Travel Guide To Seattle: Planning Your Trip

Planning a trip to Seattle? You’re in for a treat! This vibrant city is full of culture, history, and plenty of things to do. From the Space Needle to Pike Place Market, there’s something for everyone in Seattle.

In this blog post, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan a successful trip. We’ll give you tips on what to eat, which neighborhoods to visit, and what attractions not to miss! So sit back and let us take you on a tour of Seattle!

Travel Guide Seattle: Arriving in Seattle

If you’re flying into Seattle, the first thing you’ll need to do is find your way to the city center. The easiest way to get there is by taking the Link Light Rail from the airport. The train will take you directly to downtown Seattle in about 30 minutes. Once you’re in town, it’s easy to walk around and explore all that Seattle has to offer!

If you’re driving into the city, there are plenty of parking options available. We recommend using SpotHero to find a discounted parking spot in advance. This will save you time and money so that you can enjoy your trip worry-free.

Seattle is a great city for walking, so we recommend exploring the neighborhoods on foot. You can find some of the best restaurants and shops in Seattle by simply wandering around. Uber, Lyft, and taxi services are also readily available if you need them. The monorail also provides easy transportation between the downtown area and the Seattle Center, as well as a beautiful view of the Seattle Skyline.

Seattle Weather

The weather in Seattle is usually mild, with temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the high 70s. However, it can rain quite a bit in the winter months, so be sure to pack your raincoat!

The best time of the year to visit is during the summer when the weather is warm and there are plenty of festivals and events going on. You will want to pack light clothing and sunscreen if you’re visiting during the summer months.

Best Sightseeing in Seattle

Now that you’ve made it to Seattle, it’s time to start planning your trip! Here are some of our top recommendations for things to do in the city:

Visit the Space Needle

This is an iconic Seattle landmark and a must-see for any first-time visitor. Take in the 360-degree views of the city from the top of the Space Needle. This observation deck is open 365 days a year, so you can visit no matter what time of year you’re in town.

Explore Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Seattle. No Seattle travel guide is complete without it. This historic market is home to over 200 businesses, including farmers markets, craft stalls, and restaurants. Take some time to wander around and explore all that Pike Place Market has to offer! There is something for everyone in the family, making it a great stop during a vacation.

Visit the Museum of Pop Culture

This museum is a must-visit for any music or pop culture lover. The Museum of Pop Culture houses exhibits on everything from rock and roll to video games. You can also catch a live performance at the museum’s concert venue, MOFO. They also regularly show movies and host workshops, so there’s always something new to see and do!

Take a Tour of the Seattle Waterfront

This is a great way to see some of Seattle’s most beautiful waterfront scenery. You can take a walk, bike, or Segway tour along the pier. You can also take a ferry ride to one of the nearby islands. The Seattle Waterfront is a great place to relax and take in the views of the city.

Enjoy Seattle Aquarium

If you’re looking for a fun family activity, the Seattle Aquarium is a great option. This aquarium is home to over 20,000 marine animals from all over the world. You can see everything from whales and sharks to sea turtles and penguins. The Seattle Aquarium is open every day of the year except Christmas Day, making it a great option no matter when you’re traveling.

Take a Hike in Discovery Park

Discovery Park is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Discovery Park is a 534-acre park in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, along the shores of Puget Sound. It contains 11.81 miles of walking trails and is the city’s largest public park. The park contains the Daybreak Star Cultural Center of the United Indians of All Tribes.

See the Famous Gum Wall

This is a must-see for any quirky tourist. The Gum Wall is an attraction in Seattle, Washington, made up of used gum that has been sticking to the wall of an alley near Pike Place Market since the 1990s. Use this spot for an Instagram photo-op or simply to take in the strange sight!

Visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum

This museum is dedicated to the works of glass artist Dale Chihuly. The museum features a collection of Chihuly’s work, from early pieces to more recent installations. You can also see demonstrations of glassblowing and sculpture in the garden on select days.

Check Out the Seattle Center

In Seattle, Washington, the Seattle Center offers arts, education, tourism, and entertainment. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it covers an area of 74 acres. When visiting Seattle, this is a great choice for a day of fun family activities.

