Nuts-and-bolts information to plan your trip, plus a checklist of essentials to include when you pack.
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Planning:
Entry Requirements: International travelers from 27 countries may enter the U.S without a visa through the Visa Waiver Program; however, you must have a machine-readable passport. Visitors from other countries must obtain a visa from an American embassy or consulate abroad. For more information, visit http://travel.state.gov/.
Security: Seattle is generally safe, but, like all big cities, it’s still best to be cautious. Keep your wallet and shopping bags close, and don’t leave valuables in the car. Avoid late-night strolls in the Central District or through the parking lots underneath the Alaskan Way crossover. Pioneer Square, loaded with nightclubs, can also be dangerous late at night.
Time: Seattle is three hours behind U.S. eastern standard time.
Money: The currency of Seattle is the U.S. dollar. For current conversion rates go to OANDA Currency Converter: www.oanda.com/convert/classic.
Phone Calls:The area code for Seattle is 206. For phone calls to Seattle from within the U.S., dial 1 + 206 + seven-digit phone number. For phone calls from outside the U.S., dial your country’s international access code + 1 + 206 + seven-digit phone number. In Seattle, local calls from a pay phone cost 50 cents.
When to Go: Seattle earns its rainy reputation October through May with regular drizzle or occasional downpours. Winter temperatures average in the mid 40s F (7-10°C). Summer months bring drier conditions and mild temperatures (75-85°F or 24-29°C).
Getting There: Twenty-six airlines offer service through the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), located about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Seattle, off Interstate 5.
Getting Around: Traffic plagues Seattle, and parking can be difficult to find. But the city is walker friendly, and the Metro Transit bus system is efficient and easy to use. Buses are free throughout the downtown corridor—from Battery Street on the north end to South Jackson Street on the south, and from the waterfront east to Sixth Avenue—6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The Seattle Monorail operates on an elevated one-mile (1.6-kilometer) track between downtown’s Westlake Center Mall (at Fifth Avenue and Pine Street) and Seattle Center. The Washington State ferry system provides walk- or drive-on daily service across Puget Sound from piers 50 and 52.
Checklist:
Tips: “Expect that it will rain, and don’t let that mess up your plans. We don’t.”—Seattle native Sally Farhat Kassab, editor, Northwest Best Places. Bring layers—thanks to Seattle’s location in a convergence zone, weather can change quickly.
Raincoat: Pack a waterproof jacket with a hood, and plan to wear it often.
Hat, Gloves, and Scarf: While it rarely snows or gets below freezing in the winter, you’ll still want a warm coat, hat, and gloves as winds can be strong and chilling. Take note: It can be much colder on Puget Sound, so if you plan to take a ferry ride, bundle up.
Walking Shoes: Seattle is a very walkable city. Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steep hills and lots of stairs.
Athletic Wear: Seattleites are outdoor lovers, and to truly experience the city you’ll want to hike, bike, or kayak in some of the city’s many parks. Bring quick-dry, comfortable athletic clothes, and tennis shoes. Skiers and snowboarders will also want to bring appropriate gear—it’s an easy day trip from Seattle to the slopes.
Casual Attire: “Be prepared: almost everything in Seattle is super-casual,” says Sally Farhat Kassab. “But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style.” Few events or restaurants require more than business casual attire.
Shorts and T-shirts: In the summer, shorts and T-shirts are the city’s uniform. But throw in a pair of jeans and a light jacket for cool nights.
Boat Shoes: A visit to Seattle isn’t complete without a boat ride, whether it’s a cruise on Puget Sound or a kayak excursion on Lake Union. Bring shoes with non-scuffing soles, or water shoes.
