Seattle
United States and Canada · United States
See also
Mount Rainier National Park
United States46.87°N 121.71°W
Overview
Seattle sits at one of the most beautiful spots in the United States. Occupying a narrow isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it is the biggest city in the Pacific Northwest, earning the city its nickname The Emerald City.
Languages: English
Why go?
Seattle sits at one of the most beautiful spots in the United States. Occupying a narrow isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it is the biggest city in the Pacific Northwest, earning the city its nickname The Emerald City. You will find a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with many restaurants, coffee shops, microbreweries, parks, and arts. It is home to Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing.
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Climate
The stereotype is that it is Rain City, but rain is virtually absent from July through September. Winters are mild. The area has microclimates. Average summer highs of 79°F and lows of 59°F. Winter sees only one or two snowfalls a year.
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Getting in
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the main gateway, with light rail to downtown ($3.00). Amtrak serves King Street Station from Vancouver, Portland, and beyond. Intercity buses like Greyhound and Flixbus also arrive.
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Tourist information
The Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau operates two visitors centers. Both offer maps, brochures, event details, tour bookings, and restaurant reservations.
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When to go
Summer (July-September) offers the best weather with minimal rain and long daylight hours. Spring and fall are mild but wet. Winter is overcast but rarely snowy; avoid if you dislike grey skies.
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Get around
Seattle's public transportation system is the most convenient way to get around. Driving is possible but traffic is awful. Seattle is bicycle-friendly. Carsharing and ridesharing are available.
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See
Seattle has a lot to see, be it prominent sights or attractions tucked away in quiet neighborhoods. For more information, look at each district's individual articles.
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Do
Various activities and events are available. See district articles for details.
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Learn
Given the huge influx of people, educational institutions have been constantly adding programs. Largest universities: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, City University, Bastyr University. Community colleges offer short-term courses.
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Work
Seattle is a well-known center for business, with headquarters of Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, Nordstrom, REI, Costco, and Boeing. There is no state income tax. Minimum wage is high but housing prices are high.
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Buy
If you want it, you can most likely get it in Seattle. Residents joke about 'shopping local' at Amazon, Costco, and Starbucks. Sales tax of 10.25% applies for most purchases except groceries, newspapers, and prescription drugs.
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Eat
Seattle has a diverse range of fare. Local chains and hole-in-the-wall restaurants dominate. Hearty, inexpensive meals can be found all over the city.
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Drink
Few cities can challenge Seattleites' love of coffee. Local favorites include Cafe Ladro, Vivace, Victrola, Caffe Vita, and Zoka. Craft beer is a Northwest specialty. Fresh hop season runs mid-September to mid-October. Brewery tasting rooms are popular.
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Sleep
For such a large city, there is a surprising lack of accommodation options, thus rooms are expensive. Most sleeping options are in Downtown and consist mostly of mid-range or high-end hotels. Budget options can be found near Seattle Center, University District, International District, and North Seattle. Some low-priced motels along Aurora Ave N are associated with crime.
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Stay safe
Crime is similar to any major US city. Auto break-ins and theft are notable. Homeless population in downtown. Areas to be careful: 3rd Ave, Pioneer Square, International District. Avoid Aurora Ave and Lake City Way at night. Bar districts on weekends.
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Stay healthy
Smog can cover skies during high pressure. Wildfire smoke sometimes drifts in August and September. Smoking not allowed in public places. Tap water is safe to drink, among the best in the US.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- see
Seattle CityPASS
A discount pass that includes admission to five attractions for half the normal fee combined. You are entitled to up to two visits (within 24 hours) to the Space Needle and a visit to the Seattle Aquarium. You also get three choices of an Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, admission to the Museum of Pop Culture, the Woodland Park Zoo, the Pacific Science Center the Museum of Flight, or Chihuly Garden & Glass. A CityPASS is valid for 9 consecutive days starting with the use of your first ticket. Transportation and parking are not included.
Recorded price: $127 for adult, $97 for children (ages 5-12), plus tax and a $2 processing fee per ticket
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Argosy Cruises
Boat tour company with special dinner and sightseeing cruises. The most common tour is the hour-long Harbor Cruise on Elliott Bay, which offers excellent views of the Space Needle, Downtown skyline, freight harbor, and usually some sea lions, with a barrage of informative commentary about local history or interesting ships or cargo passing through that day. The Locks Cruise is a 2-hour one-way trip (in alternating directions) through the locks separating Elliot Bay and Lake Union, with an optional bus ride if you prefer a round trip. Seasonal cruises include the Summer Views Cruise with a sunset on Puget Sound, and Husky Football Cruises on Lake Washington before the games. Most cruises offer a decent full-service bar with large drinks and some snacks.
Recorded price: Harbor cruise $30.50. Locks cruise $42.50, bus connection $5 additional. Discounts for kids 4-12 and seniors
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Bite of Seattle
Part of Seafair festivities. Enjoy some of the best delicacies of Seattle.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Bumbershoot
Seattle's largest music and arts festival, featuring dozens of local and world-class musical acts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Capitol Hill Block Party
Yearly live music event held on Capitol Hill over a weekend in mid-summer (usually the end of July). Consists primarily of local independent bands of various styles, coupled with some bigger name independent label acts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Chinese Lunar New Year
Numerous stalls and performances, and don't forget to partake in all the cheap food.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Festál Cultural Center
Celebrate the world with festivals from about 25 countries represented, one country nearly every 2 weeks.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Fremont Fair
Home of the Solstice Parade (including the nude bike ride), and a really fun drunken time all over Fremont. Vendors, bad live music and eclectic crowds at the bars make for an interesting time. Friends who live in Fremont become especially valuable for a place to crash during the fair.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Rooms are expensive. Budget options in University District, International District, and near Seattle Center.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi at Seattle Public Library branches.
Culture
Seattleites are friendly but reserved. Coffee culture is serious; try local roasters.
Food
Diverse and inexpensive meals available, especially local chains and hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
Health
Tap water is excellent. Smoking is restricted. Air quality can suffer from wildfire smoke in late summer.
Local transport
Link Light Rail connects the airport to downtown. Buses cover the city; use ORCA card for transfers.
Money
No state income tax. Sales tax 10.25% on most purchases. Tips are additional to minimum wage.
Safety
Auto break-ins common; avoid 3rd Ave downtown, Pioneer Square, and International District at night.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink and among the best in the US.
Weather
Rain is rare from July through September. Winters are mild. Smog and wildfire smoke can be issues.