Seattle Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Planning & Logistics
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Seattle?
A: Summer (July-September) is often recommended for its dry, sunny weather. Spring (April-June) and Fall (October-November) are known for “April showers” and can be a bit rainy, but are still beautiful. Winter is damp, gray, and has short daylight hours, but offers a different, cozy vibe.
Q: Do I need to rent a car?
A: Generally, no. Many travelers advise against it, especially for a trip focused on the city center. Parking is expensive and difficult to find. Public transit (bus, light rail) is good, and ride-sharing services are widely available. A car is only necessary for day trips outside the city.
Q: How is Seattle’s public transportation?
A: It’s considered quite good for a U.S. city. The light rail is great for getting to and from the airport and into downtown. The bus system is extensive, though some routes run less frequently in the evenings. Using a transit app like Google Maps is recommended.
Q: What is the best way to pay for public transit?
A: Use an ORCA card (a reloadable card for multiple transit systems) or simply tap your phone or credit/debit card on the reader.
Q: How walkable is Seattle?
A: The downtown core and popular neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Fremont are very walkable. Be prepared for hills, though!
Q: How safe is downtown Seattle?
A: This is a debated topic. Most travelers agree that while there are homeless people and some visible drug use, especially on 3rd Avenue, the downtown area is generally safe for tourists. As in any major city, be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone late at night.
Q: Should I get the Seattle CityPASS?
A: Many users recommend it as a good value if you plan to visit a few of the included attractions like the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Do the math to see if it’s worth it for your itinerary.
Things to Do: The Classics (and Traveler’s Take on Them)
Q: Is the Space Needle worth it?
A: The consensus is mixed. Many locals say it’s overpriced and that the view is better from other spots. However, most agree it’s an iconic “must-do” for first-time visitors, especially after the recent renovations.
Q: What are the alternatives to the Space Needle for great views?
A: Kerry Park in Queen Anne for the classic skyline photo, and the SkyView Observatory at the Columbia Center for a higher, cheaper view.
Q: Is Pike Place Market a tourist trap?
A: No, this is a common misconception. Locals and tourists alike frequent the market. While parts of it are touristy, it’s a functioning market with local vendors, great food, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Q: What should I eat at Pike Place Market?
A: Recommendations include the seafood bisque or chowder from Pike Place Chowder, piroshki from Piroshky Piroshky, and mini-donuts.
Q: Should I visit the “original” Starbucks at Pike Place?
A: Most travelers say to skip the long line. It’s just a regular Starbucks with a different sign. The much cooler Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a better bet for a unique coffee experience.
Q: What’s the deal with the Gum Wall?
A: It’s exactly what it sounds like—a wall covered in gum. It’s a quirky and often-mentioned spot, located in an alleyway by the market.
Q: What are the best museums?
A:
MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture): Great for music, sci-fi, and fantasy fans.
Chihuly Garden and Glass: A visual spectacle of glass art, often done in conjunction with the Space Needle.
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI): Highly recommended for learning about Seattle’s past, located in South Lake Union.
The Museum of Flight: A fantastic option for aviation enthusiasts, located outside of downtown near the airport.
Q: What about the Seattle Aquarium?
A: A solid choice, especially with the new waterfront location. It’s a good activity for families.
Q: Is the Seattle Great Wheel worth riding?
A: Mixed reviews. Some say it’s fun and offers a good view, while others say the cars are often dirty and it’s overpriced.
Q: What’s the Fremont Troll?
A: A large sculpture of a troll holding a real VW Beetle under a bridge in the quirky Fremont neighborhood. A popular photo op.
Q: What’s the Ballard Locks?
A: Also known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, it’s a complex system that moves boats between Puget Sound and Lake Union. It’s a fascinating engineering marvel with beautiful gardens and, in season, a fish ladder where you can watch salmon migrating.
Unique Experiences & Neighborhoods
Q: What’s a good way to get on the water?
A: Take a ferry! The Bainbridge Island ferry is a popular choice for tourists, offering stunning views of the city skyline and a charming small town to explore. The West Seattle Water Taxi is another great, short trip.
Q: What are some good “non-touristy” things to do?
A:
Explore different neighborhoods: Ballard, Fremont, Capitol Hill, and West Seattle.
Walk around Green Lake.
Visit the Center for Wooden Boats on Lake Union.
Go to Gas Works Park for a unique view and a picnic.
