23 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Seattle

These 23 travel tips are what I wish I knew before visiting Seattle. Hopefully these travel tips will help you from making some of my mistakes when traveling through Seattle!

DISCLAIMER: I only express my opinion based on my experience. Your experience may be different. Links above may include affiliate commission or referrals. I'm part of an affiliate network and I receive compensation from partnering websites. This video is accurate as of the posting date but may not be accurate in the future.

[chrisallen]

Lol, as a local watching this who regularly shops at Pike Place, this made me laugh. It's a gem and I'll continue shopping there. There's no way you could even come close to seeing everything that market has to offer unless you've been there dozens of times. I've lived here for over two years and still run into new spots at Pike Place. In fact, I'll be grabbing lunch there tomorrow.

But thank your for saying this. Maybe it'll keep some tourists away!

[chnalvr]

As a Seattle local of 20 years, I have another recommendation for best view of the city. Go downtown to the Columbia Tower, which is the tallest building in Seattle. Take the elevator up to the Starbucks and you will get stunning views. Continue going up to the observation deck that costs around $28.00 and you will find incredible views, higher than the Space Needle, more affordable and usually less crowded.

[tinakoyama]

As a Seattle native, I'm impressed that you almost nailed it. As others have pointed out, lots of locals shop at the Pike Place Market -- but we arrive early and leave before all you tourists show up 😉. Thanks for the tip about Milstead! That was off my radar!

[DavidMiller-vshk]

You're wrong about Pike Place Market. Most locals go there for fresh fish and fresh flowers and food. Tourists would not be buying fish or flowers. What would they do with them? I agree about the original Starbucks. That's a tourist trap.

[ScottFerence]

I’ve seen others mention it already and I’ve seen you correct your comment but just wanted to chime in as well that as a local of 25 yrs, we frequently go shopping there before the prices on meat (there is a butcher there) and veggies (a number of stands) is a lot better then in stores. We also go to the tea shop often and a number of the other shops. Yes, there are a ton of touristy shops in there but… did you know that Pike Place is also its own neighborhood? There are actually rent controlled apartments above Pike Place so people actually LIVE there. There is a barber shop and nurse. So Pike Place is A LOT more than just a tourist trap.

Also… best view of downtown is not from the baseball field. It’s actually from Kerry Park in Queen Anne. That is the absolutely stop to get your quintessential pic of downtown.

[marcusburns]

I live just outside of Seattle and I am really impressed with how you really presented great alternatives to the Space Needle and other touristy spots. I especially loved how you gave away the pro tip of buying ten dollar tickets on family nights and sitting on the south end of T-Mobile Park on the 300 level. One idea for those who might want to still see Pike Place Market is to go early in the morning when the vendors are setting up. There are no throwing fish, but seeing the market early in the morning with the sun coming up on the Olympic Mountains is fantastic. Great job, Camden.

[karenw]

Thanks for doing a video on Seattle! As a jaded native and lifelong resident it was fun to watch! I love living here but think of it as very meh for tourists. But if you're here anyway you mentioned some great places! I'll add my voice to the choir saying I go to Pike Place all the time for some of the best specialty shops and restaurants. But you're right, avoid the first Starbucks and some other overrated places. Go around 10 on a weekday (not peak summer) and it's pleasantly devoid of tourists. So many yummy treats to enjoy while taking in the views. Good thing for all those hills to walk afterward :) Great tip about the Mariner's game but I agree with others that Kerry Park is *the* view. Love the locks! But find Golden Gardens SO crowded! Not with tourists but still a lot of people. Try the beach at Discovery park! Has an amazing view of Rainier. IMO the best part of Seattle is the surrounding nature - Mt. Rainier, skiing, San Juans, even Snoqualmie falls.

[TheZzzleep...]

For people who won't have a car I recommend staying near a light rail station such as downtown, Capitol Hill, U District, Roosevelt or Northgate. The sytem is underground there so very quick point A to B transit. Also solves the hilly city problem since the train is climbing the hills for you.

[davidcelliott]

I miss the Ducks (amphibious busses). I know they were touristy, but whenever friends and family came to visit, we would take the tour and it was very fun.

[matthowe]

I was an international student living in the university district for 2 years many years ago. Watching this just made me remember so many cherished memories, thank you, Seattle, among the best 2 years of my life! And oh yes, there is so much more outside Seattle!

[chapelhill]

I lived in Seattle for 7yrs. YES, locals also love Pike Plack Mkt. Great Seafood, Flowers and Artisans.. and a fun energy..

[julietwochholz]

If you love theater - I recently learned that Seattle is the #3 city for having the most live theater after NY and Chicago. There is always a great performance happening someplace, as well as great music in local bars. There are also some very cool museums - like The National Nordic Museum, MOPOP and one I need to try, The Museum of Illusions. (Sadly, the Computer Museum closed during COVID - it was really cool.)

[eric_d]

I'm local and I DO go to Pike Place Market. I don't do actual grocery shopping, but I visit the specialty stores (Tea) and restaurants, and just generally enjoy the great vibe !

[stevenhensel]

I live in downtown Seattle and we and our neighbors regularly shop at Pike Place Market. Yes there are MANY tourists there it is the heart and soul of this great city. Also the amazing new waterfront park is opening in July, not to be missed and its free!

[mishmc-og]

As other locals have said, Pike Place Market is a must see but go early, and the New Overlook walk has incredible views! One park I don’t see mentioned in the vid or comments is Kerry Park-I promise this is actually the best view in Seattle. I tell ppl it’s the “Fraiser” view. GG, Gasworks, Alki, Ballard Locks, Discovery Park all worth your while, and ofc leave the city to check out Bainbridge (& Bloedel Reserve!), San Juan Islands, Whidbey Island, Snoqualmie Falls & North Bend, Woodinville for wine tasting, Diablo Lake in the North Cascades, Rainier to the south. Maybe plan a month visit 😂

[patjandl]

I live in Seattle and we DO go to Pike Place Market. We buy seafood, bread, produce there. We had a routine with our children to visit various stands for doughnuts and gizzards. The gum wall used to be interesting by is now way over done. Other great stops are Rachel's Ginger Beer and the Alibi Room (for great pizza) You are correct on the Pike Place Starbucks. I also love the Fremont Troll. You missed riding a ferry to Bainbridge Island and visiting Discovery Park which is very close to the Ballard Locks. The new waterfront is a must see as well.

[matthewmartin]

Agree with other locals about Pike Place; many locals shop there. You made a good point at the end about all the other great non-Seattle stuff to explore. You could use Seattle as your home base I guess and visit the San Juans, the peninsula, the Cascades, etc... WA state is pretty awesome, and Eastern WA has some amazing and interesting places too!

[BoschVoyage]

Mariners game for the view: Best advice on here by far!

[pjchacon]

Seattlelites do go to Pike Place Market. Yes, it is very touristy, but by no means is it only a tourists' place. And you are right about budgeting time to explore all the nature outside Seattle. People who are into nature will love that more than Seattle itself. The Olympic Peninsula National Park is spectacular, and ideal for a weekend trip. Then, the Hood Canal (spoiler alert, it is not a canal, but a fjord) is a hidden gem and so close to Seattle. Seabeck, one of the little communities on its shores, is only 1.5 hours from Seattle. One hour of the trip is spent relaxing onboard a ferry, enjoying amazing views of the Seattle skyline, nature, and the ocasional orca. And these are only two examples. There is so much more across Washington state.

[nubreed]

While I don't really care about the space needle itself Seattle center is a hub of cultural events year round. No matter what weekend it is there's usually some sort of festival going on there.