Seattle City Guide

Seattle has diverse food options with strong local seafood and Asian influences. Vegetarian and vegan places are common. Late-night choices vary by neighborhood.

Seattle offers bars, live music venues, and clubs mainly downtown and Capitol Hill. Nightlife varies by neighborhood.

The city is famous for its coffee scene, with many local roasters and cafes everywhere.

Tipping is expected in restaurants, bars, and for services.

SIM cards can be bought at the airport, phone stores, Walmart, or Target. Major carriers are AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. eSIMs are widely available and convenient.

Seattle is generally clean but some areas see litter or graffiti.

Many businesses and services operate 24/7, especially in downtown and airport areas.

Seattle offers big supermarkets, organic co-ops, and many international markets including Asian and Mediterranean. Farmers markets run year-round in several neighborhoods.

Most places accept cards and mobile payments. Public transit requires cards or apps since cash is not accepted on buses.

ATMs are common, especially at major banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo. Out-of-network fees can be high, so watch for surcharge-free ATMs at places like 7-Eleven or Costco.

Seattle offers a mix of public and private schools, including international options. Most have English-speaking staff.

Seattle has a solid community of tech workers and remote professionals, with meetups and coworking spaces.

The city has numerous parks and green spaces, including large urban parks and lakesides.

The city has many running trails, especially along water and in parks.

Gyms are widely available with options from budget to premium.

Public tennis courts are available citywide.

Padel is not common in Seattle.

Yoga studios are easy to find, with many offering classes for all levels.

Martial arts studios offer styles like karate, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and taekwondo.

Nearby ski resorts in the Cascades open in winter months, about 1-2 hours from the city.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular on Lake Washington and Puget Sound.

No surfing in Seattle due to calm inland waters.

Not a diving destination.

Seattle has many quality hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are easy to find and well stocked.

Seattle's tap water is clean and meets all federal standards. It's sourced from mountain watersheds with minimal treatment, though older homes can have lead pipe issues.

The city has parks, museums, and family attractions but weather can be rainy. Good for families who enjoy outdoor activities.

Seattle is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly with inclusive neighborhoods and events.

Generally pet friendly with many parks and pet services.