22 Seattle Travel Tips (Things to Know, By a Local)

I’ve lived in Seattle for over a decade, and there are some Seattle travel tips that aren’t obvious to most travelers until you’ve set foot into the rainy city (and realized you forgot waterproof shoes – whoops!). 

Even if you’re from the US, there are certain things – from the weather and how to get around to the quirky culture and more that you’ll want a heads up about before you get to Seattle.

And that’s where I come in! I’ve written up my favorite tips people traveling to Seattle will find useful. Here’s everything you’ll want to know before you arrive in the Emerald City.  

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22 Travel Tips for Seattle

It Rains Less in Seattle Than In Florida

It may surprise you, but it’s true: there are cities in Florida that get more rain than Seattle! These places get more inches of rain on average per year (particularly when you factor in hurricane season). That said, Seattle has many more days where we get some rain, but it’s rarely a downpour or storm, and not that much by volume at all. 

Because of this, many Seattleites have distinctions for “rain.” We’ll say it’s misty, drizzling, spitting, sprinkling, light rain, not-really-raining, kinda-sorta-wettish, or any number of other classifications. But overall, the rain here typically isn’t what you might think!  

👉 Bookmark This Now! I wrote up an epic list of the 51 best Seattle activities! Bookmark it now and come back after reading this post.

Most Locals Don’t Use Umbrellas

This may seem strange for a place nicknamed “Rain City,” but there’s a practical reason for it. As I mentioned above, we get more drizzle and light rain than downpours, so rain jackets usually suffice (and if there is a downpour, it can get so windy that you’ll find your umbrella turned inside out!).

Umbrellas can also be cumbersome and take up a lot of room, so usually, it’s easier to be hands-free. Besides, most of us would rather hold onto our coffees than umbrellas.

👉 Don’t Forget to Pack: Need some good rain gear? I’ve got you! For rainboots, the L.L Bean Duck Boots are my personal favorite for dealing with all kinds of weather (snow included!) and walking through puddles with ease. For a great budget option, grab yourself these Chooka Rain Boots which are also fur-lined to keep your feet warm. As for a jacket, this one will help keep you dry!

Layer Up To Stay Comfy

The key to comfort in a place where the weather changes fast year-round? Layers. Prepare to layer up for any visit to Seattle. This is particularly useful during seasonal transitions to keep you from freezing in the morning and overheating during the day. So bring your fleeces, vests, hats, and gloves, especially if you’re sensitive to the cold. And one of my personal favorite items to have on hand? A pair of nice, warm, wool socks.

When it Snows the City Shuts Down

It doesn’t snow often in Seattle, but when it does, the city shuts down. Because it’s a rare occurrence, the city doesn’t have the infrastructure, and residents don’t have the experience to deal with it. Driving becomes dangerous, particularly on unplowed side streets, bus routes change and businesses close if employees can’t get to work. 

The best thing to do when it snows in Seattle? Simply take a quiet walk and admire the beauty around you! No one’s going anywhere anytime soon. 

That said, in the case of extreme weather, it’s always helpful to have a backup plan, particularly when it comes to your travel plans.

Coffee Really Is Everywhere

The stereotype is true: Seattleites really love coffee. You can get coffee almost anywhere you go, and it’s going to be some of the best you’ve had. You’re never far from it, whether you’re going to a small drive up for your morning drip or to an open, airy shop with plenty of seating and a wealth of creative specialty concoctions.

See my guide to the best cafes and coffee shops in Seattle.

👉 Bonus Tip: First-time visitors may fall into the trap of going to check out the original Starbucks down in Pike Place Market. I fully suggest skipping that in favor of an independent coffee shop to get a more authentic taste of Seattle. If you’re determined to do some S-Bucks tourism, check out the Starbucks Roastery instead where you can sample newer unreleased coffees, try a tasting flight, and learn more about methods of brewing. 

The ‘Seattle Freeze’ Is A Thing

The Seattle Freeze doesn’t refer to the cold – it refers to the reported antisocial and introverted nature of some Seattle residents. Don’t expect the same warmth and hospitality here as in other parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean everyone you encounter will be rude! 

