I'm from Seattle and what I always tell people who come here is to skip going up in the Space Needle and go to the Columbia tower instead. It's taller than the Space Needle, and it's one of the tallest buildings on the West Coast. It's only like $12 or $15 to go to the observation deck on the 70th floor and if that's too much, there's a Starbucks on the 40th floor that's completely free to go to

You can always spot a native. We don't use umbrellas... those are for tourists.

Pretty good. I have lived in Seattle my whole life. I would recommend going to Discovery Park in the Magnolia neighborhood, walk. I you park in the south parking lot, you will walk a trail through woods and open areas, check out the two incredible bigleaf maples on the way. Then, when the vista opens up, keep going and you can walk along the top of the sand bluffs and get the best views of Puget Sound in the whole city.

As a Washingtonian, it’s nice to see people offering their impressions on our state. I would like to encourage people to explore other parts of the state. Leavenworth is an amazing Christmas destination if you are looking to vacation over the winter.

Local Tips: * Make friends with a local, and get them to share their library card number BECAAAAUUUSE many attractions like MoPop, SAM, etc., give you free tix for the asking via the library website. Also, many museums have free days, such as First Thursdays. * The homeless folks are not that bad, and that's coming from someone who used to work for the shelters. If you don't want to donate, say no with respect and you will be fine. Avoid certain parts of 3rd Ave and Westlake Park, if you're not feeling confident, but you should be fine. *Regarding the freeze, if you let us know you intend to stay, we will gladly be your friend. Be a joiner! There are lots of clubs, orgs, houses of worship, etc. I joined a church and started to attend Emerald City Toastmasters right off. We really are friendlier than you think.

If anybody is going to visit Seattle, don't go to the space Needle! (At least not at first) go to the Columbia tower observatory. It's only 15 bucks (10 with student ID!!) It's 2.5 times taller than the space Needle, and it has a 360 view. Edit: also about the Seattle freeze: in my experience of living there unfortunately it becomes automatic, you have to shut out most hardcore beggars/homeless/crazy people on the streets to stay safe.

Kudos to Mark for not saying "Pike's Market" :) Glad you visited!

Most of real Washingtonians don't use umbrellas

as a native, my summarization of the weather is to emphasize not the raininess, but the grayness. we have day after day after day of completely overcast but dry days much of the year. and our latitude gives us winter darkness more like Europe than much of the US. the other important point is that July-thru-Sept is COMPLETELY different, almost always sunny, and extremely dry. almost everything in our yards must be watered to survive summer.

I went last year. Maybe it's just me, but I think Seattle had the best sushi I've had.

I'm from Italy and I'm going to visit Seattle and Vancouver this summer, so your last videos are pure gold.

As a long time resident, downtown sucks. The neighborhoods, queen Anne, ballard, Fremont, and some southern parts around Roxsbury is where the real vibe and coolness of seattle is, its alot cleaner, safer, and great! I would have to recommend Larsens Bakery!

There is a huge heroin problem in Seattle. Many of the aggressive beggars in Seattle are trying to support their drug habit.

Thanks for not ripping my hometown too much! All fair points. Great vid.

I live in Seattle and i can count on one hand all the times I've got an automatic gratuity, thats not really worth putting on the list

Piroshki piroshki is definitely one of my favorite restaurants

I literally had the best sandwich of my life in Seattle. If you haven’t visited Paseo in Fremont, try it out!

The King County Water Taxi will take you on a short boat ride from the Waterfromt Pier to Seacrest Park in West Seattle. The view of Seattle from Seacrest Park is literally the best view in Seattle. One can see the entire expanse of the Skyline from there. Once in West Seattle, the California Junction has a fine assortment of Shoppes and eateries and Alki Beach is excellent for just taking a walk. As stated in the video, Seattle is built on neighborhoods, not just the downtown area. Geographically speaking, Seattle isn't that large, because it's bounded by water to the east and west. I really wouldn't go north of 85th (in Ballard) if you're a tourist, or South of Georgetown/South Park... It gets industrial very quickly going south, because of the Port of Seattle and Boeing. The Museum of Flight is down that way however, so if one is an aviation fan, then certainly take a visit. And you adult travelers who may travel to Pike Place on a weekend, the shows at the Can-Can Burlesque are some of the finest performances that you will see anywhere. Many of the performers are from the Cornish School of Fine Arts in Seattle. They sing, they dance, they tell dirty jokes and tastefully show skin. Final thought, Umbrellas are kind of frowned upon in Seattle, because the sidewalks aren't very wide and they're not bus friendly. Definitely use a rain coat with a hood instead. It'll also help you blend in with the locals.

