Why Go to Seattle
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Seattle's laid-back attitude, creative neighborhoods and amazing setting more than make up for its cloudy reputation. Surrounded by water between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the Olympic Mountains and towering Mount Rainier on the horizon, it's one of America's most beautiful cities. And believe it or not, it gets less rain each year than New York or Boston.
Start at Pike Place Market to watch the fish fly, browse local crafts and grab coffee in the city that made coffee culture famous. Ride to the top of the Space Needle and see the dazzling glass art at Chihuly Garden and Glass next door. Explore the Seattle Art Museum and the Museum of Pop Culture, watch boats pass through the Ballard Locks, and take a ferry across the sound for skyline views. Outdoor lovers can kayak, hike and go whale watching, with ski slopes a short drive away. The city's craft breweries and food markets are excellent too.
Seattle is one of the top departure ports for Alaska cruises. I'll plan your pre-cruise stay, transfers to the ship and day trips to Mount Rainier or the San Juan Islands.
BEST FOR
Foodies, coffee lovers, culture seekers and outdoor travelers
BEST MONTHS
May to September
EXPLORE
Downtown and Pike Place Market sit above the waterfront; Seattle Center is in Lower Queen Anne, Capitol Hill offers nightlife, and Ballard has maritime character.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Seattle
North America › Pacific Northwest › USA › Washington
Mountain views, waterfront markets and coffee culture in the Emerald City.
Coastal & Harbor
Tech
Coffee
Music
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island for stunning skyline views, then enjoy lunch in the charming island town.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Visit at sunset for views of the city lights.
Space Needle
Seattle's iconic tower offers stunning views of the city, mountains and Puget Sound from its rotating glass floor.
Arrive early to avoid crowds and see the fishmongers throw salmon.
Pike Place Market
A lively public market with fresh seafood, flowers and the famous flying fish.
Combine it with the Space Needle with a combo ticket.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
A stunning exhibition of Dale Chihuly's glass art, with a colorful garden and glasshouse.
Don't miss the Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana exhibits.
Museum of Pop Culture
A museum dedicated to music, science fiction and pop culture, designed by Frank Gehry.
Visit the Ocean Pavilion for the tropical reef exhibit.
Seattle Aquarium
A waterfront aquarium with sea otters, seals and a new Ocean Pavilion.
A luxury hotel near Pike Place Market, with an infinity pool overlooking Elliott Bay.
Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Downtown / Pike Place Market
Hotel Tags
A historic grand hotel downtown, known for its elegance and timeless style.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Downtown / University Street
Hotel Tags
A luxury hotel on the top floors of a downtown tower, with stunning views.
Lotte Hotel Seattle
Downtown / Fifth Avenue
Hotel Tags
A stylish hotel downtown with a rooftop bar overlooking Puget Sound.
Thompson Seattle
Downtown / Stewart Street
Hotel Tags
A boutique luxury hotel downtown, close to the waterfront and Pike Place Market.
Hotel 1000, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Downtown / First Avenue
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Seattle
High 52°F · Low 41°F · Rain 6.6 in
Rainy season begins as the city prepares for the holidays.
The best time to visit Seattle is May through September, when the weather is warm and sunny. Fall and winter are rainy and gray, but the city is cozy, with lower rates and fewer crowds.
Best Times to Visit Seattle
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Seattle's food scene is all about fresh seafood, coffee and international flavors.
- Seafood: Try fresh salmon, Dungeness crab and oysters.
- Coffee: Seattle is famous for its coffee culture, from the original Starbucks to local roasters.
- Must-try: Salmon, oysters, Dungeness crab, teriyaki and a great cup of coffee.
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Walking
Downtown is walkable, though some streets are steep.
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Buses & Rideshares
King County Metro buses and rideshares make it easy to get around.
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Ferries
Washington State Ferries connect Seattle with islands and towns across Puget Sound.
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Monorail
The historic monorail connects downtown with the Space Needle and Seattle Center.
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Link Light Rail
The light rail connects the airport, downtown, Capitol Hill and the University District.
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Flying In
Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) is about 40 minutes from downtown on the Link light rail.
Most visitors fly into Sea-Tac and take the light rail downtown. Once you're here, the light rail, monorail, ferries and buses make it easy to get around. Skip the car: parking downtown is expensive.
Getting Around Seattle