Discover a legendary music scene, technology feats and the art of coffee brewing in a city that has clearly moved on from its lumberjack beginnings and now simply shines.
Seattle is wedged between Puget Sound and Lake Washington and is nicknamed the Emerald City for its abundance of nature. Visit this city if you love the outdoors, family fun and music.
Seattle was named after a Native American local, “Chief Seattle,” and its first industry was tree logging. It is now one of the fastest growing American cities, with some 700,000 people calling it home and some 4 million people residing in the Seattle metropolitan area. Seattle has also become a thriving exports and technology hub, and is the global headquarters for many big-name companies.
The Seattle Center’s distinctive Space Needle, erected for the 1962 World Fair, is Seattle’s most famous landmark. This is not the highest local icon though - on a clear day the snow-capped Mount Rainer steals the show.
Seattle’s many neighborhoods serve up an eclectic mix of retail, restaurants and entertainment. Discover historic Pioneer Square for a little gold rush history, trendy Belltown, busy Downtown Seattle and the ever-popular Seattle Waterfront with its tall Seattle Great Wheel. Climb the steps to Pike Place Market or head to the Magnolia district to hike through the forest at Discovery Park and look out over Puget Sound.
Enjoy Seattle’s rich music scene, which flourished in the '90s when it produced “grunge” bands such as Nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. The legendary Jimi Hendrix was born here and the early jazz scene kick-started the career of the equally famous Ray Charles. See a rock band in a bar, watch the Seattle Symphony Orchestra at Benaroya Hall or listen to blues at the Highway 99 Blues Club on the waterfront.
For skyline views at sunset, cruise over to Puget Sound, with its tranquil Bainbridge Island, or head to Kerry Park. Watch cruise ships, ferries and sailboats crisscross Elliott Bay. If you have time for a long hike, take the 1.5-hour journey east to Mount Rainier National Park.
Where to stay in Seattle
Downtown Seattle
4.5/5Wonderful!(8,972 area reviews)
A clean, walkable city center with tree-filled public spaces, shopping, boutique bars and restaurants, and views across the Puget Sound.
Located in Queen Anne, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Seattle Center Arena, Seattle Children's Theatre, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Marion Oliver ...…Located in Queen Anne, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Seattle Center Arena, Seattle Children's Theatre, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Marion Oliver ...WWW…
4.3/5Excellent! (13,198 reviews)
"Located steps from buses, grocery stores and restaurants. Only 2 blocks to Seattle center. Property was clean, inviting and had a spacious lobby and adjoining Starbucks."…""Located steps from buses, grocery stores and restaurants. Only 2 blocks to Seattle center. Property was clean, inviting and had a spacious lobby and adjoining Starbucks."WWW…"
Located in Belltown, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Seattle Waterfront, Space Needle, and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Moore Theater and Pacific Science ...…Located in Belltown, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Seattle Waterfront, Space Needle, and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Moore Theater and Pacific Science ...WWW…
4.1/5Very Good! (5,840 reviews)
"Well situated, friendly staff and clean. Easy access to Pike’s and train to airport. No real disappointments as the price was perfect."…""Well situated, friendly staff and clean. Easy access to Pike’s and train to airport. No real disappointments as the price was perfect."WWW…"
Located in Belltown, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Seattle Central Business District, Westlake Center, and Nordstrom. Seattle Waterfront and Seattle ...…Located in Belltown, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Seattle Central Business District, Westlake Center, and Nordstrom. Seattle Waterfront and Seattle ...WWW…
4.1/5Very Good! (2,190 reviews)
"Good location at a reasonable rate. The only downside was the restaurant was under renovation."…""Good location at a reasonable rate. The only downside was the restaurant was under renovation."WWW…"
Thanks to its wood paneling, ancient fir tables and locally produced food, this conference center lets you experience the beauty of Seattle even when you’re inside.
Catch an event at T-Mobile Park during your trip to Seattle. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and great live music in this vibrant area.
Reviews of Seattle
4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4225
5 - Excellent 55.468032033609035%
4 - Good
2730
4 - Good 35.84088223710122%
3 - Okay
531
3 - Okay 6.971248523040567%
2 - Disappointing
92
2 - Disappointing 1.2078246028620192%
1 - Terrible
39
1 - Terrible 0.5120126033871603%
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveler
Jan 18, 2020
Seattle is great. The people can be a bit condescending.
5/5 - Excellent
Ellie
Jan 18, 2020
We were lucky enough to see sunshine after the snow! I just love Seattle! Even when it rains.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Jan 17, 2020
Wish there wasn't so much construction going on downtown.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Jan 17, 2020
Love the city! Didn't have a lot of time since it was just an overnight stay on our way to Leavenworth. It was extremely cold so walking was
limited this time.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Jan 17, 2020
We flew in Friday morning and left Sunday morning and feel like we did it all. The weather was cold and wet but not unbearable at all. We used our cheapo Walmart umbrellas on Friday but really didn't them Saturday. Lots of walking so bring great shoe
