Seattle is one of several major cities in the United States. Located in the Pacific Northwest state of Washington, Seattle boasts a moderate, if rainy, climate and beautiful water views. Faced with other cities like San Francisco, Chicago, and New York, though, you may wonder: is Seattle worth visiting?

Is Seattle Worth Visiting?

My short answer is: Yes! Absolutely! Seattle is worth visiting!

Seattle is a beautiful city with a unique culture and history. Surrounded by mountains and rainforests, it boasts craft coffee and a vibrant arts culture. There is so much fun to be had both in and around the city. 

Seattle’s history is so full, from the Klondike Gold Rush, to building a new city atop the old, to its hipster culture and tech sector prowess we know it for today. Don’t write off Seattle on your list of U.S. cities to explore. 

But let me give you an even more extensive, more specific, list of reasons why Seattle is worth visiting.

51 Best Things To Do that Make Seattle Worth Visiting

Seattle has many fun things to do and places to explore. This list includes both the “big” touristy attractions and the off-the-beaten-path, unique local experiences (in no particular order) that make Seattle worth visiting!

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market, while a bit touristy, is definitely worth the visit! It’s one of the oldest continuously operating farmer’s markets in the U.S. It was tiny at first. Still, the few farmers and distributors who began at the market did so well that many others joined soon after. You may recognize the name as the inspiration for Starbucks’ staple coffee roast.

Today it’s a bustling place filled with flowers, fresh produce, seafood, honey, and anything you can imagine at your favorite farmer’s market. It’s also surrounded by some great places to eat!

The Gum Wall

So, this is really gross, but it’s a peculiar and unique Seattle attraction. Right next to Pike Place Market is the gum wall (or walls). These brick walls of Post Alley are completely covered in chewed gum.

It began in the 1990s “when local patrons and performers at Unexpected Productions stuck their used gum on the wall.” Since then, the wall has grown piece by piece as locals, visitors, and college students on a dare continue to add to the sticky masterpiece. It’s cool to look at, just please, don’t touch it…

MoPop  –  Museum of Pop Culture

Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (affectionately known as MoPop) is massive and incredibly cool. A friend recommended Visiting MoPop when we traveled to Seattle back in 2021, and I’m so glad we didn’t skip it.

The museum contains creepy characters from Star Wars and Dr. Who and your worst nightmare horror films, Harry Potter props, a massive tower of guitars, pop culture history and its impact on social movements, a room to play video games, and so much more. Give yourself at least two hours to poke around this museum, and let your inner child go crazy.

The Space Needle

Seattle’s Space Needle is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world thanks to its flying-saucer-like design. It was originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair and remains a top attraction in Seattle today. The big draw to the Space Needle are its views of the downtown Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, Elliot Bay, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, as it provides 360-degree views from its three viewing areas: “an indoor observation deck and open-air viewing area located at 520 feet, and an observation level featuring a revolving glass floor located 500 feet above ground.”

To go up, you need a timed ticket, which can cost between $32.50 and $42.50. If you visit the Space Needle, be sure to bundle tickets for the Chihuly Gardens (more below!) to save money on both.

Chihuly Gardens

The Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum is a must-see when visiting Seattle. Located at the base of the Space Needle, the garden, exhibition hall, and glasshouse are full of Dale Chihuly’s famous work – and it’s stunning! The museum celebrates the Seattle “region’s creative energy and inspire[s] visitors to engage with [the] region’s cultural community.” It’s easily one of the most popular attractions in Seattle, and it’s well worth the visit!

Dale Chihuly grew up in nearby Tacoma, and, in 1971, co-founded the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State. According to the museum, “With this international glass center, Chihuly has led the avant-garde in the development of glass as a fine art.” Chihuly’s work is featured in more than 200 museum collections worldwide, and he has received many awards in the art world.

Underground Seattle

The Pioneer Square neighborhood in downtown Seattle has a secret history that can be found in underground tunnels! While visiting Seattle, book an Underground Seattle tour with Beneath the Streets to see the city’s underground tunnels and learn about its history. The story is fascinating and the tour guides are hilarious. We did a regular tour last time, but they also have adult-only “red light district” tours. It was such a fun and quirky way to learn some Seattle history!

