Each airport offers a distinct travel experience catering to various needs—be it international travel through SEA-TAC, quick regional hops from LKE, or a focused aviation experience via BFI. Your choice of airport can be a strategic decision based on your final destination within Seattle.
Where to Go:
How to Get to Downtown Seattle | ||
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Link Light Rail Cost: $2.25-$3.50 Time: 40 minutes |
Cab Cost: Approximately $40-$50 Time: 20-40 minutes (traffic dependent) |
Rideshare Cost: Variable Time: 20-40 minutes (traffic dependent) |
Where to Go:
For a scenic entrance to Seattle, hop on a seaplane to Lake Union SPB, located right in the heart of the city. It’s mostly used for scenic tours and short regional flights.
How to Get to Downtown Seattle | ||
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On Foot The Seaplane Base is centrally located and within walking distance to many downtown locations. |
Rideshare or Taxi A quick trip to other Seattle neighborhoods with a cost depending on distance. |
Where to Go:
Boeing Field is a smaller commercial and general aviation airport that serves cargo, private, and some limited passenger flights.
Visit:
How to Get to Downtown Seattle | ||
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Metro Transit Buses Local buses offer service to and from Boeing Field. |
Rideshare or Taxi A short drive to downtown, with the fare and travel time depending on traffic conditions. |
Embark on your Seattle journey with a thoughtful approach, ensuring that you savor the city's delightful ambiance. Following these suggestions promises a gratifying start to your professional sojourn in the Emerald City.
Seattle's transportation system is your ally in navigating this bustling city. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Grab this all-access pass to ride the light rail, buses, ferries, and even some water taxis. It’s convenient and saves you the hassle of fumbling for change.
Quick and reliable, the Link light rail is your best bet for a straightforward trip from SEA-TAC to downtown.
With a growing network of bike lanes and the bike-share system, pedaling through the city could be your quickest commute—and a great way to take in the sights.
Extensive routes cover the entire city. Use Google Maps or the OneBusAway app to plan your journey and track your ride in real-time.
For a uniquely Seattle experience, the water taxis not only provide transportation but also stunning views of the city skyline.
From grunge to indie, Seattle's music scene is as rich and varied as its coffee blends. As you navigate the city, let the sounds of legendary local acts like Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, and newer bands like Chastity Belt be the backdrop to your Emerald City experience.
Seattle's business-oriented accommodations provide a perfect blend of convenience and comfort. With modern amenities, centralized locations, and sophisticated spaces, these hotels ensure a seamless experience in the heart of the city.
The Sheraton Grand Seattle is a luxury hotel in downtown Seattle, close to the Convention Center, Pike Place Market, and the Space Needle. It offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. Dining options include a buffet breakfast, café, lounge, and rooftop bar with city views. Boasting a fitness center, indoor pool, spa, and business center, it's the perfect choice for business travelers seeking style and comfort in Seattle.
Located in downtown, the Grand Hyatt Seattle offers 425 modern guest rooms with stunning city views. Enjoy convenient access to popular attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Take advantage of delicious dining at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse or NYC Deli. Enhance your stay with amenities such as Starbucks, a business center and spa services.
If you're looking for a luxury hotel in downtown Seattle, you might want to check out the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. This historic hotel, built in 1924, has a stunning Italian Renaissance-style architecture and elegant rooms with marble bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and TVs. You can enjoy award-winning dining options, such as The George, a modern brasserie that serves seasonal dishes with local ingredients. You can also relax at the Penelope and the Beauty Bar spa, or swim in the indoor pool. The hotel is conveniently located near the waterfront, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Art Museum.
Hotel Andra offers a chic retreat in downtown Seattle, combining Scandinavian design and Pacific Northwest allure. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a pet-friendly atmosphere. Located near popular attractions like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, it serves as the perfect base for exploring the city. Indulge in Mediterranean flavors at Lola restaurant or savor authentic Italian cuisine at Assaggio Ristorante.
Enhance your productivity and enjoy a change of scenery by exploring these diverse work-friendly spaces in Seattle.
With its superb artisanal coffee, charming exposed brick walls, and plenty of seating, Caffe Vita in Capitol Hill is a hotspot for freelancers and remote workers. The warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with the exceptional coffee, makes it the perfect place to stay focused on your tasks.
For a unique working experience, consider the Sky Church at MoPOP. This unconventional space offers free Wi-Fi, plenty of seating, and a creative atmosphere surrounded by pop culture exhibits. It's a great option for those looking to combine work with a dose of inspiration.
