Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square – actually more a district than a square – is the site that the first settlers in what became Seattle set up their homes and businesses.The neighbourhood has undergone many metamorphoses in its 160 year history, changing from boom town to red light district to favourite tourist attraction. It is now a bustling city area, just south of Seattle’s central business district where you’ll find old-style buildings interspersed with ultra-modern sports architecture.In its earliest days, Pioneer Square was a run-down neighbourhood of the newly formed city but that all changed when the Yukon gold Rush of the 1890s brought hordes of miners through the area, seeking their fortune up north. Due to the lush forests along the Pacific Northwest lumber trade also became big business and the logs skidding down Yesler Street to the quay at the bottom of Pioneer Square earned it the nickname “Skid Row”.The Great Seattle Fire completely destroyed the area in 1899 but the city quickly rebuilt its oldest neighbourhood and a few of the oldest buildings date from this time. Nowadays, the area’s cobblestone streets, range of late-night entertainment and vibrant arts scene attract visitors from the rest of the city and further afield.If you’re tired of walking, jump on one of the many horse-drawn tours or join Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour of the city’s old saloons, brothels and passageways – a unique way to explore this historic district.The Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park also offers insights into the city’s colourful history and if the sun is shining, take a trip up Smith Tower – once the tallest building west of the Mississippi – for unbeatable views of the cityscape and beyond to Mount Rainer. At night, there is a range of restaurants, clubs and bars to keep you entertained. Visit one of the live music venues to catch a glimpse of the next generation of rockers in the city which produced Nirvana and Pearl Jam.Pioneer Square is within easy walking distance from the centre of Seattle and there is plenty of pay parking available if come by car.