When Seattle was first settled and built, its downtown (Pioneer Square) was below sea level, and it flooded on a fairly regular basis. After the city burned down in the Great Seattle Fire, city officials decided to rebuild above sea level. Businesses needed a way to operate while the street grid was being raised, so they rebuilt three—or four-story buildings while the city used fill to raise the streets around them. 

Businesses had storefronts and sidewalks at the original level while the roads were a building story above, and ladders were used for patrons to get down and back from the stores. Eventually, the city was ready to bridge the road to the buildings with new sidewalks, so business owners moved their storefronts up a level to the new right of way. Those building basements (originally first floors) and the hollow area between the old and new sidewalks still exist today as tunnels under the city! And yes, you can tour them for a peak back in time.

See a Sports Game

Seattle doesn’t always strike outsiders as a big sports city, but going to a game for one of the local teams is a lot of fun! When we were in town, we went to watch a Mariners game (the Major League Baseball team) and had a great time enjoying the ballpark vibes and food. 

Even more exciting can be attending a Sounders game (the Major League Soccer club) if you’re there when they’re playing at home. They are known for having some of the most engaged and rowdy fans of the MLS teams and the games are fantastic fun.  

And of course, we can’t forget the Seahawks! This team loves its fans and retired jersey number 12 in their honor—for the 12th “man” on the field (American football has 11 players on the field at a time for each team).

Get Caffeinated 

While in Seattle, you should absolutely enjoy the city’s coffee culture. Seattle is home to a massive number of independent roasters and the very first Starbucks. There are 670 independent coffee shops per capita in Seattle (that’s not including chain shops). 

That’s a lot of caffeine! 

You can find different lists of the best and must-try shops, like this Eater one, this Tasting Table one, and this Seattle Magazine one. You can also take a Seattle Coffee Culture Tour and have a local guide bring you around to sip at some of the best shops while you learn about the roasting process.

Of course, you can also visit the first Starbucks, but it’s just a Starbucks with an extra-long line… so maybe skip it.

Visit the City’s Parks

Seattle is known for its green spaces, and they’re some of my FAVORITE places to explore in the city.

Kerry Park

Kerry Park is a small city park located in the Queen Anne neighborhood, and despite its size, it’s pretty famous. Atop a hill, Kerry Park boasts some of the best views of the Seattle skyline and Elliot Bay, and you can sometimes even see Mount Rainier when it isn’t too cloudy!

It’s particularly popular for sunset photographs and late-night views of the city lights. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Olympic Sculpture Park

The Olympic Sculpture Park is a beautiful space full of—you guessed it—sculptures. Its winding walking path leads down to and along the water. The park is run by the Seattle Art Museum and is free to enter and stroll through.

The park is downtown Seattle’s largest green space, covering nine acres and featuring special events. During the spring and summer, there’s a regular MARKET at the Park with open-air dining options like Short Rib Rolls, Crab Rolls, Mangonadas, espresso, and more!

Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park is the old site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant, which can be found on the north side of Lake Union. The structures at the park are the remains of the sole remaining coal gasification plant in the U.S., and they’re REALLY cool (especially for photographers).

The park also has beautiful views of the Seattle skyline across Lake Union. It has gorgeous, open hill space for picnicking and watching the sunset. However, you cannot swim or boat from this lake access, as the lake sediment contains hazardous substances in that area. 

Discovery Park

Discovery Park is a true escape from the city. It has 534 acres of natural land, including meadowlands, sea cliffs, forest groves, sand dunes, thickets, and streams. It is, by no surprise, the City of Seattle’s largest park space. The park overlooks Puget Sound and provides views of both the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges.

Perhaps its most significant feature is as a space for natural learning. Seattle Parks and Recreation hosts all kinds of Environmental Education and Outdoor Learning classes and activities in the park for all ages to learn and volunteer! The park also has The Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, which you can visit for the Sacred Circle art gallery, special events, and educational opportunities.

Seward Park

Seward Park is a stunning peninsula that loops out into Lake Washington. Walk, run, or bike the paved path that leads around the park and by the little Jet Ski Beach, or take one of the various hiking trails that twist and turn through the middle of the park. The middle trails are dirt walking trails that bring you deep inside the wooded portion of the park and among the mossy trees – you’ll almost forget you’re in the city!

UW Arboretum

The Washington Park Arboretum, run by the University of Washington and the City of Seattle, is a stunning outdoor oasis. Its 230 acres contain a massive number and variety of plants, including some found nowhere else in the Pacific Northwest. The Arboretum is free to enter (except for the Japanese Garden, which has an entrance fee) and is open daily from dawn until 8 p.m. 