Q: Where can I see a cool garden or park?
A:
Chihuly Garden and Glass: For a truly unique artistic experience.
Volunteer Park: In Capitol Hill, features a conservatory, a beautiful water tower with a view, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
Olympic Sculpture Park: A free outdoor art space on the waterfront with views of the Puget Sound.
Discovery Park: A large, natural park with trails and Puget Sound views.
Kubota Garden: A less-visited, but beautiful Japanese garden.
Q: Where can I find unique, independent shops?
A: The Fremont and Ballard neighborhoods are often cited for their independent shops and boutiques.
Q: Is the Underground Tour worth it?
A: Yes, many travelers highly recommend it as a fun and educational way to learn about the city’s early history and how it was rebuilt after a great fire.
Food & Drink
Q: What are Seattle’s signature foods?
A: Salmon, Dungeness crab, clam chowder, and a “Seattle-style” hot dog (with cream cheese and caramelized onions).
Q: What’s a good, classic Seattle burger?
A: Dick’s Drive-In is a local favorite, known for its cheap, classic burgers.
Q: Where should I go for coffee?
A: Beyond Starbucks, local favorites include Elm Coffee Roasters, Victrola Coffee Roasters, and Monorail Espresso. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is also a popular recommendation.
Q: What’s the deal with Seattle Teriyaki?
A: Seattle has its own distinct style of Japanese-American teriyaki, and there are countless small shops. It’s a local staple and worth trying.
Q: Where can I find a good brewery?
A: The Ballard neighborhood is known for its “Ballard Beer District,” with many breweries clustered within a walkable area, including Reuben’s Brews and Fremont Brewing.
Q: What’s a good spot for seafood?
A: Ivar’s is a local institution for clam chowder and fish and chips. Matt’s in the Market and The Walrus and the Carpenter are often mentioned for a nicer meal.
Day Trips & Beyond
Q: Is a day trip to Mount Rainier worth it?
A: Yes, if the weather is clear. But be aware that in the spring, some roads may still be closed. Check the National Park Service website for road conditions.
Q: What’s an alternative to Mount Rainier if the weather is bad or the roads are closed?
A: Olympic National Park is a great option, offering a rainforest, coastal beaches, and mountains. Snoqualmie Falls is another popular choice, a short drive from the city.
Q: What about a trip to the San Juan Islands?
A: A good option if you have more than a week. It requires reservations on the ferry, but offers a fantastic “chill island life” experience.
Q: What are the best places to hike near Seattle?
A: Snoqualmie Pass has many popular trails. Rattlesnake Ledge and Mount Si are also commonly mentioned for their accessibility and rewarding views.
Q: What’s a good day trip that involves a ferry ride?
A: The ferry to Bainbridge Island is the most popular, and you can easily walk around the small town of Winslow and visit shops and cafes.
Practical & Cultural Tips
Q: Should I bring a jacket or an umbrella?
A: Always bring layers and a light, water-resistant jacket. Locals often forgo umbrellas as the rain is often a light mist or drizzle.
Q: What are Seattleites’ attitudes towards tourists?
A: Generally welcoming. Locals are proud of their city and happy to offer advice.
Q: How can I avoid sounding like a tourist?
A: Never say “Pike’s Place Market.” It’s “Pike Place Market.”
Q: What’s a good way to meet locals?
A: Travelers suggest going to a local brewery, a coffee shop, or a neighborhood farmers market, like the one in Ballard on Sundays.
Q: Where are some good spots for photos?
A: Kerry Park, Gas Works Park (especially at sunset), the Ballard Locks, the Olympic Sculpture Park, and the Bainbridge Island ferry.
Q: How much should I budget for a trip?
A: Seattle can be expensive. Hotel rooms, food, and attractions add up. Many travelers suggest looking into Seattle CityPASS and finding a hotel outside of downtown to save money.
Q: What’s a good itinerary for a quick trip (1-3 days)?
A:
Day 1: Explore downtown, Pike Place Market, and the waterfront. Walk up to Seattle Center for the Space Needle and Chihuly.
Day 2: Explore a different neighborhood like Capitol Hill or Ballard.
Day 3: Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island or a day trip to Snoqualmie Falls.
Q: Is the Seattle Monorail a good way to get around?
A: It’s a short, historic ride that connects Seattle Center to Westlake Center downtown. It’s more of an attraction than a primary mode of transport.
Q: Is it true that Seattle has a lot of hills?
