Seattle is the city where Starbucks and Boeing were born. Tourists come here to enjoy the views of the largest metropolis in the Northwest USA, feel its character, and taste the freshest seafood. Spend a week here — the city will find ways to surprise you.
Location and How to Get There
Seattle is located in the state of Washington, less than 200 km from the Canadian border. Despite not being the capital, it is the largest city in the region. It is often called the “Emerald City” due to the dense evergreen forests surrounding it.
The place gained popularity because of its port, which is among the top ten largest in the USA. While the main occupations of the city’s residents were once related to the sea, Seattle is now one of the world’s main IT cities, housing the headquarters of Amazon, Expedia Group, and other major companies.
Where to Stay
Budget hotels can be found in the suburbs of Seattle. This option is convenient if you rent a car (the trip to the center will take 20-30 minutes). A car is also needed to visit the natural attractions around the city. Rental costs start at 45 $ per day. Without personal transport, it’s better to stay in the center.
When to Visit
Seattle is often called the city of rain for a reason. Late autumn and winter are considered the rainiest times of the year. The average temperature from November to March does not rise above +5°C.
The most favorable season for traveling to Seattle is from May to September. During this time, the air warms up to +25°C.
Things to Do
Seattle combines modern skyscrapers and authentic culture. There are many museums, art objects, and parks. In the surroundings, you can find hiking trails to volcanoes and lakes. What should you definitely do in the city?
Explore Landmarks
Space Needle: The main landmark of Seattle. The tower is 184 meters high, resembling a needle reaching for the sky, with a “flying saucer” on top. Tourists can visit the restaurant and observation deck for views of the city, bay, and mountains. Entry fee: $35.
Downtown Waterfront: Full of interesting spots including fish restaurants, luxury hotels, and marine vessels. The Seattle Aquarium, where you can see sea otters, seals, beavers, and other fauna, is nearby. At Pier 57, you will find the Seattle Great Wheel, 53 meters high, perfect for enjoying the city’s marine panoramas.
Columbia Center: The tallest skyscraper in the metropolis. Nearby, visit the Central Library in a futuristic style.
Chinatown: For Asian culture enthusiasts. Also, explore the Japanese Garden in Washington Park.
In general, Seattle is a city of parks, with so many that you could explore a new one every day. Seattle will also appeal to museum enthusiasts. Right at the airport, you’ll find the largest private Aviation Museum in the USA. We also recommend visiting the Museum of Pop Culture, which houses celebrity guitars, movie costumes, and props. The Seattle Art Museum also has a large exhibition – the collection features artifacts from various cultures and nationalities, and the complex also includes the Olympic Sculpture Park.
Visit Markets and Try Pirozhki
Pike Place Market is the oldest market on the continent. Here you can find everything: from freshly caught fish to cheese and bread. Tourists come here not only for shopping but also for beautiful views. The neat stalls involuntarily make visitors buy goods. The vendors themselves have long since become iconic. They came up with an interesting approach to be remembered and attract tourists. The “Flying Fish” show has gained fame throughout America. The concept is simple: vendors toss fish to each other, accompanying this game with shouts. If their dexterity allows, visitors themselves can participate in the performance. It’s best to come to the market right when it opens – at 7 AM.
It was on the market grounds that the first Starbucks coffee shop opened in 1971. The spot still exists – coffee may no longer surprise anyone, but everyone wants to touch this historic corner.
There are also Russian cuisine establishments on the market grounds, founded by immigrants from our country. It’s easy to find them – it’s almost impossible to walk past signs saying “Pirozhki, pirozhki” (Russian pastries).
Honor Great Musicians
The city is inextricably linked to two musicians – Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. The great Hendrix was born in Seattle. Not long ago, a monument to him was erected at 1604 Broadway.
Another legend is the lead singer of Nirvana. A few months before his death, Kurt Cobain bought a house in Seattle, where the tragic event occurred. Fans continue to come here on the musician’s birthday and death anniversary. You can find the house at 171 Lake Washington Blvd E.
Explore Street Art
Seattle is a creative and artistic city. You can find unusual details and stylish solutions everywhere. If you love everything bright and memorable, this is definitely the place for you.
The most controversial attraction in the city is the gum wall. It’s located near Pike Place Market. It all started in 1993 when students, while standing in line for the theater, decided to have fun and stick gum on the wall. Local residents and tourists continued to leave gum on neighboring buildings. The most unusual district of the city is Fremont, which for a long time was even called the capital of counterculture and the republic of artists, while residents dubbed it the “Center of the Universe”. The main attraction is the Fremont Troll, who has taken up residence under the bridge. There’s also a statue of Vladimir Lenin here. This is often where festivals and celebrations take place: a parade of naked cyclists held on the summer solstice, and others.
Go on a Hike
Seattle is surrounded by mountains and national parks. Be sure to rent a car on the weekend and head out of town for a short hike. The most popular destinations include:
Mount Rainier. Tourists can take an easy day-long trek, admiring the peak of the highest mountain in the Pacific Northwest. A 10-hour route is best suited for this.
Olympic National Park. Here you’ll find mountains, sandy beaches, and even tropical forests. Tourists can stay overnight in a campsite or rent a cottage. More details are available on the official website.
North Cascades. It’s located two hours drive from Seattle. There’s a ski resort here that Americans and Canadians love to visit. The park got its name thanks to the high cascade mountains.
Seattle is an underestimated city where industry and art, future and past blend. It may not have as many tourists as Los Angeles or New York, but the metropolis will surely surprise you with its culture and nature.