You can find something for everyone at the Seattle Center! The Discovery Center, sponsored by Bill and Melinda Gates, is perfect for kids, and the International Fountain is a must-see. You can also take in a show at the Center House or ride on one of the amusement park rides. There are also plenty of food options, so you can stay all day!

Ride the Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel is a Ferris wheel in Seattle, Washington. It is the tallest observation wheel on the West Coast of the United States, and it offers great views of the cityscape and Elliott Bay. The wheel has 42 climate-controlled gondolas, each able to hold up to six passengers. This is a fun activity for any visitor that wants to get a spectacular view of Seattle.

Places to Eat in Seattle

The pacific northwest has a variety of delicious seafood, and Seattle is no exception. When in Seattle, be sure to try some of the fresh seafood at one of the many seafood restaurants. Here are some of our favorites:

The Crab Pot

This restaurant is known for its delicious crab dishes. You can’t go wrong with the crab pot, a bucket of steamed crabs served with melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, and corn on the cob. They host 4 varieties of Seafest, an all-you-can-eat crab feast, every year. This restaurant is located on Pier 57, gutting out over the water for great views of the cityscape and a lovely walk after your meal.

Terra Plata

This farm-to-table Spanish Mediterranean restaurant is a must-try. The menu changes daily, depending on what is fresh and in season, so you can enjoy a different meal every time you visit. Some of our favorites include the crispy suckling pig head, duck confit tacos, and wood oven-roasted carrots.

The Pink Door

If you’re looking for something unique, try The Pink Door. This Italian restaurant is located in a historic building and features a unique menu with items like grilled octopus, wild boar ragu, and handmade pasta. They also have nightly entertainment, ranging from burlesque shows to live music.

Biscuit Bitch

This popular breakfast spot is known for its delicious biscuit sandwiches. The menu changes daily, but you can always find a variety of biscuits, gravy, and eggs. They also have a full coffee bar with a variety of espresso drinks. They have one location in the Pike Place Market and another one in Belltown.

Local Tide

Victor Steinbrueck, a Seattle native, founded Local Tide. Having grown up walking the cobblestones of Pike Place Market with his family, he has deep ties to the market. His passion is bringing people together over a table full of all the delicious ingredients the Pacific Northwest has to offer. To make Seattleites proud, he hopes to give back to the city he loves in a way that is honest and true to his roots.

Sound and Fog

For foodies who want to enjoy the top specialty coffee shops during their trip to Seattle, Sound and Fog is a great choice. This cafe is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and is known for its great coffee and pastries. They also offer beer and coffee for those who are drinking later in the day.

Salumi

This deli and charcuterie is a great place to stop for lunch. They offer a variety of sandwiches, including the popular Porchetta sandwich with pork shoulder, rosemary, fennel, and lemon. They also offer a variety of cured meats that you can purchase to take home with you.

Marination Ma Kai

Marination Ma Kai serves up a fusion of Asian, Korean, and Hawaiian food, which results in fresh yet rich flavors, textures, and colors. The menu features items such as Spam musubi, kalua pork tacos, and shrimp tempura. They also have a full bar with a variety of cocktails, beer, and wine.

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

This cheese shop is a must-stop for any cheese lover. They offer a variety of cheeses, from soft and creamy to hard and crumbly. They also have a wide variety of accompaniments, including jams, honey, and chutneys. You can purchase cheese by the pound or get it pre-packed in a gift box. Pick yours up when you stop by the Pike Place Market.

Un Bien

If you love Caribbean cuisine and sandwiches, this is the place for you. The menu features items such as Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and yuca fries. They also have a full bar with tropical cocktails.

Ray’s Boathouse

This waterfront restaurant offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The menu features items such as salmon, steak, and lobster. They also have a wide selection of wine and cocktails.

Best Shopping in Seattle

If you love to shop, Seattle is a great city to visit. Here are some of the best places to shop while you’re in town:

Ballard

The low-key neighborhood of Ballard offers a mix of high-quality local shops, such as fashion boutiques, home decor stores, and cooking supplies. There is also an excellent farmers’ market here.

