Seattle

United States

- Seattle is a vibrant city known for its stunning natural beauty, including mountains, water, and evergreen forests. It offers a rich cultural scene with iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, diverse neighborhoods, and a thriving food and coffee culture.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days
Budget$100/day
Mid-range$250/day
Luxury$750/day

Known For

Emerald CitySea-TacPuget SoundPacific NorthwestWashington StateCascadia

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington
CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)
LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian
Phone Code+1
Electricity120V (Type A, B)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
  • )
  • Restaurant waitstaff: 15
  • 20% of the bill
  • Bar staff: $1
  • 2 per drink or 15
  • 20% of the bill
  • Taxi drivers: 15
  • 20% of the fare
  • Hotel housekeepers: $2
  • 5 per day

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available
  • Credit cards are widely accepted
  • Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
  • No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
  • Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
  • Punctuality for appointments is expected
  • Personal space is generally respected
  • Shaking hands is a common greeting
  • Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
  • It is common to make small talk with strangers
  • "Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 21
  • Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
  • Federal law prohibits marijuana use
  • Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
  • Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
  • Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)
YesYes (YES)
HelloHello (huh-LOH)
PleasePlease (PLEEZ)
Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)
Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

Seattle's climate is influenced by its Puget Sound location and proximity to the Cascade Mountains, creating a marine oceanic climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Pike Place Chowder must_try

A classic Seattle food experience, this rich and creamy clam chowder is a staple, especially for seafood lovers. Pike Place Chowder is widely regarded

The Seattle Dog street_food

A unique street food originating in Seattle, this hot dog is often grilled and served in a toasted bun, topped with cream cheese and sometimes onions

Oysters regional_speciality

Given Seattle's proximity to the coast and saltwater, fresh oysters are a regional specialty, often served raw with a mignonette. Kumamoto oysters are

Pho regional_speciality

Seattle has a significant Vietnamese population, making the city renowned for its Vietnamese cuisine, particularly the savory, aromatic broth and beef

Teriyaki fusion

Seattle is famed for its particular style of teriyaki, a Japanese-American fusion dish that features grilled meat (chicken or beef) glazed with a swee

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Dining at High-Demand Restaurants (e.g., Copine, Tilth, Bourbon Steak Seattle) Dining
Book 1–3 months in advance

Seattle's top fine dining restaurants often have limited seating and reservations, particularly for weekend dinner times, are highly competitive.

Ferry Reservations (e.g., to Bainbridge Island or Vashon Island) Transport
Book 1 week to 3 months in advance

While walk-on spots are usually available, vehicle reservations for Washington State Ferries, especially during peak travel times and holidays, sell out quickly and are highly recommended.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket Attraction
Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Booking a combination ticket and selecting a specific entry time ensures access to two of Seattle's most popular attractions without long wait times, especially during peak season.

Underground History Tour tour_or_activity
Book 1–4 weeks in advance

This popular tour has limited capacity for each time slot and often sells out, particularly during the summer and on weekends.

Fun Facts

Ready to explore Seattle?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip