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Discover Seattle
Seattle is a world-class metropolis set within beautiful, natural surroundings, therefore it offers the best urban lifestyle while embracing the great outdoors, right on its doorstep. Seattle’s top visitor attractions are the famous Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Symphony and Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). In its surrounding neighbourhoods there are amazing restaurants, coffee roasters and craft breweries, world-class sporting facilities, and as Seattle is surrounded by water there are plenty of ferries and water taxis to get you exploring these neighbourhoods with ease. Three national parks are located within a short two-hour drive of Seattle and Washington Wine Country is also an easy driving distance away. The city is also a gateway to British Columbia, the Olympic Peninsula and the San Juan Islands which means you are never too far from nature. This closeness to nature is why Seattle is known as the Emerald City.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the primary entry point and is owned by the Port of Seattle. With just over half of all Alaskan cruises embarking from the Port during cruise season (April – October), travellers have the unique opportunity to discover Seattle and its surrounding regions and neighbourhoods before or after their cruise.
In Australia and New Zealand, Linkd Tourism represents Visit Seattle.
Discover Seattle Regions
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a vibrant, historic marketplace overlooking Elliott Bay. Founded in 1907, it’s famous for fresh seafood, artisan crafts, and colourful produce. The iconic fishmongers toss salmon, while street performers entertain crowds. Visitors can explore unique shops, enjoy a variety of local foods, and visit the first Starbucks store. The market’s multilevel layout houses everything from quirky collectibles to gourmet treats, making it a lively hub for locals and tourists alike. We recommend a food tour to get a locals perspective of the market.
Seattle Skyline
The Seattle Space Needle is an iconic landmark, standing 184 meters (605 feet) tall in the heart of the city. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, it offers panoramic views of Seattle, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the surrounding Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. The tower features a distinctive UFO-shaped observation deck at 158 meters (520 feet), with a rotating glass floor which is as scary as it is thrilling. A symbol of Seattle's innovation and forward-thinking spirit, the Space Needle is a must-visit attraction.
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, rich with history and character. Established in the 1850s, it features stunning Romanesque Revival architecture, cobblestone streets, and lush greenery. The area is known for its art galleries, trendy cafes, and unique boutiques. It’s also home to the famous underground tours, where visitors explore the city’s hidden passages built after the Great Fire of 1889. Pioneer Square’s historic charm is blended with a lively modern vibe, making it a cultural and creative hub in downtown Seattle.
Seaplane Flight
A scenic flight with Kenmore Air from Lake Union is an unforgettable experience. As the seaplane gently lifts off the water, you’re immediately treated to sweeping views of Seattle’s skyline, including the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains. The serene waters of Lake Union glisten below, dotted with boats, while the city’s iconic landmarks fade into the distance. The flight provides a bird’s-eye view of lush islands, sparkling waterways, and the stunning Pacific Northwest landscape. It’s a thrilling and picturesque adventure that would be a highlight on any itinerary.
Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle is an innovative, immersive experience celebrating creativity across music, film, and gaming. Designed by Frank Gehry, its striking, colourful architecture reflects the dynamic exhibits inside. Visitors can explore the history of rock and roll, iconic sci-fi and fantasy worlds, and groundbreaking video games. Highlights include the guitar sculpture, and interactive exhibits honouring legends like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. MoPOP's hands-on approach and ever-evolving exhibits make it a hub for pop culture enthusiasts of all ages.
Seattle Cruising
Cruising from Seattle’s port through Elliott Bay and into Puget Sound offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty. As the ship departs, you’re treated to panoramic vistas of Seattle’s skyline, with the Space Needle and Mount Rainier in the distance. The journey through the calm waters of Puget Sound passes lush, forested islands and bustling marine life, including seals and orcas. The serene landscapes and crisp sea air create a peaceful and scenic voyage, making it a memorable start to any cruise adventure.
