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Thompson Seattle Hotel Seattle Washington
Courtesy Thompson Seattle

Seattle Travel Guide

Seattle doesn’t really care what you think of it—the weather, the coffee, the flying fish. It’s heard it all before. The Emerald City prefers to keep a low profile, like a celebrity (say Bill Gates) living in the suburbs, but we can’t help but call it out. You need to know the truth: It’s one of the best cities in the U.S. for foodies (the holy seafood trifecta—Dungeness crab, wild salmon, and oysters—is totally local!); it has a lively indie music scene that has nothing to do with grunge; and, framed by Elliot Bay and snow-capped Mount Rainier, it’s got to be one of the prettiest in the country. 

Plan Your Seattle Trip

From Beer Halls to Bakeries, Where to Find Seattle’s Scandinavian Influences
Seattle's Ballard neighborhood has a surprising Nordic influence.
These Century-Old Businesses Define Seattle's Japantown
The neighborhood remains vibrant 80 years after the Japanese Internment.
15 Best Hotels in Seattle
Where to cozy up in the Pacific Northwest.
Urban Wine Trails Are Popping Up Across the U.S., from Seattle to Brooklyn
Bucolic vineyards are nice and all, but city wineries and tasting rooms have a charm of their own.
The Most Beautiful Places in the Pacific Northwest
All the misty beaches and wooded mountains you could ever want.

More from Seattle

Places to Stay
The Best Airbnbs in Seattle for Solo Trips, Family Stays, and More
Views of Mount Rainier are in your future.
News & Advice
Where to Watch the Seattle Pride Parade–and the Best Events to Hit All Month Long
The sheer quantity of events and the size of Seattle’s community also means there’s something for people of every stripe on the Progress Pride flag.
Air Travel
The AmEx Centurion Lounge at Seattle's Airport Just Got a Huge Upgrade
The renovation added a soul food buffet, a barista-helmed coffee bar, and 5,000 square feet of additional space. 
Train Journeys
Amtrak Is Restarting One of Its Most Scenic Routes Just in Time for Fall Getaways
The Amtrak Cascades, which winds through the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, has been paused since 2020.
News & Advice
The Weekend Guide: Sculpture Gardens, Kayak Rides, and Shellfish in Seattle
Dive into the best of the Emerald City with three days of seafood and stunning art on the shores of Puget Sound.
Destinations
How to Support Small Business in Seattle During COVID-19
From calling reps to streaming live shows, here’s how to help this hard-hit city.
News & Advice
Seattle's Biggest Musicians Are Playing Free Online Concerts to Keep Spirits Up
From Death Cab for Cutie to Brandi Carlile, these acts won't let coronavirus stop the music.
Islands & Beaches
What to Eat on Your Next Trip to Washington's Orcas Island
Local chef Jay Blackinton spills on his favorite flavors from across the island.
Destinations
What to Do in Seattle This Spring
Here's what's happening in the city in April, May, and June 2019.
News & Advice
BMW's Rideshare App Is the Newest Way to Get Around Seattle
ReachNow combines ride-hailing and car rentals in one app.
Destinations
Beyond the Basics: Seattle
Plan your trip to Seattle with Condé Nast Traveler’s guide to the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do.
Inspiration
Recap: Anthony Bourdain's 'Parts Unknown' Visits Seattle
In this week's episode, Bourdain talks sex, drugs, and serial killers in the Emerald City.
Inspiration
Seattle Only Second U.S. City Named a UNESCO City of Literature
The city joins the ranks of Dublin, Milan, and Edinburgh.
News & Advice
Seattle's Space Needle Is Getting a Glass-Floored Dining Room
This is the third renovation since the Needle's opening at the 1962 World's Fair.
Sponsored Content
Why You Should Be Planning a Food Crawl in Seattle
Trust on this, Seattle has got as much (maybe even more?) culinary cred as its much-hyped sister city, Portland.