City guide 12 / Washington / Pacific Northwest
12Seattle, water on every side.
Seattle is a city of water, hills, and small rooms with big ideas. Ferries connect neighborhoods and islands, coffee shops serve as living rooms, and the mountains appear whenever the clouds allow. Pack for rain, wear shoes for hills, and leave time for the view.
Browse all city guidesAt a glance
- Best window
- Summer and early fall
- Getting around
- Light rail, bus, and ferries
- Good base
- Downtown, Capitol Hill, or Ballard
- Walking pace
- Hilly in the center, easy by the water
A day with a point of view
Start at the market, then let a ferry set the afternoon.
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Morning
Pike Place
Start at Pike Place Market before the crowds. The market is a working place as well as a visitor landmark, so watch the fishmongers and the flower stalls rather than rushing to the famous sign.
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Midday
Waterfront art
Walk the waterfront or take a short ride to the Seattle Art Museum. The Olympic Sculpture Park is a good outdoor option when the weather is clear.
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Afternoon
A ferry ride
Choose a ferry. Bainbridge Island is an easy round trip with a waterfront walk and a small town center. On a rainy day, the ferry itself is the attraction.
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Evening
Capitol Hill or Ballard
Eat in Capitol Hill or Ballard. Seattle's food scene is strong on seafood, Asian cuisines, and casual neighborhood places. Finish with a coffee or a walk to a viewpoint.
Neighborhood rhythm
The city is a patchwork of hills and water. Choose a base with the transit you need.
Downtown
The market, waterfront, and transit hubs in a compact area.
Capitol Hill
Restaurants, bars, and a lively street scene close to the center.
Ballard
A former fishing district with a strong food and brewery scene.
The local table
Seattle's food is shaped by the water and by generations of Asian and Scandinavian immigrants. Look for oysters, salmon, pho, teriyaki, and dim sum. The coffee culture is famous, but the best cups are often in small neighborhood cafes rather than on a tourist strip.
Take the ferry. The journey is the destination.
Pike Place is a good introduction, but the city's daily food life happens in neighborhood markets and small restaurants. For a rainy afternoon, choose a warm bowl of noodles or a long lunch. In summer, a waterfront table is worth planning ahead.
Know before you go
Rain and hills are part of the city's character. Pack for both.
- Link light rail connects the airport, downtown, and the university. Buses and ferries extend the reach.
- Hills are steep in parts of downtown. Comfortable shoes and a light layer help.
- Rain is often light but persistent. A hooded waterproof jacket is more useful than an umbrella.
- Ferry schedules change by season. Check the current timetable before relying on a boat for a tight connection.