Seattle

[disneychrista]

I am planning a trip to Seattle for mid-May. What are must do's? Anything lesser known attractions that are must see's? Right now I have Pike Place Market, Chihuly, MoPop. I will also be visiting breweries for lunch & dinners along the way (something I do every where I visit).

Any hotel recommendations, preferably less than $250/night? I'd prefer something centrally located. Even better if walking distance (10 - 15 mins) of some of the attractions or breweries I will be visiting.

How easy is it to get around? I read that the public transportation systems in Seattle make it very easy but does it really?

Anything else I should know or plan for ?

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

I am planning a trip to Seattle for mid-May. What are must do's? Anything lesser known attractions that are must see's? Right now I have Pike Place Market, Chihuly, MoPop. I will also be visiting breweries for lunch & dinners along the way (something I do every where I visit).

I did a half day visit to Seattle recently as part of a longer trip. I am in the middle of writing my trip report so look out for that.

Starbucks hack. The tourist Starbucks at Pike Place is madness. They have switch back lines on the street outside to even enter the shop. I went to Target up the street from Pike Place. They have a small Starbucks which locals go to and they sell the Starbucks You Are Here Seattle mugs.

The Purple Shop. Yep everything purple, very cool to see and I would have bought something if I had room in my luggage.

Any hotel recommendations, preferably less than $250/night? I'd prefer something centrally located. Even better if walking distance (10 - 15 mins) of some of the attractions or breweries I will be visiting.

How easy is it to get around? I read that the public transportation systems in Seattle make it very easy but does it really?

I stayed at Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square. It is next to King Street train station which was what I needed.

I used the Metro to get to Pike Place Market and to the airport. The nearest station to King Street Train Station is International District / Chinatown. I found it very easy to use. You get the tickets at the machine before you board. I have used public transport all my life as I dont drive and I have used city metros in many countries, so YMMV.

Anything else I should know or plan for ?

Its a normal city and times are hard for many people. Like everywhere you need to be aware of personal safety and research a lot. Im used to it as I am an experienced international traveler. I was only there for about 5 hours around Pike Place Market but I did see unhoused people and the more gritty side of life. It depends on what you are used to in your day to day life. Some people feel unsafe walking from on offsite hotel to the main gates of Disneyland.

 

[DodgerGirl]

I went to Seattle when my dad went on a business trip once and we even spent a little time visiting relatives when Dad's trip was done and a good place to begin is the iconic Seattle Space Needle and the food there was amazing and is truly a good starting point. Other places I recommend there is Seattle Center which is so cool and has lots of cool stores in it too. As for shopping you might want to try the Southcenter Mall which is so neat and has a lot of stores too. As for hotels when I stayed in Seattle I stayed at a LaQuinta Inn next to the airport and that's a really wonderful hotel and you should look up this LaQuinta Inn and you'll see how great it is
Glad to be helpful and have a great time in Seattle
Dodger

 

[CynBeth]

I would also add Space Needle, aquarium, zoo, sightseeing cruise, and Mariners game. We were there years ago and stayed at a hotel right near the aquarium do not remember the name or cost but we could walk to just about everything maybe had to take a cab once or twice.