Seattle Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Seattle, the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, is a vibrant urban center that blends natural beauty with innovative technology and a rich cultural scene. Nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the imposing Mount Rainier as a backdrop, Seattle offers a compelling mix of outdoor activities and urban attractions.
The city's iconic Space Needle, a legacy of the 1962 World’s Fair, offers panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis, lush forests, and the sparkling waters of the surrounding area. Nearby, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), with its striking Frank Gehry-designed building, delves into the realms of music, science fiction, and popular culture.
Seattle's historic Pike Place Market is a hub of activity where visitors can explore an array of local vendors, artisan crafts, and the famous fish-throwing tradition. The original Starbucks coffee shop, founded in Seattle in 1971, can also be found here, epitomizing the city's deep-rooted coffee culture.
The city is a haven for tech enthusiasts, serving as the headquarters for industry giants like Amazon and Microsoft. This tech boom has fostered a dynamic economy and a rapidly evolving skyline, with the South Lake Union district at the forefront of innovation and development.
For those interested in the arts, Seattle boasts an impressive range of options, from the Seattle Art Museum, with its diverse collections, to the thriving live music scene that gave birth to legendary acts like Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix. The Seattle Symphony Orchestra performs at the acoustically celebrated Benaroya Hall, adding to the city's sophisticated cultural landscape.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the city's commitment to green spaces, with parks such as Discovery Park offering hiking trails and stunning vistas. Kayaking, sailing, and whale watching are popular activities in the nearby waters, providing ample opportunities to connect with nature.
Culinary adventurers will relish in Seattle's food scene, which features fresh seafood from the Pacific, including salmon, Dungeness crab, and oysters. The city's diverse neighborhoods serve up a world of flavors, from authentic Asian cuisine in the International District to farm-to-table dining experiences that highlight Washington State's bountiful produce.
Seattle Attractions - What to See and Explore
Seattle offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Seattle Center, Space Needle, Museum of Flight, Seattle Art Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Things to See and Do in Seattle by Category
Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Seattle.
Culture
Shopping
Entertainment
Active
Park
Museum
Monuments and statues
Specialty museum
Art museum
Playground
View point
Beach
Art gallery
Science museum
Natural attraction
Garden
Lake
Sculpture
Outdoor activities
Sailing
Piers and boardwalks
Other categories
BridgeConcerts and showsTheaterChurchSkyscraperHistory museumLibraryNeighbourhoodNatureSacred and religious sitesMusic venueShipPerforming artsTrailMarinaB. Marcus PritecaReportedly hauntedSeattle – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Seattle, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Snoqualmie Falls (Snoqualmie), LeMay - America's Car Museum (Tacoma), Point Defiance Park (Tacoma).
Best Time To Visit Seattle
Learn when is the best time to travel to Seattle weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience Seattle
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.