It also hosts many events, like free First Thursday guided tours, Wellness Friday events, family night hikes, and curator-guided tours of specific plants in season.

Capitol Hill Neighborhood

Regardless of the activities you do, Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is worth a visit. Known as Seattle’s hipster neighborhood (yes, even more hipster than the rest of Seattle), it’s full of bars and coffee shops, amazing restaurants (seriously – definitely eat here), parks, and bookstores. It’s also the LGBTQ+ epicenter of the city.

This neighborhood is home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum, the Volunteer Park Conservatory, and Volunteer Park itself, which is full of walking trails. We spent the afternoon walking around the residential neighborhood, checking out a comic book sale, and sipping some local cider before ordering takeout for dinner. It was pretty ideal!

If you’re up for some dancing, check out drop-in classes at Century Ballroom, where different nights of the week feature swing, bachata, salsa, and other kinds of social dance. More interested in a quiet night? Grab a book from Elliott Bay Book Company, with its stock of over 150,000 titles, or hang out for one of their many author readings!

Downtown Public Library

Speaking of books, another place worth visiting in Seattle is the Downtown Public Library. It’s an architectural art piece and fun to wander around in. The library was designed through a public input process, meaning the community was asked what they wanted in a library, and this was the result!  

The library maintains a full event schedule, including movie nights and community speakers, and “the 11-floor building contains an innovative ‘Books Spiral,’ a 275-seat auditorium, and open spaces where patrons can meet, study, search the web, or read.” 

Fremont Sunday Market

The Fremont Sunday Market is an over-30-year-old flea market that runs every Sunday in the Fremont neighborhood. In the winter, it moves under the Fremont Bridge, one block away from the street it occupies during the summer months.

The Fremont Market is open to the public every Sunday from 10am to 4pm, rain, snow, or shine. It is lined with patio heaters, food trucks, and DJs. Up to 165 vendors sell food, handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing, and furniture.

The Troll

The famous Troll is also in Fremont and worth a visit. The Fremont Troll is a massive public sculpture under the north end of the George Washington Memorial Bridge (also known as the Aurora Bridge).

The concrete sculpture is 18 feet tall and clutches a real Volkswagen Beetle as if stolen right off the bridge. The Troll was sculpted by four local artists: Steve Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter, and Ross Whitehead.

Ballard Farmers Market

Another cool and fun market to check out in Seattle is the Ballard Farmers Market. It is Seattle’s first year-round farmers market, selling produce exclusively from farmers in Washington State. 

The market takes place on the historic cobblestone stretch of Ballard Avenue NW between Vernon Place and 22nd Avenue, as well as on 22nd Avenue itself, extending to NW Market Street. It is open every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The market also hosts a bunch of cool events throughout the year for different holidays, such as a big Easter Egg Hunt.

Theo Chocolate Experiences

In a super sad update, the Theo Chocolate Factory has had to close and there are no longer tours, a past highlight of the Seattle experience for locals and travelers alike. However, you can still get a rich chocolate experience at the Theo Flagship Store & Confection Kitchen.

The store hosts chocolate tastings, fun pairing events with other local food items, and different classes (anyone want to learn how to make ganache?) and events for all ages. You can also request a private class or event if you have a group that would like to visit!

Eat the Town

I’m a big foodie and love to try all the fantastic food when I travel. Seattle is no exception, with a massive food scene that makes the city worth visiting just to eat. There are so many excellent restaurants that I can’t possibly write them all into this post, but I’ve included a few of my favorites and other highly recommended spots below.

Dinner and a Show at the Pink Door

This is a well-known, fanciful dining experience in Seattle, and you don’t want to miss it. The Pink Door is an Italian restaurant located near Pike Place Market, but what makes it super unique are its cabaret shows and trapeze entertainment. Enjoy a fantastic dinner with entertainment included! Check out their events schedule and make reservations here.

Annapurna

Many thanks to a killer recommendation from my friend Lara, we made one of our Seattle dinners takeout from Annapurna, a Nepalese restaurant in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. They weren’t open for dine-in yet (we were there just barely post-pandemic), so we ordered takeout and brought it home, and I’m so glad we did! This might genuinely have been my favorite meal of our trip. If you like Indian food, you’ll find Annapurna’s Nepalese curries and bread options delicious, if a little less familiar. The spice blends and flavors are to die for, so even if you have to take it back to your hotel, it’s so worth it!