A: Yes! The city is built on hills. Be prepared for a good workout, especially if you’re walking.
Q: What is the deal with the “Seattle Freeze”?
A: It’s a stereotype that Seattleites are reserved and hard to get to know. Many locals admit there is some truth to it, but also say people are friendly if you initiate conversation.
Q: What’s a good way to see houseboats like the one from Sleepless in Seattle?
A: Walk along Lake Union or rent a kayak or paddleboard for a closer look. The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) is also in this area.
Q: What are some fun activities to do in the rain?
A: Visit a museum (MoPOP, SAM, etc.), go to the Seattle Public Library (the architecture is very cool), do the Underground Tour, or cozy up in a coffee shop.
Q: Where can I see a good sunset?
A: Gas Works Park for a view of the city and Lake Union, or Alki Beach in West Seattle for the best skyline view.
Q: What are some of the best places for live music?
A: The Crocodile, The Showbox, and Neumos are frequently recommended venues.
Q: What’s a good place to find a unique souvenir?
A: The Made in Washington store has local goods, and shops in neighborhoods like Fremont and Ballard have unique gifts.
Q: Where can I go for a relaxing, low-key experience?
A: A walk along the waterfront, a visit to the Olympic Sculpture Park, or a picnic at a neighborhood park like Lincoln Park or Golden Gardens.
Q: What’s the best way to get to Mount Rainier from Seattle?
A: Rent a car for the day. Driving is the most flexible option. Be prepared for a 2-3 hour drive depending on traffic.
Q: What is a “Seattle-style” hot dog?
A: A hot dog topped with cream cheese and caramelized onions. You can find them from street vendors, often near bars or stadiums.
Q: Are there any good thrift stores?
A: The Fremont and Ballard neighborhoods are known for having a good selection of vintage and thrift stores.
Q: Is it easy to find good hiking trails near the city?
A: Yes, there are many trails within a 30-60 minute drive, making it a great day trip for nature lovers.
Q: What’s a fun evening activity?
A: Catching a show at a local music venue, visiting a brewery, or enjoying a cocktail at a speakeasy or a rooftop bar.
Q: What’s the best way to see the city skyline at night?
A: From Kerry Park or Alki Beach.
Q: What’s a good spot for a first date or a nice dinner?
A: The Pink Door (known for its atmosphere and occasional trapeze show) and The Walrus and the Carpenter (for oysters) are often mentioned.
Q: How much time should I spend in Seattle?
A: A weekend is enough for the main attractions, but 4-5 days allows you to explore neighborhoods and do a day trip. A full week gives you a comprehensive experience of the city and its surrounding nature.
Q: Where can I find the best clam chowder?
A: Pike Place Chowder is a popular choice, with a wide variety of chowders. Ivar’s is a local institution.
Q: What’s the best place to stay for a tourist?
A: Staying downtown near Pike Place Market or Capitol Hill puts you in the middle of the action and makes it easy to walk to many sights.
Q: What is the most unique architectural building?
A: The Seattle Public Library downtown and the MoPOP building are frequently mentioned for their unique designs. The Rainier Tower is also notable for its distinctive inverted-pyramid base.
Q: Is there a cool farmer’s market I should visit?
A: The Ballard Farmers Market on Sundays is a top recommendation for its size and variety.
Q: Are there any good spots for a solo traveler?
A: Yes, Seattle is a great city for solo travel. Travelers suggest visiting museums, exploring neighborhoods on foot, and joining a brewery tour to meet people.
Q: How can I see the city from the water?
A: Take a ferry, a harbor cruise, or rent a kayak on Lake Union.
Q: What’s the weather like in April?
A: It will likely be cool and drizzly, but there will be sunny days. Layers and a good jacket are key.
Q: Where can I get good breakfast/brunch?
A: The Pink Door is a popular spot for brunch, as are many cafes in Capitol Hill and Fremont.
Q: Are there any good rooftop bars?
A: Yes, many downtown hotels have them. Travelers suggest looking for ones with views of the city or the water.
Q: What’s the best way to get from SEA airport to downtown?
A: The light rail is the most efficient and affordable way.
Q: Is it easy to find good coffee shops with Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, Seattle has no shortage of great coffee shops with good internet.
Q: What are some good places for a cheap meal?
A: Dick’s Drive-In, food trucks, and teriyaki shops are good options for a budget-friendly meal.
