Seattle travel guide
Seattle Tourism | Seattle Guide
You're Going to Love Seattle
The capital of America’s Northwest, Seattle, is often overlooked but for those who make the trip, it’s a hard city to forget. Tech nexus, laid-back bohemian haven, gateway to some of the most beautiful coastlines in the United States, a destination for musical pilgrims – Seattle has plenty going on that visitors will love.
For many people, Seattle is famous as the birthplace of the grunge scene, but the city’s musical heritage stretches way beyond Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Whether you’re into indie bands, world music or hip-hop, Seattle’s music scene is diverse and constantly evolving.
In the city where Starbucks was founded the coffee is spectacular, but Seattle also has a thriving network of restaurants, pop-ups, and breweries. The salmon is some of the freshest you’ll ever taste, while in Cascade hop country, micro-brews are on tap everywhere.
It’s also easy to get away from the bustle, with some gorgeous beaches just a couple of hours drive away, hiking paths through the Cascade Mountains and plenty of ski resorts, all within fifty miles of the city center. It means that visitors can enjoy the sights and culture of Seattle and commune with nature, all on the same trip. There're not many cities that can offer you that kind of blend.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Seattle
1. Views from the Sky View Observatory
This 1,000-foot high observation deck, located in the Columbia Center, provides some of America’s most breathtaking views, taking in the city of Seattle, the Puget Sound and Mount Ranier in a single panorama.
2. A Relaxed Vibe and Fantastic Food
Seattle is dotted with cool neighborhoods like Ballard and Pioneer Square. If you love food, be sure to check out Pike’s Place market as well, where you can take cooking classes and stock up on organic produce.
3. Head Out Island Hopping in the Puget Sound
Taking a ferry to the relaxed beaches of Bainbridge Island or the art galleries of Vashon Island is extremely easy for visitors to Seattle. A little further afield, the San Juan Islands are also one of the best places in the world to spot Orcas (killer whales) in the wild.
4. Catch Some Live Music
After New York, Seattle has more live music performances per person than any other American city. Head to indie venues like the Moore Theater or Neumos to catch hip bands or relax with first-class jazz acts at Dimitriou’s.
5. Climb the Slopes of Mount Rainer
Mount Rainier soars majestically over South Seattle and is also one of the finest skiing and snowboarding destinations in the USA. Take snowshoe tours with park rangers or ride the Rainier Steam Railroad in summer.
What to do in Seattle
1. Space Needle: Panoramic Wonders
The Space Needle is iconic of the Pacific Northwest, and the centerpiece of Seattle. The tower was built for the 1962 World's Fair, at which point in time its construction was mind-blowing. Today, the peak has a 360-degree rotating restaurant. From every direction, the observation deck offers striking views not only of the Seattle skyline but also of the mountains and the sea flanking the city.
2. Pike Place Market: The Ultimate Shopping Experience
One of the oldest public Farmers Markets in the nation, Pike Place welcomes over 10 million visitors each year. The variety of vendors now includes craftspeople, antique dealers, collectible shops, and more. Built on a hill and involving many different levels to explore, Pike Place Market also sits right on Elliott Bay with great views and waterside piers.
3. Chihuly Garden and Glass: Nature Immortalized
A comprehensive exhibition showcasing the masterworks of Dale Chihuly, this Garden and Glass experience is unique. Chihuly glass sculptures are displayed in public spaces all over the world, and they are immediately recognizable. Here, they are displayed in record size and numbers. Beautiful translucent gardens surround the centerpiece: a 100-foot long suspended sculpture, one of Chihuly's largest.
4. Seattle Waterfront: Where it all Happens
Seattle's fun-filled waterfront is lined with piers, parks, activities and events, meaning there is always something to do down by the water. The Seattle Aquarium and the Great Wheel, a ferris wheel ride with spectacular views, are two of the area's greatest attractions. The Washington State Ferry Service also runs dozens of boats from these piers, a quintessential Seattle experience.
5. Museum of Flight: Flying Machines at Arm's Length
The Museum of Flight is the air and space museum of the Pacific Northwest, and it displays a dazzling variety of historic aircraft. The massive air hangar in which these impressive machines are housed is designed specifically for this purpose, and you've never seen planes up-close-and-personal like this before. The collection chronicles the development of the technology that carries us around the world today.
1. Space Needle: Panoramic Wonders
The Space Needle is iconic of the Pacific Northwest, and the centerpiece of Seattle. The tower was built for the 1962 World's Fair, at which point in time its construction was mind-blowing. Today, the peak has a 360-degree rotating restaurant. From every direction, the observation deck offers striking views not only of the Seattle skyline but also of the mountains and the sea flanking the city.
2. Pike Place Market: The Ultimate Shopping Experience
One of the oldest public Farmers Markets in the nation, Pike Place welcomes over 10 million visitors each year. The variety of vendors now includes craftspeople, antique dealers, collectible shops, and more. Built on a hill and involving many different levels to explore, Pike Place Market also sits right on Elliott Bay with great views and waterside piers.
