Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA, is more than just a market; it’s a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors that embodies the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Nestled on Pike Street, this iconic landmark draws millions of visitors each year, eager to experience its unique blend of history, commerce, and community. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Pike Place Market offers an unforgettable sensory journey.
One of the first things that captures your attention at Pike Place Market is the sheer visual appeal. It’s a photographer’s paradise, with countless opportunities to capture the market’s bustling energy and colorful displays.
Rachel the Piggy Bank at Pike Place Market Seattle
Photo Opportunities Abound
Your photo journey should definitely begin with Rachel the Piggy Bank. Located under the iconic red Public Market Center sign at the First and Pike entrance, Rachel is a beloved symbol of the market. This bronze beauty, weighing in at 550 pounds, is perpetually surrounded by happy visitors posing for pictures, making it a quintessential Pike Place snapshot. For those who enjoy a bit of pig-themed fun, don’t forget to seek out Billie the Pig at the MarketFront, Rachel’s equally impressive cousin, offering another great photo op.
Speaking of iconic, the Public Market Center sign itself is a must-capture. Dating back to 1927, this neon sign is one of the oldest of its kind on the West Coast. To get a stunning shot of the sign with a backdrop that truly screams Seattle, position yourself a block east on Pike Street. From this vantage point, you can frame the sign against the breathtaking panorama of Puget Sound, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a ferry gliding in from Bainbridge Island, adding an extra layer of Pacific Northwest charm to your photograph.
No visit to Pike Place Market is complete without witnessing the spectacle at Pike Place Fish Market. Just follow the lively shouts and you’ll find yourself at the epicenter of fish-throwing theatrics. Capture the action as fishmongers expertly toss fresh catches across the ice, creating a dynamic and energetic scene that’s unique to Pike Place.
For coffee aficionados and history buffs, a stop at the original Starbucks is essential. Located north on Pike Place, while technically not the very first Starbucks (that was a block north in 1971), this location has been serving coffee since 1975 and holds the title of the oldest continuously operating Starbucks. Snap a picture of the original mermaid logo, a vintage design that’s different from the modern Starbucks branding, and maybe pick up some exclusive Pike Place Market Starbucks merchandise, a perfect Seattle souvenir.
A Feast for the Senses: Market Eats and Sips
Pike Place Market is a culinary adventure waiting to happen. Food lovers can spend hours wandering through the stalls, sampling fresh produce and artisanal treats.
Artisan cheeses at Beecher's Handmade Cheese Pike Place Market Seattle
For a taste of local flavors, explore the produce stalls overflowing with seasonal fruits. Bite into crisp Washington apples or juicy peaches, depending on the time of year. To create your own market picnic, gather specialty cheeses and charcuterie from DeLaurenti. This Italian grocery offers an array of gourmet delights perfect for an alfresco lunch. For a unique creamy treat, stop by Hellenika, a local Greek creamery known for its inventive flavors. And for a true Seattle staple, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is a must. Indulge in a bowl of their famous mac and cheese, a comforting classic.
Don’t be intimidated by the line at Piroshky Piroshky; these Russian pastries are worth the wait. The beef and cheese piroshky is a crowd favorite, but all their savory and sweet pastries are delicious. For a quicker bite before your piroshky indulgence, Michou Deli and Le Panier are excellent choices, offering a range of sandwiches and French pastries. If you’re looking for snacks to take home, Bite Society offers beautifully packaged cookies, chips, and other treats, ideal for souvenirs or hotel room snacking.
To quench your thirst, head to Old Stove Brewing Co. in the MarketFront expansion and choose from 16 beers on tap. Alternatively, experience a Seattle favorite at Rachel’s Ginger Beer in Post Alley. Their Moscow mules are legendary, and they also offer a variety of non-alcoholic ginger beer drinks.
