Link light rail → Downtown
From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), light rail runs to Downtown stations without changes.
Korean MOFA travel advisory: Level 1 (exercise caution) — whole country
checked 2026-10-01 · Details ↗ This is the Korean government’s advisory — also check your own government’s travel advice.
Seattle Travel Guide
A Pacific Northwest port city framed by sea, lakes and snowy Mount Rainier. Enjoy a historic public market, coffee culture, an observation tower and ferry rides, with national parks within day-trip range.
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Lowest fare: Seoul (ICN) → Seattle
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At a glance
- Currency
- USD ($)
- Power & plugs
- 120V · Type A/B
- Driving side
- Right
- Tipping
- Expected (usually 15–20%)
- Local language
- English
- How long to stay
- 4 to 5 days (with national parks)
Emergency numbers
When to go
June-September is the sunniest and driest. October-May is often cloudy with drizzle, and winters are cool with short days.
Airport to the city
Taxi or ride-hailing
Board at the designated area in the airport garage — handy with luggage or late at night.
Flights from further afield
Flights vary by airline and season. Check airline schedules, and for connecting flights compare stopovers, total travel time and where you clear US immigration.
Getting around
Link light rail
Runs north-south linking the airport, Downtown and the university district. Check official information on payment.
Buses
Cover the whole city, using the same transit card as light rail.
Monorail
Links Downtown and Seattle Center (by the observation tower) in minutes.
Ferries
Ferries from the waterfront terminal go to Bainbridge Island and more — great city views from the water.
Rental car
Easiest for Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park and other day trips. Mountain roads may close seasonally.
Where to stay
Downtown & Pike Place
Good for: First visit, transport
Close to the market, waterfront and light rail, with many hotels.
Belltown & Seattle Center
Good for: Sights, dining
Near the observation tower and parks, with plenty of restaurants and bars.
Capitol Hill
Good for: Cafés, nightlife
A lively neighborhood of cafés, bars and live venues, with a light rail station.
Fremont & Ballard
Good for: Local vibe, slower pace
Characterful northern neighborhoods with canals, parks and weekend markets — quieter stays.
Map of stays in Seattle
Compare prices from many booking sites on the map
Search stays in Seattle in the appMap & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site
Top sights
Pike Place Market
A public market over 100 years old, with fish stalls, flowers, produce and crafts, and quick bites. Mornings are quieter.
Space Needle & Seattle Center
Seattle's iconic observation tower and the surrounding parks and cultural venues; best on clear days.
Kerry Park viewpoint
A small park on Queen Anne Hill with the skyline and Mount Rainier in one view.
Waterfront & ferries
Walk the renewed waterfront promenade and ride a ferry to Bainbridge Island to see the city from the water.
Ballard Locks
Canal locks where boats change water levels; from summer into early fall (roughly July-September, peaking around August), watch salmon climb the fish ladder.
Discovery Park
A large natural park in the city with forest trails, beaches and a lighthouse.
Pioneer Square
The historic core with brick buildings; tours explore the old city underground.
Mount Rainier National Park day trip
A glaciated volcano with summer wildflower meadows, about 2-3 hours by car. Check official information on entry and road closures.
What to eat
Clam chowder
Creamy clam soup, perfect on a rainy day. About US$8-15.
Pacific salmon
The Northwest's signature fish, grilled or smoked. Restaurant dishes about US$30-45.
Oysters & Dungeness crab
Try local oysters and crab; many places charge market price, so check first.
Coffee
A city with a strong coffee culture and lots of neighborhood cafés. About US$4-7 a cup.
Seattle-style teriyaki
Grilled chicken over rice with a sweet sauce, a local everyday favorite. About US$12-18.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout US$130-190 per day: hostel, food halls, public transport
Mid-rangeabout US$300-450 per day: city hotel, observation deck, restaurants
Comfortabout US$900+ per day: luxury hotel, private tours
Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Light rail to Downtown, check in, a waterfront walk, then seafood for dinner.
- Day 2
Pike Place Market in the morning, monorail to Seattle Center and the tower, then Kerry Park at night.
- Day 3
Mount Rainier National Park day trip (tour or rental car).
- Day 4
Ballard Locks and Fremont, a ferry to Bainbridge Island in the afternoon, then the airport.
Local tips
- Drizzle is common from autumn to spring; a waterproof jacket beats an umbrella.
- Tipping is customary for restaurants, taxis and hotel services; restaurants usually about 15-20% of the bill.
- Shelf prices often exclude sales tax, which is added at checkout.
- The city is hilly; wear comfortable shoes.
- National park entry and road closures vary by season — check official information before you go.
- Check official US government information on ESTA or visas you may need before you travel.
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