Lake Union

The northern edge of the downtown district is bordered by Lake Union with the self-proclaimed "republic" of Fremont located on its northern shore. This funky neighborhood with its offbeat shops, galleries and bistros sports its own rocket ship, statue of Lenin and giant troll under its bridge. The old village of Ballard next to it has the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks where you can watch ships navigating the locks and salmon jumping up the fish ladders.