Seattle Travel Guides

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✨ Things to Do

🗺️ Where to Stay

🛎️ Best Hotels

🍽️ Restaurants

🚗 Day Trips

🏘️ Neighborhoods

🍸 Best Bars

⛰️ Best Nearby Hikes

☕ Coffee Shops

🍺 Breweries

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

🚌 Getting Around

👉 Travel Tips

🧳 What to Pack

A photo collage of Seattle, Washington writer

Chelsea Booker is a Seattle-based freelance travel writer and storyteller who loves discovering places that stimulate her imagination. Her adventures around Washington and the Pacific Northwest have inspired her to show others just how much there is to explore in their own backyards. She writes about more of what she loves – creativity, personal development, and joyful living – on her lifestyle blog.

Why We Love Seattle: Seattle is the gem of the Pacific Northwest. Its beautiful outdoor spaces, eco-conscious residents, thriving art and music scene, and diverse craft breweries are just the beginning of its appeal. Seattle is a walker and biker’s paradise, the coffee capital of the United States, and its neighborhoods are vibrant and distinct. Travel to this place of rain and clouds to find out just how much the city shines.

Best of Seattle

✨ Things to Do in Seattle

View of the displays of gorgeous flower bouquets in Pike Place Market — *Some of the gorgeous flower bouquets in Pike Place Market*

Visit famous landmarks, hike through city parks, relax by the water, learn intriguing local history, and drink a perfect cup of coffee. Seattle is sure to keep you busy.

Pike Place Market – Always bursting with activity, this hundred-year-old market is the best place to sample delicious food, find flower bouquets, and purchase local goods.
Seattle Center – Ride to the top of the Space Needle, visit top-rated museums, and enjoy year-round festivals in the city’s cultural epicenter.
Discovery Park – Visit the largest city park in Seattle to go bird watching; hike forest, beach, and bluff trails; and learn about Indigenous history.
Alki Beach Park – Come to this popular Seattle beach to search for seals, watch the ferries, enjoy a bonfire, and dine at beachfront eateries.
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour – This subterranean walking tour takes you through the remains of the original Seattle before the Great Fire of 1889 decimated the city.
Drink Coffee – Sample pour-overs and espressos from independent coffee shops. Go on a coffee tour or try a free coffee tasting. Coffee experiences abound in the Coffee Capital of the USA.

👉 Read the full list of things to do in Seattle.

🗺️ Where to Stay

Some of Seattle’s most exciting areas are walkable, served by public transit, and have as much personality as they do entertainment. Here are the best places to stay for visitors.

Downtown Seattle – The majority of the best hotels are downtown. Staying here gives visitors access to the city’s best attractions and ample public transit.
Lower Queen Anne – A great area for families and couples, Lower Queen Anne has plenty of trendy restaurants, cafes, and cultural events.
Capitol Hill – Capitol Hill is the place to stay for bar hopping, top-rated restaurants, and energetic nightlife.

👉 Read the complete guide on where to stay in Seattle.

Scenic view of the downtown waterfront from the Pike Place Market Overlook Walk — *Views of the downtown waterfront from the Pike Place Market Overlook Walk*

🛎️ Best Hotels

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View of the entrance to Seattle’s Inn At The Market Hotel — The entrance to Seattle’s **The Inn At The Market Hotel**

Seattle is home to historic, boutique, and family-friendly hotels with excellent amenities. Book early to guarantee your spot in the best of them.

Inn at the Market – This cool, contemporary hotel is mere steps from Pike Place Market. Enjoy waterfront views, rooftop access, and a perfect location.
Fairmont Olympic – You’ll feel transported to another era in this historic hotel with lavish rooms and a sophisticated bar.
The Maxwell Hotel – Quirky decor, an indoor pool, complimentary cookies, and reasonable prices make this Lower Queen Anne hotel a family favorite.

🍽️ Restaurants

You’ll find endless options for good food throughout Seattle. The hardest part is choosing what to try first!

The Walrus and the Carpenter – Sample some of the best seafood in the city, from fresh oysters and halibut to local clams and mussels.
Itto’s Tapas – A hidden gem in West Seattle serving Spanish and Moroccan tapas and delightful cocktails in a dimly lit, romantic dining room.
Sisters and Brothers – The mouthwatering Nashville hot chicken is the biggest draw here. Ask for “Nashville hot” or above… if you dare.
Off the Rez – Sample Native American cuisine at the cafe or food truck. Try sweet and savory fry-breads and mouth-watering Indian tacos.
Cafe Salem – Expect authentic homestyle Ethiopian food in a casual setting at this Central District gem.

🍴 Read the full local list of the best restaurants in Seattle.

