Seattle, Washington
Your Complete 2026 World Cup Guide
At a Glance
- Location
- Seattle, Washington, USA
- Population
- 750,000
- Time Zone
- PDT (UTC-7)
- Stadiums
- 1 venue
- Matches Hosted
- 6 matches
- Best Way to Get Around
- Link Light Rail (Sound Transit)
Last Updated: by KickoffAdventures Editorial Team
Overview
Lumen Field in Seattle will host 6 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including USA vs Australia (June 19) (USMNT home match!), Belgium vs Egypt (June 15), Egypt vs Iran (June 26), Qatar vs TBD (June 24), and a Round of 16 match on July 6. Seattle is the only US city hosting a Round of 16 match.
Seattle is defined by three things: coffee culture (Starbucks birthplace), outdoor beauty (mountains, water, forests), and tech innovation (Amazon, Microsoft). The city is compact and walkable, with Pike Place Market, Space Needle, and waterfront all within 2 miles of each other. Lumen Field is Downtown (2 miles from Pike Place), so fans can walk or take light rail.
Weather Warning: Seattle in June has 'June Gloom' (light drizzle, overcast). Bring a rain jacket! By July, it's sunnier and drier. Rain is usually light drizzle, not heavy storms.
Cultural Note: The 'Seattle Freeze' is real—locals are polite but reserved. Don't be offended if small talk on the bus gets awkward looks. But if you ask for directions, they'll be incredibly helpful!
⚽World Cup Stadium
Getting Around
Seattle is walkable Downtown, but hilly. Pike Place Market, waterfront, and Pioneer Square are all walkable (1-2 miles).
To Get Around: Walk or use Link Light Rail (connects Downtown, Sea-Tac Airport, and Lumen Field). As of August 2024, it's a flat $3 fare for all trips. Buses are extensive but slower than light rail. Uber/Lyft is easy but expensive ($15-30 per trip).
To Lumen Field: Link Light Rail from Downtown (15 mins, $3 flat fare). Board at University Street, Westlake, or Pioneer Square stations. Trains every 8-10 mins. Post-match, expect 30-45 min wait for trains (very crowded).
Pro Tip: Buy ORCA card (reloadable) for seamless transit. Works on light rail, buses, and ferries. Staying Downtown puts you within walking distance of Pike Place, Space Needle, and stadium.
Where to Stay
Best Strategic Location: Downtown / Pike Place Market. Central location with light rail to stadium (15 mins, $3 flat fare), walking distance to Pike Place Market, waterfront, and Space Needle. Hotels: Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, Inn at the Market. Most expensive.
Best for Nightlife: Capitol Hill. Most vibrant neighborhood with bars, clubs, and Starbucks Reserve Roastery. LGBTQ+ friendly. More affordable than Downtown. Limited light rail (bus or rideshare to stadium).
Best Budget: Fremont. Quirky neighborhood with Fremont Troll and local breweries. Most affordable. No light rail (bus only). 30-40 min to stadium.
Best for Stadium Proximity: South Lake Union. Corporate area near Amazon HQ. Closest to stadium (1 mile). Limited character but easy stadium access.
Neighborhood Breakdown
Downtown / Pike Place Market
Best For
First-time visitors, central location, walking to attractions
Distance to Stadium
2 miles
Travel Time
15 min Link Light Rail or 30 min walk
Pros
- •Pike Place Market walking distance (fish throwing, original Starbucks)
- •Link Light Rail to stadium (15 mins, $3 flat fare)
- •Waterfront, Seattle Aquarium, Great Wheel nearby
- •Hotels: Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, Inn at the Market
- •Walking distance to Space Needle (20 mins) or streetcar
Cons
- •Tourist-heavy and crowded (especially Pike Place)
- •Expensive hotels and dining
- •Some blocks feel empty at night
- •Homeless population visible in certain areas
Capitol Hill
Best For
LGBTQ+ culture, nightlife, young professionals, arts scene
Distance to Stadium
3 miles
Travel Time
20-30 min bus or rideshare
Pros
- •Most vibrant neighborhood in Seattle (bars, clubs, live music)
- •Starbucks Reserve Roastery (9 blocks from Pike Place)
- •Local vibe with indie shops, record stores, breweries
- •More affordable than Downtown
- •Best nightlife in Seattle (Pike/Pine corridor)
Cons
- •No direct light rail to stadium (bus or rideshare)
- •Hilly streets (good walking shoes required)
- •Limited large hotel inventory (mostly boutique hotels/Airbnb)
- •Can get loud on weekends
Fremont
Best For
Quirky culture, art lovers, families, less touristy vibe
Distance to Stadium
5 miles
Travel Time
30-40 min bus or rideshare
Pros
- •Self-proclaimed 'Center of the Universe' (quirky public art)
- •Fremont Troll under Aurora Bridge (Instagram-famous)
- •Sunday Farmers Market, local breweries (Fremont Brewing)
- •More affordable and less crowded than Downtown
- •Close to Lake Union, Gas Works Park
Cons
- •Far from Downtown attractions (20-30 min bus)
- •No direct light rail (bus only)
- •Limited hotel inventory (mostly Airbnb)
- •Not walkable to Pike Place or Space Needle
Belltown
Best For
Nightlife, foodies, walkability, urban loft vibe
Distance to Stadium
2.5 miles
Travel Time
20 min Link Light Rail or rideshare
Pros
- •Walking distance to Pike Place Market (10 mins)
- •Close to Space Needle and Seattle Center
- •Best restaurant scene (Tom Douglas restaurants, seafood)
- •Link Light Rail nearby (Westlake station)
- •Hip urban vibe with converted warehouses
Cons
- •Can feel unsafe at night in some blocks
- •Homeless population visible
- •Expensive dining
- •Gentrifying area (some blocks rough)
South Lake Union / Near Stadium
Best For
Stadium proximity, tech culture, business travelers
Distance to Stadium
1 mile
Travel Time
10-15 min walk or rideshare
Pros
- •Closest to Lumen Field (1-2 miles)
- •Amazon headquarters area (tech culture)
- •MOHAI museum, Lake Union waterfront
- •Hotels: Residence Inn, Pan Pacific Seattle
- •Easy stadium access on match days
Cons
- •Corporate/sterile feel (tech office parks)
- •Limited character and culture
- •Not walkable to Pike Place Market
- •Expensive dining (catering to tech workers)
Top Things to Do
Iconic Seattle Landmarks (Non-Negotiable):
1. Pike Place Market - Fish throwing (7-9am), original Starbucks (long lines), Rachel the Piggy Bank, Gum Wall. Go early to avoid crowds.
2. Space Needle - 605-foot observation deck with rotating glass floor. $37.50-49 admission (varies by time). Skip if cloudy. Sunset is 8:30pm in June/July. Day/Night pass $69.
3. Starbucks Reserve Roastery - 'Willy Wonka factory of coffee' in Capitol Hill. FREE to enter. WAY cooler than original Starbucks line.
4. Kerry Park - Best skyline photo spot. FREE. Go at sunrise (5am) or sunset (8:30pm) on clear days.
5. Chihuly Garden and Glass - Stunning glass art museum. $32 or $60-75 combo with Space Needle.
Coffee Culture:
- Starbucks Reserve Roastery (Capitol Hill) - Skip the original Starbucks line at Pike Place.
- Espresso Vivace (Capitol Hill) - Best espresso in Seattle (locals' favorite).
- Cafe Allegro (University District) - Oldest coffee shop in Seattle (1975).
Outdoor Activities:
- Kerry Park (Queen Anne) - Postcard skyline view.
- Gas Works Park (Fremont) - Industrial park on Lake Union. Great for picnics.
- Alki Beach (West Seattle) - Beach with downtown skyline views (30 min drive).
Day Trips:
- Mount Rainier National Park - 2.5 hours south. Iconic volcano. Hiking, wildflowers (July is best).
- Snoqualmie Falls - 30 mins east. 270-foot waterfall (Twin Peaks filming location).
- Olympic National Park - 2.5 hours west. Rainforest, beaches, mountains.
Must-See Attractions
Pike Place Market
Seattle's most iconic attraction since 1907. Famous for fish throwing at Pike Place Fish Market, original Starbucks (long lines), fresh flowers, local crafts, and the Gum Wall (gross but Instagram-worthy). Go early (7-9am) to see fishmongers throwing salmon and avoid crowds. Rachel the Piggy Bank bronze pig is a photo op. Pro Tip: Skip the original Starbucks line and go to Starbucks Reserve Roastery instead.
Cost
Free to explore (food/shopping extra)
Time Needed
2-3 hours
Best Time
Early morning (7-9am) to see fish throwing and avoid crowds
How to Get There
Downtown (walkable from most hotels)
Space Needle
Seattle's most recognizable landmark (built for 1962 World's Fair). The 605-foot observation deck has floor-to-ceiling glass walls, rotating glass floor (The Loupe), and Skyriser glass benches where you can lean out over the city. Views of Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound, and downtown. Pro Tip: Buy Day/Night pass ($69) to visit during day and again at sunset. Skip if it's cloudy (you won't see anything).
