Seattle is an exciting city surrounded by a beautiful mountain landscape and with a casual atmosphere. Here you will discover the music of world famous legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam and Nirvana. In the original heart of the city is Pioneer Square where many beautiful historic buildings can be admired. Many of these buildings are also part of the Seattle skyline; one of the most beautiful and famous in the world. The iconic Space Needle is the real showpiece and offers you a magnificent view over the Emerald City. In addition, Seattle has a lot of nice restaurants, bohemian boutiques and an interesting art culture.
You can rent a car from more than 10 locations in Seattle, including the airport. With this you can discover the city in all comfort, but you can also easily explore the beautiful nature. So take a look at our wide range and choose a rental car that suits you.
Traffic In The Seattle Area
According to Bittranslators, Seattle is located in the state of Washington in the North of America. It is an important seaport and coastal town north of the city of San Francisco. Like most of the country, Seattle is very accessible due to its excellent infrastructure. However, you will encounter some rules here that are different in the Netherlands. That is why it is wise to be well prepared on the road, so that you can comply with the American traffic rules.
Speed limits vary by state, but are well marked on road signs. In built-up areas you have to take into account that you are allowed to drive 40-64 km/h. Outside built-up areas this limit is 64-112 km/h and on motorways 88-120 km/h.
One of the biggest differences with the Netherlands are the intersections. Where in our country the traffic lights are in front of the intersection, in America this is behind the intersections. So you do not drive to the traffic lights, but rather stop to keep an eye on the lights on the other side of the intersection. Moreover, the traffic lights change faster than in the Netherlands. In America, one traffic light turns green as soon as the other light turns red.
The roads in America are often wider, which gives you more space. There are often several lanes per direction that you can use. Please note that many Americans stay in the same lane, and that you can therefore overtake on both the right and left. Therefore, keep a good look around you when you change lanes.
In general, driving in the United States is a pleasant experience, driving is calmer and Americans are more relaxed. Make sure you get into the car well prepared for a good driving experience.
Seattle Highlights
Seattle is in an ideal location for nature lovers. The city is located on the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by forests, lakes and rivers. Moreover, this is the place where grunge bands such as Pearl Jam and Nirvana formed, where Starbucks and espresso machines emerged and where many films and series were filmed. It is also the home of the Boeing.
Learn Everything About Aviation
One of Seattle’s best museums is the Museum of Flight. Here you get an overview of aviation history starting with Icarus and Da Vinci. Here you can see the brothers’ first attempts, but also NASA’s aeronautical program. If you are interested in aviation, this is a museum not to be missed. The aircraft you can view here are from different periods. There are aircraft from the First and Second World War, a shuttle and a former Air Force One aircraft. There is also a legendary Concorde here, the passenger plane that flew faster than sound from Europe to New York.
Look Up At Space Needle
The symbol of Seattle is the Space Needle, very characteristic of the skyline. The monument is 184 meters high and was built for the world exhibition in 1962. At the top of the monument is a restaurant that rotates, giving you great views of the city. This is an unforgettable experience, especially during sunset. Just a little higher, above the restaurant you will find the observation deck which is cheaper, but the views are of course just as spectacular here. The Loupe is the first and only glass floor that rotates and if you dare you can stand on it. The Space Needle is located in downtown Seattle, which is also home to the Seattle Repertory, the Key Arena, the Seattle Opera and the Children’s Museum, among others. A number of nice options that can be combined well.
The Bustling Pike Place Market
Located in the heart of Seattle, this public market is one of the city’s main attractions. The market was established in 1907 and consists of several buildings such as Main Arcade and North Arcade. Throughout the year there are stalls with souvenirs, flowers, fish and vegetables. Don’t forget to descend the stairs to the underground part of the market, where there are many more stalls. Seattle is known for its coffee and the very first Starbucks to open in the country is located nearby. Not far from the market you can also visit the Art Museum. Here are 21,000 art objects from both the Northwest of America and other parts of the world.
Seattle Tacoma Airport
If you are looking for a vibrant city break in the US state of Washington, Seattle is the place to be. The bustling city has already become a very popular destination and therefore has a reputation to uphold. Let’s start with the Space Needle. This is symbolic for the city and can therefore be found right in the center. It stands in a park for other artwork and entertainment. The Needle is no less than 184 meters high. It is possible to take the elevator up and admire the view of the city from there, but for the real experience stay and eat there. During dinner, the restaurant rotates, making the entire city visible to guests.
Rent a car and drive to the “Klondike Gold Rush National Park”. There is much more to see in this National Historic Park. Museums, galleries and shops are also located here. For animal lovers, it is recommended to go to the Woodland Park Zoo. The zoo has been around for 110 years and is home to more than 11,000 animals. A somewhat more recognized activity is the Pike Place Market. The Grand Place is sometimes referred to as the soul of Seattle. Almost all products here come from local farmers and while you shop you will also be entertained by the buskers and artists.
