First time in Seattle: Everything you need to know

Grey skies, strong drip coffee, and views of Mount Rainier against a skyline of skyscrapers are totally Seattle. Home to the Space Needle and birthplace of Starbucks and grunge music, Seattle has a little bit of everything, from outdoor escapes to immersive museums like MoPop.

If it’s your first time in Seattle, walking the rainbow streets of Capitol Hill and witnessing the salmon-tossing spectacle at Pike Place are rites of passage. From Seattle’s coolest neighborhoods to must-try foods like Beecher’s Mac & Cheese, this first-timer’s guide fills you in on all the things to know about Seattle for your first visit.

Seattle: Tips for first-timers

1. Bring layers. Even in summer, Seattle evenings can get surprisingly cool, especially by the waterfront. Rain showers come and go without warning, and are often accompanied by wind. Many locals prefer a hood or rain jacket over an umbrella, but both will be useful.

2. The Light Rail is your best friend for airport transfers and getting between downtown, Capitol Hill, and the University District.

3. When shopping, keep in mind that sales tax in Seattle is approximately 10%. It’s not included on price tags but added to the total price at checkout. Also, while tipping isn’t required, it’s generally expected in service situations. Budget accordingly.

4. Nearly all places accept card payments, but some small vendors at Pike Place Market prefer cash. ATMs are available if you need to grab cash.

5. Pike Place Market is walkable from downtown, but parking is limited, like many other places in Seattle. Use buses, rideshares, or the Link Light Rail to get there conveniently.

Best time to visit

Seattle’s seasons are distinct, with warm, mostly sunny summers and rainy, cold winters. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Seattle, offering a balance of decent weather, beautiful scenery, and fewer crowds, though you’ll probably catch a rain shower or two no matter the season.

Spring

From March to May, cherry blossoms bloom across the city, with the University of Washington’s Quad being a favorite spot for blossom photos. During spring in Seattle, temperatures are mild, though frequent shifts between rainy and sunny days can occur. It’s a great time to explore Discovery Park or take a ferry ride before the tourist rush of summer.

Summer

Seattle’s summer (June-August) is dry and bright, with extended daylight hours that keep the city active well into the evening. Crowds peak as tourist and local activity surges, making popular spots like Pike Place Market, Kerry Park, and Alki Beach busier than usual. Accommodations and restaurant wait times tend to increase this season, so book ahead.

Fall

Crisp air, colorful foliage, rainfall, and a calmer atmosphere come during fall in Seattle (September-November). Local farms host harvest festivals and events, and it’s a cozy season for hopping between bookstores, cafes, and Seattle’s museums. Pumpkin spice is the iconic drink of choice during this season, and October brings fun Halloween events for children and adults.

Winter

From December to February, Seattle in winter is cold and wet, but snow is rare and usually brief. It’s the perfect season for indoor attractions, sipping espresso in the city’s countless cozy cafes, or catching a show at The Paramount Theatre. Downtown lights up for the holidays, and Christmas in Seattle brings more people out shopping and to holiday events. If you’re into skiing, nearby Snoqualmie Pass makes for an easy day trip.

Seattle’s top 5 must-visit attractions

1. Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks and one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the US; flying fish, fresh flowers, and tasty Seattle bites are only the beginning.

2. Space Needle

A symbol of Seattle, the Space Needle rises 520 feet above the city with unmatched views of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and Seattle’s skyline, as well as The Loupe Lounge, which has the world’s only rotating glass floor.

3. Chihuly Garden and Glass

The Chihuly Garden and Glass is an indoor and outdoor gallery showcasing Dale Chihuly’s blown-glass sculptures in vivid color and fantastical shapes.

4. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop)

MoPop dives into Seattle’s creative scene with immersive exhibits on Nirvana, horror films, indie video games, and the world of science fiction.

5. Seattle Underground

One of Seattle’s most intriguing sights, Seattle Underground is a network of underground passageways beneath Pioneer Square, created when the city raised its streets after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889.

Best 3 neighborhoods to explore in Seattle

1. Capitol Hill

Cap Hill is Seattle’s hangout spot for bookstores, independent stores, and trendy coffee shops that take their craft seriously. The neighborhood is known for its LGBTQ+ community (don’t miss the rainbow-painted crosswalks), indie record stores, and thriving nightlife scene. Volunteer Park is also here, home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum and scenic walking trails.

