Passport/Visa Requirements: All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S.
Beginning 1 June 2009, passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda. Reconfirm travel-document requirements with your carrier prior to departure.
Languages: English.
Predominant Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic, Protestant), Jewish.
Time Zone: 8 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-8 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts.
Telephone Codes: 206, area code for Seattle; 425,east and north of the city; 253,south of the city;
| Currency Exchange | Top  |
Most major banks downtown will change currency, but the most convenient way to obtain dollars is at an ATM. You'll find ATMs nearly everywhere. Most major department stores and chain establishments still accept traveler's checks, but you're better off exchanging them for cash as needed at a bank.
Note: Canadian currency is accepted at some Seattle establishments serving travelers, but don't count on it.
Washington State sales tax is 6.5%. Seattle levies a further 1%-2% on purchases, including meals. Hotels with fewer than 40 rooms add 8.6% to the bill, and larger establishments add 11.4%. Exemptions include groceries, newspapers and prescription drugs. Car rentals are subject to a 17%-18% tax, which rises another 10% if rented from the airport.
Tip waitstaff 15%-20%, depending on service. Bartenders expect US$2 per round; porters US$3-$6. Tip taxi drivers and massage therapists 10%-15%.
Seattle is proof that the phrase "good weather" is a matter of perspective. Outdoor activities continue all year long, despite the cloud cover. Summers are cool and usually dry. Though high temperatures average in the mid-70s F/24 C, occasional August days reach near 90 F/32 C. Nights can be cool, so take a sweater or jacket. Winters are drizzly and overcast but not harsh. January temperatures run 35-45 F/3-8 C. Any snow that falls does not last. Although it may occasionally rain hard in Seattle November-February, a steady mist is more common. (It's usually accompanied by thick clouds that can hide the spectacular mountain scenery for days and, sometimes, weeks at a time.)
No matter when you visit, pack a raincoat and rain hat—umbrellas are not considered trendy and are useless when the wind is blowing. The most popular months for tourists are May-August, but the city is even more beautiful when the leaves change color in the fall. The mild weather, sans crowds, is perfect for hiking, river rafting, mountaineering and other sports.
| Weather Forecast | Top  |
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| Pressure: | 1011.50680732 Millibars | | Dew Point: | 60 °F/ 16 °C | | Humidity: | 96% | | Visibility: | 6 Miles / 10 Kilometers | | Wind: | 6 MPH / 10 KPH SSW | | Comfort Index: | 75 °F/ 24 °F | | Last Updated: | 8/29/2008 4:00:00 PM |
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| SUN | Weather Condition | High | Low |
| SCATTERED CLOUDS | 62 °F
17 °C | 50 °F
10 °C | | MON | Weather Condition | High | Low |
| MAINLY SUNNY | 64 °F
18 °C | 50 °F
10 °C | | TUE | Weather Condition | High | Low |
| MAINLY SUNNY | 68 °F
20 °C | 51 °F
11 °C | | WED | Weather Condition | High | Low |
| CLOUDY | 60 °F
16 °C | 51 °F
11 °C | | THU | Weather Condition | High | Low |
| SCATTERED CLOUDS | 64 °F
18 °C | 50 °F
10 °C |
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| What to Wear | Top |
Contrary to popular belief, Seattleites don't wear flannel or Gore-Tex all day long. Even Microsoft mogul Bill Gates, once famous for his rumpled look, now lives in custom-tailored Italian suits. The city's business style is sophisticated but fairly informal. Appropriate attire depends on the industry and the situation: A meeting at an aerospace corporation might call for a suit, but don't be surprised if a software executive shows up for a coffee-shop appointment in khakis (or even designer denim) and loafers. Leisure travelers should dress in layers. Even in the summer, temperatures drop significantly at night, when you'll need a jacket or a sweater.
Seattleites are fond of outdoor sports, so it's always fashionable to look as if you just returned from climbing Mount Rainier, spent the morning snowboarding or are about to climb aboard a yacht. Even teenage beauty queens from the Eastside wear black North Face jackets over their Juicy Couture.
