About Seattle, Washington
Seattle- Washington’s largest city, is known for its unadulterated natural beauty. Situated on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, this dynamic urban city is famed for its mountains, Pacific ocean, lush green forests, and amazing coffee scene. Do you know Starbucks was founded in Seattle?
The city is home to over 140 Starbucks coffee shops, robust art and music scene, strenuous outdoor activities, and tech hubs like Amazon and Microsoft. The choices could be overwhelming in Seattle; hence, here is your ultimate Seattle, Washington Travel Guide to ease your trip to the ‘Emerald City’ The music scene of Seattle is unmatched, and it has played a vital role in the state’s musical culture and popularized genres of Alternative Rock. Moreover, it is the birthplace of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Jimi Hendrix, The Postal Service, Foo Fighters, and Macklemore.
Furthermore, Seattle has always been a trailblazer of green thoughts. The emerald city promotes several eco-friendly highlights like electric buses, LEED-certified buildings, and a new light rail system. As far as the tourist attraction is concerned, you’ll be spending your days exploring the city’s top highlights like Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Olympic Sculpture Park, The Museum of History and Industry, and more.
Population
Being the largest city in Washington, Seattle is home to over 7.25 lacs people of different backgrounds. The city is currently growing at a rate of 1.47% annually, and its population has increased by 29.46%. Spanning over 142.07 sq miles, the population density of Seattle is at least 9396 people per square mile. The metropolitan area itself has a population of 3.5 million inhabitants, making Seattle the 15th largest metro city in the USA.
Geography
Nestled on the hilly isthmus between the eastern shore of Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest and Lake Washington, Seattle is surrounded by the sea, rivers, forests, lakes, fields, and mountains. Seattle is a major port city and an air and sea gateway to Asia and Alaska. Its chief harbor Elliot Bay is part of Puget Sound, which makes Seattle a major oceanic port. Seattle lies on Capitol Hill, First Hill, West Seattle, Beacon Hill, Queen Anne, Magnolia, and former Denny Hill. Seattle stands on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making the city a major earthquake zone.
History
Archaeological expeditions suggest in Seattle city history that the land’s first settlers were Native Americans who inhabited Seattle 4,000 years ago. However, the early modern account of Seattle is connected with the expedition to discover the Northwest Passage to trade with North Asia. In 1792, British Captain George Vancouver became the first European to visit Seattle, who was on an expedition to chart the Pacific Northwest. However, the first permanent European settlers led by Luther Collins arrived after 1851 and settled on the bank of the Duwamish River. Later, they moved across Elliott Bay to what is now known as the historic Pioneer Square District. The settlers gave the name Seattle to honor the Duwamish Indian chief Stealth.
Religion
The majority of the Seattle population is white, and 52% follow Christianity. It has a relatively large minority of Asian and the largest African-American population. Besides, a small population of Latino is growing in Seattle quickly. More than half of the population follows Christianity (mostly protestants), and the rest follows Buddhism (2%), Hinduism (1%), Judaism (1%), and other religions (5%). However, a large portion of the population is irreligious.
Furthermore, Seattle has a large Jewish community, which settled in the city in 1860. Many Seattleites profess no religion and are atheist, agnostic, or unaffiliated.
Culture
The culture in Seattle is circumscribed by history, art, music, and coffee. Seattle is the cultural epicentre of the Pacific Northwest, and it draws on the city’s ethnic diversity, its tradition to support arts, and its status as the state’s educational and economic centre. It has been a melting pot of different cultures, and its ethnically diverse neighbourhoods are the epicentre of rich culture, music, art, and spirit. The smaller neighbourhoods of this big city hold a strong sense of community life. The daily life of a Seattleite is incomplete without the city’s drive-through coffee shops, breweries, boutiques, and weed shops (yes, they are legal here).
Language
Like any other US city, Seattle’s official language is English. However, in Seattle, the percentage of people who speak languages other than English rose to 25.4%, thanks to the city’s burgeoning immigrant communities. Spanish remains the second-most widely spoken language in Seattle. Looking at the city’s diverse population, there are some other languages like Lushootseed, Somali, Chinese, Hindi, Bengali, Japanese, Spanish that the Seattleite speaks.
