San FranciscovsSeattle
Can't decide between San Francisco and Seattle? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a city of iconic bridges, Victorian houses, and progressive culture perched on stunning hills overlooking the Bay. From tech innovation to historic cable cars and world-renowned cuisine, SF offers a unique American experience.
Known for
Seattle
Seattle is the Pacific Northwest's emerald city, where coffee culture began, tech giants were born, and mountains meet the sea. The Space Needle overlooks a city of craft breweries, incredible seafood, and easy access to stunning nature.
Known for
Plan your San Francisco or Seattle trip
Create a personalized San Francisco or Seattle itinerary with AI. Just describe your travel style and we'll do the rest.
Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
San Francisco offers Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf
Seattle offers Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture
Food & Dining
San Francisco is famous for its local dining scene
Seattle is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
San Francisco offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Seattle offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
September to November
June to September
Weather
Summer: 21°C, Winter: 12°C
Summer: 22°C, Winter: 6°C
Top Attractions in San Francisco
- 1Golden Gate Bridge
- 2Alcatraz Island
- 3Fisherman's Wharf
- 4Cable Cars
- 5Painted Ladies
- 6Chinatown
Top Attractions in Seattle
- 1Pike Place Market
- 2Space Needle
- 3Museum of Pop Culture
- 4Chihuly Garden
- 5Seattle Waterfront
- 6Capitol Hill
San Francisco is Popular With
Seattle is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in San Francisco
- 1
The Wave Organ
An acoustic sculpture located on a jetty in the Marina District.
- 2
Seward Street Slides
Two long, concrete slides built into a hillside in the Castro District.
Hidden Gems in Seattle
- 1
Kubota Garden
A stunning 20-acre Japanese garden in the Rainier Beach neighborhood, created by landscaper Fujitaro Kubota.
- 2
The Center for Wooden Boats on South Lake Union
A hands-on maritime museum where you can rent vintage sailboats, rowboats, or take free sailing lessons on Sundays.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in San Francisco
The Mission
Once a working-class Latino neighborhood, the Mission is now a dynamic fusion of historic culture and trendy innovation.
North Beach
San Francisco's 'Little Italy' pulses with a warm, old-world energy.
Top Areas in Seattle
Capitol Hill
The historic heart of Seattle's LGBTQ+ community and counterculture, Capitol Hill is a vibrant, walkable district known for its nightlife, eclectic dining, and activist spirit.
Ballard
Once a separate Scandinavian fishing town, Ballard retains a distinct, maritime-meets-hipster vibe.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in San Francisco
Budget in Seattle
Book Activities
Find tours and experiences in both cities
Book Activities in San Francisco
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Seattle
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Find cheap transport to San Francisco
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to San Francisco
Enter your departure city to see prices
Find cheap transport to Seattle
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Seattle
Enter your departure city to see prices
Our Verdict
Both San Francisco and Seattle are incredible destinations. San Francisco excels in Golden Gate Bridge and tech, while Seattle stands out for coffee and grunge music.
Ready to plan your adventure?