Cost
$37.50-49 general admission (varies by time), $69 Day/Night pass
Time Needed
1-2 hours
Best Time
Sunset (8:30pm in June/July) or early morning (before 10am)
How to Get There
Seattle Center (Monorail from Downtown or 20 min walk)
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
The 'Willy Wonka factory of coffee' (15,000 sq ft). Watch coffee beans roasted in giant copper casks, order Reserve-exclusive drinks, and explore 4 bars (espresso, brew, mixology, bakery). Located in Capitol Hill, 9 blocks from original Pike Place Starbucks. WAY cooler than waiting in line at the original. Free to enter, no reservations needed. Open 6:30am-11pm daily.
Cost
Free to explore (drinks $8-15)
Time Needed
1 hour
Best Time
Mid-morning (9-10am) or afternoon (2-4pm)
How to Get There
Capitol Hill (streetcar from Downtown or 15 min walk from Pike Place)
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Stunning glass art museum by Dale Chihuly (Seattle native). The Glasshouse centerpiece features a 100-foot-long suspended sculpture in reds and oranges. Outdoor garden has glass sculptures among plants. Located right next to Space Needle. Pro Tip: Buy combo ticket with Space Needle ($60-75) to save money. Best on overcast days (glass looks better without harsh sun).
Cost
$32 admission, $60-75 combo with Space Needle (varies by package)
Time Needed
1.5 hours
Best Time
Afternoon (2-4pm) or evening (lit up at night)
How to Get There
Seattle Center (next to Space Needle)
Kerry Park (Queen Anne)
THE postcard view of Seattle. Small hillside park with panoramic views of downtown skyline, Space Needle, Elliott Bay, and Mt. Rainier (on clear days). Best spot for photos. Gets VERY crowded at sunset. Pro Tip: Go at sunrise (5am in June) for empty park and golden light. Located in residential Queen Anne neighborhood.
Cost
FREE
Time Needed
30 mins - 1 hour
Best Time
Sunrise (5am) or sunset (8:30pm) on clear days
How to Get There
Queen Anne (rideshare or bus 2/13)
Weather & When to Visit
High
72°F
(22°C)
Low
53°F
(12°C)
Rain
6-8 days/month
Humidity
65-75%
June/July Weather in Seattle:
- Temperature: 69-75°F (21-24°C) highs, 50-55°F (10-13°C) lows
- Rain: 'June Gloom' means light drizzle and overcast in early June. July is driest month (10% chance of rain). Rain is usually light drizzle ('liquid sunshine'), not heavy storms.
- Sunset: 8:30-9pm (very late sunsets). Evening matches are pleasant.
- Stadium: Lumen Field has partial roof (seats protected, field exposed). Bring rain jacket just in case.
What to Pack:
- Rain jacket or windbreaker (NOT umbrella—locals don't use them)
- Layers (mornings cool, afternoons warm)
- Sunglasses (for rare sunny days)
- Comfortable walking shoes (Seattle is hilly)
Pro Tip: Seattle weather is unpredictable. Bring layers and rain jacket even if forecast says sunny. July is much drier than June.
Money-Saving Tips
- Link Light Rail to stadium ($3 flat fare) vs Uber surge ($30-50)
- Link Light Rail from Sea-Tac Airport ($3 flat fare) vs Uber ($50-70)
- Kerry Park is FREE and has the best skyline view (better than Space Needle $37.50-49)
- Pike Place Market prepared foods (piroshky, chowder, fruit) are cheaper than restaurants
- Skip original Starbucks line (30-60 min wait) and go to Starbucks Reserve Roastery instead (FREE to enter)
- Buy ORCA card for seamless transit (light rail, buses, ferries) - flat $3 fare
- Stay in Fremont for cheaper hotels ($100-220) vs Downtown ($150-400)
- Space Needle combo ticket with Chihuly ($60-75) saves money vs buying separately
- Happy hour specials in Capitol Hill (bars and restaurants compete for deals)
- Fremont Sunday Farmers Market has free samples and affordable prepared foods
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Population
4.0 million (metro)
Time Zone
PDT (UTC-7)
Currency
USD ($)
Language
English
Emergency
911
Major Airports
SEA - 14 mi