Should I try to get inside the Amazon office buildings?

No. Most buildings require a badge and are not open to the public. You get a better 'local' feel by being in the public parks and cafes surrounding the campuses.

Is public transport enough to get around?

Yes. Between the Link Light Rail, the streetcar, and the abundance of ride-share apps, you do not need a car.

Experience Seattle's Tech Scene Like a Local

To experience Seattle's tech culture, skip the corporate office tours and spend your time in the neighborhoods where engineers actually live and work. Focus your trip on the South Lake Union corridor and the Capitol Hill coffee scene, where the city's intellectual energy is most concentrated.

Start in the 'Denny Triangle' and South Lake Union. This is the heart of Amazon territory. Grab a coffee at a non-chain local spot near 7th and Westlake and observe the rush-hour commute. It’s the best way to see the massive scale of the tech workforce in action.
Visit the Living Computers: Museum + Labs. If it is open, this is the best spot to understand the city's roots in hardware and computing history. If closed for renovation, head to the Center for Innovation at the Museum of Flight to see the aerospace history that predates current software giants.
Work (or People Watch) in Capitol Hill. This is where the tech workers go after 5:00 PM. Find a table at a spot like Espresso Vivace or Victrola Coffee Roasters. You will overhear more product roadmap discussions here than anywhere else in the city.
Explore the University District. The University of Washington is the primary talent pipeline for Amazon and Microsoft. Walk the campus and the 'Ave' (University Way) to see where the next generation of founders is currently studying.

Should I try to get inside the Amazon office buildings?: No. Most buildings require a badge and are not open to the public. You get a better 'local' feel by being in the public parks and cafes surrounding the campuses.
Is public transport enough to get around?: Yes. Between the Link Light Rail, the streetcar, and the abundance of ride-share apps, you do not need a car.