If you are going out at night, don't be surprised to see flamboyant theme-dressing. Goths, punks, rastas, bohos and retro-jocks are a common sight on Capitol Hill, where a tattoo- and piercing-culture thrives. It's much dressier in the downtown core, although tattoos, and multiple ear and facial piercings are becoming more and more accepted. Belltown attracts the see-and-be-seen crowd, so you'll see plenty of cashmere, high heels and sexy outfits at night.
| Communication | Top |
| Internet Access | Top |
Because of the strong demand for Wi-Fi in technology-mad Seattle, you can log on almost anywhere. Dozens of coffeehouses offer free connections. Try Zoka outlets, Elliot Bay Cafe, the Fremont Coffee Company or Mr. Spot's Chai House. Most Starbucks are also wired, but they charge for access. Tully's usually offers free Wi-Fi.
Travelers who need to check e-mail will find a couple of options downtown and in Capitol Hill, and most copy shops offer access. Many major hotels also offer Internet service and business centers. The dazzling downtown public library has computers available to the public with free Internet access, and it is a Wi-Fi hot spot.
The library is an iconic 10-story, glass-skinned stack of steel origami designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. Light and color flood the interior, and the third-floor "living room" features a coffee cart. Open Monday-Thursday 10 am-8 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm. 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle. Phone 206-386-4636. http://www.spl.org.
| Mail & Package Services | Top |
Seattle's downtown branch of the U.S. Post Office is the most convenient for tourists. Open Monday-Friday 8 am-5:30 pm. 301 Union St., Seattle. Toll-free 800-275-8777.
| Newspapers & Magazines | Top |
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer and
The Seattle Times are the two competing daily papers. On Sunday, the two papers combine forces for a joint edition. West Coast editions of
The New York Times and
The Wall Street Journal are widely available.
The Stranger, a hip weekly newspaper, covers everything from restaurants and bars to poetry readings, nightclubs and concerts. The Seattle Weekly also has an extensive entertainment guide. Both are published Thursday and can be picked up for free at bookstores and cafes or read online at http://www.thestranger.com and http://www.seattleweekly.com.
Pay phones are becoming harder and harder to come by, but they still exist in the parking lots of most Seattle gas stations, grocery stores and major transportation hubs. Most pay phones accept coins and credit cards. A phone call within the 206 area code generally costs US$0.50.
When making calls in downtown Seattle or on Mercer Island, you don't need to dial the area code (206), unless you're calling Bellevue, Redmond or anywhere else on the Eastside (area code 405). Tacoma is a long-distance call.
Cell phone coverage is generally excellent within the city, but it's spotty out in the mountains and on the islands.
| Transportation | Top |
Like most large U.S. cities, Seattle suffers from traffic congestion; however, the public-transportation system in Seattle and the surrounding area is user-friendly (buses are free downtown 6 am-7 pm), and many of the important downtown sites are accessible on foot. Downtown hotels are within a 20-minute walk of Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium, Pioneer Square, Seattle Art Museum and the waterfront. You can use the Monorail or city buses to get to and from Seattle Center. You'll need to go by bus or taxi to reach more distant sights.
Remember to allow ample time for driving to the airport, because the freeways can come to a standstill during rush hour. If your baggage is manageable, the bus offers a simple, affordable and quick ride to Sea-Tac. Choose the No. 194 express bus (avoid the much slower No. 174), which departs regularly from downtown (from Westlake Station, University Street Station and Pioneer Square Station, Monday-Friday 5 am-7 pm; outside of these hours, catch the bus at a marked stop along Second Avenue).
Work is under way to add light-rail service to the airport. The link should be completed in 2009, in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. Taking the link from the airport to downtown will be a 36-minute ride.
Be sure to cross at designated crosswalks and obey the signals. The police give thousands of tickets for jaywalking every year, particularly in the downtown area. Also note: Seattle drivers are notorious for running red lights, so it's best to allow a few seconds after the light changes before you proceed.
One of the most interesting ways to travel in the Seattle area is on one of the Washington State Ferries. Not only are ferries a lifeline for people who commute from islands across Puget Sound, they're also a great sightseeing experience. If you plan to take a vehicle on the ferry, arrive in plenty of time (one hour) prior to launch, especially on weekends and in the summertime. http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.