Used to live there, a few things: 1) prices for services/tours are so high because of rising property values and taxes. This adds a lot of overhead to everything, not just tourist things, but also basic things like the dentist. Anything that exists in a physical space in seattle costs a lot. 2) you can basically guess the weather. You almost never go from a sunny say to a rainy day like you described; seattles not like that. There are two seasons: drizzly, not enough to be standard rain but just enough to keep everything wet. Its not the rain that gets to you but the lack of sunshine. And then in the summer it gets drought-ish with no rain or cloud cover. 3) The seattle freeze is real with locals. This might be in part because transplants come and leave all the time; many don't make it past their first dreary winter. Also noteable with the freeze: W WA locals are notorious for backing out on plans. You'll have 15 people say they're coming to a gathering, then the whole thing might fall apart the same day. The way around this freeze is to make friends with other transplants and to get involved in meetup groups. 4) you do not just smell weed, you see weed too. People pass it around and sell it at bars and on busses and in parks. People smoke it everywhere, especially public parks. I've even seen numerous folks smoking hash and crack at bus stops near downtown midday. More prevalent are needle-based activities, which also happen in plain sight in nice neighborhoods.

Better than the Space Needle - the Columbia Tower for $15 - there's beer and wine at the top and a Starbucks on the 40th floor - next time don't miss it!

I disagree with "the Seattle freeze" most people are very friendly, especially younger people Also weed only is prevalent in roads like lake City Aurora or south Capitol Hill in general

Something to add to the hate list...traffic in downtown is a nightmare these days, most Monday through Friday, something to add to the love list... Get onboard on the ferry system either the state owned or private. Otherwise right on point. Cheers from Seattle!

Another great episode! My cousin and I are venturing into opening a business in Seattle. He's a local. I always enjoy your videos, Walter, because they are direct and really helps make for a better travel experience. It's a great city to explore. The parks by the water, the downtown markets and the neighborhoods are excellent. I've been to Seattle several times. My mother is actually from there. I can't wait to move there and really immerse myself in the city. Thanks again for another episode, Wolter's World.

Man your videos are amazing!! I think you give people a TRUE idea of what visiting a place is like, not only the "nice" sights etc.... Keep it up!

I was born in Seattle and can attest to the "Seattle Freeze." It is not that people are unfriendly but less likely to be socially over active. It is a kind of social aloofness one sees in northern climates. In my case I select friendships and try to remain loyal to that friendship for the rest of my life. In some more socially active cultures it is more about quantity rather than quality of the friendship. I have a friend from the midwest who thinks we are just not as friendly. I think that may be true in the sense we are less likely to say hello to strangers or get involved in social activities for the sake of being socially active. What I have learned from my midwestern friend is that many of his "friendships" were not deep friendships. He has/had many activity friendships. I hope those who were not born in Seattle will not interpret the aloofness for being cold hearted people because this is not the case. Enjoy your visit. This is truly a wonderful part of the world.

Not to be snarky, but for tourists one of the best things about Seattle is the Amtrak Cascades service to Portland and Vancouver. Both are great cities, and worth combining into one Portland/Seattle/Vancouver trip. The train is pretty slow (top speed 80 mph/130 km/h), so it will take a few hours, but the trip is relaxing and scenic. Yes, there was an accident last year on the maiden trip along a new section of track to Portland, but they reverted to the old route until a new electronic speed limiting system is implemented. The old waterfront route is slower but more scenic.

Rain is needed for a beautiful nice day. Rain is BEST weather!

I spent a year working there, what I found is that when going to a place to eat and asking for amendments to your meal, NO! I was invited to a birthday party at a restaurant, by the owner for a mutual friend and was expected to pay for my meal. Great place none the less!

Great and informative video. I’ve lived here for 5 years and you are spot on. Thanks for sharing your opinion and tips and tricks. So sad with the homeless population and crime rate going up.