Currency
The official currency of Seattle is the U.S. Dollar ($, US$, USD).
Since its incorporation as a city in 1869, Seattle has been governed as a charter city with a mayor-council form of government. The Mayor is the head of the executive branch of the city government, and the Seattle City council is the legislative branch, led by a Council President. The Mayor and nine-member city council are elected for a four-year term. The seven council positions are selected based on the city’s seven council districts.
- The Mayor
The Mayor of Seattle is designated as head of the executive branch of the city government. The Mayor is responsible for enforcing laws enacted by the Seattle City Council and Directing subordinate Officers in City departments. - City council
The City council is the legislative body, consisting of nine members serving four-year terms. Seven of nine members are elected by electoral districts, and two are elected citywide at large positions. All the nine members of the city Council are responsible for managing and approving the city’s budget and developing laws and policies to promote the health and safety of Seattleite residents. - City Attorney
Seattle’s City Attorney is the non-partisan elected official responsible for defending the city against lawsuits, prosecuting people for misdemeanour offences, and giving law advice to the city.
Climate
Seattle’s climate is temperate, classified in the Mediterranean zone by the climatic classification. It has mild, dry, partly cloudy, short summers and cold, wet, and mostly cloudy winters. The temperature of the city typically varies from 37℉ to 79℉ and is rarely above 85℉ and below 28℉.
When to Go
The best time to go Seattle is between May and October when the weather is pleasant. Although summer marks the city’s peak season when Seattle is packed with tourists, accommodation prices rise, and availability drops. However, it is the best season to visit if the weather is your concern and you want to avoid Seattle’s cold winters.
Travel
Every traveler entering the USA is required to show a passport. All travelers, including the U.S. citizens, traveling by flight between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Bermuda, Central, and South America are required to show a valid passport.
If you are traveling to Seattle from a different nation, ensure your passport has six months validity and has two or more blank pages.
If you belong to one of the 38 countries part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you can apply for ESTA. ESTA or Electronic System for Travel Authorization allows tourists from VWP member nations to enter the USA for 90 days for tourism, business, and medical purposes.
The first step to applying for a U.S. visa is to complete the DS-160 form. Once you submit it online, schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. You will need some documents to present at the interview.
The purpose of your trip to the USA determines the type of visa you need. Generally, business, tourism, or education visas are some of the common visas. Apart from that, below is the list of visas:
- Immigrant Visa (For permanent residency)
- Visitor’s Visa (For tourism & business)
- Fiance Visa (To marry an US citizen and live in the US)
- Student Visa
- Business or professional visas for citizens of Canada and Mexico
- Transit Visa (For traveling through the US on your way to another country)
The ID and other paper requirements to visit The USA varies from country to country. The authority will grant you a visa only after checking your documents and your background for any criminal record, past travel history, and purpose of the visit. However, the basic and most important ID and documents required to enter the territory of the US are as follows:
- Passport with at least 6 months of validity
- You must have an electronic, biometric passport, which is equipped with an electronic chip in it and contain your biometric data.
- Your ESTA must be valid when you arrive in the US. You can’t renew your ESTA and overstay. However, you will be eligible for ESTA only if you are a citizen of the USAs VWP nations.
Arriving From Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda
- Citizens arriving in the U.S. from these countries must show a valid passport, U.S. Passport Card, a Trusted Traveler Program Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry, or FAST), or an enhanced driver license.
- Canadian citizens can use NEXUS instead of a passport to arrive in the U.S. if departing from Canada.
Arrival From Other Countries
- Citizens from other countries must present a valid passport upon arrival.
- Both permanent residents and foreign nationals need a U.S visa.
Everyone should know the information needed for mandatory security checks to prevent delays. You can go through the US Customs website to know more about the items you are carrying with you.