The Alibi Room 

Hidden underneath Pike Place Market is a great pizza and beer spot: The Alibi Room. Surrounded by the famous gum wall, the entrance is in a little alcove in the wall, and it might look closed even when it’s open. Pro tip: try the door even if the lights look off. The little wood-fired pizzas here are delicious, and their bar is stocked with local beers and ciders. I ordered a traditional cheese and pepperoni pizza, but they have any number of scrumptious and fancy toppings you can add. Plus, they had great prices! It’s the perfect spot to take a quiet detour from the busy market above for a lunch break.

Molly Moon’s

Molly Moon’s is a famous must for Seattle ice cream! They have locations throughout the city, including in the Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, Fremont, and Columbia City neighborhoods. The homemade ice cream is so good; they even have little sundae kits you can bring home and enjoy later! Bonus: At least 90% of their ingredients are sourced from local farms in the Pacific Northwest. 

La Carta de Oaxaca

La Carta de Oaxaca is a delicious and authentic Mexican restaurant in the Ballard neighborhood. It serves traditional cuisine from Oaxaca, Mexico. The restaurant also has a fantastic mezcal bar inside with authentic Mexican spirits and cocktails (who’s joining me for mezcal-itas?). Customers particularly love their tacos and Mexican pizza!

Lola

Located in Seattle’s Downtown, Lola is a restaurant known for its Mediterranean flavors. It offers dishes like lamb kebabs, house-made hummus, and fun twists on brunch favorites, such as fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes, with ingredients sourced from local farms. The restaurant has a cozy ambiance and excellent, attentive staff to help you have the best dining experience.

Cupcake Royale

Cupcake Royale is a journey into sugary dessert bliss. It has four permanent locations throughout the city and a pop-up in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. It serves a variety of cupcake flavors, from your traditional staples to a unique and rotating seasonal menu. What sets Cupcake Royale apart is its commitment to using locally sourced, organic ingredients, ensuring that every bite is not only delicious but also supports the community. Whether you need a midday pick-me-up or searching for the perfect dessert to cap off your Seattle adventure, Cupcake Royale is a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Sunset at the Nest

Picture this: You’re perched atop Seattle’s skyline, surrounded by panoramic views of the city’s skyline, as golden sunset hues paint the sky and glow off the skyscrapers. This is The Nest, a rooftop bar and restaurant that offers dinner and drinks with a view! As the sun sets, the city is cast in a warm glow. The menu at The Nest features a selection of Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes and cocktails crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

Local Wine, Beer, & Spirits

Similar to much of Seattle, there is a vibrant craft beverage scene in the city. Whether you like beer, cider, wine, or spirits, you’re sure to find something you love!

Local Wineries

Seattle is just a short drive from Washington State’s local wine scene. Washington is famous for its wines, especially its cold-weather white varietals. A 30-minute drive from Seattle, you can venture to Woodinville Wine Country and explore the award-winning wines at Chateau Ste. Michelle.

For a journey through the region’s unique terroir (environmental conditions for making wine), head to Novelty Hill Januik Winery, also just 30 minutes away. If you’re seeking a more intimate experience, Matthews Winery is a 25-minute drive and is known for its sustainably farmed vineyards and artisanal wines.

Craft Beer & Cider

Seattle’s craft beer and cider scene offers an array of flavors showcasing the city’s rich brewing culture. At a stir (formerly Capitol Cider), you can taste an extensive selection of ciders paired with gluten-free dishes and local art downstairs. In Fremont, Schilling Cider House boasts an impressive lineup of craft ciders and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Chuck’s Hop Shop has a massive selection of craft beers from local and international breweries, making it a must-visit destination for beer connoisseurs (and you can pair your beer with a literary adventure from Third Place Books at their Seward Park location). And for those craving a taste of the waterfront, Old Stove Brewing Co serves up a diverse range of handcrafted brews paired with seafood and stunning waterfront views.

