Seattle is the largest city in the state of Washington and lies on a small plateau on the banks of Lake Washington. The city has a network of highways criss-crossing over rivers and the lake itself – car rental is a must if you want to explore the city and the surrounding areas.

The most recognisable landmark in Seattle is the Space Needle, which houses an observation deck – with spectacular views of the city – as well as the SkyCity restaurant, both of which can be reached using an elevator at the base of the tower. If you’re after a bird's eye view of the city, a number of helicopter tours are available, giving you the chance to see Seattle from the air.

If you'd rather keep your feet on the ground, make use of car hire in Seattle to explore the many parks dotted around the city limits. Attractions such as the Seattle Aquarium and the Woodland Park Zoo are within a half-hour drive of the city centre.

Seattle Waterfront is a multi-level market district where you can shop for fresh produce and trinkets while taking in views of the Pacific from Elliott Bay Marina, from which you can take to the water in a wide range of boat tours.

Use TravelSupermarket to search a range of deals on Seattle car hire. Pre-booking is essential if you want to bag a great deal. You can pick up your vehicle from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or a convenient downtown location.

With car hire, Seattle and its outskirts – and even further afield – become much more accessible.

Drive down to Pier 52 of the downtown waterfront and catch a ferry tour around the Puget Sound as you watch the imposing Mount Rainier loom into view. Seattle Waterfront is a great place to spend some time. Here you’ll find the Seattle Aquarium and the 175ft Seattle Great Wheel, which offers superb views of Elliott Bay.

Drive a little further down the waterfront to Ballard Locks and you’ll see a wonderful sight. Not only are the impressive locks a gateway for many boats heading into Puget Sound, there’s also a charming “fish ladder”, which allows salmon to make the spectacular leap up into the freshwater spawning grounds. The brilliant addition of viewing windows helps you take in this remarkable spectacle.

A slightly less conventional tourist attraction awaits in Everett, some 25 miles north of Seattle. Here you’ll find the Boeing factory – one of the biggest buildings in the world. At 472,000,000 cubic feet, it contains the production plant for Boeing aircraft. The 90-minute tour is strangely fascinating.

A short drive to the north of downtown Seattle will take you to the nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park. Set by the sea, and with spectacular views of the mountains and city, you can spend an afternoon wandering among the artworks.

Seattle’s waiting. Go and enjoy.