The prohibited items as per the US Federal Law are:
- Alcoholic beverages over 70% by volume
- Alcoholic beverages under 70% by volume
- Animal products or products of animal origin (EU destinations only)
- Batteries
- Cutting instruments
- Defense sprays
- Drones
- Dry ice
- Electronic cigarettes like vapor or e-cigarettes
- Explosives
- Firearms and ammunition
- Flammable items, liquids or solids
- Gasoline powered tools
- Hoverboards
- Marijuana
- Mobility Devices
- Lighters and Matches
- Pressurized containers/compressed gasses
- Self-heating meals
- Self-inflating life jackets
- Scissors and tools
- Smart bags
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and King County International Airport (BFI) are the two major airports in Seattle, and both airports connect the city with other international cities. However, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is considered the major airport, serving millions of visitors annually.
Several hotels are available near the airports, which offer easy airport pick-up and drop-off. If you want the pick-up and drop-off options from/to the airport, you must book your transfer before your arrival. Several cabs are also available at the airport if you haven’t booked well before.
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Address: 17801 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98158
Contact no: +1 206 787 5388Custom & Immigration
Address: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
17801 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98158
Contact: +1 206 901 3200
Emergency & Medical Assistance
For any fire or medical emergency at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), dial 911. For non-emergencies, call +1 206 787 3490.
Lost & Found
The Lost & Found office is on the Mezzanine level of the main terminal. You can also call them at +1 206 787 5312.
- King County International Airport (BFI)
Address: 7277 Perimeter Road S, Seattle, WA 98108
Contact No: +1 206 296 7380
Custom & Immigration
Address: US Custom & Border Protection Board
Contact No: +1 206 553 9667
Emergency & Medical Assistance
For any fire or medical emergency at King County International Airport (BFI), dial 911.
Lost & Found
Visit the Lost & Found office at King County International Airport and lodged your complaint regarding the loss of your luggage.
Popular Airlines
The most popular airlines to fly from/to Seattle- American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, North American Airlines, US Airways Express,, Continental Airlines, Air Canada, SWISS, etc.
Before you book a flight, know about travel restrictions in Seattle.
If you are wondering how to travel in Seattle like a local, the best way to get around any city is to hop on public transport. Being one of the biggest metropolises in the US, Seattle’s public transportation system is not easy, fast, convenient, and affordable.
- Link Light Rail
Sound transit’s Link Light Rail runs between Angle Lake Station and the University of Washington through downtown Seattle and makes 14 stops. The train arrives every 6 to 15 minutes, depending on the day. The fare for adults varies between $2.75 and $3.25.
- King County Metro Transit
King County Metro Transit is one of the most convenient modes of transport in Seattle and offers bus service in downtown Seattle and outlying neighbourhoods in Seattle. The fare for adults varies between $2.75 and $3.25.
- Seattle Center Monorail
The monorail runs between Westlake Center downtown and Seattle Center at the base of Queen Anne Hill. The regular operating hours of Seattle Center Monorail are between 7:30 am to 11 pm from Monday to Friday and 8:30 am to 11 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The one-way fare will cost you around $2.50.
Besides the above, taxis, limos, town cars, bikes, rental cars, courtesy vehicles are also available.
Accommodation
Being one of the remarkable cities of the USA, Seattle offers a good range of hotels to its guests. It has over 132 hotels and more than 3000 rooms in its downtown area. From luxury hotels to affordable B&Bs, Seattle accommodates all kinds of guests.
The Arctic Club
Address: 700 3rd Ave, Seattle, Washington 98104
Contact: +1 206 340 0340
Hotel Ballard
Address: 5216 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, Washington 98107
Contact: +1 206 789 5012
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Address: 411 University Street, Seattle, Washington 98101
Contact: +1 206 621 1700
The Edgewater
Address: 2411 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington 98121
Contact: +1 206 792 5959
W Seattle
Address: 1112 4th Ave, Seattle, Washington 98101
Contact: +1 206 264 6000
Services
When in the US, call 911 in case of any emergency. Seattle has a good number of public and private hospitals. Below are the emergency contact numbers of emergency services in Seattle City.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Address: 1100 9tH Ave, Seattle, Washington 98101
Contact No: +1 206 223 6600
UW- Medicine University of Washington Medical Center
Address: Main Hospital, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, Washington
Contact no.:+1 206 598 3300
Bartell Drugs
Address: 600 1st Ave N, Seattle, Washington 98109
Contact No: +1 206 284 1353
Tourists traveling to the USA are responsible for their insurance coverage. From medical to travel insurance, visitors should ensure they are fully covered.