Craft Cocktails 

In addition to beer, cider, and wine, Seattle also has a great craft cocktail scene. One of my favorite places I’ve visited in Seattle is Velvet Elk, a cozy, vintage futuristic cocktail bar in the Mount Baker neighborhood. The cocktails are delicious, the atmosphere is fantastic, and the bartenders are incredibly friendly and helpful. The downstairs area around the bar is tight, but there’s an upstairs lounge with comfy chairs and couches, a typewriter that you can write a note on, and a Polaroid camera you use with the purchase of the film. You can also bring food from other places (I recommend Mioposto Pizzeria right next door!).

Another great spot to get craft cocktails is Rumba, a sophisticated bar with over 200 different rums and 50’s island vibes. You can taste one of their rum cocktails while reading some Hemingway, or try your luck at getting into the Inside Passage underwater-themed speakeasy downstairs. There are very few reservations available, but the waitlist opens at 4 pm with the host (bar opens at 5 pm).

Seattle’s Waterfronts 

Despite not being properly on the coast, Seattle is most definitely on the water. From the Puget Sound running along the West side of the city, to Lake Washington along the East, and Lake Union connecting the two, there are walking trails and little beaches all over the place to enjoy the water in the warmer months. While Seattle is not known for its beaches, the ones in Alki Beach Park, Golden Garden Park, and Discovery Park are very worth visiting!

Explore the Outdoors Just Outside of the City

Around Seattle, there’s a diverse array of natural landscapes to explore. From the Cascade Mountains’ lush forests to the Olympic Peninsula’s rugged coastline, there’s a trail for every adventurer. You can walk through ancient forests, scramble over rocky peaks, and discover hidden waterfalls. Whether seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging summit, the hiking trails around Seattle promise breathtaking views in the great outdoors.

Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is a beautiful waterfall hike located a short drive (approximately 40 minutes) outside Seattle. The hike to the falls is 1.4 miles and straightforward, with a well-maintained trail leading to viewpoints. The trail’s difficulty level suits everyone, making it perfect for families and casual hikers.  

Bainbridge Island

You can take a scenic ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, a charming destination with outdoor delights. The journey across Puget Sound offers views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains. When you arrive, you can explore the island’s quaint downtown area, filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes. You can walk along the picturesque waterfront, or rent a bike to pedal through the island’s scenic landscapes dotted with farms and vineyards. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike through forests or kayak along the island’s shores.  

Rattlesnake Ledge

Just a short drive east of Seattle lies Rattlesnake Ledge, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. This iconic hiking spot offers breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains and serene Rattlesnake Lake below. The trail, approximately 4 miles round trip, is accessible to hikers of all skill levels, making it perfect for a day trip from the city.  

Mount Rainier National Park

For a more significant escape from the city bustle, visit the wilderness of Mount Rainier National Park, a scenic 2-hour drive south of Seattle. Towering evergreens give way to snow-capped peaks and cascading waterfalls, offering a picture-perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures – it’s so incredibly beautiful.

Check out the Skyline Trail for sweeping views of Mount Rainier and colorful wildflowers. For a more difficult hike, the Wonderland Trail circumnavigates the entire mountain, showcasing its diverse ecosystems and breathtaking viewpoints. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, Mount Rainier National Park offers something for everyone, making it an essential destination for any Seattle visitor looking to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is another beautiful visit from Seattle, taking between 2 and 2.5 hours to drive, depending on whether you take the ferry across the Puget Sound or drive around. Once there, you’ll find all sorts of landscapes to explore, from rocky coastlines to ancient forests.

If you’re up for a hike, check out the Hoh Rainforest Trail, where towering trees and lush vegetation create a magical atmosphere that looks straight out of a fairytale. For panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, head to Hurricane Ridge and hike the High Divide Loop, which offers beautiful views of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows.

What is so unique about Seattle?

Seattle is perhaps best known for its incredibly unique culture. Picture a city that effortlessly blends the hustle and bustle of a tech powerhouse with the laid-back vibe of a small town. What sets Seattle apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability and the great outdoors. This city wears its green credentials proudly, with many parks, trails, and outdoor adventures waiting to be explored.

Founded from a gold rush, Seattle has maintained a culture of independence from other parts of the U.S., often creating its own rules (often very liberal ones). It also enjoys a beautiful cultural and artistic influence from the Native American tribes that call this area home. Seattle’s liberal culture makes the city incredibly welcoming to all kinds of travelers, especially LGBTQ+ travelers. 

