Seattle Travel Guide

Seattle – also called Emerald City

Seattle is located about 100 miles south of the Canadian border on the west coast of the United States. It is a beautiful and lush city located between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. There are many park areas and the city is surrounded by mountains and forests.

No matter where you are in Seattle, the water is never far away. Puget Sound lies to the west, Lake Washington to the east, and to the north is Lake Union, whose eye-catching floating houseboats were made famous in the movie “Sleepless in Seattle.”

Seattle is commonly known for its cloudy weather. But when the sun comes out, the spectacular beauty of water, forests and distant mountains combine to make Seattle one of the most stunning cities in the United States.

Seattle downtown

Classic architecture, green public squares and wide streets make exploring downtown Seattle a fun experience. See some of Seattle’s oldest buildings in Pioneer Square or experience stunning views of the city in the Smith Tower on the 35th floor observation deck.

A distinctive feature of downtown is the Seattle waterfront, which is famous for dining and seafood restaurants. Many ferries depart regularly, so hop aboard for a unique view of the city. Container ships and cruise ships also share these waterways, and the bustling port is a constant reminder of Seattle’s maritime heritage.

Seattle has been home to many world-famous bands, and there are plenty of opportunities to experience live music. You can also find a variety of bars and nightclubs that party into the early hours.

Seattle attractions

Seattle Center is home to the Pacific Science Center and the popular International Fountain. Seattle’s most famous landmark, the Space Needle, is also located here. From the 160 meter high observation deck you have a fantastic view of the city. If the weather is clear you can see all the way to Mount Rainier, which on a clear day can be seen from all parts of the city.

At the lively Pike Place Market you can taste and buy the freshest fish from the north Pacific Ocean. In addition, you can have a chat with local producers who harvest and sell their goods. The market has many bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. Near the market you will also find America’s first Starbucks store.

North of Seattle is the popular Woodland Park Zoo. It is home to more than a thousand animals and birds ranging from the African savannah to tropical forests.

Located at Boeing Field, about a 15-minute drive from downtown, is the Seattle Museum of Flights. This amazing museum displays airplanes and spacecrafts from the very first airplanes to very modern jets.

To experience the most famous view of Seattle, head over to Kerry Park on the south side of Queen Anne Hill. The park is not far from Seattle Center and is the perfect place to see the famous Space Needle in all its glory. Especially when the sun goes down.

Seattle is surrounded by mountains, nature, and beaches

Mount Rainier National Park has hundreds of miles of hiking trails which lead through a variety of landscapes. The ancient Grove of Patriarchs is home to giant trees up to 1000 years old. The raised boardwalk makes it one of the easiest walks in the park. If you don’t feel like walking, there are several scenic drives, including one that circles the mountain itself.

Olympic National Park is just a few hours’ drive west of Seattle. Here, the beautiful Hoh Rainforest is like entering another world, where moss and lichen grow on every surface

Alki Beach in West Seattle is a great place to enjoy the warmer weather. On sunny days, locals enjoy the long beach, relaxed parkland, and spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Ruby Beach is located west of Seattle and is probably Washington State’s most scenic beach.

Whether you’re exploring nature or the city, what makes Seattle so special is the incredible variety of experiences and fun you’ll find in and around this amazing city.

Enjoy your trip to Seattle!