Travel insurance is necessary for unexpected losses or expenses such as missing flights, losing luggage, stolen cash, and missing passport.
Gas Service
Puget Sound Energy
Contact: +1 888 225 5773
(Available during business hours (Mon-Fri 7:30am to 6:30pm)
Water Service
Seattle Public Utilities
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 4900, Seattle, Washington 98104
Contact: +1 206 684 3000
Electricity Service
Contact: +1 888 225 5773
Seattle Fire Department
Address: 301 2nd Ave S, Seattle, Washington 98104
Contact: +1 206 386 1400
Etiquette
- Dress Code
The fun fact about Seattle is there is no dress code to roam around the city. You can wear anything according to your mood. However, some upmarket restaurants, bars, and clubs require their customers to wear a particular dress. You can check in with them before visiting these places.
- Drinking
Drinking in public places is strictly prohibited in Seattle. However, the city has some pulsing nightclubs, bars, and pubs, where you can raise the toast with the finest of wine and beer. However, these places allow only adults above 21 years of age. Maintain your social etiquette and don’t create any drama in public.
- Tipping
Offering tips at a restaurant is your choice. However, if the service is satisfactory, you can always tip at 15%-20% of your total bill in cash.
- Photography
It would help if you acquired a permit to take professional and commercial photographs in Seattle parks and recreational areas. Otherwise, you can always capture your fun moments in Seattle.
Neighborhood
Seattle is known as ‘a city of neighborhoods’. It is home to over 7.25 lacs people, and consists of 127 neighborhoods representing diverse cultures, history, cuisine, and experiences. As one of Washington’s prominent cities, Seattle boasts some of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the country, where there’s no dearth of activities to do in Seattle. Here are some popular neighborhoods:
- Fremont
The northern neighborhood Fremont is known for its bohemian vibe, hib bars, indie shops, and quirky outdoor sculptures. If you are in Seattle, visit Fremont’s Sunday Market. Here, you can find arts, antiques, and food trucks. The eateries are always packed with arty residents and tech workers. - Belltown
Belltown was once filled with very steep hills, and it took 30 years to develop the city. Today, Belltown can be recognized by its high-rise condos, trendy shops, indies boutiques, cafes, and galleries. Belltown is not only popular among its residents, even tourists come here to enjoy the live-music performances at Crocodile, an iconic rock venue, since 1991. Visit the Z-shaped Olympic Sculpture Park offers incredible sight of Puget Sound. - Magnolia
Nestled on a peninsula jutting into Puget Sound, Magnolia was once a major trading port of Washington. It is the second-largest neighborhood of Seattle. People often visit Magnolia to explore its beaches, forested trails of Discovery Park, West Point Lighthouse, and indigenous art at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center. - Pioneer Square
Many Seattle residents believe Pioneer Square to be the first neighborhood of the city. The neighborhood grew faster, when Henry Yesler built the first steam-powered lumber mill on the pier there. Today, art galleries, coffee shops, boutiques, and bars have taken over the late-1800s Romanesque Revival Buildings. Visit the Pioneer Square Plaza to see the intricate Iron Pergola and Tlingit Indian Totem. - Ballard
Before it became accustomed with hitp waterfront neighborhoods, craft breweries, trendy restaurants, and indie shops, Ballard was home to a former seafaring community with Nordic heritage. The neighborhood still has the small-town vibe. Ballard has staggering views of the water and olympic Peninsula. Visit the historic Hiram M Chittenden Locks or hike the frosted trails of vast Discovery Park.
Museum and Cultural Tour
Seattle Sightseeing
Seattle Food and Wine Tour
High End Dining
The ‘Emerald City’ Seattle is bustling with thriving music, intricate arts, and luscious food scenes. Seattle’s culinary scene is remarkable and people travel from far and wide to relish the fresh seafood, refined chocolates, and local wines. When it comes to beers, the city hosts some of the best breweries, where you can spend some good times relishing the finely crafted beers of the city and delicious food.
Before you visit Seattle, find out the best bars, and best restaurants in Seattle:
Cafe Juanita
Cuisine: Northern Italian
Address: 9702 NE 120th PI, Kirkland, Washington 98034
Phone: +1 425 823 1505
Art of the Table
Cuisine: American
Address: 3801 Stone Way N Suite A, Seattle,Washington 98103
Phone: +1 206 282 0942
Canlis
Cuisine: American
Address: 2576 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, Washington 98109
Phone: +1 206 283 3313
Nell’s
Cuisine: American
Address: 6804 East Green Lake Way N, Seattle, Washington 98115
Phone: +1 206 524 4044
Nishino
Address: Japanese, Seafood
Address: 3130 E Madison St., Seattle, Washington 98112
Phone: +1 206 322 5800
Casual Dining
Copine
Cuisine: French, Contemporary
Address: 6460 24th Ave NW, Seattle, Washington 98107
Phone: +1 206 258 2467
Goldfinch Tavern
Cuisine: American
Address: 99 Union St., Seattle, Washington 98101
Phone: +1 206 749 7070
Sushi Kappo Tamura
Cuisine: Japanese
Address: 2968 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, Washington 98102
Phone: +1 206 547 0973
Harvest Vine
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Spanish
Address: 2701 E Madison St., Seattle, Washington 98112
Phone: +1 206 320 9771
Maximilien
Cuisine: French, European
Address: 81 A Pike St., Seattle, Washington 98101
Phone: +1 206 682 7270
Bars & Lounges
Bar Sabine
Address: 5307 Ballard Ave, NW, Seattle, Washington 98107
Phone: +1 206 566 0286
Oliver’s Lounge
Address: Mayflower Park Hotel, 405 Olive Way, Seattle, Washington 98101
Phone: +1 206 623 8700
Tavern Law
Address: 1406 12th Ave, Seattle, Washington 98122
Phone: +1 206 322 9734
Quinn’s Pub
Address: 1001 E Pike St., Seattle, Washington 98122
Phone: +1 206 325 7711
Zig Zag Cafe
Address: 1501 Western Ave Ste 202, Seattle, Washington 98101
Phone: +1 206 625 1146
Spa & Wellness Resorts
Salish Lodge & Spa
Address: 6501 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie, Washington 98065
Phone: +1 425 888 2556
The Woodmark Hotel & Still
Address: 1200 Carillon Point, Kirkland, Washington 98033
Phone: +1 425 803 9000
Hyatt At Olive 8
Address: 1635 8th Ave, Seattle, Washington 98101
Contact: +1 206 695 1234
The Alexis Royal Sonesta
Address: 1007 1st Ave, SeattleWashington 98104
Contact: +1 206 624 4844
Lotte Hotel
Address: 809 5th Ave, Seattle,Washington 98104
Contact: +1 206 800 8110
How Far in Advance Should I Book A Flight to Cheap Flight Deals
If you know your journey date in advance, book flight tickets as early as 30 days before departure. If you are planning a trip during peak tourism season, book your flight tickets at least 40 days before.
Best Days of the Month to Book Cheap Flight Tickets
Although there are no specific rules to determine the cheapest day of the month to book cheap flight tickets, weekdays are cheaper than holidays and weekends. However, different airlines and destinations have different rules. Some routes are cheaper during weekends, and some airlines offer discounts on holidays for particular destinations. You have to find out the best day to travel by comparing ticket prices on different search engines.
What are the Pocket-friendly Months to Book Cheap Flight Tickets
It depends on the destination you are traveling to. During the peak season of any destination, airlines hike their prices. If you are on a budget-friendly trip, plan your journey during off-season or shoulder-season when the prices of both flights and hotels drop down.