2. Fremont

Fremont is one of Seattle’s quirkiest neighborhoods, with funky art hidden in plain sight, cool indie shops, and one of Seattle’s running Sunday markets. It’s home to the famous Fremont Troll, a giant concrete sculpture lurking under the Aurora Bridge. A sign planted at the intersection of North Fremont Avenue and North 35th Street states Fremont is the “Center of the Universe,” a title locals have humorously embraced for decades.

3. Ballard

Ballard was originally a Scandinavian fishing village, but it’s grown into a foodie haven and hub for fishing and maritime activity. At the Ballard Locks, you can watch boats rise and fall or spot salmon climbing the fish ladder in fall. Spend time along Ballard Avenue for boutique shopping and some of Seattle’s best brunch spots. The Nordic Museum offers a unique glimpse into the neighborhood’s roots.

What to eat in Seattle

Seattle’s food scene is defined by its proximity to Puget Sound and a pride in local creations and seasonal ingredients. International flavors, from Chinatown restaurants to Korean bakeries, reflect the city’s diverse community.

Main dishes to try

1. Seattle Dog

The Seattle Dog is a hot dog topped with cream cheese and grilled onions, a late-night favorite born from the city’s food cart scene.

2. Dungeness crab

Dungeness crab is a local delicacy from Puget Sound, prized for its sweet, tender meat and typically served steamed or in a crab boil.

3. Chowder

Seattle’s rich chowder, typically with clams or salmon, is best enjoyed on a rainy day from spots like Pike Place Chowder.

4. Marionberry pie

Marionberry pie features the Pacific Northwest’s tart-sweet hybrid blackberry baked into a flaky crust.

5. Beecher’s Man & Cheese

Called the world’s best by Seattleites, Beecher’s Mac n Cheese uses award-winning local cheese to create an uber-rich mac using penne pasta.

Getting to Seattle

Flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Sea-Tac is well connected domestically and internationally, and it’s about 30 minutes from downtown by Light Rail, depending on wait times and traffic. The Link Light Rail station is easily accessible via a skybridge from the main terminal and offers the most affordable transfer option. Rideshares and taxis are also readily available just outside baggage claim.

Traveling to King Street Station

Located in the Pioneer Square neighborhood, King Street Station connects Seattle with Amtrak routes like the Coast Starlight and Cascades. From here, you can hop on the Light Rail or walk to downtown attractions.

Getting around Seattle

The city has a mix of public transportation and walkable neighborhoods, making it possible to get around Seattle without a car. First-time visitors can use the Link Light Rail and buses for key areas, and walk, bike, or scooter in more compact areas.

Exploring Seattle on foot

Downtown, Belltown, and Capitol Hill are very walkable, though expect to run into a few steep hills. Pioneer Square’s cobblestone streets and historic buildings make it another excellent place to stroll.

Be sure to wear good shoes and bring rain gear if you plan on exploring on foot. Seattle also has a bike and scooter share system, with rentals available through apps like Lime and Bird.

Public transportation in Seattle

Seattle’s public transit includes King County Metro buses, the Link Light Rail, and the Seattle Streetcar. The ORCA card simplifies payments by allowing transfers across these systems, including some ferries and water taxis. Visitors can purchase and reload an ORCA card online, at vending machines, or at select retail locations.

The monorail is also an option, though it is more of a sightseeing attraction than a practical mode of transportation. If it’s your first time in Seattle, riding the monorail is a fun way to get to key the city’s landmarks like Pike Place, MoPop, and the Seattle Children’s Museum. It departs approximately every ten minutes.

What to avoid in Seattle

Avoid renting a car unless you’re heading outside the city; parking is scarce and expensive, especially downtown.

Seattle’s rush hour can be intense, especially on I-5. If driving, avoid peak times (7:00 AM-9:00 AM and 4:00 PM-6:00 PM) or use public transit instead.

When walking around Seattle at night, stick to well-lit, busier streets and avoid isolated areas, especially if you’re alone. Staying near other pedestrians or using rideshares for longer distances can add an extra layer of safety.

Don’t rely too much on the weather forecast. Seattle microclimates mean the weather can change hourly.