I'm a New Yorker who went to Seattle for the first time. Here are 9 things that surprised me.
Briefly

Visiting Seattle for the first time in May 2025 fulfilled a long-held dream for a New Yorker. The city presented unexpected attractions like a unique free banana stand and a charming tech neighborhood integrated with nature. The walk from King Street Station to downtown felt like a hike. The author, who had previously taken road trips to nearby towns, found Seattle's quirks—like a chewing-gum-speckled wall—unexpected and endearing, demonstrating the city's distinct character compared to other locations in the Pacific Northwest.
The city in the Pacific Northwest surprised me as a New Yorker, especially with its unique attractions and beautiful landscapes.
It was my first time in the Washington city, one I've wanted to visit since I was a kid, highlighting the long-held dream of visiting.
I didn't think I'd find a chewing-gum-speckled wall in an alley later that afternoon, reflecting the unexpected quirks of Seattle's urban culture.
Seattle was always too far north to include in my itinerary, revealing the challenges of planning trips to the Pacific Northwest from NYC.
Read at Business Insider
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