Contrary to popular belief and depictions on the world-famous TV shows set there such as Frasier and Grey’s Anatomy, Seattle is not a ‘rainy city’. Seattleites are known for their above-average consumption of coffee, but you could easily believe this to be true when you visit and see some of the city’s countless brewers and coffee houses. But Seattle is much more than rain and coffee - it can also boast a rich entertainments culture - Benaroya Hall is home to the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, one of the most recorded in the world.
The Pacific Northwest Ballet company and the Seattle Opera can both be seen in McCaw Hall at Seattle Centre. Seattle is regarded as the birthplace of grunge, having produced such massively popular bands as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice In Chains. Today, it is still host to many much-anticipated musical acts which appear, amongst other venues, on Marymoor’s outdoor stage or at the Experience Music Project. Plays and musicals can be seen in one of the city’s numerous theatres, such as Fifth Avenue Theatre or the Artswest Playhouse and Gallery.
Key Arena is home to two professional basketball sides - the Seattle Supersonics in NBA, and women's side, Seattle Storm from the WNBA. MLB team, the Seattle Mariners play ball at Safeco Field and the Seahawks and Sounders can be seen playing NFL and soccer games respectively at Qwest Field. Seattle’s rich cultural scene, major sporting events and idyllic position between Washington Lake, Puget Sound and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, combined with its impressive skyline – featuring the infamous Space Needle – makes for a wonderful atmosphere and city experience.