Seattle Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and what to eat in Seattle. Find out about local culture and customs, safety tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations to explore.


Comprehensive Guide to Seattle

Famous for its iconic Space Needle and thriving coffee culture, Seattle is a city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, modern attractions, and rich heritage. Nestled against Puget Sound and surrounded by the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Seattle is a destination for those looking for scenic outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and a vibrant urban lifestyle. Whether you are visiting Seattle for the first time or returning to explore more, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to know about experiencing the best of the Emerald City.

List of Places to Visit in Seattle

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Seattle is home to a vast number of museums and historic sites that showcase its rich cultural heritage. Here are some must-visit attractions:

  • Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass
  • Olympic Sculpture Park
  • Space Needle
  • Seattle Art Museum
  • Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
  • Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Natural Attractions of Seattle: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Seattle’s stunning natural beauty is evident in its majestic mountains, verdant forests, and shimmering waters. Here are some of the best places to explore:

  • Discovery Park
  • Alki Beach
  • Mount Rainier National Park
  • Seattle Great Wheel
  • Kerry Park
  • Gasworks Park
  • Puget Sound

Hiking/Biking Routes of Seattle

Seattle’s natural beauty is undoubtedly awe-inspiring, and the Pacific Northwest offers some of the most beautiful biking and hiking trails in the world. Here are some popular trails:

  • Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
  • Discovery Park Loop Trail
  • Lake Union Loop Trail
  • Snoqualmie Falls Trail

Best Things to Do in Seattle: Activities and Tours

Seattle offers numerous activities and tours, from cruising to sunset kayak paddling. Here are some of the best things to experience:

  • Seattle Aquarium
  • Ballard Farmers Market
  • Pike Place Market
  • Seattle Chinatown-International District
  • Space Needle Sky View Observatory

Week-Long Itinerary for Seattle

Here’s a week-long itinerary to experience the best of Seattle’s culture, natural beauty, and cuisine:

  • Day 1: Seattle Waterfront, Pike Place Market, and the Great Wheel
  • Day 2: Museum of History and Industry, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Space Needle
  • Day 3: Kerry Park, Gas Works Park, and Fremont Troll
  • Day 4: Alki Beach, Seattle Aquarium, and Seattle Art Museum
  • Day 5: Mount Rainier National Park and Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
  • Day 6: Pioneer Square, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and the Underground Tour
  • Day 7: Chinatown-International District, Pioneer Square, and Underground Tour

Food and Drink Scene of Seattle

Seattle’s food and drinks scene is known for its combination of fresh seafood, locally roasted coffee, and cultural diversity. Here are some must-try dishes and libations:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pike Place Chowder
  • Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
  • Ivar’s Chowder
  • Seattle Hot Dog
  • Cream Cheese-Stuffed Bagels

Local Beverages

  • Seattle Coffee
  • Rainier Beer
  • Washington Wines
  • Cocktails made with local spirits, such as Woodinville Whiskey and Copperworks Gin

Where to Stay in Seattle: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Seattle has plenty of accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences. Here are some recommended options:

  • Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
  • The Inn at the Market
  • Ace Hotel
  • Green Tortoise Hostel
  • Gaslight Inn Bed and Breakfast

What to Buy in Seattle: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

While in Seattle, there are several locally made products to bring back as souvenirs. Here are some popular items:

  • Coffee from Starbucks, Tully’s, and Seattle’s Best Coffee
  • Seattle-made chocolate from Theo Chocolate and Fran’s Chocolates
  • Souvenir T-shirts from tourist shops
  • Local craft beer
  • Pike Place Market memorabilia

Local Culture and Customs of Seattle

Seattle has a unique culture that embraces diversity, innovation, and environmentalism. Here are some aspects of the city’s culture and customs:

  • Seattle is the birthplace of grunge music, and its vibrant music scene is still alive today.
  • The city has a longstanding coffee culture, with micro-roasteries and craft coffee shops found in every corner.
  • Seattle is home to the tech giant Amazon.com and numerous other tech companies and startups.
  • The city has a thriving LGBTQ community, and Seattle has been a leader in advancing LGBTQ rights and inclusivity.

