Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Seattle (SEA)

About Seattle

Discover Seattle

Why visit Seattle?
Seattle combines waterfront views, evergreen hillsides, and a creative urban spirit. You will find a city known for technology, music, and coffee culture, with a relaxed pace that invites you to explore at your own rhythm.

What to expect
Downtown Seattle is compact and walkable, with neighbourhoods like Capitol Hill, Ballard, and Fremont adding their own character. You can move from historic markets to modern galleries and lively waterfront parks in a single afternoon.

Plan your trip
Seattle is a welcoming base for exploring the Pacific Northwest, with easy access to islands, mountains, and national parks. Build in extra time to enjoy both the city and day trips into the surrounding landscapes.

Top sights in Seattle

Space Needle

Ride to the observation deck for sweeping views of the Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay, and distant mountain ranges.

Pike Place Market

Stroll through this historic market to see fishmongers, local produce, crafts, and street performers in a bustling waterfront setting.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Explore colourful glass sculptures indoors and in a landscaped garden right beside the Space Needle.

Seattle Waterfront and Great Wheel

Walk along the piers, visit small attractions, and take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel for harbour views.

Museum of Pop Culture

Discover exhibits on music, film, gaming, and science fiction in a strikingly designed building at Seattle Center.

Kerry Park

Head to this small hillside viewpoint for one of the city’s most iconic skyline panoramas, especially at sunset.

Ballard Locks

Watch boats pass between lake and sea, and see salmon navigating the fish ladder in a leafy park setting.

Discovery Park

Enjoy forest trails, open meadows, and beaches with views across Puget Sound in Seattle’s largest urban park.

Experience Seattle’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Seattle’s light rail connects the airport with downtown and several key neighbourhoods, making arrivals simple. Buses and streetcars fill in the gaps, while rideshares and taxis work well for late evenings. For short distances, walking and cycling are enjoyable in many central districts.

Local life & culture
Seattle moves at an unhurried pace, with residents often gathering in independent cafés, bookshops, and neighbourhood parks. Live music remains part of the city’s identity, from small venues to larger halls, and local galleries highlight both regional and international artists.

Where to unwind
Waterfront paths, pocket parks, and viewpoints give you space to pause without leaving the city. Visit neighbourhood green spaces in the late afternoon, then stay to watch the sky change over the bay and nearby hills.

A taste of Seattle

Street food & local specialties
Seattle is known for fresh seafood, with salmon, shellfish, and chowders appearing in casual eateries and market stalls. Food trucks and small counters offer a mix of local flavours and international snacks across central neighbourhoods.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find plenty of relaxed restaurants around downtown, South Lake Union, and Capitol Hill, offering everything from burgers and noodles to plant-based menus. Portions are often generous, yet many places encourage sharing, so you can sample several dishes.

Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, look for dining rooms with views of the skyline, waterfront, or surrounding hills. Elevated restaurants and bars make the most of sunsets over the bay, turning a meal into part of your sightseeing.

Retail therapy in Seattle

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Downtown Seattle features shopping streets and centres where international brands sit alongside local labels. These areas often combine retail with cinemas, cafés, and eateries, so you can easily break up browsing with a relaxed meal.

Markets & local crafts
Beyond the city’s best-known market, you can explore smaller neighbourhood streets for handmade goods, design items, and vintage finds. Areas such as Capitol Hill, Ballard, and Fremont are good places to look for independent shops and local studios.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, central streets and some neighbourhood hubs stay lively with lit storefronts and late-opening cafés. Night-time strolls are relaxed and easy to combine with dinner, and public transport makes travelling between districts straightforward.

Best time to visit Seattle

Summer season (June to August, peak season)
Summer in Seattle is typically mild and sunny, with average temperatures around 21–24°C (70–75°F). Longer daylight hours and frequent outdoor events make this a popular time for waterfront walks, park visits, and day trips around the region.

Autumn and spring (March to May, September to November, shoulder season)
These months bring changeable weather, with averages between 10–18°C (50–64°F). You can expect a mix of clear and rainy days, fewer crowds at major sights, and colourful foliage or spring blossoms in the city’s many green spaces.

Winter season (December to February, low season)
Winters are cool and often damp, with temperatures around 5–9°C (41–48°F). The atmosphere is calm, indoor attractions feel pleasantly uncrowded, and nearby mountains often provide opportunities for snowy excursions while the city itself remains accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions