Seattle is a waterfront city of hills, bridges, mountains and coffee: Puget Sound on one side, Lake Washington on the other and Mount Rainier looming on clear days. It's the birthplace of Starbucks, Boeing, Amazon and Microsoft's regional boom, with a strong music history and an outdoor culture that treats rain as normal.

Come for the views, the food, the markets and the access to nature, and expect to layer up. The city is spread across neighborhoods connected by hills, water and light rail.

Spring (March to May) is mild and changeable, with cherry blossoms and tulips in nearby fields (the Skagit Valley festival is in April). Expect showers.

Summer (June to September) is dry, sunny and comfortable. The best weather, and the busiest and priciest, with cruise ships in port and festivals. "Juneuary" gray can linger in early June.

Fall (October to November) brings rain, color and cozy cafes. Wildfire smoke can occasionally linger early in the season.

Winter (December to February) is cool, wet and dark, but rarely very cold. Good value, with holiday lights and indoor attractions.

Check the events calendar. Cruise ship days, big concerts and sports games raise prices and crowd the waterfront.

2 days covers Pike Place, the waterfront, the Space Needle and a neighborhood or two.

3 days (recommended) adds a museum, a ferry ride and a proper evening in Capitol Hill or Ballard.

4 to 5 days adds Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, Whidbey Island or the San Juan Islands.

Day 1, market and waterfront: morning at Pike Place Market (go early; try fresh pastries, seafood and coffee), then the Seattle Aquarium and the waterfront. Afternoon in Pioneer Square, perhaps with the Underground Tour. Evening at a waterfront or Belltown restaurant.

Day 2, Seattle Center and neighborhoods: morning at the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass and MoPOP (book timed tickets in summer). Afternoon at Kerry Park for the skyline view and a walk through Queen Anne, or the Olympic Sculpture Park. Evening in Capitol Hill for dinner and live music.

Day 3, choose your own: a ferry to Bainbridge Island for a walk and lunch, or Fremont and Ballard (the Locks and the Sunday market in Ballard). For nature: Discovery Park, or a day trip to Mount Rainier (a car or tour is needed, and reservations may apply in peak season).

Downtown and the waterfront suit first-timers and no-car trips: close to the market and light rail, busy and varied.

Belltown and South Lake Union suit restaurants and walkable evenings: modern, close to Seattle Center.

Capitol Hill suits nightlife, cafes and a local feel: on the light rail, lively.

Queen Anne and Seattle Center suit views and attractions: quieter, residential.

Fremont and Ballard suit a neighborhood vibe, breweries and shops: need transit or rideshare.

Link light rail connects the airport with downtown, Capitol Hill and the University District. King County Metro buses fill the gaps, and the Seattle Monorail runs between Westlake and Seattle Center. The Water Taxi and Washington State Ferries offer scenic rides. Check current fares and passes (an ORCA card or contactless payment is usually the easiest).

Walking works well downtown, but hills are steep. Rideshare and taxis are plentiful, and scooters and bikes are available.

You need a car or tour for Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula and most day trips. For city-only trips, skip the rental: downtown parking is expensive.

Rain: locals often skip umbrellas and wear a waterproof jacket. Pack one even in summer.

Mountain views: "the mountain is out" means Rainier is visible. Try Kerry Park, the ferries or Gas Works Park on a clear day.

Coffee and food: the original Starbucks is at Pike Place, but small roasters are everywhere. Seafood, salmon, oysters and Pacific Northwest fare are worth planning for.

Cannabis is legal for adults 21 and over. Don't consume in public or drive impaired.

Last call is 2 a.m. Tipping 18 to 20% is standard.

Seattle is a friendly city with visible street-level issues in parts of downtown, including near Third Avenue and Pike Street and sections of Pioneer Square, especially at night. Most visitors have no problems, but stay alert, keep valuables secure and use rideshare late.

Car break-ins are common: never leave valuables visible in a parked car, including at trailheads. Wildfire smoke from late summer can affect air quality; check conditions if you have asthma or other conditions. In hiking areas, check weather and trail conditions, and carry layers.

The region is earthquake country; locate your hotel's emergency guidance.

Emergencies: dial 911. Hospitals and urgent-care clinics are concentrated in the First Hill and Capitol Hill areas. If you take prescription medications, bring a buffer supply.

A waterproof jacket, layers, comfortable shoes with grip for hills, sunglasses and sunscreen for summer, a warm hat and gloves in winter, and a reusable water bottle. Binoculars are handy on ferries and in the mountains.