Seattle FAQs
Seattle is located in the northwestern United States, in the state of Washington. It sits on the Puget Sound, bordered by water to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east, providing a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes.
The best time to visit Seattle is during the summer (June to August) when the weather is warm and dry, ideal for exploring outdoor attractions. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are also beautiful and offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, while winter (December to February) is cooler and wetter but great for cosy indoor activities.
To travel from Australia to Seattle, fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the city’s main airport. There are no direct flights from Australia, so you’ll need to connect through major U.S. hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco or Hawaii, with a total travel time of approximately 20-24 hours.
Getting around Seattle is convenient with a mix of public transport and walking. The city offers a comprehensive bus system, light rail, and ferries. For a more flexible experience, consider using rideshare services or renting a bike. Many of Seattle’s main attractions are easily walkable.
Must-dos in Seattle include visiting the Space Needle for panoramic views, exploring Pike Place Market, and enjoying the Museum of Pop Culture. Don’t miss the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Seattle Aquarium, and a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel. Take a stroll along the waterfront and visit the historic Pioneer Square.
Seattle covers approximately 142.5 square miles (369.2 square kilometres). The city is compact but densely packed with attractions, parks, and neighbourhoods. Its location between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains contributes to its vibrant urban atmosphere and scenic beauty.
Seattle’s main airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which serves both domestic and international flights. This airport is located about 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown Seattle and is the primary gateway for visitors to the city.
A recommended stay in Seattle is around 4 or 5 days. This duration allows visitors to explore the city’s key attractions, including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and local neighbourhoods. It also provides time to enjoy some of the nearby natural scenery, such as the waterfront and parks.
Tipping in Seattle follows typical U.S. practices: 15-20% in restaurants, $1-$2 per bag for hotel porters, and $1-$5 per night for housekeeping. Taxi drivers should receive around 10-15% of the fare. Tips are also appreciated for other services like valet parking and bellhops.
For more information about Seattle, contact the Visit Seattle Australian representative, Amanda on [email protected] or visit their official website for detailed travel resources.
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Visitor Guides
Click on the images below to view the Visit Seattle and Port of Seattle visitor guides online.
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Bookable Product
You can find plenty of packages from local wholesalers including Washington State. Here are a couple of our favourites:
Adventure World – Authentic West Coast
Explore three states, four cities, and the breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway, showcasing stunning beaches and charming fishing villages.
Infinity Holidays – Hip and Friendly Seattle
Enjoy the city of Seattle, and discover why it’s known as the coffee capital of the United States on this 4 night Seattle Experience with coffee tour.
Infinity Holidays – Volcanic Peaks to Sparkling Shores
Explore the natural wonders and local treasures of Oregon and Washington State. Get acquainted with the culinary and cultural delights of Portland before venturing into stunning national parks such as Olympic and Mount Rainier. You’ll also experience sparkling lakes, bays and coastlines with wineries and other treats along the way.
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Media Library
This library of high-resolution photos is available for promoting Seattle as a leisure destination or in a news story. The Visit Seattle must be credited.
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Get to Know the port of seattle too.
The Port of Seattle is the premier gateway for cruising to Alaska with just over 50% of all Alaska sailings departing from this port each season. In 2024, seven major cruise lines will depart on 280 roundtrip sailings with 7-day to 14-day itineraries from April through October. There are several reasons that Seattle has become a hub for Alaska cruising: the natural deep-water port can accommodate some of the largest cruise vessels in the world; the award-winning cruise facilities can manage large groups of passengers; the cruise terminals have spectacular settings; and there is easy access to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
If you are a CLIA member, complete the Seattle Training in the CLIA Members Hub to gain 5 CLIA points. Click here.
Please click here for a schedule for 2025 key sail dates.
To download a Port of Seattle fact sheet, please click here.
Contact Us
For further information about the Port of Seattle, please contact:
Millie Browne – Account Director, Australia and New Zealand
Amanda McCoy– Account Manager, Australia and New Zealand
