Seattle
Seattle, founded in 1851 at the head of Puget Sound, quickly grew from a small logging and trading settlement into a thriving port city on the Pacific Northwest coast. Its location between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, along with access to abundant forests and waterways, shaped its early economy and culture. Over the decades, Seattle absorbed influences from Native American tribes, Scandinavian and Asian immigrants, and Gold Rush–era pioneers, leaving their mark on the city’s architecture, cuisine, and cultural identity. The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought rapid growth, fueled by lumber, shipping, and rail industries, followed by the tech boom that turned Seattle into a global hub for innovation. Today, Seattle combines its industrial and maritime heritage with vibrant arts, music, and culinary scenes, offering bustling neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, waterfront promenades, and a city culture deeply connected to both land and sea.
💡Seattle: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: Citizens of Canada, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and most EU countries do not require a visa for short stays (typically up to 90 days) under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program but need to fill out the electronic travel authorization ESTA.
✈️ Closest Airport: Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – about 25–30 minutes by car from downtown Seattle, depending on traffic.
💬 Language: English is the main language; other languages like Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog are also commonly heard due to the city’s diversity.
🏷️ Price Level: Seattle is slightly more expensive than the U.S. average, with higher costs for dining and accommodation compared to smaller American cities.
🍔 Big Mac Index: US$5.69
💰 Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
☀️ Best Times to Visit: Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) offer mild, pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
🚘 Transportation: Seattle is walkable in many neighborhoods like downtown, Pike Place, and the waterfront. Local buses, light rail, taxis, ride-shares, ferries, and bike/e-scooter rentals make getting around convenient.
🔌 Adapter: U.S. uses Type A and B plugs, 120V. Most travelers from Europe or Asia will need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
🛜 WiFi: Widely available in hotels, cafés, and public spaces; many neighborhoods offer free public WiFi.
🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is optional except for small vendors or certain markets. ATMs are abundant.
💸 Tipping: Expected in most restaurants and bars—15–20% is standard for good service.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address:
Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Terminal 91): 305 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121, USA (docked)
Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal (Terminal 66): 201 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121, USA (docked)
✈️ 🚇🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ Seattle’s public transportation system is extensive and reliable. King County Metro operates local buses that connect most neighborhoods, while Sound Transit Link light rail links downtown Seattle with the University of Washington, Capitol Hill, and SeaTac Airport. Fares can be paid using the ORCA card (rechargeable and accepted on buses, trains, and ferries), contactless credit/debit cards, or single tickets purchased at vending machines. Seattle is also very walkable in neighborhoods like Downtown, Pike Place, and Capitol Hill, and regional commuter trains connect the city with Everett, Tacoma, and other surrounding areas.
✈️ Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the main airport serving Seattle, located about 23 km (14 miles) south of downtown. The Link Light Rail connects the airport to downtown Seattle in roughly 35–40 minutes, with trains running every 6–15 minutes; one-way tickets cost around $3–$4 USD depending on the time of day. The airport shuttle and King County Metro buses also serve downtown and nearby neighborhoods, taking about 40–60 minutes.
🚇 Seattle Cruise Terminals: Most cruise ships dock at Smith Cove Cruise Terminal (Terminal 91) or Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal (Terminal 66), both within a short drive or taxi ride from downtown. Major attractions like Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, and the waterfront are just 5–15 minutes away by car. Because of the proximity, shuttle buses are generally not needed, though taxis and ride-shares are available for passengers with luggage or mobility needs (short rides in the city typically cost $10–$15 USD).
Seattle doesn’t have a metro in the traditional sense, but it is well-served by King County Metro buses, the Link Light Rail, and ferries. The Light Rail connects downtown to neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, the University District, and SeaTac Airport, while ferries provide scenic connections to Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, and West Seattle. Bus and train announcements are in English, and major terminals have maps and signage to help navigate the system.
🚌 City Sightseeing Seattle offers one line that connects most sights in the city (more info here).
⭐️ Top Sights in Seattle
Seattle was originally called “New York-Alki” by its first settlers in 1851, with “Alki” meaning “by and by” in Chinook Jargon—reflecting the hopeful spirit of the city’s early pioneers.
📸 Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass: Seattle’s most iconic landmark, the Space Needle offers sweeping 360° views of the city, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. Right next door, Chihuly Garden and Glass dazzles with vibrant glass sculptures that glow both indoors and among the gardens—an unmissable combo for photography lovers.
