Welcome, solo travelers to the Emerald City! Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or this is your first destination on your personal journey across the US, you’ll be glad that you chose to put Seattle atop your travel bucket list.
Why?
Seattle isn’t just another US city that’s bursting with tourists and overcrowded attractions; it’s a thriving metropolis that pulls you in with vibrant cultural experiences, a diverse food scene, and breathtaking outdoor adventures, all while showcasing its natural beauty – Seattle is indeed a place that truly captures your heart! As a solo traveler, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed in a bustling city like Seattle, especially if you’re a little nervous about taking public transportation alone, that’s why many solo travellers recommend hiring a rental car from the airport. Seattle is super easy to drive around and you’ll soon feel confident making your way round the busy streets.
So, whether you’re in the mood for art galleries, exploring local and truly iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, or want to head off on your own culinary or coffee-based adventure, Seattle will certainly tick all the boxes! Here are my top tips for exploring the Emerald City as a solo traveller.
Getting Around
We’ve already touched on the ease and convenience of hiring a rental car from the airport, and for most visitors, it makes perfect sense. However, if you prefer to see the city at a slower pace then you’ll find that Seattle is incredibly walkable and very pedestrian-friendly.
You’ll also have time to take in the gorgeous views of the surrounding area like Mt Rainier or Kerry Park if you walk or cycle around the city! If you don’t want to walk or drive at night then you can also use services like Uber and Lyft to get around. Seattle also offers quick and reliable public transport options such as Link Light Rail, buses, and ferries.
Top Tip: If you want to save money on travel and attractions consider getting a Seattle City Pass – It offers discounted entry to major sights, and with everything on one convenient card, getting around the city is a breeze!
Must See Attractions for Solo Travellers
Seattle is positively bursting with world-famous attractions and plenty of must-try experiences. Solo travellers will be pleased to hear that all of them are welcoming and just as enjoyable for those who are exploring the city alone. Here are my top suggestions.
The Space Needle
A great place to start! This iconic landmark is a wonderful place to visit for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. At 605 ft tall, visitors can see Elliott Bay and the surrounding mountains. Whether you want a quiet moment to take in the vista or you want to take as many selfies as possible, no trip to Seattle is complete without visiting the Space Needle.
Pike Place Market
Famous for its fish-throwing fishmongers and a huge array of artisan shops, bakeries, farmers, and bustling atmosphere, solo visitors can spend an entire morning or afternoon exploring the aisles of North America’s oldest market. With over 500 restaurants, cafes, shops, small businesses, and plenty of photo opportunities, visitors can sit and watch the world go by or treat themselves to plenty of unique souvenirs.
Seattle Art Museum
Every traveller enjoys a little cultural immersion during their trip, and an afternoon spent at the SAM is an excellent way to indulge! With dozens of exhibits on art, history, and creativity, visitors can take in collections of artwork from around the world and take a few hours to escape from the hustle and bustle of the main city.
Museum of Pop Culture
Are you a pop culture lover? If so then a trip to the Museum of Pop Culture is a must. This museum is dedicated to music, sci-fi, and film and is bursting with interactive exhibits on everything from iconic rock bands to the world of Star Trek. If you’re travelling on your own then this is a great place to spend an afternoon.
Safety Tips for Solo Travellers
Seattle is considered to be a safe place for tourists, even those travelling alone. However, if you want to ensure that your trip goes smoothly and that it is thoroughly enjoyable, consider the following tips:
General Safety
As with travelling anywhere new, it’s important to always stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. If you’re in a situation where you feel uncomfortable in any way, then make sure that you listen to your gut, adjust your plans accordingly, and move to a safer location.
Understand the Local Area: Even if you’re hoping for a fully immersive experience and want to experience Seattle as the locals do, it makes sense to stick to well-known areas and safe neighbourhoods like Downtown Seattle and Capitol Hill, these areas are well-lit, friendly, and popular with tourists.
Be Safe at Night: Always stick to well-lit and well-populated areas after dark. Never leave your drink unattended and always be vigilant. Again if something makes you feel uncomfortable then change your plans and remove yourself from the situation.
Accommodation: Make sure your accommodation is of a good standard and has good reviews online (always check sites like TripAdvisor for up-to-date information). Choose central areas and avoid rooms on the first floor. Ensure you’re familiar with the fire escapes and how to leave in the event of an emergency. Make sure locks on your doors work and consider hanging a “do not disturb” sign to prevent further access to your room.
Emergency Contacts: Make sure you have a physical copy of all emergency contact information. This should include where you’re staying, the numbers of your family members or friends, and local emergency numbers should you need them.
Final Thoughts…
It’s easy to see why so many people love visiting Seattle and why it’s such a popular place to live! If you’re planning a trip to Seattle then consider these tips to have the best possible experience!