For information about all transport options in Seattle and King County, visit http://www.metrokc.gov/tran.htm, which lists bus, ferry and rail schedules.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), called Sea-Tac, is 13 mi/21 km south of downtown, about 25 minutes by car during normal traffic or up to an hour during rush hour. http://www.portseattle.org/seatac.
Connecting Transportation
Best way:
Take an airport shuttle. Shuttle Express provides service from Sea-Tac (third floor of the airport garage) to just about anywhere in greater Seattle for US$39.50-$92 and up one way, depending on the length of the trip and whether you book a shared ride, limo or private van (phone 425-981-7000 or toll-free 800-487-7433; http://www.shuttleexpress.com). Gray Line's Airport Express shuttles serve many downtown hotels for a bargain US$10.25 one way (phone 206-626-6088; http://www.graylineofseattle.com).
Other options:
Some hotels offer courtesy vans for airport service—check before arriving. Catch cabs on the third floor of the parking garage. The flat rate to downtown is US$28. Metered fares can easily climb to US$35 and more in intense traffic. Most car rental agencies have desks at the airport.
Seattle's Metro Transit is the cheapest way to get into the city from the airport. The bus stops at the baggage claim area near Door No. 6. Bus No. 194 and the much slower No. 174 offer service to and from downtown every 30 minutes. Avoid taking buses from the airport at night—the waiting area is deserted. The cost is US$1.50. Upon reaching downtown, remember that buses are free in the downtown core. Change to one that will take you close to your hotel. Phone 206-553-3000 for information. There is an information booth in the tunnel, or visit the Web site: http://transit.metrokc.gov.
Greyhound serves Seattle with routes from most major cities to its downtown station. 811 Stewart St., Seattle. Phone 206-628-5526. Toll-free 800-231-2222. http://www.greyhound.com.
Northwestern Trailways connects Seattle with eastern Washington and Idaho. Daily arrivals and departures use the Greyhound Station (811 Stewart St.) and Amtrak's King Street Station (303 S. Jackson St.), Seattle. Phone 206-728-5955.
Seattle can be a confusing city for drivers because its roads skirt lakes and climb hills, but downtown is compact and easily understood. Avenues run north-south; the numbered ones go up as you move uphill from the Seattle waterfront (hence, First Avenue is at the bottom). Streets run east-west. Drivers should be aware of the many one-way streets downtown, especially near the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. Be sure to observe signs posted on corners, as certain lanes and sections of downtown streets are for buses only during rush hour.
Keep in mind that the two bridges across Lake Washington get clogged during rush hour or whenever disabled vehicles or accidents block traffic. If you must cross the lake during peak traffic (roughly 8-10 am and 4-6 pm, weekdays), remember that the Interstate 90 bridge has more lanes and is less likely to grind to a halt. If you are stuck on a bridge, you can enjoy superb views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier. Interstate 5, the freeway that runs north-south through the city, is stop-start during rush hour or on game days, so plan accordingly.
You may also find yourself momentarily stopped on one of Seattle's many drawbridges—especially the 15th Avenue Ballard Bridge. Allow an extra 10-15 minutes of travel time when heading up to north Seattle, particularly during the spring and summer.
Washington State Ferries, the largest ferry system in the nation, offers many routes out of the Seattle area. Boats to Bremerton and to Bainbridge Island leave from Pier 52 on the waterfront every 30-90 minutes. Passenger tickets are US$6.70 and the cost for car and driver is US$11.55 (US$14.45 during peak season).
The ferry to Vashon Island departs every 60-90 minutes from West Seattle at the Fauntleroy Dock, 4829 S.W. Barton (intersection of Barton and Fauntleroy Way). Passengers pay US$4.30, and it costs US$14.80 for a car and driver (US$18.50 during peak season). A ferry to Whidbey Island departs every 30 minutes from Mukilteo (near Everett), dropping passengers in Clinton. (Take Interstate 5 North to Exit 189, and then take Highway 526 West to Highway 525 and continue for 5.6 mi/9 km to 701 Front St.) This ferry costs US$6.68 for car and driver (US$8.60 peak season). A ferry to Kingston departs about every 40 minutes from Edmonds, north of Seattle. (Take I-5 to Highway 104.) Fare is US$11.55 for car and driver (US$14.45 peak season). Very popular ferries leave Anacortes (north of Seattle) for the gorgeous San Juan Islands (Shaw, Orcas, Lopez, San Juan). Fares vary slightly according to destination. Lopez, for instance, is US$23.95 for car and driver (US$35.95 during peak season).
Pocket-size ferry schedules are widely available around Seattle and elsewhere in Washington. Fares and times are subject to seasonal changes. Remember that waits can be long on summer weekends (as in, two hours or more; Friday and Sunday nights are notoriously crowded). All ferries close down for long stretches at night. Phone 206-464-6400 or toll-free 800-843-3779. http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.
| Public Transportation | Top |
Metro Transit operates an extensive public transportation network made primarily of buses. Check out all public travel options at http://transit.metrokc.gov/tops/travops.html.
You can ride the buses within the downtown area for free 6 am-7 pm. The free zone extends from South Jackson Street north to Battery Street and from Sixth Avenue west to the waterfront. To other parts of the city, expect to pay US$1.50-$2.75 (exact change required). A bus tunnel that runs under the city is often the fastest way to get from one point to another. Schedules are posted at bus stops and are available at hotel information desks. For information, phone 206-553-3000. http://www.transit.metrokc.gov.
This short rail line built for the 1962 World's Fair is used primarily by visitors. The train runs daily and connects the Westlake Center, at Fifth and Pine, with the Seattle Center. One-way fare is US$2 (pay at the Monorail station at either end). Phone 206-905-2620. http://www.seattlemonorail.com.
More widely known as the South Lake Union Trolley (or its unfortunate acronym, "the SLUT"), the South Lake Union Streetcar was developed by Microsoft mogul Paul Allen to help facilitate the commercial revival of the industrial South Lake Union area. The streetcar now operates between Westlake Center and the southeast rim of Lake Union. Cars run every 15 minutes Monday-Thursday 6 am-9 pm, Friday and Saturday 6 am-11 pm, Sunday 10 am-7 pm. Adult fare is US$1.75. http://www.seattlestreetcar.org.
King County Metro is working to restore these beautiful vintage streetcars to service. The trolleys run on tracks along the waterfront from Pier 70 near Myrtle Edwards Park, stop at Pike Place Market, and then continue south to Pioneer Square (Main and Occidental) and to the International District (Fifth and Jackson). When in service, they're used by both tourists and commuters.
Bell Street Pier (also known as Pier 66) is the point of departure for cruise ships headed to Alaska, as well as to Victoria and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The pier is located amid shops and eateries at the foot of Bell Street, not far from Pike Place Market. Other cruise ships leave from Pier 30. The distance between the pier and the airport is approximately 15 mi/25 km, US$25-$40 by taxi.
The best places to catch a cab are at the ferry dock at Pier 52, King Street Station, the Space Needle and in front of Seattle's major hotels (there's always a line around the Sheraton and the Westin). Otherwise, call ahead and order a cab. Most operate 24 hours a day. Fares are metered. From downtown hotels to Sea-Tac airport, you pay a flat fee of US$28.
Amtrak trains arrive and depart at the King Street Station in Pioneer Square. Service is offered daily to Chicago; Portland, Oregon; Oakland, California; Los Angeles; Vancouver, British Columbia; and many other destinations. 303 S. Jackson St., Seattle. Toll-free 800-872-7245. http://www.amtrak.com.
| For More Information | Top |
| Additional Reading | Top |
Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time, by Howard Schultz and Dori Jones Yang. Hyperion Books.
| Convention & Visitors Bureau | Top |
A visitors guide and a semiannual coupon book are published by the bureau, which has offices on the main level at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. (Enter from Pike Place or Union Street.) There's also an information booth at Sea-Tac Airport, near the baggage-claim area. Open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm (till 6 pm in summer). Closed 1-2 pm for lunch. 701 Convention Place, Suite 800, Seattle. Phone 206-461-5840. http://www.seeseattle.org.
