From its humble Native American origins, Seattle has now grown to be a thriving centre for music and enterprise as well as a charming city to visit.
Situated between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington on the West Coast, Seattle is a pleasant seaside haven. The city has a rich Native American heritage as the site where tribes settled long ago; its name comes from Chief Seattle, who was a prominent Native American leader.
Throughout the city, the skyline is dominated by snow-peaked Mount Rainier, whilst if you look up at the cityscape, you’ll see the iconic Space Needle built ahead of the 1962 World’s Fair.
Nowadays, Seattle is renowned across the globe as a centre for modern technological business, with Boeing, Starbucks, Amazon and Microsoft among the international giants based here. The city is also known for its musical heritage – it was here that grunge bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden emerged in the 1990s. Jimi Hendrix was born here, whilst Ray Charles and Quincy Jones among many others started out here on the local jazz scene. This heritage continues today, with great venues like Benaroya Hall where you can see the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Lucid in the University District where you can enjoy some jazz, or the waterfront’s Highway 99 Blues Club, home of the blues.
Although Seattle is a thriving metropolis, you’re never far from the natural world. Take a cruise across Puget Sound for a magnificent view of the cityscape. Further afield, take a 2.5-hour drive to the Olympic National Park for stunning waterfalls and hiking trails. Or head to Mount Rainier National Park, just 90 minutes east of the city.
Back in town, you’ll find shops, restaurants and bars all around. Check out the historic Pioneer Square to learn about the gold rush that made the city boom. Elsewhere, make sure that you visit Belltown, Downtown Seattle, which is always full of life, and the popular Seattle Waterfront. Try the fresh sea fare on offer by the water's edge and at Pike Place Market.
Pay a visit to the forest at Discovery Park to admire all of these spots from a new vantage point. For a different view of the city, go on Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour, which explores the sights of Seattle as it once looked. Then at the end of the day, head for Kerry Park to see the boats crossing Elliot Bay and admire the view of the Emerald City at sunset.
With great shops, bars and restaurants, as well as plenty of open green space, Downtown Seattle is a beautiful area of the city in which to pass the time.
As you stroll through the collection of urban shopping and historic homes, mix in with students rushing between classes or relaxing when their work is done.
One of Seattle’s most scenic neighborhoods, this district houses fascinating museums along the tree-lined banks of its beautiful lake.
Top hotels in Seattle
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Hyatt Regency Seattle
4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
NZ$216
per night
13 Dec. - 14 Dec.
Located in Belltown, this hotel is steps away from Seattle Central Business District and Seattle Paramount Theatre. Washington State Convention Center and Nordstrom ...…Located in Belltown, this hotel is steps away from Seattle Central Business District and Seattle Paramount Theatre. Washington State Convention Center and Nordstrom ...WWW…
4.6/5Exceptional! (798 reviews)
"As with our previous stay, this one was also exceptional, from the moment we got out of the car to check out. Staff was friendly, The Market downstairs was great for a quick, delicious breakfast before heading out, location is convenient, gym is well equipped. This hotel will definitely be our go ..."…""As with our previous stay, this one was also exceptional, from the moment we got out of the car to check out. Staff was friendly, The Market downstairs was great for a quick, delicious breakfast before heading out, location is convenient, gym is well equipped. This hotel will definitely be our go ..."WWW…"
Located in Belltown, this romantic hotel is steps away from Pier 66, Seattle Waterfront and Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66. Seattle Aquarium and Pike ...…Located in Belltown, this romantic hotel is steps away from Pier 66, Seattle Waterfront and Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66. Seattle Aquarium and Pike ...WWW…
4.3/5Excellent! (2,394 reviews)
"Awesome hotel with beautiful views of Elliott Bay."…""Awesome hotel with beautiful views of Elliott Bay."WWW…"
Located in Belltown, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Seattle Waterfront, Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Moore Theater and Pacific Science ...…Located in Belltown, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Seattle Waterfront, Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Moore Theater and Pacific Science ...WWW…
4.1/5Very Good! (5,669 reviews)
"The property was in a central location a short walk to restaurants and bars. The Belltown neighborhood is eclectic and we enjoyed our stay at the Inn."…""The property was in a central location a short walk to restaurants and bars. The Belltown neighborhood is eclectic and we enjoyed our stay at the Inn."WWW…"
Thanks to its wood paneling, ancient fir tables and locally produced food, this conference center lets you experience the beauty of Seattle even when you’re inside.
From tiny poison dart frogs to majestic lions, this award-winning zoo in Seattle gives you the opportunity to walk among the world’s most fascinating wildlife.
Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass Tickets Combo
NZ$98
Experience 2 of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks with combo tickets to the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. The Space Needle has been transformed recently with a truly one-of-a-kind, multi-level observation deck, and Chihuly Garden and Glass attracts art lovers from around the world thanks to its spectactular glass creations.
Enjoy huge savings on admission to Seattle's must-see attraction with CityPASS tickets. Take your time and enjoy each attraction, with up to 9 consecutive days to use your tickets.
Seattle Chef-Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market
NZ$85
Get the inside scoop on where Seattle's best chefs get the ingredients to prepare their spectacular dishes. Follow a chef through the city's world-famous Pike Place Market and interact with artisan vendors who offer some of the world's freshest, most flavorful seafood and produce.
Hands-on experiences, iconic artifact displays, and in-depth exhibitions dedicated to the past, the present, and the supremely cool moments of pop culture make Museum of Pop Culture a destination unlike any other.
Immerse yourself in the animal kingdom at Woodland Park Zoo, the 92-acre (37-ha) home to more than 1,100 animals and 300 species. The divided bioclimatic zones allow you to visit greater one-horned rhinos, African giraffes, and Asian small-clawed otters—among the newest residents.
Cheap lobster and geoduck. Mount Rainier National Park is so beautiful.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
1 Nov. 2019
Charming city.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
30 Sep. 2019
Boeing factory tour and Museum of Flight were great to visit.
5/5 - Excellent
SP
21 Sep. 2019
Love Seattle worth visiting.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
16 Sep. 2019
Just a short stay but visited the Boeing Factory and the Museum of Pop Culture and did a music Grunge Tour. Ate at Zig Zag restaurant at pier and Le Cantina Mexican opposite hotel. Delicious food and great service at both venues.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
15 Sep. 2019
Good city to spend a few days pottering around. Interesting sights and attractions many covered by the city pass