For a sit-down meal, Lowell’s offers a classic market dining experience with stunning waterfront views and a menu rich in local seafood. For a more upscale evening, reserve a table at Matt’s in the Market, known for its refined cuisine and intimate views of the glowing market sign. Or, experience the whimsical charm of The Pink Door, serving Italian dishes and hosting cirque-cabaret performances on Sunday and Monday nights (look for the discreet pink door in Post Alley).
Sweet Endings: Just Desserts
Pike Place Market caters to every sweet craving imaginable. Daily Dozen Doughnuts, located at the south end of the market, is famous for its paper bag of mini doughnuts, tossed in your choice of sugar, cinnamon, or sprinkles. For a nostalgic treat, visit Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream on First Avenue. This charming spot features a vintage soda fountain and serves scoops from local Lopez Island Creamery. Chocolate lovers should not miss indi chocolate in the MarketFront. This bean-to-bar producer offers a café, a retail space filled with cocoa creations, and windows where you can watch the chocolate-making process firsthand.
Shopping Adventures: Artisan Crafts and Unique Finds
Exploring the shops at Pike Place Market is an adventure in itself. Over 200 artisan craftspeople sell their wares here, from handmade soaps to pottery, and are always happy to chat about their craft. The market is also renowned for its flower stalls, bursting with color and offering incredible deals – bouquets can start as low as $10.
Artisan cheeses at Beecher's Handmade Cheese Pike Place Market Seattle
Venture below street level to the lower arcade levels, guided by the illuminated signs, and discover a quirky world of shops selling magic tricks, vintage posters, retro pop culture items, and rare comics at Golden Age Collectables.
Culinary enthusiasts must visit the original Sur La Table, located at Pike and Pine. Made in Washington is the place to find Pacific Northwest souvenirs, from smoked salmon to Sasquatch-themed kitchen towels. Around the corner, Metsker Maps of Seattle is a haven for travel buffs and map lovers. Find local maps or books on the region’s geography here. For whimsical prints and t-shirts, visit Robot vs Sloth, and knitters will find paradise at So Much Yarn, a comprehensive yarn and knitting supply store.
Along Western Avenue, explore boutiques like Ugly Baby and The Paper Feather for unique gifts and handmade paper goods respectively.
Pike Place After Dark: Evening Delights
While the daytime market buzz winds down in the evening, Pike Place Market still has plenty to offer. Radiator Whiskey, sibling bar to Matt’s in the Market, serves an impressive selection of whiskeys, bourbons, scotches, and ryes, along with inventive cocktails. For a late-night beer, Pike Brewing Company stays open until midnight, offering a rotating tap list and earlier in the day, guided tours and tastings.
Hidden behind a staircase on the Pike Place Hill Climb, Zig Zag Cafe is a local favorite known for its intimate atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails. Just steps away, JarrBar, a small Mediterranean-inspired bar, serves craft cocktails and small plates until 2 am.
A Hidden Gem: Secret Garden
Even seasoned Seattleites might be surprised to discover the Pike Place Urban Garden, tucked away on the rooftop of the LaSalle Building. This hidden oasis donates its produce to the Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank. Find a bench among tomato plants and raised garden beds and enjoy views of the waterfront and the Seattle Great Wheel.
Guided Exploration: Top Tours
For first-time visitors, a guided tour can be the perfect way to navigate the market’s vast offerings. Seattle Free Walking Tours provides a general overview of Pike Place Market, incorporating anecdotes and food samples. Friends of the Market tours delve into lesser-known areas and focus on the market’s rich history. For a spooky twist, Nightly Spirits Seattle Ghost Tour explores the market’s past with chilling tales.
Food-focused tours offered by Savor Seattle and Eat Seattle take you on a culinary journey through the market’s highlights. For a personalized experience, Diane’s Market Kitchen offers private tours followed by cooking classes using fresh market ingredients.
Pike Place Market, located right on Pike Street in Seattle, WA, is a destination that truly has something for everyone. From iconic photo spots to culinary delights and unique shopping experiences, a visit to this historic market is an essential part of any Seattle itinerary. Explore, taste, and discover the magic of Pike Place Market.
