Page last updated: 3 December 2024
Seattle, a city in the Pacific Northwest, is known for its waterfront, Space Needle, and prominent arts, technology, and coffee industries.
How many tourists visit Seattle each year?
Over 37.8 million international and domestic tourists visited Seattle in 2023.1
- Seattle attracted 41.9 million tourists in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 48% to approximately 21.7 million.
- In 2021, around 27.5 million tourists visited Seattle and this rose in 2022 to 34.7 million visitors.
- In 2023, the figure climbed to 37.8 million, though this was still 9% lower than in 2019 (pre-pandemic).
How many people visited Seattle in 2023?
- Seattle welcomed 37.8 million tourists in 2023, marking an 8.93% increase from 2022 but still below 9.79% in 2019 (pre-pandemic).
How much do tourists spend in Seattle every year?
International and domestic tourists spent over $8.2 billion during their trips to Seattle and King County in 2023.
- In 2019, tourists in Seattle and King County generated $8.14 billion in expenditure. However, it decreased to $3.94 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic.
- International and domestic tourist spending recovered in 2021 with $5.3 billion spent.
- In 2022 and 2023, visitors spent $7.3 billion and $8.2 billion, respectively.
How much do tourists spend in Seattle?
- Domestic and international tourists spent $8.2 billion while exploring Seattle and King County in 2023.
How many days to visit Seattle?
- Tourists to Seattle typically stay for 3 to 5 days visiting and exploring the wonders of Seattle in 2023.
What is the average expenditure per visitor in Seattle?
- The average spending by tourists in Washington rose by 16% in 2022, reaching $216 per visitor according to Visit Seattle.
Where is Seattle?
- Seattle is located in the state of Washington, on the southeastern shore of Puget Sound, approximately 100 miles (160 km) south of the Canadian border and about 90 air miles east of the Pacific coastline.
- The city’s geographic coordinates are approximately 47.6080° N latitude and -122.3352° W longitude.
- The city’s geographic coordinates are approximately 47.6080° N latitude and -122.3352° W longitude.
Economic Impact – Seattle Tourism Statistics 2023
- Visitors spent $8.2 billion in Seattle and King County in 2023, marking a 12.8% increase from 2022 and a 0.7% increase compared to 2019.
- Tourists contributed $787 million in state and local taxes in 2023, up 12.5% from 2022, equating to a $859 tax offset per household, nearing the $965 peak of 2019.
- Tourism supported 65,486 jobs in Seattle and King County in 2023, reflecting a 7.7% rise from 2022, achieving 81.5% of 2019 levels.
When is the best time to visit Seattle?
The best time to visit Seattle is during the summer months, from June to August:
- Weather: Enjoy warm, sunny days with temperatures around 75°F (24°C) and little to no rain.
- Activities: It’s ideal for outdoor adventures, festivals, and exploring attractions like the Seattle Japanese Garden and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Highlights include Seattle Pride and the Seafair Festival.
- Crowds and Costs: Summer is the busiest season, so expect more tourists and higher accommodation rates.
Washington Travel Resources
How popular is Seattle as a tourist destination?
- Top U.S. Destination for Summer Travel 2024: Kayak named Seattle the most popular U.S. destination for summer travel in 2024.
- Best Place for Outdoor Activities: Niche.com recognised Seattle as the best place for outdoor activities in April 2024.
- Most Walkable City: Condé Nast Traveler ranked Seattle as the fourth most walkable city in the U.S. in January 2024.
- Top 25 Best Places to Travel in 2024: AFAR included Seattle in its list of the 25 best places to travel in 2024.
- North America’s Leading Tourist Board 2023: The World Travel Awards honoured Visit Seattle as North America’s leading tourist board in August 2023.
- Top Three Safest U.S. Cities: Gallup ranked Seattle among the top three safest U.S. cities in July 2023.
Is Seattle safe for tourists?
- Crime Rates: Seattle’s overall crime rates are lower than many other major U.S. cities. A 2023 Gallup poll ranked Seattle as one of the top three safest cities in the U.S.
- Most reported crimes are property-related, such as theft and car break-ins, rather than violent crimes
What should visitors do in Seattle?
- Explore Iconic Landmarks: Visit Pike Place Market for its lively atmosphere, fresh produce, and quirky attractions like the Gum Wall. Head to the Space Needle for panoramic views, and immerse in art at Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Dive into Culture: Discover pop culture at the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP), explore marine life at the Seattle Aquarium, and enjoy hands-on learning at the Pacific Science Center.
- Enjoy the Outdoors: Take in stunning skyline views at Kerry Park, stroll through the Olympic Sculpture Park, or hop on a ferry to Bainbridge Island for a scenic adventure.
- Discover Unique Neighborhoods: Experience Capitol Hill’s buzzing nightlife and coffee culture or explore Ballard’s seafood markets, breweries, and the fascinating Ballard Locks.
- Join Events and Festivals: Attend Seattle’s year-round events, from music and food festivals to art walks, showcasing the city’s rich cultural diversity.
What Is the number one tourist attraction in Seattle?
The number one tourist attraction in Seattle is Pike Place Market. In 2023, it welcomed approximately 5.4 million visitors, reflecting a 13% increase from the previous year.
Overview of Pike Place Market
- Experience: Known for its light atmosphere, local vendors, fresh produce, and unique shops, Pike Place Market is a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals. It features iconic sights such as the fish market and the original Starbucks.
- Community Hub: The market not only serves as a shopping destination but also fosters a strong sense of community, making it a cultural landmark in Seattle.
USA Travel Statistics Resources
- Arizona Statistics (incl. Grand Canyon National Park)
- California Statistics (incl. Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Universal Studios Hollywood)
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- Hawaii Statistics (incl. Kauai, Maui, Oahu)
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- New York Statistics (incl. New York City, Statue of Liberty)
- South Dakota Statistics (incl. Mount Rushmore)
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- Texas Statistics (incl. Dallas, Houston, San Antonio)
- Utah Statistics
- Washington Statistics
- Yellowstone National Park Statistics
