Flights from Perth (PER) to Seattle (SEA)

About Seattle

Discover Seattle

Why visit Seattle?
Seattle combines dramatic waterfront views, evergreen forests, and a thriving creative scene. You will find a city that balances a relaxed coastal atmosphere with a strong focus on innovation, music, and design.

What to expect
The city is shaped by its neighbourhoods, from the historic streets of Pioneer Square to the modern tech corridors of South Lake Union. Around Elliott Bay and Lake Union, ferries, houseboats, and marinas give Seattle a distinctly maritime character.

Plan your trip
Seattle works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for wider exploration. From here you can easily reach the San Juan Islands, Mount Rainier, and the broader Pacific Northwest, making it an ideal base for extended journeys.

Top sights in Seattle

Space Needle

Ride up this iconic tower for panoramic views of the skyline, Puget Sound, and snow-capped mountain ranges.

Pike Place Market

Stroll through this lively market to browse local produce, craft stalls, and small eateries overlooking the waterfront.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Explore striking glass sculptures and colourful installations set both indoors and in a landscaped garden.

Seattle Waterfront and Great Wheel

Walk along the piers, visit small attractions, and ride the Great Wheel for gentle views over Elliott Bay.

Museum of Pop Culture

Discover exhibits celebrating music, film, and popular culture inside a bold, contemporary building.

Kerry Park

Head to this small viewpoint on Queen Anne Hill for classic postcard views of downtown and, on clear days, Mount Rainier.

Ballard Locks

Watch boats move between freshwater and saltwater while enjoying landscaped grounds and a peaceful urban oasis.

Discovery Park

Follow walking trails through forest and meadows to reach quiet beaches with views across Puget Sound.

Experience Seattle's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Light rail connects the airport with downtown and several key neighbourhoods, making it an efficient first step into the city. Buses and streetcars extend coverage, while ferries add a scenic way to cross the bay. For short hops, walking and app-based rides work well.

Local life & culture
Seattle moves at a calm but purposeful pace, with independent cafés and small music venues woven into everyday life. Neighbourhoods such as Capitol Hill, Fremont, and Ballard each have distinct personalities, from creative hubs to waterside districts rich in local character.

Where to unwind
Green spaces are never far away, whether you choose a shoreline walk at Alki Beach or a lakeside stroll around Green Lake. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly pleasant for views and photography. Many parks offer benches and open lawns, ideal for a quiet pause during your visit.

A taste of Seattle

Street food & local specialties
Seattle is known for fresh seafood, including salmon, oysters, and clam chowder served in casual spots near the water. Pike Place Market and surrounding streets offer small counters and stalls where you can sample regional flavours in a relaxed setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods such as Capitol Hill, Ballard, and South Lake Union offer a mix of casual restaurants, modern eateries, and cafés. You can try everything from Pacific Northwest-inspired menus to global flavours, with portions that make it easy to share plates and sample a variety of dishes.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for dining rooms that frame views of the skyline, Elliott Bay, or the surrounding mountains. Several restaurants around the waterfront and in elevated neighbourhoods pair thoughtful menus with wide windows, creating an atmospheric backdrop for a special evening.

Retail therapy in Seattle

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Downtown Seattle offers shopping centres that bring together international brands, lifestyle stores, and dining options under one roof. These spaces double as meeting points, with cafés and public areas where you can pause between browsing.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller shops and local labels, explore neighbourhoods such as Ballard, Capitol Hill, and Fremont. You will find independent boutiques, design stores, and weekend markets that highlight handmade goods, clothing, and homeware with a strong sense of place.

Evening retail scene
After dark, busy streets in Capitol Hill and downtown take on a different energy, with illuminated storefronts and late-opening venues. Occasional evening markets and pop-ups add variety to the scene, and public transport makes it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your accommodation.

Best time to visit Seattle

Summer season
From June to early September, average temperatures range from about 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F), with long, bright days and comfortable evenings. This is peak season, ideal for outdoor dining, waterfront walks, and exploring nearby parks and mountains.

Mild autumn and spring
March to May and late September to November bring cooler days of around 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F). This shoulder season offers changing foliage, quieter attractions, and a pleasant balance between indoor museums and outdoor walks along the waterfront or in city parks.

Cool, damp winter
From December to February, temperatures usually sit between 3°C and 9°C (37°F to 48°F), with frequent light rain and occasional clear, crisp days. This low season creates a cosy atmosphere for cafés, galleries, and neighbourhood exploration, while nearby hills and mountains take on a scenic winter look.

Frequently Asked Questions