Many Seattleites are friendly and will be kind to you and willing to speak, especially if you are. Seattleites are definitely more reserved and that combined with the Nordic roots of the city is where many think the “freeze” comes from. 

Covid Guidelines May Be Different Here

As the world continues to navigate the global pandemic, it’s important to stay abreast of guidelines when traveling to other places. Seattle’s current mandates dictate that people wear masks when in public indoor spaces.

Seattle restaurants and bars require patrons to show a vaccination card or evidence of a negative Covid-19 test taken within the past 72 hours if they want to dine inside. 

Know the Trash, Recycling, and Compost Rules 

Seattle is a very eco-friendly city and visitors will find many options for waste management when out and about. Most businesses allow you to sort your trash, recycling, and compost so that they don’t get fined. And in fact, a lot of restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and other places that offer to-go services are switching to compostable cutlery, straws, and plate options to further reduce waste.

We’re A Plastic Bag Free City

Don’t expect to see a lot of plastic bags floating around the city. The city of Seattle banned single-use plastic bags in 2021, so all bags must be recyclable or reusable. Grocery stores and retail spaces provide brown paper bags but charge a small fee for large ones. If you want to avoid this charge altogether, just bring your own reusable bags with you to save a few cents.

👉 Don’t Forget to Pack: Don’t want to carry around any bulky reusable bags? I recommend grabbing a set of these bags since they’re large enough to carry everything you need, but can easily fold up to fit in a pocket, purse, or wherever you want to stow them.

Go Beyond Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is the most famous Seattle farmer’s market and the one that most people flock to when visiting. It’s a great place to experience, but there are other top-rated markets in the city that visitors should check out. 

These are typically way less crowded and are in interesting, dynamic neighborhoods. A couple you should try? Go to the Fremont Sunday Market for lots of artisan-made goods or check out the West Seattle Farmers Market to pick up delicious local produce and meats to prep all your meals.

The City Is Walkable, but Hilly

Seattle is one of the most walkable cities in the country, which is great if you’re trying to avoid traffic. That said, you may get a good calf workout on most of those walks because a lot of the city is really hilly. Like San Francisco, Seattle is a city built on seven hills, which makes for some awesome views and steep climbs. Make sure you bring some comfortable shoes with you if you plan to walk the city.

👉 Read Next: How to Do Seattle on a Budget

Biker-Friendly Doesn’t Even Begin to Cover It

Cyclists rejoice! Seattle is regularly voted the most bike-friendly city in America. There are bike lanes galore within almost every neighborhood, and many bike-friendly trails within Seattle’s parks too. Wondering how bikes and Seattle’s massive hills mix? Just rent yourself an electric bike to power up those hills with ease.

There are Plenty of Public Transit Options

Public transit options abound in Seattle. City buses, the Link light rail, the monorail, streetcars, water taxis, and ferries are all options that can get you from north to south Seattle and beyond downtown with ease.

If you don’t want to wrestle with traffic, or are just trying to save money on your visit, be sure to get familiar with your many public transit options in Seattle.

👉 Bonus Tip: Download the One Bus Away app to help you navigate your way around town. It will help you figure out bus routes, how soon one is coming if there’s a delay, and where the nearest bus stop is!

Seattle Is A Very Dog-Friendly City

Spend a few minutes anywhere in the city and you’ll realize just how dog-friendly Seattle residents are. Parks, buses, bars, breweries, coffee shops, and retail spaces – most places not only allow dogs but welcome them. 

If you want to travel with your dog, Seattle is a great city to do it. Just be sure to check with staff to make sure it’s okay, and read up on the rules about off-leash areas, particularly when taking them hiking.

Every Neighborhood Has Its Own Personality

If you come to Seattle and expect to understand the culture from a single visit downtown, you’ll miss out on what makes Seattle so interesting.

Each of Seattle’s neighborhoods is distinct – from the cool and gritty Georgetown to close-knit, communal West Seattle, to young and hip Ballard and more. Visitors should plan to venture out from the more touristy zones and check out at least a few of these unique neighborhoods.

📚 Related Reading: Check out my breakdown of Where to stay in Seattle for some insight into the best neighborhoods for first-time travelers, budget travelers, families, and more!

