- Pike Place Market is famous for flying fish and the first Starbucks (expect a line).
- The Space Needle offers 360-degree views of the city and Mt. Rainier (if it's out).
- Chihuly Garden and Glass is a stunning exhibition of glass art right next to the Needle.
- The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) celebrates music, sci-fi, and pop culture in a funky building.
- Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island for the best skyline view (and it's cheap).
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When to go: Summer
July-September is glorious—sunny and dry. The rest of the year is grey and drizzly.
Spring is nice for flowers (cherry blossoms at UW).
- Best: Summer.
- Rain: Oct-May.
- Flowers: Spring.
Getting there: Light Rail
Sea-Tac (SEA) is connected by Link Light Rail to downtown (40 mins). Cheap and easy.
Uber/Lyft is available but traffic can be bad.
- Light Rail: Best option.
- Uber: Convenient.
- Car: Traffic heavy.
Where to stay: Downtown or Belltown
Downtown is central. Belltown is trendy with bars. Capitol Hill is for nightlife and LGBTQ+ scene.
Queen Anne is near the Space Needle.
- Downtown: Central.
- Capitol Hill: Nightlife.
- Belltown: Dining.
What to see: Market and Needle
Pike Place Market (Gum Wall). Space Needle. MoPOP.
Kerry Park for the classic postcard view. The Spheres (Amazon).
- Market: Fish throwers.
- Needle: Icon.
- MoPOP: Music.
- Kerry Park: View.
Food: Seafood and Coffee
Salmon, oysters, and chowder. Coffee is a religion—try independent roasters, not just Starbucks.
Teriyaki is a local specialty.
- Seafood: Fresh.
- Coffee: Everywhere.
- Teriyaki: Local lunch.
- Piroshky: Market treat.
Getting around: Light Rail and Bus
Public transit (Orca card) is good. Light Rail is expanding.
Hills make walking a workout. Ferries are part of the transit system.
- Light Rail: Expanding.
- Bus: Extensive.
- Ferry: Scenic.
Budget: Expensive
Seattle is pricey (tech money). Hotels are high in summer.
Pike Place Market is free to wander.
- Hotels: High.
- Food: Pricey.
- Market: Free.
2 Days in Seattle
Day 1: Downtown. Pike Place Market (morning). Gum Wall. Ferry to Bainbridge and back for the view. Great Wheel.
Day 2: Seattle Center. Space Needle. Chihuly Garden. MoPOP. Sunset at Kerry Park.
- Day 1: Market & Ferry.
- Day 2: Needle & Art.
- Evening: Seafood.
FAQ
Does it rain all the time?
It drizzles a lot, but heavy rain is rare. Locals don't use umbrellas.
Is the first Starbucks worth it?
It's just a shop with a long line. Take a photo and go to a local roaster.
Is it safe?
Generally yes, but downtown has some homelessness issues. Be aware.