As an avid traveler and tourist, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many wonderful cities across the country. However, not every neighborhood in every city is created equal. While Seattle is known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and exciting attractions, there are definitely some places to avoid in Seattle, especially for tourists and first-time visitors.
Having spent some time exploring Seattle as a tourist myself, I learned quickly which neighborhoods I preferred and which made me a bit uneasy. Although Seattle is generally quite safe, there are pockets around the city that have higher crime rates, lack tourist appeal, or simply don’t offer much for visitors.
In this article, I’ll share my insight on the places to avoid in Seattle, to help fellow tourists make the most of their time in the Emerald City. With so many great things to see and do in Seattle, you don’t want to waste time in areas that lack appeal or safety. Read on for my tips!
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1. Northgate
Northgate is a neighborhood in north Seattle, located between Greenwood and Lake City. While it has become more developed in recent years, Northgate still lacks major tourist attractions and tends to have higher crime rates compared to other parts of Seattle.
As a tourist, there isn’t much reason to visit Northgate. The area is mostly residential, with some strip malls and big box stores. The streets feel a bit deserted and rundown in parts. Northgate Park offers some green space but isn’t a must-see destination. With limited dining, shopping, or cultural draws, Northgate can be skipped.
Crime statistics show higher rates of property crime in Northgate compared to the rest of Seattle. As a tourist, you’re better off spending your time in livelier neighborhoods to the south like Fremont, Ballard, and Capitol Hill. With not much to do and potential safety concerns, Northgate lands on the “avoid” list for Seattle.
2. Queen Anne
Queen Anne is an upscale residential neighborhood in northwest Seattle, known for its stately homes and scenic views. While it’s a pleasant community, Queen Anne doesn’t offer much for tourists and the steep hills can make it difficult to navigate.
Besides taking in the views from Kerry Park, there isn’t much to entice visitors to Queen Anne. The neighborhood is primarily quiet streets lined with beautiful but expensive houses. There are a few shops and restaurants, but not the density of offerings you’ll find in more bustling parts of Seattle.
The extremely hilly terrain also makes Queen Anne less than ideal for walking around. As a tourist, the steep slopes can be exhausting and make it tricky to access attractions spread around the neighborhood.
With limited tourist appeal and accessibility issues due to the intense hills, Queen Anne is easily skippable for those visiting Seattle. Spend your time exploring downtown, Capitol Hill, or Ballard instead for more dining, nightlife, and tourist attractions within close reach.
3. Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is a trendy neighborhood known for its bars, nightlife, and LGBTQ+ scene. However, parts of Capitol Hill have problems with property crime and the nightlife scene isn’t for everyone. While Capitol Hill is one of Seattle’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, it’s also dealing with issues of gentrification and rising crime rates. Parts of Capitol Hill have visible homelessness issues and reports of car break-ins and muggings, especially at night.
As a tourist, I don’t recommend wandering around the backstreets of Capitol Hill at night. The neighborhood bars and clubs attract rowdy young partiers and people looking to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists with their guard down. With so many inebriated people out late at night, crime tends to rise after dark.
If you do visit Capitol Hill, stay on the well-lit main drags like E. Pike Street and Broadway. Avoid wandering side streets or dimly lit areas on your own after hours. And keep valuables out of sight to avoid car break-ins.
4. Downtown Commercial (Downtown Seattle)
Downtown Seattle refers to the central business district, focused on the commercial high-rises. While Downtown offers major attractions like Pike Place Market and the Seattle Waterfront, the commercial downtown core lacks charm and feels deserted on nights and weekends.
Unlike lively neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Ballard, Downtown Seattle shuts down after the workday ends. On nights and weekends, the streets empty out rapidly. The area can feel eerie and isolated as you walk amongst the towering office buildings and parking garages.
Don’t stray far from the main tourist zones near Pike Place or the waterfront, especially after hours. Pickpocketing and snatchings have been reported, often when tourists wander quiet side streets or look lost trying to find their way at night.
While Downtown Seattle has iconic sights, aim to just pass through during the day rather than spend nights here. The neighborhood’s quiet concrete jungle vibe isn’t the most welcoming for tourists. Head to hipper hoods like Fremont or Wallingford for a charming, walkable Seattle hotel base.
5. University District
The University District (also known as the U District) is home to the University of Washington campus and has a distinct student vibe. However, the U District has pockets with high crime rates that make it less than ideal for tourists.
Being so close to a large university campus, the U District caters to student life. The area has a lively bar scene and casual eateries. However, the frat party atmosphere also breeds rowdiness, drunken disorder, and petty crime.
Parts of the U District have visible drug use and homeless issues. Take extra precautions walking at night, when muggings and drunken assaults have been reported. Even during the day, be alert when walking alone, and don’t engage with intoxicated individuals.
Consider the U District only if you’re touring the UW campus itself. Otherwise, nearby neighborhoods like Wallingford, Fremont, and Ballard have plenty to do without the same safety concerns.
6. South Ballard
Ballard is a hip, restaurant-filled neighborhood popular with tourists. However, the southernmost part of Ballard has street safety issues to consider. Also called Lower Ballard, the area south of Market Street has struggling industries like boat repair yards and is somewhat cut off from the rest of the neighborhood. Foot traffic declines significantly after Market Street and isolated industrial areas can attract street crime.