Homelessness Is Prevalent in Some Areas

Unfortunately, the pandemic has only heightened the prevalent homeless population in Seattle (similarly to most big cities in the country). Visitors will likely encounter the population of unhoused people in places where there are many social services buildings such as Downtown, Pioneer Square, Belltown, and the U-district neighborhoods. The vast majority of the people experiencing homelessness are neither dangerous nor aggressive, so visitors shouldn’t be afraid.

Get Outside To Really Experience the Pacific Northwest

There’s a reason Seattle is called the Emerald City! Those frequent days of rain make it one of the greenest, most gorgeous places to visit in the country (especially since nearly 30% of Seattle is physically covered by trees). And Seattleites know it. Locals love to get outside and explore all this beauty and visitors should as well. 

There are a ton of city parks that make it easy to feel like you’re getting outside of the city without leaving it, along with plenty of hikes near Seattle that will help you understand why so many people come here and don’t want to leave.

👉 Bonus Tip: A car is one of the best ways to explore the outdoors in Seattle, particularly if you’re going on a hike further afield or want to spend a day at the beach. I recommend renting through Discover Cars to find the best deals on a rental, no matter how many days you need it. 

Come During the “Off Season”

Some say the summers make it worth living in Seattle year-round. While Seattle summers are glorious, the other seasons have lots to write home about too. During fall the city comes alight with beautiful foliage, beer fests, and a harvest of delicious seasonal eats. 

Spring is time for festivals, the absolute best waterfall flows, and when Seattleites “reawaken” and emerge from their houses squinting at the mostly foreign sun. Even winter, yes, the rainiest season, can be a great time to visit Seattle if you bundle up, embrace being wet and check out the museums, breweries, and other indoor activities in Seattle.

Try a Seattle Dog and Other Classic Eats

Seattle has a fantastic food scene and you can get meals of nearly every cuisine type while visiting. However, you’ll also want to try some Seattle classics – like a Seattle dog. A beef hotdog smothered in cream cheese and topped with onions may sound strange, but is in fact delicious.

Other Seattle classics? Smoked salmon, Beecher’s cheese curds, Ellenos Greek Yogurt, a greasy burger from Dicks, and the infinitely strange-looking but yummy tasting geoduck.

👉 Bonus Tip: For a truly authentic (and super cheap) Seattle dog experience, don’t get them from a restaurant. Instead, you’ll want to grab one from a street vendor. They’re typically set up outside of T-Mobile Park or Lumen Field during a sports event, and you can also find them around Cap Hill as the perfect snack to have during some late-night bar hopping.

The Best Views Aren’t From The Space Needle

Want to get a picture of the epic Seattle skyline? You won’t get it from the Space Needle. While it’s fun to go to the Seattle Center and take a few photos in front of the Space Needle, don’t ride up to the top and think you’ll get the best photos there (after all, if you do this, the Space Needle won’t actually be in your photo!). 

Instead, some of the best spots to capture a view of the skyline are from Kerry Park, Gas Works Park, Columbia Tower, West Seattle, or the water taxi and ferries from downtown. As a bonus, these are also way cheaper things to do in Seattle.

Don’t Just Stay In Seattle

Believe me, Seattle is an amazing place to visit, but if you’ve got more than a couple of days to spend here, take a day trip from Seattle to one of the many surrounding cities and small towns.

Go wine-tasting in Woodinville, visit museums and eclectic shops in Tacoma, ride the ferry to Bainbridge Island, have a picnic at one of Bellevue’s gorgeous green spaces, or travel north to Whidbey Island to see one of the most picturesque places in Washington State.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Rain

When you come to Seattle, expect at least a bit of rain. While it isn’t always raining in Seattle, it’s almost always wet. Visitors should both expect this and embrace it. In fact, when it is rainy, overcast, or a little wet out, it’s a great time to explore! If the sun is out, people flood the streets of Seattle and crowds are common. If you want a place to yourself, go there when it’s raining.

FAQs about Seattle

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Now you’re all set for your trip to Seattle! Let me know which tip was your favorite in the comments or check out another one of my articles about things to do in Washington state to keep planning your trip to the Pacific Northwest.