Seattle
Seattle blends stunning Pacific Northwest scenery, world-class food markets, and a thriving arts scene without demanding the prices of San Francisco or New York. Free parks, iconic public markets, and a robust transit system make it surprisingly accessible for budget-minded travelers.
Why go to Seattle
Pike Place Market
Watch fishmongers hurl salmon at the country's oldest continuously operated public market, packed with local produce, flowers, and street performers.
Space Needle
The city's iconic 605-foot tower offers jaw-dropping 360° views of Puget Sound, the Cascades, and Mount Rainier from its revolving glass floor.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
An otherworldly exhibition of Dale Chihuly's massive, luminous glass sculptures set against the backdrop of the Space Needle.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
An immersive shrine to music, sci-fi, and pop culture housed in Frank Gehry's wildly sculptural building at Seattle Center.
Olympic Sculpture Park
A free, sweeping nine-acre outdoor museum on the waterfront featuring monumental works by Calder, Serra, and more.
Make it real
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Good to know in Seattle
- King County Metro buses and Link Light Rail are $2.75-3.25 per ride; buy an ORCA card to save on transfers and avoid cash fumbling across bus and rail lines.
- Tipping 18-20% is standard at sit-down restaurants; tip screens at counter-service spots are common but optional, 0-10% is fine for a drip coffee.
- Seattle tap water comes from the Cascades and is consistently ranked among the cleanest in the US, carry a reusable bottle and skip buying water entirely.
- The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) offers free First Thursday admission the first Thursday of each month, and the Olympic Sculpture Park is always free year-round.