by Kate Keith

Created on: November 17, 2008   Last Updated: November 01, 2010

While Seattle itself is a rather large city, it is split up into several smaller districts each unique and separate pieces of Seattle with characteristics and attractions that set them apart from each other.

Ballard - once considered a sleepy little fishing village on the outskirts of Seattle, Ballard has recently exploded into a casually trendy, yet quiet little neighborhood still trying to keep its popularity under-the-radar. The main drag is NW Market, packed with a wide array of stores selling everything from knick-knacks to books and some very tasty bread at Great Harvest Bread Company (free samples!). "Old" Ballard Avenue runs parallel to the main street and is also enjoying a new urbanization of sorts. Art galleries, specialty boutiques, music venues and a string of new bars and restaurants are starting to fill out the old buildings and spruce up the area. Make sure you check out Damselfly (women's clothing) where you will always find one of those must-have pieces at a fair price and Camelion Design for something a little funkier (and a little pricier). And refuel at Ocho, a small tapas bar with clean lines of decor, friendly wait staff and delicious little nibbles.

Belltown & Downtown - To the immediate south of the city's famous Space Needle landmark is a triangle of streets known as Belltown. Once a rundown area of Seattle's downtown full of rundown apartments and seedy bars, it now houses swanky condos and apartments with beautiful views of the city and Puget Sound. It has been immediately followed by the stores necessary to appease the self-appointed hipsters who have moved into the neighborhood. A pre-eminent hotspot for the nightlife, one can jump from bar to bar (like Rendezvous or the Frontier Room) or sit and enjoy a lengthy meal at Tavolata or Marjorie.

University District - The U-District surrounding the University of Washington offers a host of college bars, shops and restaurants along University Avenue, affectionately known by locals as the Ave. You can grab a slice of Pagliacci's pizza, browse through volumes of used books at Magus or Twice Sold Tales or take in an art house movie at The Grand Illusion. Located between Lake Union and Lake Washington, if the weather cooperates head out to the Arboretum for a walk in the Japanese garden or rent a canoe and enjoy the Seattle sun.

Fremont - The self-proclaimed "Center of the Universe" is an eclectic community, full of artists of all types. One can spend hours poking through vintage junk' and handmade item shops. There are a smattering of bars and venue that keep it interesting on Friday and Saturday nights like Tost, High Dive and Nectars. And make sure to visit the Sunday Market, all year long come rain or shine to scour for flea market finds and fresh produce and flowers.

Capitol Hill - Seattle's gay, lesbian, bisexual section of town and a veritable hotbed of music venues. For eating, shopping and people watching take in the full length of Broadway which stretches from one end to the other. You may find that panhandling is a bit more prominent on Broadway in Capitol Hill than in many of the other districts, but not aggression. The Pike and Pine Streets, which lead directly down to the Market through downtown, offer a wide array of shopping opportunities for trendsetters as well as vintage lovers.

Whichever district you decide to explore grab a map from your hotel or local tourist info board. You will find a richness and distinction in each and you don't want to miss anything they have to offer!

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