Best Time to Visit Seattle

Seattle’s climate is mostly wet and mild, with plenty of rain year-round. Nevertheless, different seasons offer unique experiences:

  • Spring (March to May): The weather is wet but mild, and many outdoor activities begin to open.
  • Summer (June to August): The city’s most popular season, with long days of sunshine and a vibrant outdoorsy scene.
  • Fall (September to November): The weather begins to cool down, and fall colors turn the lush parks into a mesmerizing tapestry of reds and golds.
  • Winter (December to February): The busiest time for tourism, with holiday festivities, cold weather, and seasonal events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Seattle

Do:

  • Bring a raincoat or umbrella, as it rains often in the city.
  • Try the local cuisine, including fresh seafood and locally roasted coffee.
  • Explore the city’s vibrant art and music culture.
  • Visit the city’s parks and natural attractions.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Seattle’s nickname “Emerald City” depends on keeping the city clean and green. Do not litter anywhere.
  • Jaywalk: Seattle’s streets are busy, and it is vital to use designated crosswalks and pedestrian signals.
  • Cut in line: Seattleites are polite and courteous, and cutting in line is a significant social faux-pas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Seattle

Seattle is generally a safe city, but like any major urban area, it has its share of risks. Follow these tips to stay safe in Seattle:

  • Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid unfamiliar areas at night.
  • Keep your valuables in a safe place and out of sight.
  • When driving, pay attention to pedestrians and cyclists on the road.

Health in Seattle

Seattle has many excellent healthcare facilities. Here are some recommended hospitals and clinics:

  • Harborview Medical Center
  • Swedish Medical Center
  • Virginia Mason Medical Center

Getting to Seattle: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Seattle

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport - SEA: Serves most major airlines and is approximately 18 miles south of downtown Seattle.

Bus Stations Near Seattle

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: Located at the heart of downtown Seattle, near Pike Place Market.
  • BoltBus: Located near the University of Washington, serving several destinations on the West Coast.

Other Options

  • Amtrak Train: Seattle is a convenient hub for several Amtrak train routes spanning up and down the Pacific Coast.
  • Car Rental: An ideal way to explore Seattle and the surrounding areas at your own pace.

How to Get Around in Seattle

Seattle offers several ways to explore the city, including:

  • Public Transportation: King County Metro offers buses and trains that run throughout the city and neighboring areas.
  • Ride-Sharing Services: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Seattle.
  • Walking and Biking: Seattle is compact, and many tourist attractions are within walking or biking distance.

Where to Go Next from Seattle: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The Pacific Northwest offers numerous exciting destinations to explore beyond Seattle. Here are some nearby places worth visiting:

  • Mount St. Helens National Monument
  • Olympic National Park
  • San Juan Islands

Conclusion

Seattle is a city that has something for everyone, from stunning natural beauty to cultural heritage to an excellent food and drink scene. With this comprehensive guide, you can enjoy everything Seattle has to offer and make the most of your visit to the Emerald City.

A view of the Seattle waterfront A view of the Seattle waterfront Kenmore Air floatplane arriving at a terminal on Lake Union Kenmore Air floatplane arriving at a terminal on Lake Union Historic King Street Station Historic King Street Station King County Metro Water Taxi King County Metro Water Taxi King County Metro Local Service Bus King County Metro Local Service Bus RapidRide RapidRide Seattle rail system map Seattle rail system map Pike Place Market Pike Place Market The Museum of Pop Culture beneath the Space Needle The Museum of Pop Culture beneath the Space Needle Seattle from the Space Needle Seattle from the Space Needle South Lake Union and downtown Seattle as seen from South Lake Union park South Lake Union and downtown Seattle as seen from South Lake Union park Sailboat moored at the Center for Wooden Boats Sailboat moored at the Center for Wooden Boats In costume for the Fremont Fair In costume for the Fremont Fair Seafair Indian Days Pow Wow at Daybreak Star Cultural Center Seafair Indian Days Pow Wow at Daybreak Star Cultural Center It's always crowded and loud at Lumen Field! It's always crowded and loud at Lumen Field! The Quad at University of Washington The Quad at University of Washington Abundant seafood at Pike Place Market Abundant seafood at Pike Place Market Fresh produce at a farmers' market in Ballard. In the summer, Seattle has over a dozen weekly farmers' markets; Sunday in Ballard and Saturday in the University District are among the few year-round markets. Fresh produce at a farmers' market in Ballard. In the summer, Seattle has over a dozen weekly farmers' markets; Sunday in Ballard and Saturday in the University District are among the few year-round markets. The Chinatown Gate, entrance to the International District at S King Street The Chinatown Gate, entrance to the International District at S King Street


    Downtown
    Fremont
    Pioneer Square-International District
    Queen Anne-South Lake Union
    West