At its core, Seattle is a city of contrasts. On the one hand, you have the sleek skyscrapers and bustling streets, a testament to its status as a tech giant and startup hub. On the other hand, you’ll find a deep-rooted love for all things craft and local, from artisanal coffee shops to farmers’ markets brimming with fresh produce. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Seattle?

The best time to visit Seattle is late spring into summer. Seattle’s climate can make early spring, winter, and fall cloudy and wet. In mid-to-late spring, the cherry blossoms and tulips bloom, and summer brings gloriously warmer weather and much more sunshine.

Is Seattle Worth Visiting in Summer

Summer is arguably the best season to visit Seattle when it comes to weather and temperatures. Seattle has a largely temperate climate, so summers aren’t typically too hot, and it’s the driest part of the year. Even when they have peak heat waves, Seattle’s lack of humidity and the breeze from the water help the heat not feel so oppressive. We visited Seattle in August 2021 during 90+ degree heat (Fahrenheit) and found it much nicer than in DC. However, summer is the most crowded season in Seattle because of its good weather, so you’ll face more tourists and increased prices.

Is Seattle Worth Visiting in Fall

Seattle can be a really fun visit in the fall if you’re looking for typical fall weather vibes! Especially in September and early October, the temperatures aren’t too cold, and the prices drop post-tourist season. The Pacific Northwest boasts stunning fall foliage, and Seattle and its surrounding areas are no exception. Seattle also has a lot of fun fall festivals, pumpkin spice-themed drinks and food, and Halloween celebrations, making it a great fall-themed destination.

Is Seattle Worth Visiting in Winter

Seattle in winter may scare some people off for its wet, rainy, and gloomy weather, but quite honestly, it’s not a bad winter destination. Temperatures don’t sink that low, rarely reaching below freezing and with limited snowfall. Don’t let the rain dampen your spirits—Seattle’s cultural scene truly comes alive during the colder months, from exploring the museums and cozy cafes to visiting Pike Place Market’s Holiday Bazaar and doing some winter hiking. 

Is Seattle Worth Visiting in Spring

Yes, Seattle is absolutely worth visiting in the spring, but it’s probably helpful to be more flexible with any outdoor plans. We visited Seattle in April and found the weather to be perfect in-between temperatures (not too hot, not too cold), but we experienced more of Seattle’s rainy, cloudy climate than in the summer months. Sunshine felt like a gift. That being said, everything is in bloom during the spring season, and if you target later spring, there will be a bit less rain.

How Many Days Are Enough in Seattle?

Seattle offers great flexibility in the number of days you need to experience it. You can get a good taste of Seattle in just a weekend by exploring a couple of neighborhoods, eating fantastic food, and checking out the arts and sports scenes. You can get my FREE Seattle Weekend Itinerary for inspiration or to even copy for yourself!

However, it’s also great if you have more than a weekend to make your visit to Seattle even more worthwhile. I like to spend at least a whole week in a city to get a good feel for it and explore more of its nooks and crannies! Seattle is big and busy enough that you won’t become bored if you spend 5 to 7 days there. Extend your trip to 10 days and add some day trips to the nearby National Parks for a full experience! 

Is Seattle Safe?

Seattle is just as safe as other major cities in the United States, and significantly safer than some. As always when traveling, though, you should take basic precautions.

Know Where You Are and Where You’re Going

No matter how safe a place is, tourists are targets. A tell-tale sign of a tourist anywhere is constantly having your phone out and following a map to get around. Seattle is a big city, and you’ll need guidance to navigate it, but try to familiarize yourself with the map beforehand. Especially if you’re taking a cab or ride-share, know how long it’s supposed to take to get to your destination and the general direction you need to go.

Download offline maps so you can access them without Wi-Fi or cellular data. If you’re walking around, have the map up on your phone, but only check it every few minutes so it looks like you’re checking text messages. Note key landmarks to orient yourself and remember where you’ve been. Knowing where you are makes you less likely to wander somewhere you shouldn’t be.

And when in doubt, ask! Before you head out, your hotel clerks will be more than happy to provide directions and recommendations. Out and about, don’t be afraid to pop into a restaurant or store to ask for directions. The people in Seattle are incredibly kind – it’s that Pacific Northwest culture!

Keep Valuables Secure and Hidden

In the same vein as not staring at your phone maps constantly, don’t make yourself a target by having valuables visible and accessible to grab. A travel safety tip that’s consistent across destinations is to keep your money and cards (it may be worth leaving your passport in your hotel room safe if you’re traveling from outside the US) in a wallet/bag folded onto your belt and/or beneath your clothing, instead of in a bag that’s easy to grab off your shoulder. 

