Seattle

Welcome to Seattle

A Brief History of Seattle

Seattle, the city of the Pacific Northwest, was founded on November 13, 1851, by the Denny Party. Over the years, the city was influenced by diverse cultures, leading to the evolution of a unique blend of lifestyle and traditions.

Famed for its booming economy in the late 19th century, it was the Klondike Gold Rush that truly put Seattle on the map. In the 20th century, the city saw significant growth in sectors like aerospace, technology, and music, with the rise of companies such as Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, and the advent of the Grunge music era.

FAQ for Seattle

What is the best way to get there?

The best way to get to Seattle is by air, landing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which is well-connected globally. Alternatively, you can also reach Seattle by train, bus, or car.

What is Seattle famous for?

Seattle is famous for its stunning natural beauty, iconic Space Needle, coffee culture, vibrant arts scene, Pike Place Market, tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, and its music, particularly grunge.

What are five interesting facts about Seattle?

1. Seattle is known as the "Emerald City" because of its lush evergreen forests.
2. The city is home to the first-ever Starbucks store, opened in 1971 at Pike Place Market.
3. Seattle's residents buy more sunglasses per capita than any other U.S. city.
4. The city has the highest percentage of residents with a college degree or higher.
5. The famous Space Needle was built for the 1962 World's Fair.

How did Seattle get its name?

Seattle is named after Chief Sealth, a leader of the local Duwamish and Suquamish tribes, who had a good rapport with the early settlers.

What are some travel tips for Seattle?

Do not miss out on exploring the city’s parks, markets, museums, and coffee shops. Always carry a raincoat, as the city is known for its rainy weather. Public transport is good, so consider using it to get around the city. Also, try local cuisine like clam chowder and salmon dishes.

Do I need a visa?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Most international travellers will need a visa or an ESTA to visit the USA.

When is the best time to visit Seattle?

The best time to visit Seattle is from late June to early September, when the city sees its best weather.

Are there local customs I should know for Seattle?

Drinking:

In Seattle, the legal drinking age is 21. Craft beers and local wines are quite popular.

Greetings:

A simple "hello" is common for greetings. Seattleites are known for their politeness.

Public transit:

On public transit, it's customary to enter at the front and exit at the rear. Always have your fare ready before boarding.

What is the time zone for Seattle?

Seattle operates on Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8.

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage is 120 V, and the frequency is 60 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type A and B.

What is the currency?

The currency of Seattle is the US Dollar (USD).

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes, ATMs are readily accessible throughout Seattle.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Seattle. Major cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are commonly used.

Can you use ApplePay and Google Pay?

Yes, many places in Seattle accept both ApplePay and Google Pay.

How much do I tip in Seattle?

Tipping:

Tipping is customary in Seattle, usually between 15-20% of the bill.

Restaurants/bars:

In restaurants and bars, a tip of 15-20% is standard.

Hotels:

For hotels, tip $1-2 per bag to porters, and $2-3 per day to housekeeping.

Taxis:

For taxis, a tip of 10-15% is typical.

Tour guides:

For tour guides, a tip of $5-10 per person for a day tour is common.

About Seattle

Founded	Population (2023)	Elevation
1851	749,256 (source)	520 ft

Weather

Season/Month	Temperature (°C)	Temperature (°F)
Spring (Mar-May)	8-15	46-59
Summer (Jun-Aug)	15-25	59-77
Fall (Sep-Nov)	8-18	46-64
Winter (Dec-Feb)	1-8	34-46