Q: What’s the best way to see the city on a budget?
A: Focus on free activities like walking through neighborhoods, visiting public parks like Discovery Park and Olympic Sculpture Park, and riding the bus.
Q: Are there any good spots for a beer garden?
A: Freemont Brewing has a popular beer garden that is often recommended.
Q: Where can I see houseboats?
A: Walk or bike along the Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop trail.
Q: What are some fun activities to do in the evening?
A: Take a sunset ferry ride, visit a comedy club, or explore the lively bar scenes in Capitol Hill or Ballard.
Q: Are there any good places for vintage/antique shopping?
A: The Fremont and Ballard neighborhoods are good places to look.
Q: What’s the best way to get to the Museum of Flight without a car?
A: Take a bus or a ride-sharing service. It’s not a direct trip on the light rail.
Q: Where can I find good pizza?
A: Pizzeria 22 is a solid option, and The Masonry is recommended for its pizza and beer selection.
Q: What’s a good place to see the Seattle skyline?
A: Kerry Park for the classic photo, Alki Beach for the waterfront view, and Gas Works Park for a unique perspective.
Q: What’s a good place to visit for a food tour?
A: Many travelers suggest just exploring Pike Place Market and Capitol Hill on your own.
Q: Are there any good seafood boils?
A: The Crab Pot is a well-known spot for a seafood boil experience, though some find it a bit touristy.
Q: What is a good way to see both the city and nature?
A: Spend a few days in the city and then take a day trip to a National Park like Mount Rainier or Olympic.
Q: What’s the best way to get to the University of Washington campus?
A: The light rail has a stop right by the campus, making it very easy to access.
Q: Where can I see the best view of Mount Rainier?
A: On a clear day, the mountain is visible from many parts of the city. Kerry Park offers a good view, and of course, a trip to Mount Rainier National Park itself is the ultimate view.
Q: How much cash should I carry?
A: Most places accept credit cards, but it’s good to have some cash for street vendors or smaller, independent shops.
Q: What’s the general vibe of the different neighborhoods?
A:
Downtown: Touristy, with major attractions.
Pioneer Square: Historic, with the Underground Tour.
Capitol Hill: Hip, with a vibrant nightlife and LGBTQ+ scene.
Fremont: Quirky, with unique art and shops.
Ballard: Known for its breweries and maritime history.
Q: Where can I go for a good happy hour?
A: Many restaurants and bars downtown and in Capitol Hill offer happy hour specials.
Q: What’s the deal with the Seattle Center?
A: It was originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair and is home to the Space Needle, MoPOP, Pacific Science Center, and other attractions.
Q: What are some good spots for a walk or a run?
A: Green Lake Park, Discovery Park, and the waterfront trail are all popular options.
Q: What should I wear in Seattle?
A: Layers are key. A light, waterproof jacket is essential, even in summer. Comfortable, waterproof shoes are also a must.
Q: Where can I go for good Asian food?
A: The International District is a must-visit for its wide variety of Asian restaurants.
Q: Are there any good places to see live theater?
A: The 5th Avenue Theatre and the Paramount Theatre are well-known venues for Broadway shows and other performances.
Q: What’s a good place for a family with kids?
A: The Pacific Science Center, Woodland Park Zoo, and the Seattle Aquarium are all family-friendly options.
Q: How can I find a good local event or festival?
A: Check local websites like The Stranger or Seattle Met for event listings.
Q: What’s a good hidden gem to find?
A: The Archie McPhee’s store for quirky gifts and the Seattle Public Library for its unique architecture.
Q: What are the main sports teams in Seattle?
A: The Seahawks (NFL), Mariners (MLB), Sounders FC (MLS), and Kraken (NHL).
Q: Is there good nightlife in Seattle?
A: Yes, particularly in Capitol Hill and Ballard, which have a wide variety of bars, clubs, and music venues.
Q: Can I see orcas from a ferry?
A: It’s possible but rare. Your best bet for seeing orcas is to book a dedicated whale-watching tour.
Q: What are some good options for a nice cocktail?
A: The Zig Zag Café and Bathtub Gin & Co. are popular recommendations for craft cocktails.
Q: What’s the best part of the new waterfront park?
A: The Overlook Walk, which connects Pike Place Market to the waterfront.
Q: What’s the most important thing to remember when visiting Seattle?
A: Be prepared for the weather, embrace the local culture, and never, ever call it “Pike’s Place.”