In the first article, Tim Forbes has the four bottles I’d probably start people with which amuses me.  The second one I’m a bit more hesitant about.  But they’ve got some interesting choices in there.

2)  The Seattle Public Library.  If you like architecture, this building is for you.  If you like libraries, this building is for you.  Its pretty much all around win.

3)  Kerry Park and Bhy Kracke Park on Queen Anne Hill.  They’re about 10 blocks apart.  Both give great views of the city.  Kerry Park has the iconic Seattle skyline view that pretty much everyone knows, including the Space Needle.  Bhy Kracke Park is a bit further east and shows downtown and Lake Union.  I much prefer the Bhy Kracke Park view, but its worth seeing both.  If you really want a contrasting view, take the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and watch the skyline from across the bay.

4) Pike Place Market. Its a complete tourist trap.  Get there early to beat the crowds and take your time wandering around.  The market has multiple buildings and most people only manage to really see the one.  Wander through Post Alley while you’re in that area as well.

5) Woodland Park Zoo and the Fremont Troll.  The zoo is just an amusing place.  Its a fair size, though not huge.  And it has an amazing penguin exhibit.  Down the hill from it is the Fremont Troll (as seen in the movie 10 Things I Hate About You.)  If you start early,  Mae’s Phinney Ridge Cafe isn’t far from the zoo and does a pretty decent breakfast.  Start there, do the zoo, wander down the hill and see the troll and then check out the grinder shop near the statue of Lenin in Fremont.