Seattle is a city that’s home to awe-inspiring nature parks, striking cityscapes, electric nightlife, coastal escapades, and much more. The city is the pride of Washington and is definitely a top pick for people looking to enjoy city life. Be it aerial views from high-rise structures or a peaceful brunch by the waterfront, Seattle has something for everyone. Read on to learn more about this iconic city and find out what you need to add to your Seattle trip planner.
Seattle is a seaport city located in the state of Washington, USA. Situated on the West Coast of the USA, it is home to over 700,000 people from various backgrounds and is also one of the country’s fastest-growing large cities. Seattle is located on an isthmus that rests between Puget Sound, a beautiful inlet of the magnificent Pacific Ocean, and the serene Lake Washington. It is also the northernmost major city in the USA, being only 100 miles from the Canadian border.
Over the past many years, Seattle has gained prominence for its unmatched coffee culture (birthplace of Starbucks) as well as its grunge music scene, the Space Needle, a booming tech city, hiking, kayaking, and so much more! Besides this, Seattle is a popular tourist location, considering the range of sights and experiences people can enjoy here. Let’s find out more about this amazing city.
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Fun Facts About Seattle
- Seattle, known as the “Silicon Forest,” boasts renowned tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft.
- Seattle boasts a vibrant musical legacy, renowned for birthing iconic grunge bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden.
- Seattle is known as the Emerald City thanks to its stunning green landscapes and abundance of parks.
- Seattle is fortunate to have a number of sister cities across the globe, such as Reykjavik in Iceland, Galway in Ireland, and Kobe in Japan.
- Seattle has been at the forefront of innovative pizza delivery, having partnered with Amazon and Domino’s Pizza to introduce pilotless drone deliveries – an exciting and pioneering venture.
Brief History of Seattle
Seattle sits on land that originally belonged to the Coast Salish peoples, primarily the Suquamish and Duwamish Tribes, who are still a part of the community today. Settlers, primarily of European descent, arrived in what is now known as Seattle in 1851. Their settlement was named in honor of the Duwamish leader, Sealth. One significant aspect of the city’s growth was the establishment of the University of Washington in 1861.
A major development occurred in 1893 when the Great Northern Railway reached nearby Everett. As a result, Seattle’s city center was quickly redeveloped, leading to a boom in population. In fact, the population surged from just 3,533 in 1880 to almost 250,000 by 1910.
World War II sparked another expansion era, turning Seattle into a hub for manufacturing war-related goods. This created many jobs and attracted workers from across the country. The city experienced further growth in the 1980s and 1990s, driven by the booming technology sector. By the late 1990s, the city and its suburbs were home to about two million people. As a result, Seattle developed into a bustling international hub.
Today, Seattle retains its reputation as one of the most livable cities in the US, known for its thriving tech industry, online commerce, and vibrant arts scene.
Top Things to Do in Seattle
For a well-rounded experience in Seattle, here are some of the top things you need to add to your Seattle trip planner today –
1. Space Needle
The Space Needle is a famous tower in Seattle, which was made for the 1962 World’s Fair. It provides a sweeping 360-degree view of the city and nearby mountains from its spinning deck. Standing at a height of 605 feet, the Space Needle is an icon of the city today, and enthusiasts can explore the observation level to find a well-preserved doodle on a napkin that led to the Space Needle design.
2. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
MoPOP in Seattle pays homage to Northwest music legends like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, as well as the beloved Seattle Seahawks. The space, which highlights pop culture and science fiction, is housed in a unique building designed by Frank Gehry and looks like a smashed guitar from above. You can explore the colorful exhibits inside, including the history of horror films and indie games.
3. Pioneer Square
The downtown area of Seattle, Pioneer Square, is the oldest neighborhood of Seattle and is an ideal place to spend an afternoon. It’s packed with cafés, bookstores, and Romanesque Revival-style buildings. Don’t miss out on the Klondike Gold Rush Museum as well as the Smith Tower. A must-see is the fascinating world of Seattle’s underground passages, dark tunnels, and subterranean passageways with Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour.
4. Pike Place Market
Interestingly, Pike Place Market is the city’s most visited landmark and is an amazing spot for food enthusiasts to enjoy delicious eats. Here, you’ll find the original Starbucks cafe, lively street musicians, Rachel the Piggy Bank, and a variety of sights that’ll make for a fun-filled day. Be sure to look up the top eateries in the area and make bookings in advance for the places that interest you. Add them to your Seattle trip planner so that you don’t miss out.
5. Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
Fondly called SAM, the city’s art museum is an unmissable stop to add to your Seattle trip planner. It is the biggest museum in the city, has been around since the 1930s, and houses a diverse collection of artworks from around the world, including contemporary, modern, African, Asian, and Native American art. Don’t forget to check out the Olympic Sculpture Park, located about a mile away on the waterfront. It’s an outdoor extension of the museum and is open to the public for free.
6. Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is just a short ferry ride away from downtown Seattle, where 150 acres of gardens, ponds, and meadows await your exploration. With its breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, delightful small-town atmosphere, abundant outdoor activities, art galleries, wineries, and mouthwatering local restaurants, this place has it all!
Besides these must-see places, don’t forget to check out the iconic Starbucks Reserve Roastery to know more about the hometown of the famous coffee franchise. If you’re keen on fitting some adventure into your Seattle trip planner, a visit to South Lake Union will lift your spirits with its variety of seaplanes and boats of all kinds.