📸 Pike Place Market: A Seattle classic since 1907, this bustling waterfront market is full of local color—watch fishmongers toss salmon, browse craft stalls, and taste artisanal treats. Don’t miss the Gum Wall tucked below the market for a quirky photo stop.
📸 Waterfront & Great Wheel: The Seattle Waterfront blends maritime charm with modern energy—ride the Seattle Great Wheel for stunning harbor views, stroll along piers filled with seafood restaurants, and visit the Seattle Aquarium for local marine life encounters.
📸 Kerry Park: One of Seattle’s most famous viewpoints, offering postcard-perfect vistas of the city skyline, Mount Rainier, and Elliott Bay—especially magical at sunset or night when the skyline lights up.
📸 Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): A striking Frank Gehry–designed building celebrating music, film, gaming, and pop culture. Inside, explore interactive exhibits on icons like Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and science fiction classics.
📸Pioneer Square: Seattle’s historic heart, filled with brick buildings, art galleries, cafés, and boutiques. Take the Underground Tour to explore hidden 19th-century streets buried beneath the modern city.
📸 Gas Works Park: A unique blend of industrial relics and green space, offering sweeping views of Lake Union and the skyline. It’s a favorite spot for picnics, kite flying, and watching seaplanes land.
📸 Discovery Park: Seattle’s largest green space, with woodland trails, meadows, and beaches overlooking the Puget Sound. The West Point Lighthouse is a scenic highlight for photographers and nature lovers alike.
📸 Fremont & Ballard Neighborhoods: Known for their quirky charm—see the Fremont Troll, explore vintage shops and microbreweries, or visit Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder to watch salmon make their seasonal migration.
📸 Olympic Sculpture Park: A waterfront extension of the Seattle Art Museum, this outdoor park features large-scale modern sculptures set against Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains—ideal for a relaxing walk or artistic photo session.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Seattle’s food scene is a vibrant mix of Pacific Northwest freshness, global influences, and innovative cuisine. As a historic port city, Seattle has long drawn from the bounty of the sea, local farms, and immigrant communities, creating a diverse culinary heritage. Today, the city offers everything from fresh-caught salmon, Dungeness crab, and oysters to modern farm-to-table fare and inventive international dishes. Visitors can savor seafood at waterfront restaurants, artisanal coffee in cozy cafés, and hearty Northwest fare in bustling neighborhoods. Culinary hubs like Pike Place Market, Capitol Hill, and Ballard showcase Seattle’s passion for flavor, sustainability, and social dining, making food an essential part of the city experience.
🍽️ Fresh Pacific Salmon & Dungeness Crab: Seattle’s iconic seafood—grilled, roasted, or served as succulent crab legs—is best enjoyed at waterfront eateries or Pike Place Market, with views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.
🍽️ Clam Chowder & Seafood Bisques: Creamy, hearty soups featuring local clams, salmon, or shellfish. Pike Place Market and local bistros often serve them in bread bowls, perfect for a cozy meal on a rainy Seattle day.
🍽️ Oysters on the Half Shell: Washington State oysters are world-famous for their clean, briny flavor. Try them fresh at waterfront bars or oyster festivals, often paired with local craft beer or crisp white wine.
🍽️ Pacific Northwest Salmon Salad: Fresh greens topped with roasted or smoked salmon, local berries, nuts, and a light vinaigrette—a reflection of Seattle’s farm-to-table culture and emphasis on seasonal ingredients.
🍽️ Geoduck & Shellfish: A regional specialty, this unique mollusk is often served raw, in sushi, or as a gourmet entrée, highlighting Seattle’s innovative culinary scene.
🍽️ Coffee & Pastries: Seattle is synonymous with coffee culture, from artisanal espresso to famous cafés. Pair a freshly brewed cup with a pastry or croissant for the quintessential local experience.
🍽️ Asian-Fusion Cuisine: Thanks to a strong Asian-American community, Seattle offers exceptional sushi, ramen, pho, and fusion dishes—explore neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and the International District for authentic flavors.
🥤 Craft Beer, Cider & Local Wines: Seattle’s Pacific Northwest beverage scene includes microbreweries, cideries, and vineyards producing fresh, flavorful drinks. Pair a pint or glass with seafood or farm-to-table dishes for a true taste of the region.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus
🚕 Uber
🚕 Lyft