3. Chihuly Garden and Glass: Nature Immortalized
A comprehensive exhibition showcasing the masterworks of Dale Chihuly, this Garden and Glass experience is unique. Chihuly glass sculptures are displayed in public spaces all over the world, and they are immediately recognizable. Here, they are displayed in record size and numbers. Beautiful translucent gardens surround the centerpiece: a 100-foot long suspended sculpture, one of Chihuly's largest.
4. Seattle Waterfront: Where it all Happens
Seattle's fun-filled waterfront is lined with piers, parks, activities and events, meaning there is always something to do down by the water. The Seattle Aquarium and the Great Wheel, a ferris wheel ride with spectacular views, are two of the area's greatest attractions. The Washington State Ferry Service also runs dozens of boats from these piers, a quintessential Seattle experience.
5. Museum of Flight: Flying Machines at Arm's Length
The Museum of Flight is the air and space museum of the Pacific Northwest, and it displays a dazzling variety of historic aircraft. The massive air hangar in which these impressive machines are housed is designed specifically for this purpose, and you've never seen planes up-close-and-personal like this before. The collection chronicles the development of the technology that carries us around the world today.
1. Space Needle: Panoramic Wonders
The Space Needle is iconic of the Pacific Northwest, and the centerpiece of Seattle. The tower was built for the 1962 World's Fair, at which point in time its construction was mind-blowing. Today, the peak has a 360-degree rotating restaurant. From every direction, the observation deck offers striking views not only of the Seattle skyline but also of the mountains and the sea flanking the city.
2. Pike Place Market: The Ultimate Shopping Experience
One of the oldest public Farmers Markets in the nation, Pike Place welcomes over 10 million visitors each year. The variety of vendors now includes craftspeople, antique dealers, collectible shops, and more. Built on a hill and involving many different levels to explore, Pike Place Market also sits right on Elliott Bay with great views and waterside piers.
3. Chihuly Garden and Glass: Nature Immortalized
A comprehensive exhibition showcasing the masterworks of Dale Chihuly, this Garden and Glass experience is unique. Chihuly glass sculptures are displayed in public spaces all over the world, and they are immediately recognizable. Here, they are displayed in record size and numbers. Beautiful translucent gardens surround the centerpiece: a 100-foot long suspended sculpture, one of Chihuly's largest.
4. Seattle Waterfront: Where it all Happens
Seattle's fun-filled waterfront is lined with piers, parks, activities and events, meaning there is always something to do down by the water. The Seattle Aquarium and the Great Wheel, a ferris wheel ride with spectacular views, are two of the area's greatest attractions. The Washington State Ferry Service also runs dozens of boats from these piers, a quintessential Seattle experience.
5. Museum of Flight: Flying Machines at Arm's Length
The Museum of Flight is the air and space museum of the Pacific Northwest, and it displays a dazzling variety of historic aircraft. The massive air hangar in which these impressive machines are housed is designed specifically for this purpose, and you've never seen planes up-close-and-personal like this before. The collection chronicles the development of the technology that carries us around the world today.
Top activities & attractions in Seattle
Where to Eat in Seattle
Seattle’s food scene is one of it's greatest attractions. If you want to sample the city’s superb seafood, there’s nowhere better than Pike Place Chowder where a bowl is around $11 and a lobster roll is $13. You can grab serious gourmet pizzas at Serious Pie (main courses from $15 to $20) or head to Musashi’s in Wallingford for top-quality sushi, priced between $12 and $20. For those who are willing to splurge, the Georgian is an excellent option. Located on University Street, it fuses French and American specialties. Expect a meal to cost upward from $100 with drinks included.
Most popular restaurants in Seattle
When to visit Seattle
Seattle is a great destination for both winter and summer breaks. The colder months will suit winter sports fans, with the city hosting a wide range of Christmas music events as well. Spring is an excellent time for foodies to visit, with Seattle Restaurant Week taking place in April, while summer is the season for outdoor music festivals like Bumbershoot (and a good time to sample local brews, with the Washington Brewers Festival in June). In the fall, you can catch a Seahawks game and take advantage of out of season accommodation bargains, so there’s really no bad time to visit.
How to Get to Seattle
Plane
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is located in the city’s southern suburbs, about 17 kilometers from the center of town. The best way to reach downtown Seattle is by catching the Link Light Rail service, which takes just over 35 minutes to reach Westlake Station and costs $3. There are also a number of bus connections to other parts of the city, including the 560 bus to West Seattle run by Sound Transit. Taxis are also available outside the main terminal.
Train
Seattle’s main train terminal is King Street Station in the Pioneer Square district. Amtrak runs three services to King Street: the Cascades service (which starts in Vancouver and runs south to Eugene), the Empire Builder (which runs from Chicago) and the Coast Starlight service (connecting Seattle with LA and San Francisco). King Street is also on the Sound Transit rail network, linking the city center with Tacoma and Lakewood, along with most of the city’s inner districts.
