Guide · 2 Places
Seattle
United States
Before You Go
June to September offers the best weather with temperatures from 18-26°C (64-79°F) and minimal rain. Summer is beautiful with long days and outdoor festivals. October to May is the rainy season with frequent drizzle but mild temperatures (5-15°C). Spring brings cherry blossoms.
Visa
Check requirementsInternational visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries can stay up to 90 days without a visa (requires ESTA authorization). Others need a B-2 tourist visa. Verify at travel.state.gov.
Getting There
TransportationBy Air: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is 14 miles south of downtown.
By Train: Amtrak Cascades connects to Portland (3.5 hours) and Vancouver BC (4 hours).
By Car: I-5 runs north-south. Driving from Portland (3 hours) or Vancouver (3 hours).
By Ferry: Washington State Ferries connect to islands and Olympic Peninsula.
Language
CommunicationEnglish is the primary language. Seattle is multicultural but English is universal.
Currency
Money mattersUS Dollar (USD). Cards accepted everywhere. ATMs widely available. Tipping: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink, 15-20% for rideshare.
Getting Around
Local transportLight Rail: Link connects airport to downtown, Capitol Hill, University District (single ride $2.25-3.50).
Buses: King County Metro extensive network (same fares).
Streetcar: Two lines in downtown/Capitol Hill.
Monorail: Downtown to Seattle Center ($3).
Uber/Lyft: Widely available ($15-30 for most trips).
Walking: Downtown, Pike Place, Capitol Hill very walkable. Hilly terrain.
Ferries: Part of commute for some, scenic for tourists.
From the Airport
Arrival infoLink Light Rail: Direct to downtown (38 min, $3).
Uber/Lyft: $40-60 to downtown (25-45 min depending on traffic).
Taxi: Around $50-65 to downtown.
Shuttle: Shared services ($20-30 per person).
Restaurants and Food
Communion
Pacific Northwest fine dining on Capitol Hill. Chef Kristi Brown's seasonal tasting menus.