Alas, all good things must come to an end. This piece marks the eighth and final post in our series on exploring Seattle as a newcomer -- although that doesn't mean your exploration of the city should stop here. In fact, this is just the beginning...

So let's make our way downtown – a part of the city we Seattleites sometimes forget to appreciate. But every once in a while, it’s nice to feel the bustle of a crowd … and of course, you can’t let your visitors leave Seattle without hitting up these four spots:

1.) Seattle Art Museum – Recently renovated, SAM has featured an impressive range of special exhibits this year (the current Alexander Calder and Michelangelo shows are definitely worth seeing). When you’re done, make your way to the museum restaurant (TASTE) for a drink or dinner.

2.) Pioneer Square – At first glance, there doesn’t seem like much to see in Pioneer Square. But this neighborhood is home to Seattle’s famous Underground Tour, the beloved Elliott Bay Book Co., and a number of galleries and glassblowing studios featuring the work of local artists.

3.) Pike Place Market – On a beautiful day, the crowds at Pike Place Market can sometimes feel overwhelming (especially in front of the original Starbucks). But the market is still worth a visit for its shops and restaurants. Try a gourmand tour for a new perspective on an old Seattle fave.

4.) The Downtown Waterfront – Okay, maybe it’s not the best place to be this time of year. But in the summer, there are concerts on the pier and al fresco dining with beautiful views of the Sound. On a rainy day, make your way to the Seattle Aquarium or hop on one of the many boat tours.

Enjoy! But remember ... there's much more to Seattle than the landmarks, activities, and neighborhoods we covered here. Think of these as training wheels as you make your way into the city and beyond.

For more info: Missed the other parts of this series? No problem. It's never to late to start exploring:
Seattle 101: Four Fun Things to Do in the U-District
Seattle 101: Four Fun Things to Do in Fremont
Seattle 101: Four Fun Things to Do in Capitol Hill
Seattle 101: Four Fun Things to Do in Belltown
Seattle 101: Four Fun Things to Do in Queen Anne
Seattle 101: Four Fun Things to do in Ballard
Seattle 101: Four Fun Things to do in the International District