Nestled in the artistic Fremont neighborhood, this coffee shop provides a laid-back setting with large windows, natural light, and a variety of seating options. The relaxed ambiance and quality coffee make it a conducive environment for productivity.
Indulge in Seattle's vibrant social scene with these handpicked happy hour spots, where enticing drink specials, delectable bites, and lively atmospheres await.
Enjoy happy hour with a view at The Pink Door. Overlooking Elliott Bay, this Italian restaurant offers a charming atmosphere and a diverse happy hour menu. Savor discounted drinks and appetizers while taking in the stunning waterfront scenery.
Tucked away in Belltown, Bathtub Gin & Co. offers a speakeasy experience with a sophisticated vibe. Its happy hour features handcrafted cocktails and a cozy, intimate setting—a great choice for those looking for a more refined atmosphere.
If you're a fan of inventive cocktails, Canon is the place to be. This cocktail bar in Capitol Hill boasts an extensive drink menu with unique and expertly crafted concoctions. Its happy hour provides an opportunity to explore these creations at a more budget-friendly price.
Seattle’s skyline and natural vistas provide a perfect backdrop for rooftop indulgence. The city’s rooftop bars and restaurants offer stunning views, coupled with the Pacific Northwest's culinary delights and craft cocktails.
Perched atop the Thompson Hotel, The Nest offers panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain Range. It’s the perfect spot to sip on locally inspired cocktails and nibble on small plates while taking in the view from what feels like the top of the city.
Located on the fifth floor of Motif Seattle, Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails not only has a vibrant atmosphere with a large outdoor patio, but it also features fire pits, shuffleboard, and even ping-pong tables. It's a playful spot to enjoy a nightcap or a casual business meet-up.
MBar, situated in the South Lake Union neighborhood, presents an experience that is as much about the food as the views. With a menu that draws inspiration from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, the rooftop space offers a stunning perspective of the Space Needle and the downtown skyline.
For dinner, experience The Pink Door in the heart of Pike Place Market. This charming Italian restaurant not only offers sumptuous cuisine but also boasts enchanting views of Elliott Bay. The whimsical décor and live entertainment ranging from trapeze to jazz ensembles create an unforgettable dining atmosphere.
This “Earth to Plate” concept restaurant features a rooftop dining experience that's lush and cozy. Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, Terra Plata, offers a seasonal menu that emphasizes local and sustainable ingredients, all enjoyed in an urban oasis.
Business trips don’t have to mean a break from your fitness routine. Seattle offers plenty of options to keep active.
A local favorite, this loop offers a scenic 2.8-mile path perfect for a quick run.
Many local hotels cater to the business traveler with well-equipped gyms. Just ask at the front desk.
Drop in for a class at one of the city's many studios and find your inner Zen before a day of meetings.
Explore the city's extensive bike paths with a rental from one of the many bike shops or through the city’s bike-share program.
The possibilities for a good bleisure excursion are endless in the Entertainment Capital of the World. This sample itinerary takes you to some familiar sites at a manageable pace.
Seattle’s coffee culture is legendary, and a visit to Seattle Coffee Works near Pike Place Market offers a quintessential experience. This local favorite stands out for its direct relationships with coffee farmers, ensuring each cup you savor supports sustainable practices. With their "slow bar," you can take the time to appreciate the nuances of their expertly brewed single-origin offerings. It's the perfect place to rev up your energy levels before exploring the city.
After your caffeine fix, stroll down to the newly reimagined Waterfront Park. Feel the ocean breeze and take in the views of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound. It's a tranquil spot to unwind amidst greenery and public art installations. You might even catch a glimpse of ferries gliding across the water, setting off to the picturesque islands that dot the Sound.
Delve into Seattle’s history with a visit to Pioneer Square, where you can join an Underground Tour that showcases the city's original streets, now a layer beneath the modern cityscape. This quirky, informative tour gives insight into Seattle's colorful past and the city's resilience after the Great Fire of 1889.
A trip to Seattle would be incomplete without a visit to Pike Place Market. As one of America's oldest continuously operating farmers' market, it's home to an array of eateries and food stalls. Grab a bite at one of the many vendors offering everything from fresh Pacific Northwest seafood to international cuisine. Don't forget to watch the famous fish-throwing spectacle or pick up a bouquet of fresh flowers—a market staple.
Take a break from the urban environment and reconnect with nature at the Washington Park Arboretum. This 230-acre botanical garden offers a peaceful retreat with meandering paths, exotic plants, and the serene Japanese Garden. It's a great spot for a leisurely walk or a quiet moment to sit and reflect by the water.