As a travel content creator, I often have a camera while traveling, but unless I’m at the site I’m photographing I do not wear it around my neck or take it out. I keep it stored and hidden in a cross-body bag or backpack securely attached to me.

Let People Know Your Plans

This is a rule I use whether I’m traveling to a new place or going for a hike: I tell someone who’s not with me (a friend or family member—often my sister) what I’m going to be up to for the day and when I should be back in my rental or hotel room. I ask that if they don’t hear from me by that designated time, they please contact the authorities or park police with all of the information I provided.

There are many apps now that allow you to share your location with trusted family and friends. This can be super useful if you’re in a place where you have data on your phone. Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare apps also have a “share my ride location” feature for you to use.

Where to Stay in Seattle

Each of Seattle’s neighborhoods has its own fun, unique culture, and options for staying in each differ. You can check out Airbnb and Vrbo listings in different neighborhoods (which you know I love to do), in which case I’d recommend looking in Capitol Hill, Columbia City/Seward Park, North Queen Anne, or Magnolia. You can also look at hotels and vacation rentals in Downtown Seattle on the map below!

How to Get Around Seattle

Seattle does have public transportation, including an extensive public bus system and a developing light rail system. Currently (as of April 2024), there is only one light rail line in Seattle proper (and one in Tacoma), but it extends across a large segment of the city. More lines are in planning and construction. The city also has street cars in specific neighborhoods such as South Lake Union and First Hill.

These public transit options are run by different entities (King County, Sound Transit, the City of Seattle, etc.), but an ORCA card with reloadable value can get you on all of them.

Depending on how you feel about taking buses and whether or not you want to do some hiking outside of the city, I recommend getting a rental car for at least part of your trip. It will make navigating the city and its activities much easier!

Things to Know Before You Visit Seattle

There are a few not-so-obvious things that are helpful to know before you visit Seattle.

First is the hills. Seattle is incredibly hilly, with some super steep streets and walkways throughout the city. Prepare your calves and your car brakes. Some of the streets are so steep that in the winter they stay covered in ice because it’s too dangerous for plows and salt trucks to get down them – so be especially careful if you’re driving there in winter!

I have already mentioned the second thing: Seattle is near the Pacific Northwest’s temperate rainforest climate. This temperate climate makes it mild and beautiful but can also make it very wet and cold, even in sunny seasons. Weather dips and changes fairly consistently, so pack for a sudden “cold front” while you’re there.

Thirdly (and sadly), like many West Coast cities, Seattle has a large population of unhoused people. Rising housing prices for this tech hub have left many people unable to afford rent, especially in the city’s downtown area. Please remember to be kind to those you encounter.

What to Pack for a Trip to Seattle

This is not a comprehensive packing list, but a handful of items you will want to have for your trip!

• Rain jacket: Seattle is known for its rainy weather, so a waterproof jacket will keep you dry and comfortable.
• Layers: Seattle’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers, including sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and a light jacket. Bring a flannel and a beanie, and you’ll fit right in with the local style!
• Walking Shoes: For the hills, and even better if they’re waterproof!
• Hiking Shoes: If you plan on hiking in or around the city while you’re there! 
• Umbrella: Pack an umbrella or a compact rain poncho for rain showers.
• Daypack: A small daypack helps carry essentials while exploring the city.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated on your adventures while meeting your destination’s sustainability standards.
• Sunscreen: Even with overcast skies, UV rays can still be intense, so pack sunscreen to protect your skin. I’ve gotten some of my worst sunburns in cloudy weather.
• Reusable Shopping Bag: Seattle is eco-conscious, so bring a reusable shopping bag for purchases or souvenirs.
• Travel Adapter: If you’re visiting from outside the US, remember to pack a travel adapter for your electronic devices.

Conclusion: Is Seattle Worth Visiting?

In conclusion, Seattle is worth visiting for its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and thriving food and drink scene. From exploring the iconic Chihuly Glass to savoring fresh seafood at Pike Place Market, there’s something for everyone in this city of contrasts. Whether you’re drawn to the lush greenery of its parks or the hipster craft scene, Seattle offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to return for more adventures. So pack your bags, grab your umbrella, and get ready to discover all that Seattle has to offer!