Thank you for honestly mentioning the homeless/beggars. We went to Portland, OR, last year (I have a few videos about the trip!) and we were really surprised by the homeless situation. I know there a variety of reasons for homelessness and don't really want to get into that, but we just couldn't believe that of ALL our friends who had been there and told us about the city, nobody mentioned it.

I'm going to let everyone in on a little secret. Tacoma is a city about 30-40 miles south of Seattle and has the second most museums per capita behind Washington D.C. in the U.S. It also has the second largest urban park behind Central Park in the U.S. It's a relatively cheaper and smaller city compared to Seattle. The main Chihuly glass museum is located in downtown Tacoma, too

I loved your video! Awesome...I really appreciate that and also your sincerity when you mentioned the strengths and weaknesses of the city! Again... Your video is amazing! Congrats!

I love Seattle. There is so much to do there you don't even realize there isn't any sun... Traffic to get to downtown is horrendous most of the time, but once you are downtown the busses run up and down the street and the railway... Buy an orca pass. I went AirBnB while I was there and rented a minivan through Turo... I stayed in Seattle for a month between shelter and car rental I spent 1500 dollars which is extremely cheaper than actually living there... Beautiful home and a newer clean vehicle. Eating doesn't have to be expensive... There are many grocery stores that have fresh hot food togo...fairly cheap but very delicious. As far as ticket prices to do activities, best to do your homework... There are ticket bundles available... Or you could get as lucky as I got and was standing in line to buy my way into science center and the family behind me and I struck up a conversation and they happen to be season holders and got me in free of charge as a guest. And also got me a great deal on tickets I wasn't planning on buying for places I didn't know existed... Hence the reason I stayed a month... I would have loved to stay longer but.... The chief complaint I heard from most people is the commute back and forth to work or the ungodly amount of rent they pay to live closer to work... I cannot imagine spending 3 to 4 hours a day on commuting... Ridiculous. Homelessness has gotten very bad in Seattle. I talked with more than a few of the homeless people and was not surprised to find that most of them are mentally ill, most of them are probably mentally ill from years of drug abuse... But the majority of them came from prisons or halfway houses from other states... When they were released if they didn't have family to receive them, they were put on a bus and sent on a one way trip to Seattle.... It is a very sad thing.... Seattle is a very liberal city so be prepared to be interrogated if you are not liberal and to be shunned, ridiculed, and even spat upon... Yep, I was spat on because I didn't think the same way as the majority... I am the most liberal conservative I know but that isn't good enough for them... I learned real quick to avoid talking to people about anything other than the weather or directions. Even mentioning I was from Missouri or Midwest would set off people... If it wasn't for the fact I have thick skin and can hold my own and know how to walk away things could have gotten ugly real quick... So beware of the extremist. Was considering moving there until I checked realistate and found that houses comparable to the one I live in in Missouri on 1/8 of the land in a neighborhood not as nice as the one I live in goes for almost 2 million dollars... Where I live that house would go for about 100 thousand... The pay more taxes on there property in one year than I paid for my house payment and taxes for almost 4.5 years... To sum this up... Seattle is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there.

Seattle has gone downhill fast with all of the tent cities, beggars and drug addicts panhandling and living on the streets in the city.Too much growth to fast has been bad for the city. Taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island is an excellent idea.Also, avoid Starbucks. There are a TON of great small coffee shops to be found for less money.

Thanks for the honest criticism, it's true.

I'm from Seattle and what I tell people is to go to the Columbia tower when its raining because its cheaper and when you see the water hitting the glass roof with the city in the background its really cool

Just got back from Seattle a few weeks ago. I have been there several times but it was the first time my wife has ever gone. Not only did we have a great time, but she really loved Seattle (and she is not a big city type person). We didn't have any issues outside the cost of parking downtown. Surprisingly, we had great traffic patterns as well (I know how bad it can get). Lots of people going on about homeless/drug users/etc. I know it is an issue, but, I didn't feel like I saw THAT much of it around. I've seen much worse. Have you guys been to San Francisco lately? Heck, even Portland has become overrun with these issues in it's downtown core. Seattle honestly didn't feel that bad to me. In fact, the wife commented on how clean the city was. We really loved Seattle.

What convenient timing! Planning a trip for August.

