Things To Do
in Seattle
Seattle sits between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, framed by the Olympic and Cascade mountains, and is known for its vibrant tech scene, rich coffee culture, and strong maritime heritage. The city blends urban neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Belltown with green spaces and waterfronts, offering museums, music venues, and outdoor access within a short drive or ferry ride. Historic markets, indie restaurants, craft breweries, and a famous skyline dominated by the Space Needle give the city a distinctive Pacific Northwest character.
Expect a laid-back, environmentally conscious atmosphere with changing weather and plenty of opportunities for day trips into wilderness areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Pike Place Market, where you can watch the iconic fishmongers throw fresh salmon. Grab a warm pastry from Piroshky Piroshky and sip on a locally roasted coffee from one of the market's many cafes. Don't forget to stop by the original Starbucks for a quick photo opportunity!
After exploring the market, make your way to the Seattle Art Museum, where you can admire diverse collections from indigenous cultures to contemporary works. Enjoy lunch at one of the nearby eateries, perhaps trying some delicious seafood at Elliott's Oyster House. Spend the afternoon wandering through the vibrant streets of Pioneer Square, where you can learn about Seattle's gold rush history.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant with stunning views of Elliott Bay. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront to see the Seattle Great Wheel lit up at night. End your evening at a cozy bar in Belltown, sipping on craft cocktails while listening to live music.
Kick off your day by visiting the iconic Space Needle, where you can take an elevator ride to the observation deck for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Mount Rainier. Spend some time at the nearby Museum of Pop Culture, exploring exhibits dedicated to music, film, and video games. Grab a quick brunch at a nearby café before heading to your next destination.
In the afternoon, visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass to marvel at the stunning glass sculptures created by artist Dale Chihuly. Stroll through the lush gardens and explore the intricate installations that beautifully blend art with nature. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the nearby dining spots that feature farm-to-table cuisine.
As the day winds down, head to the Seattle Center for a performance or event at the Seattle Opera or the Pacific Northwest Ballet. After the show, enjoy dinner at a trendy restaurant in the South Lake Union area, known for its innovative dishes. Cap off the evening with a nightcap at a rooftop bar, soaking in the stunning skyline views.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $3-5 |
| 🛏️Hotel mid-range (per night) | $150-250 |
| 🚇One-way public transit fare (bus/light rail) | $2.25-3.00 |
| 🚕Short ride-hail (3–5 miles) | $12-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to mountains, water, and outdoor recreation within a short distance from the city.
- Vibrant food, coffee, and music scenes with diverse cultural offerings.
- Strong public transit links (light rail, buses, ferries) connecting neighborhoods and suburbs.
- Mild year-round temperatures compared with continental extremes.
- Frequent rain and gray skies for much of the year can limit outdoor plans.
- High cost of living and accommodation prices in peak seasons.
- Traffic congestion on major arterials and interstates (I-5, I-405).
- Visible homelessness and social-service challenges in central areas.
Places to Visit in Seattle
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic vantage point for the Seattle skyline with the Space Needle in the foreground and Mount Rainier (on clear days) in the background.
Iconic architectural shots and elevated city views; the observation deck provides panoramic cityscapes.
Bustling scenes, colorful produce stands, neon signs, and candid vendor moments—great for street and cultural photography.
Industrial structures against a lakefront park setting offering unique compositions, especially at sunset.
West-facing beach with skyline views across Elliott Bay—excellent for sunset and long-exposure shots.
Quirky public art and the nearby bridge for urban character photos; explore the Fremont neighborhood for murals.
Vibrant blown-glass artworks with rich color and reflective surfaces—photography-friendly displays and nightly lighting.
Food in Seattle
Seattle Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh salmon cooked grilled or smoked—widely available at seafood stands around Pike Place Market and in waterfront restaurants.
Must-Try!
Creamy chowder often served in a sourdough bowl; seek it at Pike Place Market counters and waterfront eateries.
Seattle is famous for coffee culture—visit local roasters and cafes like Starbucks Reserve, Stumptown, or numerous independent espresso bars.
