How to experience the best of Seattle in 24 hours

Exploring one-of-a-kind coffee shops, quirky markets, and creative spaces

- JANE KINGSU-CHENG

With its iconic coffee culture, bustling waterfront, and the Space Needle rising above the skyline, Seattle is a city that should be part of your travel itinerary-even just for a day.

Travelers from Manila can easily get there by booking a flight to Vancouver via Air Canada and holding a valid US visa. You'll clear US Customs and Immigration at Vancouver International Airport before boarding a quick 60-minute flight on Air Canada Express.

Manila Bulletin Lifestyle recently joined this familiarization trip, which was filled with sightseeing and immersive experiences. From where to stay to what to see, here's how you can make the most of a 24-hour Seattle adventure as curated by Visit Seattle Tourism.

Afternoon adventures

We made our way to Aurora Bridge-or more precisely, beneath it-to meet the famous Fremont Troll. Built in 1990 by a team of local artists, the once-neglected underpass is now one of Seattle's quirkiest photo stops. Visitors have been spotted climbing onto the troll's massive shoulders or perching on its concrete hands for some playful snapshots.

Around 2 p.m., we took a 15-minute leisurely walk through the quaint neighborhood and arrived at the 19.1-acre Gas Works Park, a green space with an interesting history. Once the site of a coal gasification plant that operated from 1906 to 1956, the property was purchased by the city in 1962 and transformed into a public park in 1975. Today, its towering, rust-colored pipes stand as striking reminders of Seattle's industrial past.

Its wide stretches of greenery, scenic views of Lake Union, and the Seattle skyline make it an ideal spot for picnics. We also saw families flying kites across the open fields, while boats and party barges cruised along the lake, adding to the cheerful and wholesome atmosphere.