My birthplace that I need to know more about. Thank you, sir! 👍🏾

Love it! Great delivery. Usually videos like this are cringey lol but this wasn't.

Seattle/Vancouver combined trip. So cool. Can't wait to see the similarities and differences of the two cities. Hope one day you do a Toronto/Buffalo trip. 90 minutes apart and such different vibes. And of course, Niagara Falls in the middle.

Great videos! Come visit Oregon! Portland, Bend, and Ashland.

I was just in Seattle and wow were you right on target with the great and bad stuff!!! Awesomely done!

Wonderful seeing all of you (even Jet' s Mom) on your trip to Seattle. 🍩 yumm!! I prefer the less sweet desserts too. Have many more fun vacations together Weddle Family. Hope to view more real soon. Have a good summer Maddox and everybody.

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and I love Seattle. It's one of my favorite cities. I would say things I don't like would be the traffic and how much it costs to live/visit. It's an expensive city all around but it's still a great place. If you love the cloudy and rainy weather like I do, you'll have a blast. Everyone talks about the Seattle freeze and I've never experienced it myself. I find most people to be quite friendly there, but you have the occasional rude person. The marijuana smell is quite gross. As someone who doesn't smoke pot but don't find it a big deal, I just dislike the smell.

Hello from the other Washington! Great video, Mark. We actually have more average annual precipitation here than in Seattle which can definitely be a SHOCK to people who are out and about without an umbrella.

Thanks so much for this video. We are taking kids first time this spring break to seattle Vancouver and victoria. This video helps a lot with planning. Thanks again!

The Museum of Flight is also awesome. Love Seattle! Cool video. Thanks!!

Seattle is one of my top 10 favorite cities anywhere on this earth.

truly great state, we are enjoying to live here

I grew up in Seattle. This is a very well balanced Pro/Con video of the city. Really, great job! You voice and enthusiasm is professional. Have fun with your filmography work. Two Thumbs Up

I interviewed for a job with King County a handful of years ago and spent a weekend in Seattle... I also fell in love with the City at the same time... So, even the 5 things that you won't like, I was already prepared for.... I cannot wait to get back...

I can’t believe you didn’t mention driving or the lack of useful public transport here😂as a native, that’s one of my biggest hates about living in Seattle, and the smell of marijuana is kind of a non-issue compared to traffic

The don'ts of the pacific northwest. 1. DON'T complain about the rain. Clouds and rain are just part of pacific northwest culture. It's going to be 40-50f and raining a lot of the year. It's not hard rain, you can get away with just a hoodie. It's also not actually cold. if you think 40-50f is cold, you are going to die in a place like the midwest where it truly is cold. 2. DON'T use an umbrella, especially if you're in Portland where it's often times windy. People here just don't use them. If you're using an umbrella people will automatically know you're either a tourist or from california and trust me, you don't want people thinking you're californian here.

Great Video. Thank you for posting.

Broh Walter seems like a chill ass dood. Thanks for making great vids brother.

Being a terrified rube isn’t the same as being in danger. I lived in downtown Seattle for 20 years and never had a dangerous moment. Yes, there are homeless, and they can be annoyingly aggressive, but unless you’re incredibly stupid and unaware, you’re not going to be in danger. Also, the Seattle Freeze is a local thing and it’s not going to affect a tourist. We’re plenty polite to tourists.

I really love the columbia tower observatory place, it was around the 100 dollars but the columbua tower was around 60 for 5 people also you cohuld go later for the sunset also view was alot better

Another Great video - Seattle looks an amazing city.

Great video Mark!

I love Seattle. My brother lives in the area and I've visited many times. One thing you didn't talk about with regard to the views is Mount Rainier...but don't worry, tourists, you really can't miss it...it's HUGE!

