Seattle Travel Guide
Contents
- Seattle — Where City, Water & Mountains Meet
- Seattle and Its Antipode
- The City
- Top Things to Do in Seattle
- Do and See
- Dining in Seattle
- Cafés in Seattle
- Bars & Nightlife
- Shopping
- Tourist Information
Seattle — Where City, Water & Mountains Meet
Seattle is a Pacific Northwest city defined by a rare combination of dense urban life and dramatic natural surroundings. Set between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, and framed by the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, Seattle blends metropolitan energy with water, forest, and alpine landscapes.
The city’s character is often described as “metronatural” — a place where kayaking, hiking, and ferry rides coexist with technology, arts, and culture. A forward-thinking spirit, shaped by innovation and environmental awareness, runs through the city’s neighbourhoods.
Seattle and Its Antipode
Every place on Earth has an antipode — the point directly opposite it on the globe, connected by a straight line passing through the Earth’s core.
Seattle’s antipode lies in the southern Indian Ocean, far from any major landmass. This land-to-ocean antipode highlights Seattle’s position in the Northern Hemisphere and its orientation toward land, forests, and continental systems rather than open ocean isolation.
This contrast reflects Seattle’s identity as a city grounded in land-based culture and innovation, yet constantly shaped by water and climate.
The City
Seattle is the largest city in Washington State and a major hub for technology, aerospace, and global commerce. Companies such as Amazon, Microsoft (nearby in Redmond), and Boeing have shaped the city’s economy and culture.
The city is made up of a collection of neighbourhoods, each with a distinct personality — from historic Pioneer Square and the waterfront to Capitol Hill, Ballard, and Fremont. Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and nearby national parks are visible on clear days, reinforcing Seattle’s close relationship with nature.
Top Things to Do in Seattle
Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle is Seattle’s most recognisable landmark, offering panoramic views of the city, mountains, and surrounding waters.
Pike Place Market
One of the oldest continually operating public markets in the United States, Pike Place Market overlooks Elliott Bay and features fresh produce, crafts, restaurants, and the famous fish-throwing vendors.
Seattle Aquarium
A waterfront aquarium focused on marine life from Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean.
Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
Boat tours offering views of the Seattle skyline, waterfront, and surrounding mountains from the water.
Pacific Science Center
An interactive science museum with IMAX theatres, planetarium shows, and hands-on exhibits.
Woodland Park Zoo
A large urban zoo featuring more than 1,000 animals in naturalistic habitats.
The Museum of Flight
One of the world’s largest aviation museums, highlighting the history of flight and Boeing’s legacy.
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
An internationally recognised art museum with multiple locations, including Olympic Sculpture Park.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
An exhibition showcasing the glass artworks of Dale Chihuly, located near the Space Needle.
Mount St. Helens
A national monument and volcanic landscape located south of Seattle, offering hiking and scenic viewpoints.
Gas Works Park
A waterfront park built on the site of a former gasification plant, offering views of Lake Union and downtown.
Sky View Observatory
An observation deck located in one of Seattle’s tallest skyscrapers, offering sweeping city views.
Olympic Sculpture Park
A free outdoor park combining contemporary sculpture, waterfront trails, and mountain views.
Do and See
Seattle Double Decker & Duck Tours
Guided city tours by bus and amphibious vehicles provide an overview of Seattle’s landmarks and waterways.
Snoqualmie Falls
A 270-foot waterfall east of Seattle, popular for photography and short hikes.
Waterfall Garden
A small urban oasis featuring a cascading waterfall and seating area.
Kubota Garden
A Japanese garden blending traditional design with Pacific Northwest plants.
Brandon Lee & Bruce Lee Gravesite
A quiet memorial site for martial artist Bruce Lee and his son in Seattle.
Dining in Seattle
Seattle’s dining scene is diverse, drawing on fresh seafood, local produce, and global influences. Northwest cuisine sits alongside Asian, European, and modern American traditions.
- Canlis
- The Pink Door
- RockCreek Seafood & Spirits
- Spinasse
- El Gaucho
- Metropolitan Grill
- Lola
- Salumi
- Dahlia Lounge
- Altura
Cafés in Seattle
Seattle is internationally known for its coffee culture, with a strong tradition of independent cafés alongside global brands.
- Café Besalu
- Le Panier
- Ghost Alley Espresso
- Café Allegro
- Bakery Nouveau
- Piroshky Piroshky
- Portage Bay Cafe
- Starbucks at Pike Place
Bars & Nightlife
Seattle’s nightlife includes craft cocktail bars, live music venues, and historic pubs. The city played a central role in the grunge movement and continues to support a vibrant live music scene.
- The Crocodile
- Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
- The Triple Door
- Bathtub Gin & Co.
- Keys on Main
- Tractor Tavern
- The Knee High Stocking Company
Shopping
Seattle offers shopping districts ranging from historic markets to modern malls and independent boutiques.
- Pike Place Market
- Downtown Seattle
- Pioneer Square
- Chinatown–International District
- University District
- Elliott Bay Book Company
- Archie McPhee
- Made in Washington
Tourist Information
Seattle is served by Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), with light rail, bus, shuttle, and taxi connections to the city.
Public transport includes buses, streetcars, monorail, and light rail services operated by King County Metro and Sound Transit.
The best time to visit Seattle is late June through early September, when weather is mild and rainfall is lower.
Electricity in the United States is 110 volts using plug types A and B.
