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This name derives from Seattle’s rain-soaked greenery and once heavily forested ecology. But locals certainly do not refer to their home that way, although occasionally you may hear Seattle called Jet City, a reference to Boeing’s influence on the economy.

Jaywalkers often find themselves collared by waiting police patrols on the lookout for any pedestrian crossing the street at unauthorized places or times. Police do enforce the statute that makes crossing against the light illegal.

Seattle has a history of protecting pedestrians from collisions with automobiles. All motorized and self-powered vehicles riding the streets have an obligation to stop for pedestrians, whether or not they cross at intersections or outside of crosswalks.

Most tourists never come near the edgier neighborhoods where economic disenfranchisement has helped to foster street crime. Seattle’s major streets and arterials are quite safe for sightseeing during the day. Feel free to stroll at night only if you already know the area comfortably.

Cigarette smoking laws are continually in transition, but Seattle allows restaurant and bar smoking only in designated areas. The law allows establishments to set their own standards, so some businesses may disallow smoking anywhere on the premises, while others have no restrictions at all. Hotels typically save rooms for either proclivity.

One’s patience is tested when navigating Seattle’s streets and highways. Keep a lookout for turn-only lanes at busy intersections. If you need to parallel park on steep hills, turn your wheels towards the curb to help prevent a runaway car. If you use manual transmission and you’re stopped in traffic mid-hill, be sure to apply the emergency brake until you engage the gears smoothly. You must obey the speed limits, 25 mph (40 kmph), unless posted otherwise.

Seattle has two main seasons, wet and dry. Regardless of the time of year, always remember to pack a jacket or sweater, and basic rain gear. Waterproof windbreakers, hats, or polypropylene shells are essential.

All cities have an abundance of homeless individuals, and Seattle is no exception. Avoid contact with panhandlers and beggars and those that are obviously intoxicated. They’re rarely aggressive, but it’s still a good idea to ignore confrontation. Always keep your possessions firmly in hand or secure.

Almost every restaurant’s management keeps wages very low and expects customers’ tips to make up the difference. Your gratuity should be in the 15 percent range, more or less depending on the quality of service, and calculated on the pre-tax total. Tip your cab driver 10-15 percent, and allow about $1 per service for hotel staff.

The legal drinking age for alcoholic beverages is 21. The law is so strictly enforced that everyone’s picture identity card is checked at bars and taverns regardless of how old they may look. Be prepared to show proof of age. You must be 18 or older in order to purchase cigarettes.