Seattle
Seattle, the city of Washington, has featured in multiple famous TV shows and films. This iconic city is famed for. Regarded as ‘Emerald City’ for its evergreen trees, this city holds character. Its market at Pike Place, is one of the longest-running farmers markets in America.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 911
- Language: English
- Currency: US Dollar
- Country Code: US
- Travel Visa:ESTA (click here for more info)
- Population: 744,955
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 911.
Tourist Offices
Travelling Around
Seattle is easy to navigate, featuring numerous way to explore its fascinating landmarks. The Link Light Rail takes you downtown, with 14 stop that are dotted around the city. Seattle Streetcars are another popular choice, connecting Seattle’s vibrant downtown to the shops and restaurants. A handy tip, ORCA Cards are great to use on rail, bus or streetcar choices, perfect for hoping across the city.
Airports
Train Stations
Seattle Safety
Seattle Safety
What are some safety tips I should know?
Be alert at all times and be aware of your surroundings. Take the usual safety precautions so you do not become a targets for pickpockets. Don’t put your wallet or mobile phone in your back pocket. Put any valuables items in a dark colour shopping bag when going out to avoid attention.
How can I keep up with the local news?
Seattle has local news outlets. Click the text below to visit their website.
Are there any areas to avoid?
The area from South Dearborn Street to Yesler Way is not a good place to travel on your own.
The area surrounding Pike and Pine streets ranks high for violent crime after dark and is not the kind of area where you want to be caught cutting through an alley in the middle of the night.
The corridor between Lake Washington and Puget Sound has a high incidence of violent crimes so it is a good idea to not walk on your own at night in this area.
What are the common crimes?
The common crimes for this area are assaults and robberies. There is also high levels in some areas of violent crimes however by staying safe and not going through the areas which are best avoided.
If alone, use the the number of local and trusted taxi numbers (your hotel should be able to provide you with trusted taxi numbers), as well as the number of the local police force in chance you need it.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Seattle Events
Seattle International Film Festival
Since 1976, Seattle has hosted their International Film Festival, celebrating the success of the creative arts. With the aim of bringing people together, this festival is home to over 40o features of short films, documentaries and feature films.
Seattle Mariners
Catch a game of baseball watching the the city’s iconic team. Check out their website to see who they are playing, you might be in for an exciting game.
Seattle Pride
Annually celebrated in June, Seattle Pride is the host of celebrating the LGBTQ+ Community with fun-filled events. This long-standing event began in 1974, and is now the fourth biggest in America. Attracting 500,000 people, Seattle Pride is an inspiring experience.
Seattle Highlights
Seattle Highlights
What are the key highlights?
Seattle Aquarium
As the ninth largest aquarium in the U.S. by attendance and among the top five paid visitor attractions in the Puget Sound region. There are many exhibitions including Window on Washington Waters, Life on the Edge, Pacific Coral Reef, Birds & Shores, the Underwater Dome and Marine Mammals. It is a fantastic day out and is a great day out for everyone!Seattle Art Museum
Whilst exploring the city, be sure to visit the 3 separate art museums- Olympic Sculpture Park, the Seattle Art Museum and the Asian Art Museum. These collections of museums are a must for art lovers and enthusiasts! It makes for a great day exploring the vibrant culture the city has to offer. With regular changes in exhibitions provide visitors with something new to view every time!Kerry Park
Making a perfect picnic spot, Kerry Park covers 1.26 acres. With picturesque views, the park may provide a familiar feeling. As a popular filming spot, the park has featured as the opening scene in the 1999 film ‘10 Things I Hate about You.’ So, for an iconic viewing of Seattle, make sure to go see Kerry Park.Where else should I visit?
The Museum of Flight
The museum of flight is a great museum to visit whilst in the city. With more than 150 historic air- and spacecraft and related artefacts, this museum makes for a unique and inspiring experience. The Museum of Flight showcases its collection of more than 150 historic air- and spacecraft and related artefacts in unique and inspiring exhibits. It is a fascinating museum and is well worth a visit.The Seattle Great Wheel
Since 2012, the Seattle Great Wheel has become an icon of the city and a destination for tourists and locals alike. The Wheel weighs 280,300 pounds. The Seattle Great Wheel is the largest observation wheel on the west coast, standing 175 feet tall. It is a real treat to see Seattle from a different angle and is a great activity to do whilst visiting Seattle.Bill Gates’ house
For some serious motivation, head to the east shore of Lake Washington in the town of Medina to see Bill Gates’ house. Covering approximately 66,000 square feet. The architecture team was Bohlin Cywniski Jackson | James Cutler Architects. The lead designers were Peter Bohlin and Jim Cutler. It is a must see attraction when visiting Seattle and although it is a slight drive away from Seattle it is well worth the drive.Does the city have any iconic attractions?
Space Needle
Taking just 41 seconds to reach 520 feet, the space needle allows visitors to take a different and brilliant view of Seattle. It has an observation deck at 520 ft (160 m) and a gift shop with the rotating SkyCity restaurant at 500 ft (150 m).[7] From the top of the Needle, one can see not only the downtown Seattle skyline but also the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliott Bay, and surrounding islands. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions and well worth visiting.
Columbia Tower Observation Deck
The observatory is an observation deck on the 73rd floor of Columbia Tower, at 701 Fifth Avenue, which offers views of Seattle and environs, along with a Starbucks coffee shop. The observatory offers visitors a 360% degree panoramic view of the city.Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room
For all the coffee lover a visit to the original Starbucks is an absolute must to visit! Opened store the first Starbucks in 1971 in the Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle. The original Starbucks is a great attraction to go and visit and to have a cup of coffee!
