Things To Do
in Seattle
Seattle, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, is a vibrant city known for its lush, evergreen landscapes and its iconic Space Needle, offering expansive views of the downtown skyline and surrounding natural beauty. It's a hub of technology, innovation, and culture, housing major companies like Amazon and Microsoft, as well as fostering a lively music scene historically famous for grunge.
With its frequent coffee shops, diverse cuisine, and commitment to environmental sustainability, Seattle offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $70 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Pike Place Market, watching the famous fish throwers and exploring local shops. Don’t miss the original Starbucks and grab a coffee to fuel your day.
Head down to the waterfront, where you can visit the Seattle Aquarium and take in the stunning views of Elliott Bay. Enjoy lunch at one of the seafood restaurants along the pier.
As the sun sets, take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel for a panoramic view of the city. Wrap up your day with dinner at a cozy waterfront café.
Visit Discovery Park, where you can hike trails and enjoy scenic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Make sure to stop by the West Point Lighthouse for some great photo opportunities.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch surrounded by nature in the park. Afterward, explore the park's beaches and watch for wildlife including seals and various bird species.
Head back to the city and enjoy a relaxing dinner at a nearby restaurant. Try some local dishes and enjoy the evening waterfront ambiance.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and water.
- Vibrant cultural scene with music, art, and diverse food options.
- Strong job market, particularly in technology and aerospace industries.
- Access to outdoor recreational activities like hiking, skiing, and kayaking.
- Progressive and environmentally conscious community.
- High cost of living and real estate prices.
- Frequent rain and cloudy weather can affect mood.
- Traffic congestion and public transportation limitations.
- Homelessness and social issues in certain areas.
- Limited sunshine, particularly in the winter months.
Best Activities in Seattle
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy stunning views of Puget Sound and explore beautiful trails in Seattle's largest public park.
Paddle through the scenic waterways and take in the iconic Seattle skyline from the water.
Ride along this popular trail that offers scenic views and connects various neighborhoods in Seattle.
Explore a diverse collection of plants and enjoy peaceful walks through this botanical garden.
Places to Visit in Seattle
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic observation tower with panoramic views of Seattle and the surrounding area.
Scenic park with stunning views of Seattle skyline, including the Space Needle and Mount Rainier.
Park with industrial remnants and great views of Seattle skyline and Lake Union.
Observation deck providing 360-degree views of Seattle and beyond from the tallest building in the city.
Food in Seattle
Seattle Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try dish that showcases the region's fresh and flavorful salmon. Recommended places to try it include Pike Place Market and popular seafood restaurants like Elliott's Oyster House.
Must-Try!
Another local seafood delicacy, best enjoyed at waterfront restaurants such as The Crab Pot or Ivar's Acres of Clams.
A unique take on the classic hot dog, often topped with cream cheese and grilled onions. Look for food trucks around downtown or at the historic Pike Place Market.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This iconic market is the heart of Seattle's food scene, offering a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal products, and diverse eateries. Don't miss the original Starbucks and the famous fish-throwing spectacle at Pike Place Fish Market.
Explore this neighborhood for an authentic taste of Seattle's Asian cuisine, including dim sum, sushi, and traditional Asian street food. Don't miss Uwajimaya, a popular Asian grocery store with an attached food court.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Seattle, it is important to respect others' personal space and avoid standing too close or making physical contact without permission.
When dining out in Seattle, it is customary to tip around 15-20% and to wait to be seated by the host or hostess.
Seattle residents value environmental conservation, so it is respectful to participate in recycling programs and be mindful of energy and water usage.
Safety
Tipping in Seattle
Ensure a smooth experience
In Seattle, it is customary to tip between 15-20% at restaurants, bars, and for other services such as taxi rides and haircuts. Tipping is seen as a way to show appreciation for good service.
In Seattle, most places accept credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash is also accepted, but many businesses prefer card payments for convenience and hygiene reasons.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, cherry blossoms, and blooming flowers; a great time to explore parks and gardens.
Warm and dry weather, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and attending music festivals.
Mild temperatures, beautiful fall foliage, and the start of the cultural events season.
Cool and wet weather, occasional snow, and the festive atmosphere of holiday markets and events.
Seattle at Night
Hiking in Seattle
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging 8-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views from the summit, popular for both hiking and rock climbing.
A 4-mile round trip hike with beautiful views of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding mountains, suitable for all skill levels.
A scenic 3-mile round trip hike leading to breathtaking waterfalls, ideal for families and beginner hikers.
A short hike that offers a spectacular view of one of Washington's most famous waterfalls, easily accessible and family-friendly.
A network of trails that offer a serene hiking experience through lush forests, ideal for walking, jogging, and horseback riding.
A scenic, flat 2.5-mile trail along Alki Beach, perfect for a leisurely stroll with views of the Seattle skyline.
Aiports
How to reach Seattle by plane.
The primary airport serving Seattle and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, this is a major international airport serving Western Canada.
The main airport in Portland, Oregon, offering international and domestic flights.
An international airport located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, serving as a gateway to Western Canada.
A major international airport located near San Francisco, California, providing extensive international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Approximately 65% of Seattle's population identifies as White.
Asian residents make up about 15-20% of the population, with significant communities such as Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese.
Hispanic or Latino individuals represent around 10-12% of Seattle's population.
Black or African American residents account for about 6-7% of the population.
Approximately 4% of the population identifies as belonging to two or more races.
Native American individuals represent about 1-2% of the population.
Pacific Islander residents make up around 1% of the population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The Seattle Seahawks are the city's professional football team, competing in the NFL and enjoying a passionate fan base.
Seattle has a rich basketball history, and although the NBA team, the Seattle SuperSonics, moved in 2008, the sport remains popular, with a fervent fan base and local college teams.
The Seattle Mariners play Major League Baseball at T-Mobile Park, and the sport has a significant following in the city.
Seattle Sounders FC, a Major League Soccer team, has a large, dedicated fan base and has been successful in both the league and various cup competitions.
The Seattle Kraken, founded as an NHL expansion team in 2021, has quickly garnered attention and support from the local community.
Beach volleyball is popular in Seattle, particularly in the warmer months, with outdoor tournaments and games at local beaches.
Seattle hosts numerous running events, including marathons and fun runs, and has a vibrant running community that enjoys the scenic views around the city.
The city is known for its bike-friendly infrastructure and hosts various cycling events and races, catering to both casual cyclists and serious competitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Seattle.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Seattle is very accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering creative plant-based dishes. Several dedicated vegetarian and vegan eateries, such as Plum Bistro and Cafe Flora, are also worth exploring.
Those with gluten intolerance will find numerous gluten-free friendly establishments across the city. From dedicated gluten-free bakeries like Nuflours to restaurants offering extensive gluten-free menus like Razzi's Pizzeria, there are plenty of options to choose from.