View of a macaroni and chicken from Sisters and Brothers — *A mouthwatering meal from Sisters and Brothers*

🚗 Day Trips

View of the Point Robinson Lighthouse and the colorful sky in Seattle — *Point Robinson Lighthouse is a serene place to hang out on Vashon*

Mount Rainier National Park – This breathtaking national park is a must for hikers. Mount Rainier will leave you in awe no matter how often you see it.
Bainbridge Island – Take a short ferry ride from downtown to this relaxed island full of wine-tasting rooms, local boutiques, and kid-friendly parks.
Tacoma – This underrated, gritty city is a worthy destination for museums, art, and an unpretentious food and bar scene.
Vashon Island – Travel to this peaceful island for fresh local produce, cider and wine tastings, or to take it easy on one of the uncrowded beaches.
Poulsbo – Washington’s “Little Norway” has a cute and walkable downtown area, a charming waterfront, and Nordic celebrations.

👉 See our full list of the best Seattle Day Trips.

🏘️ Neighborhoods

The arch sign at the Fremont Troll Arch — *The famous Fremont Troll beneath the Aurora Bridge*

Capitol Hill – A lively spot with some of Seattle’s best nightlife, home to gems like Neumos, Volunteer Park, Unicorn, and Elliott Bay Book Company.
Fremont – A quirky neighborhood with several unique art installations like the famous Fremont Troll and the controversial Lenin statue.
Lower Queen Anne – This lively neighborhood is home to well-known attractions like the Space Needle and the Museum of Pop Culture.
Ballard – A hip and desirable neighborhood, perfect for shopping and diving into Seattle’s craft brewery scene.
Georgetown – An industrial and eclectic neighborhood south of downtown with cool dive bars, vintage shops, and underrated restaurants.

👉 See our full list of the best Seattle neighborhoods.

🍸 Bars

View of a colorful mural in Twilight Exit — *A previous iteration of the mural outside the entrance to Twilight Exit*

Twilight Exit – A no-frills dive bar with reasonably priced drinks, delicious house-made food, and excellent Sunday karaoke.
Bathtub Gin & Co – A cozy boiler room turned speakeasy with strong, creative cocktails.
Unicorn – This iconic bar is known for its carnival-themed food and drinks, exciting atmosphere, and boozy brunch drag shows.
The Cuff Complex – A gay bar and dance club with regular performances and a great weekday happy hour.
Zig Zag Cafe – Lowkey Pike Place Market cocktail bar with a romantic ambiance and delicious food and drinks.

⛰️ Nearby Hikes

A foggy view of the Snow Lake early in the morning — *Snow Lake early in the morning*

Rattlesnake Ledge– A popular year-round hike with fantastic views of Mount Si, Rattlesnake Lake, and more.
Discovery Park – The largest park in Seattle, with trails for every level of hiker. Wander from the forests to the bluffs and the beach.
Mount Si – This challenging hike takes you up the steep Mount Si. It’s a good workout so be prepared to sweat.
Poo Poo Point – Hike to an open clearing with views of cities, forests and mountains. You may see paragliders taking off from here.
Snow Lake – A moderate trek to a gorgeous alpine lake. This hike is best taken in summer to early fall.

👉 Read the full guide to the best hikes near Seattle

☕ Coffee Shops

A hand holding a cup of coffee — *The lattes at Uptown Espresso are always phenomenal*

Herkimer Coffee – This welcoming and modern cafe is a local favorite for perfectly roasted beans and delicious espressos.
Cafe Allegro – A historic espresso bar in the University District, tucked away in an easily missable alley.
The Station – A Black and Latino-owned coffee shop with great drinks, food, and communal events.
Olympia Coffee – This local shop ethically sources beans from the finest coffee farmers around the world, making it a great choice for serious coffee drinkers.
Uptown Espresso – Coffee shop known for tasty lattes with its signature velvet foam and yummy breakfast options.

☕ Read the full list of the best coffee shops in Seattle.

🍺 Breweries

View of a pretzel and beers on a table — *Pretzels + beer from Good Society are a winning combo*

Good Society Beer – A West Seattle brewery with excellent IPAs that donates a portion of its proceeds to local causes.
Fremont Brewery – A popular pup-friendly brewery with plenty of outdoor seating, a pretty beer garden, and an extensive beer selection.
Perihelion – This all-ages pub has delicious beer and food. Come for hearty stouts or crisp saisons.
Machine House Brewery – Hillman City brewery with British-style ales and a welcoming atmosphere.
Stoup Brewery – Stoup is among the best of the Ballard breweries with plenty of seating and a great core beer selection.

🍻 Read the full list of the best breweries in Seattle.

Seattle Travel Advice

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

As long as you know what to expect from the weather on your visit to Seattle, you can find great things to do during any season.

🍂 Fall – A cozy time to visit. You’ll experience cooler temps and gorgeous foliage. Early fall is a great time to visit the mountains.
🌞 Summer – Expect warm weather, clear skies, and big crowds. This is the best time for hiking, watersports, and camping.
🌼 Spring – The weather is unpredictable, but spring is a great time to see flowers, waterfalls, and attend festivals.
❄️ Winter – There will be rain, sometimes snow, and gray skies almost every day, but there’s still lots to do indoors. Enjoy attractions sans crowds.