Local oysters (e.g., Samish Bay) and Dungeness crab appear in seasonal menus and at seafood bars around the city.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seattle’s iconic market: find fresh seafood stalls, artisan producers, chowder stands, and classic snacks like piroshky and freshly made doughnuts.
A hub for Asian cuisines—dim sum, ramen, pho, and street-side vendors serving snacks and baked goods.
Seasonal produce, prepared foods and local bakeries; great for sampling Pacific Northwest ingredients and meeting vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People tend to be polite but reserved—respect personal space, avoid loud phone conversations on public transit, and queue patiently.
Recycling and composting are common; follow local rules for waste separation and avoid single-use plastics when possible.
Seattle is on traditional lands of the Duwamish and other Coast Salish peoples—acknowledge Indigenous history and ask respectfully about cultural sites.
Dress is generally casual; layers are practical due to changing weather and cool evenings.
Ask before photographing people, especially in residential or cultural settings; be mindful around street vendors and performers.
Safety
Tipping in Seattle
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% in restaurants for table service, $1–2 per drink for bartenders, and 10–15% for taxi/ride-share drivers when not included. Tip restaurant staff if service charges are not included in the bill.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Cash is less used but still accepted; carry small bills for markets or tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, increasing sunshine, and colorful blooms (notably cherry blossoms on the UW campus). Expect occasional rain showers; ideal for lower crowds and outdoor festivals.
Warm, dry, and sunny—July and August are the best months for outdoor activities, ferry rides, and rooftop patios; parks and trails are busy so book activities early.
Cooler temperatures and changing foliage; shoulder season for tourism with fewer crowds and continued opportunities for hiking before heavy rains begin.
Wet and gray with mild temperatures near the water, colder and snowier in the mountains. Expect more rain, occasional snow in the city, and indoor cultural events.
Seattle at Night
Hiking in Seattle
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular 4-mile round-trip hike east of Seattle with sweeping views of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding ridges—busy but rewarding, suitable for a half-day trip.
Challenging 8-mile round-trip climb used by many for training and spectacular summit views; requires moderate fitness and early start to avoid crowds.
A 2.8-mile loop within Seattle offering coastal overlooks, forested trails, and a lighthouse—great for an easy urban nature escape.
Short, scenic viewpoints of the impressive falls and nearby longer hikes in the Snoqualmie area; accessible as a quick day trip.
A longer drive/ferry away, the Olympic Peninsula offers diverse hikes from rainforest trails to alpine routes—allow a full day to several days to explore.
Airports
How to reach Seattle by plane.
Main commercial airport serving Seattle (about 14 miles south of downtown). Accessible by Link light rail, shuttle services, taxis, and rental cars; major hub for domestic and international flights.
Primarily for general aviation, cargo flights, and some charters; located southeast of downtown, useful for private or charter operations.
Located in Everett (north of Seattle) with some commercial flights and convenient access for northern suburbs; about 25–35 minutes drive from downtown in light traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large population of workers in technology and related industries (Amazon, Microsoft-area commuters, start-ups) contributing to a young professional demographic.
Significant communities, with cultural hubs and businesses, especially in the International District and neighborhoods across the city.
Seattle is on the traditional lands of Coast Salish peoples (including the Duwamish); Indigenous history and contemporary communities remain important to the region.
Large student populations at the University of Washington and other institutions add to a vibrant, youthful cultural scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
NFL team with passionate fanbase; games at Lumen Field (formerly CenturyLink) bring a loud, enthusiastic crowd.
MLB team playing at T-Mobile Park with waterfront views and year-round seasonality—great summer outing.
MLS team with strong local support and an electric atmosphere at home matches.
NHL expansion team with growing fan interest and games at Climate Pledge Arena.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Seattle.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Seattle has plentiful vegetarian options: many cafes and restaurants list vegetarian/vegan menus, and specialty eateries (e.g., vegetarian Thai or plant-based restaurants) are common.
Strong vegan scene with dedicated restaurants and vegan-friendly menus at mainstream spots—ask servers for plant-based substitutions.
Gluten-free options and awareness are widespread—look for gluten-free menus or request GF swaps; bakeries and specialty stores also stock GF products.
Staff are generally knowledgeable—communicate allergies clearly, and consider carrying allergy cards if necessary.