No, No, No, you can't make me.... Love the videos

Where to start? My wife and went to Seattle from Milwaukee Wi for our 20th anniversary in 2013. Never had been to the Pacific northwest, other parts of California briefly. We had a fantastic experience. Two things to consider, 1st, we went in the beginning of July. No rain the entire 10 days. July is the least rainy time. 2nd, in 2013 we only encountered very minimal and random homeless spots. Things certainly have seemed to have changed. We were on a limited budget, one can eat very well without spending a lot. Do some research first. And we're not big drinkers. We flew in and did not rent a vehicle. We stayed out near the Sea-Tac airport, took the free shuttle from our motel to the light- rail and enjoyed a fast relaxing ride through some suburbs on our way right to Pike Place. Pike Place has been in existence for over 100yrs. Will not disappoint! Beautiful view of Puget Sound almost like a foreign country. Tons of shops, cafe's, restaurants, BAKERIES (try Three Sister's, an institution) coffee, coffee, coffee! The first Starbucks is right there. Long lines waiting to get in (supposedly there's the actual actual first one near there). We're both coffee drinkers, we didn't patronize any Starbucks because there are "hundreds" of charming quaint "one-off" coffee shops to explore. In the 100yr old covered arcade across the street are at least 2 blocks of fresh cut flowers etc for purchase. Regardless, try some "chowder" - take-out, sit down whatever! We're into architecture (one of reasons,we chose Seattle). All kinds of great buildings of many periods. My wife's a librarian and we are architecture fans. The Seattle Central Library is a world class destination building. A must see even if one doesn't have any interest in libraries, right down town. Take the monorail to the Seattle Center (site of rhe 1962 World's Fair) skip the Space Needle, but there beautiful outdoor panoramic views of Puget Sound. Take the ferry to West Seattle, its a great and inexpensive way to be out on water of Puget Sound and when returning a dramatic view of the Seattle skyline (returning at night is glorious). There is a fantastic award winning bakery not to miss. Lots of restaurants, shops and then there's Alli Beach, miles of sand with scenic views of Puget Sound and skyline of Seattle. Relaxing! Another longer ferry ride goes to Bainbridge which is across the Sound from Seattle. More shops, food, art museum etc. Ahh... Seattle is a city of many varied, charming, hard core tourist worthy neighborhoods. Fremont is probably one of the more notable. We planned ahead and procured tickets on the Amtrak Cascades train along the shoreline north from Seattle to Bellingham (or if you have a valid passport, all the way to Vancouver Canada). Beautiful scenic and relaxing.

Super helpful loved listening to your thoughts lol :)

Just got back from there. None of the things you mentioned bothered me at all. Loved the cool weather and people were plenty nice. The traffic is the only negative I noticed... and I am from San Francisco so I'm used to bad traffic.

My working theory about the “Seattle Freeze” is that because there’s a strong Nordic presence here (lots of Swedes, Danes and Norwegians emigrated here) that has contributed to a more cool stand-offish vibe similar to Scandinavia.

I have been to Seattle twice. It’s so beautiful but also so much homeless. The weather is beautiful. Everyone should experience it once in there life!

Thinking about taking a solo trip to Seattle at some point. I can always count on you for an informative video!

You obviously didn't attempt to drive in Seattle or you'd still be apoplectic. :-)

Hello from Eastern WA! We have some awesome geology and hiking in WA ST Olympic Rain forest Gifford Pinchot Forest DryFalls (my favorite) hiking, hiking, hiking The Palouse Hiking In WA ST we have coastal beaches, rain forests, mountains, and a desert (yeah we have a desert)

I visited Seattle in 2009 as a start and end point for our trip to Canada, and really liked the city. About the Space Needle: when we visited we had a reservation for the restaurant at the top. Eating there wasn't cheap either, but it included free access to the observation deck, which made it a pretty decent deal. And the food was great, as was the view. But like I said, that was in 2009, so things might have changed by now.

Weather is one of my fav things about the Seattle area. I’m a 20+ year native. Sure fall and winter and gray/ rainy and snow is pretty rare but I’d take that any day over 20F or less and constant 2-3ft of snow. Also summers and springs are sunny and warm and get a fare share of hot days. But not 90 or 100+ and humid for 2-3 months. Also no hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, etc

Never ever ever leave items in your car due to the car prowl epidemic. Seattle has some of the worst property crime in the country. Without getting too political, the quality of life has deteriorated in the last 5yrs due to the rampant heroin use and insane taxation. Source: 24yr resident

You should check out Leavenworth here in Washington! It's not far from Seattle

I’ve lived in few different places around the world and Seattle will always be one of my favorites. There’s good and bad sides, like every place. The negative things mentioned here are typical of urban/metro city life. Pricing for attraction is similar in Boston, Chicago, or Philly. If you do the research, you can find amazingly inexpensive and sometimes better alternative like going to the Columbia Tower instead of the Space Needle (much better view with less or no lines)

Solution: go to Tacoma and just do a day trip to Pike Place and MoPop. All the cool stuff in the PNW is outdoors, in the state and national parks.

