers and in the process helped make the city a more civilised place.

Seattle became accessible by a spur from the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1893, linking it by rail with the rest of the US, leading to a boom in economic and population growth. The Great Fire of 1889 barely slowed this pace, although 50 blocks of the old wooden city centre burned in a single day. Reconstruction of the area was completed in brick and iron, in what is today called Pioneer Square.

The next growth surge came in 1897 with the arrival of the ship Portland and its cargo of two tons of Yukon gold. Thousands of fortune-seekers from across the US arrived within weeks, passing through en route to northern gold fields. Local business benefited greatly as Seattle became the banking centre for this new money, and the bars and brothels of Pioneer Square were filled with miners, who were starved for pleasure.

The boom continued through WWI, driven by lumber demands and the shipyards along the Puget Sound. Shipbuilding was enhanced during WWII and aircraft and atomic energy industries soon followed, adding to the economic development of the area. Today, international trade and high-tech firms (such as Microsoft and Amazon) constitute the core of Seattle's financial success. Progressive politics, an entrepreneurial spirit and easy access to a healthy outdoor lifestyle continue to lure new residents.

Due to the seasonality of the weather, Seattle residents tend to spend as much time outdoors as possible during the summer. This is also the time all of the big festivals are held. It stays light until about 22:00 in mid-summer, so it's difficult to get the locals indoors for theatre or musical performances. When the wet weather arrives however, the theatres and performance halls are filled.

Although it’s likely to be the most crowded time, April to November is the best time to visit, as there is less chance of rain and more to do.