As compared to Vancouver, Seattle is not quite as cosmopolitan, Asian or, generally, international (although it may be safer, especially in comparing the "downtowns"). Fremont is funky, but seems trapped in 1995, but that may be with prejudice to the era of Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Nirvana.
Museum: The Seattle Asian Art Museum is a great way to spend a (rainy) morning or afternoon. The Chinese pillbox collection is a particular, if eccentric, delight. Be sure to note the sculpture in the front (Black Hole Sun!) and Volunteer Park's water tower observatory is a great place to view the Space Needle and the Seattle skyline.
Hip Bar: Sun Liquor. This bar captures the essence of Seattle. Unpretentious and a little grungy, but still sophisticated with a staggering attention to detail.
Coffee: Not to dwell on Capitol Hill, but Vivace is a hit, notwithstanding the long lines and the decidedly West Coast pace.
Food: Vietnamese Phở, just about anywhere you can find it.
Grocery: Uwajimaya, which comprises a full block of the International District. I found fresh galangal, among other Asian delights. Overall, I found the International District's Japanese quarter -- for Uwajimaya and food, as well as books and other stores -- to be the most vibrant of a vibrant set of Asian cultures.
Flora: Without a doubt, the variety of moss dotting the trees, sidewalks and otherwise throughout the city.
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