Quick Guide

If you’re gearing up for an outdoorsy trip (hiking, biking, exploring the city’s parks), the summer months — June through August — are best because they’re the warmest and driest of the year.

Of course, this is also peak tourist season. Early fall (September to October) is lovely, with crisp temperatures and changing foliage (and, not to mention, fewer crowds).

Visas

Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.

Money

Currency is in U.S. dollars. ATMs are widely available. Tipping anywhere between 15 to 20 percent is standard for satisfactory customer service.

Travel Health

Refer to the Washington State Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for up-to-date information and guidance. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), located 14 miles south of downtown. Use a bus, rideshare service, car, taxi, light rail or a shuttle van to get from the airport to your final destination.

Getting Around

The best way to navigate Seattle is by car, but if you want to avoid sitting in traffic, you could rely on public transportation to get around. Consider getting an ORCA card, which allows for unlimited rides on most forms of public transit.

Local Lingo

English is the primary language spoken in Seattle. Like New York City or San Francisco, Seattle is a city of neighborhoods. Expect to hear people refer to specific neighborhoods (Capitol Hill, Ballard, etc.) when giving directions or telling you where they live.

Must-Have Apps

Uber; Lyft; OneBusAway; Seattle Tree Walks; WTA’s Trailblazer

Insider Tip

Linger over a cortado and a new hardcover at Little Oddfellows, the café inside the Elliott Bay Book Company — this beloved indie bookstore is a Seattle landmark.

If you’re gearing up for an outdoorsy trip (hiking, biking, exploring the city’s parks), the summer months — June through August — are best because they’re the warmest and driest of the year.

Of course, this is also peak tourist season. Early fall (September to October) is lovely, with crisp temperatures and changing foliage (and, not to mention, fewer crowds).

Visas

Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.

Money

Currency is in U.S. dollars. ATMs are widely available. Tipping anywhere between 15 to 20 percent is standard for satisfactory customer service.

Travel Health

Refer to the Washington State Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for up-to-date information and guidance. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), located 14 miles south of downtown. Use a bus, rideshare service, car, taxi, light rail or a shuttle van to get from the airport to your final destination.

Getting Around

The best way to navigate Seattle is by car, but if you want to avoid sitting in traffic, you could rely on public transportation to get around. Consider getting an ORCA card, which allows for unlimited rides on most forms of public transit.

Local Lingo

English is the primary language spoken in Seattle. Like New York City or San Francisco, Seattle is a city of neighborhoods. Expect to hear people refer to specific neighborhoods (Capitol Hill, Ballard, etc.) when giving directions or telling you where they live.

Must-Have Apps

Uber; Lyft; OneBusAway; Seattle Tree Walks; WTA’s Trailblazer

Insider Tip

Linger over a cortado and a new hardcover at Little Oddfellows, the café inside the Elliott Bay Book Company — this beloved indie bookstore is a Seattle landmark.