Car
Seattle lies on Interstate 5, which runs the entire distance of the US’ western seaboard and is also the northwest terminus for Interstate 90, a transcontinental route that runs from Chicago to Boston. Take note, Seattle is renowned for its dense traffic and is ranked third in the nation after LA and New York, so be prepared for delays if you arrive by car.
Bus
Greyhound run services to Seattle, terminating at 503 S Royal Brougham Way. Their buses connect the city to Portland, and from there passengers can reach most destinations in the USA.
Bolt Bus runs services to other north-western cities from their stop on 5th Ave S.
Northwestern Trailways run services to locations in central Washington from both the Greyhound terminus and King Street station.
Olympic Bus Lines run buses to destinations in the Puget Sound region from both the Greyhound terminal and King Street station.
Sound Transit is the largest local bus transit operator, running connections from downtown Seattle to Tacoma, Everett and Olympia, and most Seattle suburbs.
Airport buses are provided by Quick Shuttle and Bellair Airporter, both of which offer extended services to Vancouver and destinations in northern Washington.
Airlines serving Seattle
Where to stay in Seattle
Fremont and Wallingford – If you are after an authentic, bohemian Seattle experience, you’ll probably want to explore accommodation options in Fremont or Wallingford. Here the streets are lined with juice bars, coffee shops like Lighthouse Roasters, bars, music venues and record stores, including local institutions like Jive Time Records. The area is also home to Woodland Park Zoo, which hosts a spectacular raptor handling show at 15:00 on weekends (of the avian, not Jurassic kind).
Popular Neighborhoods in Seattle
Pioneer Square – Most of the city’s cultural institutions are gathered around Pioneer Square (which is also handy to the rail station). You can take fascinating Underground Tours, literally exploring Seattle's history through a series of tunnels and basements, there are regular comedy nights at Comedy Underground, great pubs like the Flatstick, and even a museum solely dedicated to the Klondike gold rush.
West Seattle – If you don’t mind being slightly outside of the center and love having greenery near your hotel, check out West Seattle. It’s a beguiling place packed with French gourmet bakeries (check out Bakery Nouveau), music stores like Easy Street Records and places like Alki Beach where you can stretch out with a good book.
Where to stay in popular areas of Seattle
Most booked hotels in Seattle
How to Get Around Seattle
Public Transportation
Seattle has an excellent public transit system which serves almost every neighborhood in the city. Single bus and streetcar tickets cost $2.75 per journey at peak times, or $2.50 outside rush hour. Single light rail tickets vary from $2.25 to $3, while the Seattle Center Monorail costs $2.25 (one way). To save money buy an all day pass for just $8. Before you do that, you’ll need to get hold of an ORCA card from one of the many vending machines, which costs $5. Just load the $8 pass onto your ORCA card, and you can travel on buses or light rail as much as you like for the next 24 hours. There’s also a public bicycle rental scheme called Pronto, which also costs $8 but gives you a full three-day-pass.
Taxis
Taxis in Seattle that are members of the Seattle-Tacoma International Taxi Association (STITA), have a meter drop of $2.60 and then a set rate of $2.70 per mile, with a $0.50 per minute waiting charge. Uber tends to charge a rate of $1.35 per mile, with a $1.35 base fare, which can offer some significant savings. Expect STITA taxis from the airport to the city center to cost between $40 and $55. You can also arrange a ride with Lyft or Uber from dedicated offices located above the parking garage, and the cost can be as little as $25.
Car
Seattle is a reasonably easy city to navigate by automobile, but drivers should orientate themselves to the city’s geography before they arrive. Most importantly, master the difference between avenues (north to south routes) and streets (east to west). Rental cars in Seattle usually cost between $12 and $20 per day, depending on the size of your vehicle and the agency you choose. Local operators include Enterprise, Avis, Sixt, and Alamo. The city center has plenty of parking garages, with an average rate of $3 per hour during the week and $7 at weekends.
The Cost of Living in Seattle
Shopping Streets
Seattle isn’t the cheapest city in the US, but it’s definitely cheaper than eastern seaboard cities like New York. It’s also a great place to find obscure records and vintage clothing. If fashion is your passion, head to the boutiques of Ballard Avenue which is stuffed with bohemian vintage clothes stores. For more cutting edge fashion, Pike and Pine Streets are the place to be. If you’re after records, Fremont Avenue and NW Market Street are ideal crate digging spots, while for gourmet food lovers, Pike Place Market is the first port of call.
Groceries and Other
Seattle isn’t only about markets and boutiques. You can also find major grocery chains like Trader Joe’s, along with regional chains like PCC Natural Markets and Fred Meyer. There are also a couple of Walmarts, Safeways, and Albertsons as well if you really need to save money during your stay.