Every Sunday of the year, Ballard Ave. is transformed into a mini-market, with tents housing producers, bakeries, butchers, jewelry designers, and local clothing retailers.

Pacific Place

Pacific Place is a high-end shopping mall located in the heart of downtown Seattle. It features over 100 stores, including luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. It consists of 5 floors of shops, restaurants, and luxury services, as well as a movie theater.

Made In Washington

This store offers a variety of Washington-made products, including food, wine, and home decor. They have locations all over the state, but their flagship store is in Seattle. This is a perfect place to grab a souvenir or a small gift for yourself so you can remember your trip fondly.

Best Neighborhoods in Seattle

Belltown

This neighborhood is known for its hip and trendy shops, as well as its nightlife. You’ll find a mix of fashion boutiques, home decor stores, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great area to explore during the day and evening.

Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square is the historic center of Seattle. It’s home to a variety of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and nightlife. You’ll find a mix of old and new here, as well as a lot of character.

Chinatown International District

This neighborhood is home to a variety of Asian-Pacific businesses and cultural attractions. You’ll find markets, restaurants, and temples here, as well as unique shops selling souvenirs and traditional handicrafts.

Queen Anne

This neighborhood is known for its beautiful homes and gardens. It’s also home to a variety of independent shops, including fashion boutiques, bookstores, and home decor stores. There’s also a farmers’ market here every Wednesday.

Capitol Hill

This is one of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods. You can find great restaurants, shops, and nightlife here. Capitol Hill is also home to the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Symphony.

Downtown Seattle

Downtown Seattle is the city’s central business district. You’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses here. It’s also home to the Seattle Aquarium and the Space Needle.

West Seattle

West Seattle is a residential neighborhood with a small-town feel. It’s home to a variety of independent shops, including bookstores, toy stores, and pet supply stores. There’s also a farmers’ market here every Saturday.

Best Nature In Seattle

Seattle is known as the Emerald City because of its year-round greenery, meaning that no matter when you’re visiting, you’re sure to find beautiful nature all around you. Here are some great areas for you to check out on your next trip:

Lake Washington

This large lake is located in the eastern part of Seattle. It’s a great place for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking. There are also several parks surrounding the lake, including Volunteer Park and Washington Park Arboretum.

Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier is an active volcano located south of Seattle. It’s the tallest mountain in the state of Washington and is a popular destination for a day trip, hiking, camping, and backpacking.

Olympic National Park

This national park is located on the Olympic Peninsula, west of Seattle. It’s home to a variety of landscapes, including forests, mountains, beaches, and rainforests. There are also several lakes and rivers located within the park.

San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are a group of islands located in the northwest corner of Washington state. They’re a popular destination for kayaking, whale watching, and hiking. There are also several small towns located on the islands, including Friday Harbor and Orcas Island.

Lake Union

This lake is located in the heart of Seattle. It’s a popular spot for picnicking and boating and is easy to get to from Downtown Seattle. You can also see the lake from the Space Needle, which can help you gauge its size.

Washington Park Arboretum

This park is located in the University District of Seattle. It’s home to a variety of gardens, including a Japanese garden and an herb garden. There are also several walking paths and a duck pond. There are many trails for restorative walks as well as regular activities and events held at this park.

Take a Ferry Ride

One of the best ways to see Seattle is from the water. You can take a ferry ride from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, or Vashon Island. The ferry ride itself is beautiful and gives you great views of the city skyline and Mount Rainier.

Woodinville Wine Country

Woodinville is a city located east of Seattle. It’s home to over 90 wineries and is a popular destination for wine lovers. There are also several restaurants and shops located in Woodinville. It makes for a great day trip as well as an overnight trip if you plan on sipping your way through the wineries.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Seattleite, there’s always something new to explore in this vibrant city. If you plan on visiting several attractions on your trip, a CityPass may be a good idea for you. Otherwise, just get out there and start exploring, and let your adventures find you exactly where you’re at. Either way, you will have a fantastic time in The Emerald City.