👉 Read the full guide to the best time to visit Seattle.

🚌 Getting Around

There are many transportation options for visitors, so you can easily tailor your trip to your needs and budget.

🚶‍♀️ Walking – Most of Seattle is very walkable, but it’s hilly. Prepare for a good calf workout!
🚗 Driving – A car makes it easier to traverse certain parts of the city. Parking can be a pain in the neighborhoods around downtown. Expect congestion during rush hour.
🚇 Public Transit – Easily reach most places in the city via bus, light rail, or streetcar.
📲 Ride Share – Catch an Uber or Lyft easily in this rideshare-ready city, but expect the costs to add up.
🚴‍♀️ Biking – Seattle is one of the most bike-friendly cities in America. There are plenty of bike lanes and rentals to accommodate riders.
🛴 Scooters – Link and Lime scooters are readily available throughout the city.
⛴️ Ferries – Reach places like Bainbridge Island and Bremerton by utilizing Seattle’s ferry system.

👉 Read the full guide to on getting around Seattle.

👉 Tips & Things to Know

☂️ Most locals don’t use umbrellas – Bring a raincoat to stay hands-free! If you do pack your umbrella, just be careful not to whack people with it on narrow sidewalks.
🥶 You may find the locals a bit “icy” – The “Seattle Freeze” claims that Seattlelites are standoffish, but most locals are friendly and polite, especially if you are.
🌧️ Don’t be afraid of the rain – Seattle’s rain is more of a consistent drizzle, not a downpour. Venture to breweries and visit museums for rainy-day excursions with fewer crowds.
🐕 Seattle is incredibly dog-friendly – All pups are welcome here! It’s hard to go on a walk anywhere in the city without seeing dogs out and about.
🌲 Seattleites love getting outdoors – Whether it’s hiking, city parks, live shows, farmers markets, or baseball games, you won’t find most locals cooped up inside.

👉 Read our full list of Seattle travel tips.

🧳 What to Pack

👕 Layers – The weather changes in seconds here, especially during spring and fall. Pack and wear layers to stay comfortable in any situation.
🥾 Waterproof Shoes – Avoid wet socks by packing waterproof shoes with good traction that can hold up to puddles and the occasional muddy patch.
🕶️ Sunglasses – When the sun comes out, you’ll be surprised at how bright it feels. Sunglasses are a must for spring and summer visits.
🧥 Raincoat – Skip the umbrella and grab a raincoat! It’ll be your best protection against Seattle’s persistent rain.
🛍️ Reusable Bag – Seattle is a plastic bag-free city and stores charge for paper bags. Bring a reusable bag when shopping to save a few cents.

👉 Read our full Seattle packing list.

🤓 Facts & Info

Census Population (2024) – 780,995 (city), 4.15 million (metro area)
Time Zone – Pacific Standard Time (UTC -8 / UTC -7 during daylight savings)
Area Codes – 206, 564
Airports – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Nickname – Emerald City, Jet City, Rain City, Transplant City
Demonym – Seattleite
State – Washington
Country – United States of America

🤓 See the full list of facts about Seattle.

💵 Costs & Budgeting

3 Star Hotel Room – $150-$200/night
1 Bedroom Apartment Rental – $115-$180/night
Rental Car – $80-$100/day
Public Transit Ticket – $3 to the airport from downtown Seattle
Ride Share from Downtown to Airport – $60-$70
Take Out Meal for Two – $40-$60
Sit Down Dinner for Two – $50-$100
Draft Beer – $7-$9

FAQs

Is Seattle safe for tourists?

Seattle is generally safe for tourists. However, it’s still a major city, so take the proper precautions. Make sure to walk in well-lit places at night and avoid wandering around alone. Visitors should note there is an increase in the population of people experiencing homelessness – particularly in downtown, Pioneer Square, the International District, and Belltown.

Is Seattle worth visiting?

Seattle is absolutely worth visiting if you want to explore a laid-back major city with an excellent coffee scene, eco-conscious and art-loving locals, and amazing access to the outdoors.

What’s Seattle best known for?

Seattle is best known for its rainy weather, beautiful outdoors, fresh seafood, coffee culture, and being the birthplace of Starbucks. Grunge music thrived in Seattle in the ‘90s, and the city is currently home to many large tech companies.

How many days do you need to see Seattle?

Three to four days is best for an initial visit to Seattle. This would give visitors enough time to see the downtown area and major attractions, visit a few interesting neighborhoods, and venture out on a day trip to a nearby city or go for a hike.

With that said, if you are short on time, you can follow my 1 day in Seattle itinerary to make the most of it.

What months are sunny in Seattle?

The sunniest months in Seattle are July and August. The sun also makes more of an appearance during May, June, September, and early October.

Do you need a car in Seattle?

You don’t need a car to get around Seattle. You can get to most places, including select hiking trails, via public transit. However, a car is helpful for day trips and getting from north to south Seattle quickly if you have limited time in the city.