Seattle - PIONEER SQUARE - Is it safe at night?
 

Just keep reading about all the homeless people in Pioneer Square. Is it better to visit during the day?

thanks,
dina

Dina, Pioneer Square is OK at night. Because there are always lots of people out on the streets, it feels safe enough to me. The sidewalks are lined with shops, restaurants, bars.

That said, because there are bars and clubs things can be rowdy on occasion. And there are definitely homeless people around, but they are not dangerous imo. suze

I wouldn't go wandering down dark alleys alone, but generally speaking you can visit any time.

Thanks.

You're welcome. Anyone else from Seattle reading?

I was hoping someone else might also chime in with their opinion (although I believe my post is accurate and current).

I'm in Seattle and generally agree.

ken

Generally agree, as well.

In PS on weekend evenings, the homeless are, I think, less of a concern than the crowds of club-goers who can often be rowdy and more than a little drunk. At least the clubbing crowd creates a critical mass of people to keep the true criminals (drug dealers aside) away.

The real 'homeless' are usually tucked away in shelters by the time evening comes, anyway.

Club-crowds and homeless aside, I'd recommend daytime visits to PS. The architecture in the neighborhood is one of its prime attractions, and it's harder to appreciate after dark. Also, my favorite coffee shops and lunch spots in the Square are open only during the day, and the Underground Tours operate primarily during business hours, as well.

It's a fun neighborhood.

Fritzrl

Fritzrl read my mind ;-)--that's about what I was going to say as well. I was wondering why you'd be visiting at night, anyway.

Am now realizing that it probably gets dark really late in Seattle in July!

We will be returning on the water taxi from West beach probably around 7, and since the dock is right there, i thought we may walk around if we didn't have time earlier.

I figured the homeless weren't really an issue, but i kept reading about it. I wouldn't consider not visiting Union Square in San Francisco or 3rd St. Pomenade in Santa Monica and those places are rampant with homeless people.

thanks again, everyone!

dina

In answer to the actual question asked:

YES, it is better to visit during the day!

But as you updated, it stays light out here (until well after 9pm about that time of the year)

Well, here's my take, (and I live near Seattle)....don't.. it's not the homeless, but the drunks..and parts of it are not well lighted. I don't think we have any more homeless than any town of it's size, but why would you want to prowl Pioneer Sq. in the evening. Go to the waterfront instead...there are more people about and more to see.

thanks, everyone!

We stayed at the Best western in Pioneer square in 2000 and did not have any problems with the ever present homeless people.PAul

I lived in the area until a few months ago, so I'll offer my 2 cents.

My opinion is that yes, it is BETTER to visit during the day. I wouldn't hesitate to go in the evening though. Other than that, Suze pretty well summed it up.

Enjoy Seattle. It is a terrific place!

For those who are wondering, people go to Pioneer Square at night because there's loads of bars and clubs and fun things to do there. It's been a favored night-spot of certain types for decades. That's why.