I love the bit about the rain ... Yes we have some rainy days here but not like how this video describes it...

Don't just stay in Seattle. The city is big in the aviation industry. Go to Everett and get a tour of the Boeing Factory and the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field.

Great video thanks!

Walter releasing these Seattle videos on the week that the first direct flight from Dublin, Ireland to Seattle, Illuminati confirmed? 🤔

I like how you mentioned the homeless. They’re all over. And the crime in the alleys is pretty bad. I invited my family here to visit and they weren’t impressed at all. Sure going to the space needle is awesome, but that’s ruined when you’re approached by an aggressive homeless wacko who will not leave you alone. The smell of pot fills the air more than you think., especially at Pike market. This city used to be very nice, but not anymore. Not just the homeless are crazy, but a lot of the citizens and the leaders they put in office.

Fair video from a resident....the summer does make the rest of the year worth it from a weather standpoint.

Great video!!!

I grew up on Bainbridge Island, the short ferry ride away you mentioned. I moved away 15 years ago and am sad to see how Seattle has changed so drastically and not in a good way. The homelessness, cost of living, political authoritarianism has ruined it. Great video, but it makes me sad and angry to think about what's going on there right now.

I travel extensively. The enormously high cost of living has ruined the city in terms of living there AND visiting. Super aggressive beggars. Some of the most tent cities I've seen in any city. Pot in the air. Distant citizens. Depressing weather. The gum wall is repulsive, lol. There are just too many other areas I'd rather visit that is much less expensive and have a more positive environment. Their negatives outweigh their positives. Use to be a better city. Not anymore. Just my opinion. Thanks for the Video. Did a great job!

As someone who has traveled to Seattle many times, I want to warn everybody that goes to Pike Place market that it is pretty crowded; if large, dense crowds are something you struggle with, it could be an issue

Great city!! I loved the underground tours

Great vibe because it is the origin of the grunge music scene in rhe 1990s. Nirvana. Pearl Jam. Soundgarden. Mudhoney.

Haha Mark did you notice that the license plate behind you says BASO420 when you were talking about the weed smell!?

Really cool that you came to Seattle since I’m from here.

Sounds like a tipping nightmare to try and figure out. Thanks for your tip on that!

The weather is not that bad as everyone likes to think/assume. And I don't agree with the smell. I have worked in downtown Seattle for 10 yrs and when I go out for lunch or leave work I do not smell any weed. I walk to the bus...I have smelled it though walking by certain bus stops but not every single day but the whole city doens't smell like weed. It is like saying Amsterdam is filled with the weed smell and hookers just walking around 24/7....I have been there many times and that is not the case.

Visit Seattle between May and October for sunny days. Summers in Seattle are gorgeous. Also, I’ve never known Seattle residents to be any ‘colder’ than residents of other large cities. The “Seattle freeze” is more or less a myth in my experience. Source: Lived in Seattle for 18 years

Really I enjoyed your video....particularly because you reminded me of the good Seattle. Then, the video is well done as there is no ummms. like uh, duh. Your enthusiasm is great. Thanks.

i was last in seattle just a day ago. go to piroshky piroshoky in the columbia tower downtown. a lot less crowded!

Please don’t bring umbrellas to Seattle. It SCREAMS tourist, and they are cumbersome. Real Seattleites wear rain coats!

The homeless situation is out of control

Ok so first locals that have lived here all their life are not the "Seattle freeze". This started in the 90's when we had a HUGE influx of people from other states moving here. Those newbies started that. Next forget the umbrella. It is completely useless. When you go to the market you must get the mini donuts. They are the best. Last go to Woodland Park Zoo. It is also a must. I love my city. I hope you all enjoy your time here.

Thanks for the great vid, as always. I was particularly intrigued as I am hoping to visit Seattle this year. One thought, mind, the good vibes you speak of, is that perhaps linked to all the weed? :)

i loveeeeee Seattle :)