Seattle is a vibrant city, surrounded by the stunning Elliott Bay and Lake Union, with majestic mountains framing the horizon.While not overwhelmingly large, Seattle offers the energy of a big city with plenty to explore, making it an ideal weekend getaway.

From the bustling waterfront to its charming neighborhoods, Seattle offers all the excitement you expect in a cosmopolitan city.

Dear Lykkers, this essential Seattle travel guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip, whether you're staying for a weekend or a week. In this guide, you'll find the best hotels, exciting activities, top restaurants, and more. If you love being near water, you’ll fall in love with Seattle, where the natural beauty is simply breathtaking. If you’re fortunate to visit on a clear summer day, you might just find it hard to leave. With Elliott Bay on one side, Lake Union in the middle, and Lake Washington on the other, water surrounds you on all sides.

When to Visit & Weather Considerations

Seattle is often associated with rain, but in reality, it receives less than 40 inches of rain annually. Although there are occasional drizzles or mist, it’s not as rainy as the movies suggest. In fact, the weather can be quite unpredictable, with clear skies often following a misty morning.

Summer, from July through September, is the best time to visit, with temperatures reaching around 77°F, occasionally hitting the 80s. While summer offers the most pleasant weather, it’s also when hotel prices peak. For more budget-friendly options, consider staying just outside the city and taking the light rail into downtown.

January is the coldest month, with daytime temperatures averaging 46°F. Snow is rare, and when it does snow, it’s usually light.

What to Do in Seattle

Seattle offers a wealth of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you’re interested in exploring landmarks, museums, parks, or recreational spots, there’s something for everyone.

Top attractions include:

The Seattle Center and Space Needle, built for the 1962 World’s Fair

Pike Place Market

Fisherman’s Terminal

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

Smith Tower Observation Deck

Seattle Art Museum

Museum of Pop Culture

Seattle Aquarium

Fremont Troll

Gasworks Park & South Lake Union

The Great Wheel

Top Tourist Attractions

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is a must-see in Seattle. This 9-acre market has been around since 1907, offering a delightful mix of fresh produce, seafood, flowers, and crafts. Be sure to stop by the original Starbucks, watch cheese curds being made at Beecher's Handmade Cheese (don’t miss the grilled cheese sandwich!), and enjoy the many street performers and market stalls.

For a great dining experience, try The Pink Door or Place Pigalle.

Seattle Parks

On sunny days, Seattle’s parks are the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. Kayak on Lake Union, picnic at Gasworks Park, or take a walk along Elliott Bay at Myrtle Edwards Park. Popular parks in the area include Discovery Park, Green Lake Park, and the Washington Park Arboretum.

If you’re looking to explore beyond Seattle, take a day trip to nearby attractions like Woodinville or the San Juan Islands for whale watching.

What & Where to Eat in Seattle

Seattle is a haven for food lovers, known for its fresh seafood and innovative cuisine. Don’t miss Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in Pike Place Market for some of the best local cheese. For chowder, head to Pike Place Chowder, a crowd favorite.

Capitol Hill is another great dining area. Walk from downtown to this trendy neighborhood, where you’ll find popular spots like Kedai Makan for Malaysian street food, Spinasse for Piedmont cuisine, and Terra Plata for farm-to-table dishes.

Transportation

The Metro Transit Buses are a popular and affordable way to get around Seattle, with lower prices outside of peak hours. Renting a car is also an option, although parking can be challenging in the downtown area.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is just a 15-minute ride from downtown. You can take the light rail directly from the airport to the city center in about 45 minutes or rent a car from the airport.

Where to Stay in Seattle

If you plan to stay in the downtown area, you can easily use the light rail to get around without needing a car. However, if you want to explore beyond the city center, renting a car is recommended.

We recommend staying downtown for easy access to the city's top attractions. Just be aware that parking at hotels can cost around $30-40 per night. Here are a few hotel recommendations:

Crowne Plaza Downtown – A comfortable and affordable luxury hotel in the heart of the city, ideal for walking around.

Hotel Vintage – A charming boutique hotel offering a free daily happy hour.

Seattle Westin – A beautifully designed hotel in a prime downtown location with great dining options nearby.