Visiting Seattle for the First Time? Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Seattle is an incredible city with so much to offer, but figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming- especially if you’re visiting Seattle for the first time. From iconic landmarks to amazing food and outdoor adventures, this city has something for every kind of traveler. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, getting to know the essentials will help you make the most of your trip.

Known for its coffee culture, stunning waterfront, and vibrant neighborhoods, Seattle is full of experiences you won’t want to miss. You can soak in breathtaking city views, dive into the local food scene, or explore world-famous attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. No matter your travel style, this guide will help you navigate the city like a pro.

Ready to plan the perfect trip? From must-see sights to helpful travel tips, I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know before heading to the Emerald City. Let’s dive right in!

Visiting Seattle for the First Time? Here's a Brief Intro

So are you excited for visiting Seattle for the first time? Well, before we dive into all of the fun things to do and see, and the logistics of exploring, let's go over a few of the basics.

Why Visit Seattle for the First Time?

If you’re visiting Seattle for the first time, get ready to fall in love with a city that perfectly blends nature, culture, and urban excitement. 

From the iconic Pike Place Market to relaxing waterfront parks and scenic ferry rides, there are so many fun things to do in Seattle downtown, and in the city's surroundings.

Whether you’re a foodie, outdoor lover, or history buff, Seattle offers an amazing mix of experiences - all with stunning mountain and water views in the background.

What is So Special About Seattle?

What makes visiting Seattle for the first time so memorable is how different it feels from other major cities around the US. 

Seattle has a creative, laid-back vibe with a big emphasis on nature and sustainability. You’ll find famous spots like the Space Needle and the Seattle Art Museum, but also quirky neighborhoods, independent coffee shops, and waterfront views everywhere you turn.

The city itself is a creative's paradise, and is also easily connected to some of the best nature in the country.

 Where is Seattle Located?

Seattle is located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and is the capital of the state of Washington. Set between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, and surrounded by mountains, it’s one of the most beautiful urban settings in the country, and a great place to base yourself for exploring this particularl area of the country.

For those visiting Seattle for the first time, you'll absolutely love the convenience of this busy city being next to the coast and also surrounded by gorgeous nature. It truly is the perfect blend of urban and rural vibes combined.

The Best Things to Do in Seattle if You're Visiting for the First Time

If you're visiting Seattle for the first time, then you're in for a treat! The city has the perfect blend of activities for history buffs, art lovers, and nature enthusiasts. So no matter what type of trip you're looking to have, Wasington's capital has got you covered!

If it's your first time visiting Seattle, you'll want to head to downtown to start your exploring. There are a ton of major attractions in downtown Seattle, and this is where the top highlights of the city lie.

Here are some of the top things to do while visiting Seattle for the first time:

 Explore Pike Place Market

Ride the Seattle Great Wheel

 Take in the views from Skyview Observatory

 Stop at the world's first Starbucks

 Experience the museums

 Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island

 Sail on a sunset cruise or dinner cruise

 Go on a pub crawl for craft beer

 Visit the Space Needle

Check out the Olympic Sculpture Museum

Go on a day trip to Mount Rainier or Olympic National Park

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Visiting Seattle for the First Time: Local Food & Drink

One of the best parts of visiting Seattle for the first time is getting to taste all the incredible local food and drink the city is known for. From fresh seafood to cozy coffee shops, Seattle’s food scene is a huge part of the experience, and we're going to help you with both food and restaurant recommendations.

What Food is Seattle Most Known For?

Seattle is especially famous for its fresh seafood, particularly salmon, Dungeness crab, and oysters. If you’re visiting Seattle for the first time, grabbing a bowl of clam chowder from Pike Place Market is an absolute must. 

Coffee culture is also huge here (it is the birthplace of Starbucks after all), so make sure to check out some of the many local roasters downtown.

 Some Restaurant Recommendations in Seattle

If you're visiting Seattle for the first time like I did, then you definitely will want to check out some of these great places I experienced:

• Beecher's Cheese: a shop that makes their own homemade cheese - don't miss out on the incredible mac n cheese!
• La Parisienne: adorable bakery with incredible French baked goods
• Harry's: chic seafood restaurant by the water
• Pike Place Chowder: an iconic place to try some clam chowder in the Pike Place Market
• Morsel: incredible biscuit sandwiches and soups - the chef was also so friendly and incredibly talented!
• Ivan's Fish Bar: an iconic and popular place for seafood bites

Where to Stay While Visiting Seattle for the First Time

Now that you know all of the fun things to do and how to get from one place to the other, let's get you a place to stay!

 What is the Best Neighborhood to Stay in Seattle as a Tourist?

We'd recommend staying in Queen Anne or Uptown. Uptown is close enough to all of the tourist hot spots, but is also in a nicer and quiter area than downtown Seattle.

If you're looking for better prices and a more quiet, residential feel, then Queen Anne is a great place to stay for your first time visiting Seattle.

