Located between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington is the vibrant metropolis of Seattle. This Pacific Northwest city is surrounded by evergreen forests and snow-capped mountains. Seattle has mild temperatures throughout the year, characterized by its rainy winters and surprisingly sunny summers, which the locals love.

About Seattle's culture, it's a blend of cutting-edge technology with the relaxed charm of the Pacific Northwest. Despite being home to tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, the city still maintains its creative spirit through its lively music scene, independent bookstores, and emphasis on outdoor living. The coffee culture is deeply ingrained in Seattle, with local cafes and the original Starbucks shop attracting crowds all year round.

What sets Seattle apart is its deep connection to nature despite being a major urban center. In just a few minutes, you can move from admiring the futuristic design of the Space Needle to taking a hike in Discovery Park or paddling a kayak on Lake Union. The city's famous Pike Place Market is the perfect embodiment of Seattle – it's historic, lively, with local vendors, flying fish, and artisanal food stalls.

Seattle offers fantastic food options, with its fresh seafood, particularly salmon and oysters, being the standout. The city's Asian fusion scene is fabulous, and you'll find food trucks that serve everything from Hawaiian poke to Korean-Mexican fusion. You shouldn't miss the local tradition of post-work happy hour featuring fresh Dungeness crab and microbrews.