Day 1

We started our journey with Chihuly Garden and Glass , it consists of amazing glass sculptures of various sizes. Worth every penny. Highly recommended for everyone.

Colorful glass sculptures of various sizes displayed on shelves are highly recommended.

From there we continued to Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center , half of it feels like a publicity stunt but the other half is insightful and worthy of a visit.

An intricate woven basket with colorful patterns. The craftsmanship highlights the detailed design and cultural artistry. The basket is displayed in a well-lit room, accentuating its textures and colors.

We skipped the Space Needle and did the Space Wheel , instead. Grab to-go boxes and eat them while having a nice view of the city’s skyline.

A colorful wall covered in chewed gum, forming a mosaic of vivid splashes. The gum pieces overlap densely, creating a unique, textured backdrop. This site appears as a popular tourist attraction.
A wall covered entirely with colorful chewing gum pieces showcasing a vibrant yet unconventional art display in an urban setting.

The Gum Wall is weird but worth a quick visit.

A sticky and colorful wall covered in layers of chewed gum in various colors in an urban setting. People often visit this peculiar site as a local attraction.

We headed to Chittenden Locks next. While I have read about how locks are used for moving ships from one water body with lower water level to another with higher water level, this was the real life demo of the same. Recommended but don’t spend too much time here.

A large concrete sculpture of a troll with a car in its hand is situated under a bridge. The environment appears urban and the artwork is a popular attraction.

We headed to Fremont Troll afterward. I think it’s overhyped and if you don’t have time, skip it.

An industrial structure stands at Gas Works Park in Seattle.

Gas Works Park is nearby and worth an evening walk.

A metal structure in a park setting, resembling industrial machinery under clear skies

Underground tour was the highlight of the day. We went for the late night 21+ only show. The guide was hilarious, and we got a chance to learn about Seattle’s history in the context of cultural norms of the Victorian era, relations with native Americans and US-Canada border demarcation.

Portland underground tour

Day 2

We started the day with Bruce Lee’s grave . Overhyped, don’t spend more than 15 minutes there.

A gravestone with a lot of engraved text facing upwards, located in a cemetery surrounded by small rocks and green grass.

From there we headed to the Museum of History & Industry which gave us a nice overview of Seattle’s role in the World Wars. Recommended if you are into history. Expect to spend a few hours if you are planning to do it in the full. At 14$ per person, it’s inexpensive.

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We followed it with Frye Art Museum , it’s a nice museum if you have any interest in arts. We missed Last Resort Fire Department since it was closed. We continued the trip with Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park which is actually a museum. It provides a window into the Klondike gold rush era which started in 1896. Must do for history lovers. Being short on time, we skipped the Public Library and Alki Beach .

A scenic beach view with people walking along the shoreline, capturing a sense of relaxation and leisure.

We took Washington State Ferries which was OK but not great. I would recommend Denny Creek Trail instead.

A dense patch of green forest along a trail with tall trees and lush vegetation, nestled in a mountainous area.