 Recommended Hotels in Seattle

If it's your first time visiting Seattle, then it can be overwhelming to choose a hotel! Seattle doesn't have a ton of unique hotels to choose from, and there are a few big companies that offer rentals of rooms and homes, which are a bit more similar to Airbnb (without the cleaning!).

Hotels aren't super cheap, but also aren't astronomically expensive. Regardless, it can be tough to find the right hotel! That's why we've made a list of some recommendations for all types of budgets.

$ Budget Friendly Hotels in Seattle (under $100)

• Green Tortoise Hostel: the only truly affordable place in Seattle that's not a nasty motel. It has shared accommodation with a common room with games, breakfast included, and free luggage storage.

$$ Mid-Range Hotel Options in Seattle ($100-200)

• Harry Potter Sweet Suites: modern and clean guest houses with a garden
• Columbia City Urban Studio: a holiday home with fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, and streaming services
• Staypineapple, Hotel FIVE: an eco-friendly hotel with a fitness center and free coffee in the afternoons

$$$ Luxury Hotels in Seattle ($300+)

• Four Seasons: has a restaurant, full spa, rooftop infinity pool, and outdoor fireplace. It's also just a few minutes walking from some of the top attractions in Seattle.
• Hotel Ballard: a boutique hotel with restaurant, 2 olympic-sized pools, hot tubs, fitness classes, and amazing views of the Olympic Mountains
• Lotte Hotel: a centrally located hotel that includes a sauna, fitness center, restaurant, and bar

Other Things to Know About Visiting Seattle for the First Time

Now you know almost all of the basics for visiting Seattle for the first time! But don't go just yet - here are a few helpful tips to know before visiting Seattle for the first time.

Weather in Seattle

Seattle is infamous for its weather, having grey skies and rainy days for the majority of the year. But don’t let that scare you off! The rain is usually more of a light drizzle than a downpour, and when I visited in May I had super sunny and warm days.

If you’re visiting Seattle for the first time, make sure you're prepared for changing weather though. Even in summer, it’s smart to have a light jacket or sweater handy in case the temperatures drop, especially at night. Winters are pretty mild compared to other parts of the U.S., but definitely pack layers no matter when you visit.

When to Visit Seattle

The best time to visit Seattle is typically between May and September when the weather is warm, dry, and perfect for exploring the incredible nature it has to offer.

Summer is peak season though, so expect bigger crowds and slightly higher prices than other times of the year. Spring and fall can be quieter (and cheaper), but pack for cooler temps and a little rain.

We visited in May, and the flowers were in bloom with warmer days on the rise. It was definitely chilly at night, but price were more affordable and overall we still had clear days!

 Packing For Visiting Seattle for the First Time

Not sure what to bring? When visiting Seattle for the first time, packing layers is key. Comfortable walking shoes are a must since downtown Seattle is super walkable but has some hills. A rain jacket or umbrella will always come in handy, and don’t forget to pack some layers for those cool Pacific Northwest evenings (even in summer!).

Here is a packing list for visiting Seattle:

• Comfortable shoes for walking around
• Light jacket or sweaters for changing weather
• Umbrella
• Bag/ Backpack that zips (check out our list of favorite backpacks for travelers!)
• Reusable water bottle (we suggest one that is insulated to hold the temperature)
• Sneakers for hiking outside the city
• Action Camera for outdoor adventures (we use the Insta 360 X3 because you can use it with an extra long selfie stick to mimic a drone)
• Chapstick
• Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
• Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
• Wide Lens for getting indoor pictures (we use Sony GM 14mm 1.8)
• Telephoto Lens to capture mountains up close (we use the Sony GM 70-200)
• Drone for cool shots out in nature outside the city (We use the DJI Mavic Mini 4 Pro)
• Power Bank (we use Anker power banks as they are super long lasting and durable)

Is Seattle Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Visiting Seattle for the first time is a fantastic experience for anyone who loves a mix of city life, history, culture, and outdoor adventure. 

Whether you’re wandering through Pike Place Market, checking out museums, or taking a day trip to the surrounding mountains, there are so many things to see in downtown Seattle and beyond. Plus, the friendly local vibe makes it that much more enjoyable.

 How Many Days Do You Need in Seattle?

If you’re visiting Seattle for the first time, you should plan for at least 2-3 days to explore the highlights of downtown. Then if you can add a few days, you can do some fun day trips. 

This will give you enough time to hit the main attractions like the Space Needle, the waterfront, and the museums, while still leaving time to enjoy some coffee shops, local eats, or even a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. Then if you give yourself a few more days, you can enjoy exploring the surrounding mountains, islands, and coastline of the area.

So are you ready for visiting Seattle for the first time? This city is such a great place to enjoy once the weather gets better, and it's definitely one for your US bucket list!

Looking for other incredible cities to experience around the country? Don't miss out on our other USA travel guides! Also, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, so that you can stay up to date with all of our newest guides and to receive exclusive content from us.

Looking to plan the perfect trip to Seattle? We're here to help! From customized itineraries to getting you the most affordable flights, Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning has got you covered. Want to learn more? Send us an email to get your free consultation!

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