I'll be staying at the Inn at Harbor Steps in early July for a few days. Is this a relatively safe area to wander around in, in the evening? Also, how about walking from this hotel to the waterfront area in the evening?

The waterfront is at the foot of the steps mentioned in the hotel's name. No problemo.

In early July you should have no difficulties walking around that part of town at night. Use common sense, naturally. There are a couple of semi-seedy streetcorners a couple of blocks from the hotel, but you'll see them and be able to steer around.

Agreed, but I would tend to walk north in the evening - towards Pike Place Market - rather than south to Pioneer Square which is not as safe at night, I don't believe.

I (politly) disagree about Pioneer Square being unsafe at night. I have worked in the area for 3 years and have never had any problems even late walking alone. There are definately a lot of homeless people thruout seattle and some of them seem scarier than others but generally it is a safe area.

thanks guys, I can't wait to check things out in downtown Seattle!

I think it is a safe enough area, although as mentioned you may be surprised by the number of homeless people on the streets. You will get panhandled, no doubt.

There are also a couple specific streets that seem to attract certain hangin' & fishy business (drugs i assume). You are near a couple of nude dance bars (lusty lady, showgirls).

While this may not sound so terrific, it is safe. More than some other cities, downtown empties out quite a bit at night. I would keep to the busier streets. I also agree that Pioneer Square is not dangerous. There's always lots of activity there, and a good selection of clubs.

I love Seattle dearly, and hope you have a good visit.

thanks, suze

thedoc:

I don't know where you're from, but the crime statistics for Seattle, considering it's a major city, are very low. Example: 17 murders in 2004 for a city of near 600,000. Other than the Central District/Rainier Beach area, far away from downtown and sketchy only at night, you will have no problems in Seattle. I, coming from SF, also a relatively low crime city, think Seattle is a comparative breeze. As in any city, at night keep alert. You'll be right next to Pike Place, and a short walk or cab from Belltown, Pioneer Square, and Capitol Hill for your nightlife fun. You're going to have a blast.

hi doctor- I thought of this post... this week I read an article in the Times/PI telling how much the crime rate in Seattle has dropped over the past few years. Broken down by percentage and types of crimes, two categories had gone up a teeny bit and the rest (maybe 7-8 other types shown) had gone down significantly.

Pike Street between 1st Avenue and 3rd Avenue is a hangout for some extremely unsavory characters 24/7. It is a safe but unpleasant pathway to the Pike Place Market.