Surrounded by majestic mountains, evergreen forests, and navigable waters, Seattle is a great American city to visit. There’s something for everyone in Seattle, Washington! This travel guide for first time Seattle visitors contains basic information about Seattle and the top things to do in the city.
Getting to Seattle, Washington
You can visit Seattle by car or you can fly into the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Downtown Seattle is approximately 20 minutes without traffic by car from the airport.
You can also take public transportation from the airport to different parts of Seattle. The Link light rail connects the Sea-Tac Airport to the University of Washington, going through downtown Seattle. It makes multiple stops along the way including stops in South Seattle neighborhoods, the stadium district, the International District/Chinatown, and downtown locations. It’s a great and economical option for travelers coming to or from the airport.
Trains arrive every 6 to 15 minutes, depending on the time of day, and take about 40 minutes to travel between Sea-Tac Airport and the Westlake Station in downtown Seattle.
From baggage claim, follow the signs for Link light rail. The Sea-Tac Airport Station is connected to the fourth floor of the airport parking garage or on the walkway from International Boulevard. In order to access the garage from the terminal, passengers will have to use the skybridge and walk to the station.
Transportation in Seattle
Seattle has a great public transit infrastructure! You have the option to take public transportation rather than driving around in Seattle. There’s the Link light rail with multiple stops including downtown Seattle and the SeaTac Airport. Additionally, King County transit provides bus service in downtown Seattle and outlying neighborhoods in King county. Conveniently, there are also streetcars for getting around Seattle’s downtown.
You can buy transit passes (ORCA cards) to use on the Link light rail and the buses. There are multiple ways to buy a ORCA card, but the easiest way as a visitor is at the SeaTac Airport Link light rail station.
ORCA cards cost $5, and you can load a dollar amount onto the card. Fares on the Link light rail and King County transit range from $2.25–$3.25 (depending on route). As a first-time visitor, it is best to load an all-day regional transit pass onto an ORCA card for $8 if you’re using public transportation to get around the city. The all-day pass allows for unlimited rides on the public buses, trains, streetcars, and water taxis for a day. The pass is activated when you first tap and ends at 3 AM the next morning.
Neighborhood Guide
As a first-time visitor, you’ll want to check out all the distinct and unique neighborhoods in Seattle. Here are the best neighborhoods to visit in Seattle:
- Downtown: Downtown Seattle is full of life with avenues of shops and restaurants, and home to popular attractions such as Pike Place Market.
- Pioneer Square: Located just below Downtown, Pioneer Square is home to some of Seattle’s oldest buildings. This neighborhood has recently experienced a surge in popularity with trendy restaurants and one-of-a-kind boutiques popping up around Occidental Square. This neighborhood is also close to public transportation.
- Waterfront: Overlooking Puget Sound, this maritime neighborhood stretches from Centennial Park to Waterfront Park. There’s lots to see and do along the waterfront such as the Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle Aquarium, Waterfront Park, and the Seattle Great Wheel.
- Belltown: Belltown is regarded as the hip, youthful neighborhood with plenty to do! You can find Indie boutiques, galleries, cafes, great nightlife, and a legendary music scene in this neighborhood!
- Queen Anne: Just north of Belltown, there’s something for everyone in Queen Anne! With bustling bars, restaurants, and attraction-heavy Seattle Center in Lower Queen Anne and historic houses, quaint shopping streets, and quiet parks high up on a hill in Upper Queen Anne.
- Freemont: This artsy neighborhood on the north shore of the Lake Washington Ship Canal thrives with its bohemian vibe and quirky claims to fame.
Top Things to do and Attractions in Seattle
Space Needle
The Space Needle has dominated the Seattle skyline since 1962, and is considered an icon of the city and the Pacific Northwest. Standing at 605 ft high, the Space Needle has an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the Seattle skyline. Take the elevator up for views of the downtown Seattle, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliott Bay, and surrounding islands in Puget Sound.
Pike Place Market (Free)
Opening in 1907, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest public farmers markets in America! Be sure to check out the many unique shops within the market! You can find speciality food stalls, meat and fresh produce, flower shops, craft markets, bakeries, and restaurants all encompassing this space.
Original Starbucks
If you’re a coffee lover, you have to stop by the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market for a drink. And even if you’re not, you should still stop by! This showcases the humble beginnings of a well-loved and well-known brand with over 20,000 stores worldwide today.
The Gum Wall (Free)
The Gum Wall is a sight to see! This brick wall covered in chewing gum is located in an alleyway in Post Alley under Pike Place. It even has local landmark status! Make sure to add your own contribution.
Waterfront Park (Free)
This park extends from Pier 55 to Pier 57 along Seattle’s waterfront and contains several attractions including Seattle Aquarium, the Seattle Great Wheel, and Argosy Cruises. You’ll also find restaurants lined up on the piers.
Olympic Sculpture Park (Free)
You’ll find monumental contemporary sculptures in this green space! This park also offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.
Museum of Pop Culture
Dedicated to contemporary popular culture, this museum contains exhibits covering anything and everything related to pop culture. It also has interactive activities and hands on experience.
Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum
This museum showcases the amazing and unique glass work by Dale Chihuly! He is one of my favorite artists, and his artwork is absolutely mesmerizing.
Fremont Troll (Free)
This popular sculpture is located in the Fremont neighborhood (hence the name) north of downtown Settle. A first time visit to Seattle is not complete without stopping by to snap a photo with the well-loved troll.
Gas Works Park (Free)
While you’re in Fremont, head to Gas Works Park around sunset and you’ll see the Seattle skyline transform from day to night. i loved seeing the reflection of the lights in the water at night.
Kerry Park (Free)
Kerry Park also offers a great view of downtown Seattle! You’ll be able to capture a great photo of the Space Needle from this viewing point.
There’s no other place in the world quite like the Emerald City! If you’ve never been to Seattle, then it is well-worth a visit. It is a green city with a fun downtown, beautiful waterfront, unique museums, accessible public transportation, and scenic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
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