The Best Time to Visit Seattle
Seattle is a city that has plenty to offer all year round. In the summer months (June to August), the weather is mild and pleasant (max. 70s Fahrenheit). Rainfall during this time is comparatively less, which makes it the perfect time to explore the outside attractions of Seattle and also engage in activities like hiking or kayaking. During the Fall (September to November), temperatures fall slightly and range from the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit (10-20°C). The city looks beautiful during this time, especially with the fall foliage in the parks.
Wintertime (December to February) is great for indoor activities like museum-hopping and dining at cozy restaurants, with temperatures ranging from 40s to 50s Fahrenheit (4-10°C). It’s also a great time to explore the city lights and markets during the holiday season. Note that this season experiences the most rainfall. Spring (March to May) experiences mild temperatures between 50s to 60s Fahrenheit (10-20°C) and is also cherry blossom season in the city, making it ideal for outdoor activities like exploring gardens and hiking or biking.
Prepare your Seattle trip planner in advance, so you can arrange for accommodation and activities based on the time that’s most convenient for you.
What do You Need to Do Before Traveling to Seattle?
Like with any other trip, you can save yourself stress and unnecessary expenses by booking your accommodation in advance. Be it hotels, rentals, or hostels, make reservations ahead of time, and keep peak tourist season durations in mind. When making your Seattle trip planner, research the activities you want to do in the city and create a Seattle itinerary. You may need to make bookings for certain attractions or events, so ensure that you do these in advance. Also, look up public transportation options based on where you’re staying and find out more about car rentals and ridesharing options to help you get around without any hassles. Travel to Seattle prepared, and you will have a wonderful time that you can always cherish.
What to Expect from the Culture of Seattle?
Seattle is a laid-back city that accepts people from all walks of life. People here are open-minded, friendly, and accepting of diverse lifestyles and viewpoints. With that said, the city has a significant LGBTQ+ population and residents of many ethnicities. The city cherishes its diversity by hosting cultural festivals and events and creating vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own distinct experiences and flavors. Be mindful of stereotypes and avoid passing negative comments based on any person’s background.
As with the rest of America, tipping is common in Seattle. At restaurants and bars, it’s customary to tip your server close to 15-20% of your total bill before tax. At coffee shops, you can leave a small tip in the tip jar or more if you experience great service. If you plan on staying at hotels, you can tip hotel staff for services like housekeeping or valet parking, starting at $2. If you plan to make use of ride-sharing services like Uber, tipping about 15-20% of the fare is appreciated.
Is it Safe to Travel Solo in Seattle?
Seattle is a progressive city and is safe to visit for tourists. Although crime rates in the city spiked in the recent past, it has lowered recently. It is completely safe to travel solo in Seattle, and women travelers can also explore the city without any hassles. But there are a few points to keep in mind and add to your Seattle trip planner –
- Keep your belongings safe with you at all times
- Check doors and windows at your accommodation and make sure they’re closed
- Be aware of your surroundings
- If you need help, it’s best to approach an official for directions or assistance
- Avoid interacting with panhandlers
- Try to blend in with the crowd, and avoid wearing very flashy clothes or flaunting your money
- Keep another person informed about your whereabouts at all times
- Avoid venturing out alone on empty streets, especially late at night
It’s best to avoid areas like the Belltown neighborhood, areas around Pike and Pine Streets, the area between Dearborn Street to Yesler Way, the road between Lake Washington and Puget Sound, and the area between M L King Jr. Way and South Boeing Access Road. These places have a higher crime rate and must be avoided at all costs if you are traveling alone or late at night.
Best Ways to Get to and Around Seattle
If you’re taking a flight, you’ll most likely land at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. You can easily avail of public transport options from here to get to your desired destination.
Seattle has a well-developed public transportation system – check out Link Light Rail, Metro Transit, and Seattle Streetcar to move in and around Seattle – and within your budget! Ferries will also transport you to nearby islands and destinations like Bainbridge Island. Note the different places you wish to visit and add the corresponding public transit option in your Seattle trip planner.
Seattle also offers a variety of ride-sharing services that will pick you up at your doorstep or desired pick-up. With these, you can avoid walking too much to and from public transit stations.
A lot of people like to take in the beauty of the city by renting a bicycle from the many bike-share programs available here. Walking is also an excellent way to explore Seattle, especially downtown Seattle, Pike Place Market, waterfront areas, and other neighborhoods.
Budget for Seattle
Seattle is a moderate to high-priced city. Your budget for traveling to Seattle will depend on factors like your style of traveling, the type of accommodation you’re looking for, transportation, and the places you plan on visiting.
On average, you may spend around $205 per day on your vacation in Seattle. This includes meals, transport, and accommodation. For food, the average bill at a mid-level restaurant comes up to $20. You can find cheaper yet tasty options from the many food trucks and cafes in the city.
Hotel room costs, on a per-day basis, will be around $80-$206 for 1-2-star rated hotels, $141-$281 for 3-star hotels, and $152-$323 for 4-5-star hotels.
Plan your Seattle Vacation with Travel-Wise Today!
Seattle is a vibrant, bustling city and has lots to offer for people of all age groups. Be sure to check out the many tourist attractions and the lively food culture in the city. With proper planning, you can definitely have a smooth and safe holiday in Seattle.
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