As a tourist, I’d recommend avoiding the southern portion of Ballard, especially at night. Stick to the charming historic downtown and trendy residential areas north of Market Street. Great breweries, shops, and restaurants pack this part of Ballard.
But if you find yourself south of Market after dark, be vigilant about your surroundings. Walk on well-lit main roads whenever possible. Consider a rideshare or taxi back to your hotel rather than strolling the side streets alone.
7. Belltown
Belltown sits adjacent to Downtown Seattle and bustles with nightlife energy. However, the neighborhood also has one of the highest violent crime rates in the city. While Belltown offers trendy bars and dining, its close proximity to Downtown also means more visible homelessness, drug use, and solicitation. Violent crimes like assault and robbery occur at above-average rates in Seattle.
Avoid wandering Belltown’s side streets alone at night. The neighborhood clubs and bars attract rowdy crowds on weekends, who often pour drunkenly into the streets after the last call. Petty arguments can escalate quickly with so many intoxicated people out late.
Tourists are easy mugging targets for criminals lurking in Belltown’s shadows. Don’t walk while staring at your phone screen or distracted. If out late, stick to well-traveled streets and travel in groups whenever possible in this neighborhood.
8. South Lake Union
The South Lake Union neighborhood has boomed with tech industry growth in recent years. But the area still has pockets of street crime to keep in mind. While major corporations like Amazon and Google have offices here, parts of South Lake Union still have homeless encampments and isolated warehouses. The mix of business travelers and homeless residents contributes to various property and street crimes.
Avoid walking alone in South Lake Union at night or lingering too long at deserted bus stops. The neighborhood attracts some shady characters after dark looking to prey on distracted tech workers and vulnerable individuals.
Stick to riding Ubers at night rather than walking side streets alone. And look alert walking during the daytime to avoid being targeted. South Lake Union is best visited briefly for sightseeing by day or to access local restaurants.
9. South Park
South Park is a relatively isolated neighborhood along the Duwamish River. It lacks major attractions and has problems with gang-related street crime. Located south of Downtown Seattle, South Park feels worlds apart from the buzzing city center. Its industrial warehouses and shipyards see little tourist foot traffic. Unfortunately, the area has also been plagued by gang violence and drug crime going back decades.
Street crime remains high in South Park compared to the rest of Seattle. As an out-of-towner, you have little reason to visit South Park anyway. Focus your time on safer Seattle hot spots with vibrant nightlife and culture like Capitol Hill, Fremont, and Ballard.
If stopping in South Park briefly for a bite, keep your wits about you. Don’t flash expensive cameras or jewelry that could attract the wrong attention. And avoid wandering side streets or appearing distracted
10. Georgetown
Georgetown is an industrial neighborhood known for its breweries and airplane spotting. However, it also has pockets of seedy street activity to keep in mind. Located south of downtown Seattle, Georgetown isn’t directly along the typical tourist trail. The area contains urban decay between the airplane hangars, warehouses, and railway lines. Homelessness and drug use are visible, contributing to street crime.
Parts of Georgetown feel deserted at night, far from the crowds and lights of downtown. As a tourist, stick to visiting Georgetown’s popular breweries and restaurants during the day. Taking the underground tour by day can be interesting for the historical aspect too.
But avoid wandering Georgetown after dark on foot. Catch an Uber directly to your next destination rather than strolling these dim industrial backstreets. Georgetown’s grittier elements are best avoided, especially for lone tourists unfamiliar with the area.
11. Rainier Beach
Rainier Beach is Seattle’s southernmost neighborhood, with a residential suburban vibe. While home to a beloved urban farm and beach, it also has problems with gang violence to consider. The neighborhood has struggled with street crime and poverty over the decades. There have been issues with gang shootings and drug-related violence specifically. While Rainier Beach is working to clean up its act, crime remains a concern.
As a tourist visiting Seattle and looking to avoid certain areas, Rainier Beach should be low on your list of must-see places. When thinking about places to avoid in Seattle, Rainier Beach fits that description. The shops and dining options trail other safer neighborhoods. And the suburban feel lacks big-city charm and walkability.
If visiting Rainier Beach Farms or the beach during the day, don’t flash expensive tech and keep your valuables hidden. Avoid lingering around the Metro station at night. And take an Uber rather than walking anywhere after dark. For access to beaches and plenty of food and lodging choices, opt for neighborhoods like Alki, West Seattle, or Ballard over Rainier Beach.
Conclusion
While Seattle has so many neighborhoods to explore, it’s wise to avoid certain areas as a tourist. This article covered key places to avoid in Seattle that lack tourist appeal or pose potential safety issues. By steering clear of these spots on your visit, you can better maximize your time in the Emerald City.
There are just too many exciting and scenic parts of Seattle to waste time in high-crime areas or regions lacking attractions. Spend your days immersed in Seattle’s arts and culture, dining on local seafood, or awed by gorgeous natural landscapes instead.
Avoid the places mentioned here, and focus on making memories strolling lively urban enclaves like Capitol Hill and Fremont. Or take in Seattle’s beauty along the waterfront downtown or in lush city parks.
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