Seattle
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
The mountain is out | The mountain is out
Why visit
Go to Seattle for Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, MoPOP, Pioneer Square, coffee, ferries, music history, steep neighborhoods, and access to serious wilderness. The ferry to Bainbridge Island gives the cleanest skyline view, while Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park explain why the city keeps talking about the outdoors even when the weather is grey.
When to avoid
Seattle's reputation for rain is partly a deflection trick to keep tourists away. It does drizzle, but the bigger issue is grey overcast for months. Don't underestimate winter darkness (sunset 4:20pm in December). Downtown homelessness and street issues have grown. Some areas feel rough. Traffic on I-5 and the 520 bridge is brutal in commute hours. Avoid using a car downtown. Transit, walking, and rideshares work better. Salmon season pricing in restaurants surprises some. Tipping culture is heavier than European visitors expect.
