Pike Place Market stands as a vibrant emblem of Seattle, a bustling hub where the city’s heart truly beats. More than just a market, it’s a sensory feast, a historical landmark, and a cornerstone of the Emerald City experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Seattleite or a first-time visitor, Pike Place Market offers an inexhaustible array of sights, sounds, tastes, and experiences that encapsulate the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
Picture-Perfect Moments: Iconic Photo Opportunities at Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is undeniably photogenic, offering a wealth of Instagrammable spots around every corner. From iconic landmarks to candid moments of market life, capturing the essence of Pike Place through your lens is a delightful pursuit.
One of the most beloved photo subjects is undoubtedly Rachel the Piggy Bank. Located under the iconic red Public Market Center sign at the First and Pike entrance, Rachel is a 550-pound bronze pig who happily accepts donations. You’ll often find her surrounded by delighted visitors posing for photos, making her a true symbol of Pike Place Market. For those seeking out the entire porcine family, don’t miss Billie the Pig, Rachel’s equally impressive cousin, located at the MarketFront, offering another fantastic photo opportunity.
Rachel the Piggy Bank at Pike Place Market entrance
Speaking of iconic signs, the Public Market Center sign itself is a must-capture landmark. Dating back to 1927, this neon sign is one of the West Coast’s oldest, glowing brightly day and night. For a unique perspective and a less crowded shot, venture a block east on Pike Street. From this vantage point, you can capture the sign with the breathtaking backdrop of Puget Sound, and if you’re lucky, even a ferry gliding across the water from Bainbridge Island.
Just a stone’s throw from Rachel, let your ears guide you to the lively Pike Place Fish Market. The boisterous shouts of fishmongers and the spectacle of fresh fish being expertly tossed through the air create unforgettable action shots. Capture the energy and excitement of this world-famous fish market, a true Pike Place institution.
North on Pike Place, you’ll encounter a piece of coffee history: the “original” Starbucks. While technically not the very first Starbucks location (that was a block north), this store, opened in 1975, is considered the original Pike Place Starbucks. Snap a photo of the famed original mermaid logo, a vintage design unique to this location, and perhaps pick up some exclusive Starbucks merchandise only found here as a special souvenir.
A Culinary Journey: Market Eats and Sips to Savor
Food lovers will find themselves in paradise at Pike Place Market. Wandering through the vibrant produce stalls is an experience in itself, with vendors offering tantalizing samples of seasonal fruits, from crisp Washington apples to juicy peaches. For a delightful alfresco meal, gather fresh fruit, artisanal cheeses, and charcuterie from DeLaurenti, a market staple, and create your own picnic to enjoy with a view.
For unique and local flavors, Hellenika offers handcrafted Greek cultured creamery with inventive tastes, while Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, a Seattle favorite, beckons with its irresistible mac and cheese. Don’t be intimidated by the often-present line at Piroshky Piroshky; these Russian pastries, especially the beef and cheese variety, are well worth the wait. If you’re seeking a quicker bite before your piroshky indulgence, Michou Deli and Le Panier, located nearby, offer delicious pre-piroshky options. And for take-away treats perfect for your hotel or travels, Bite Society provides beautifully packaged and delectable cookies, chips, and snacks.
Rachel the Piggy Bank at Pike Place Market entrance
To quench your thirst, Old Stove Brewing Co. in the MarketFront expansion boasts 16 beers on tap, while Rachel’s Ginger Beer in Post Alley is renowned for its Moscow mules (and non-alcoholic ginger beer options).
For a sit-down dining experience, Lowell’s offers classic market ambiance with stunning waterfront views and a menu rich in local seafood. For a special evening, reserve a table at Matt’s in the Market, celebrated for its refined cuisine and captivating close-up view of the illuminated market sign, or The Pink Door, where Italian dishes are paired with captivating cirque-cabaret performances on Sunday and Monday evenings (look for the discreet salmon pink entrance in Post Alley).
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth: Delectable Desserts at Pike Place
Pike Place Market caters to every sweet craving imaginable. Daily Dozen Doughnuts, located at the market’s south end, is famous for its paper bag filled with warm mini doughnuts, customizable with powdered sugar, cinnamon, or sprinkles. Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream on First Avenue exudes vintage charm, serving scoops of locally sourced Lopez Island Creamery ice cream. Chocolate aficionados shouldn’t miss indi chocolate, a bean-to-bar producer in MarketFront, featuring a café, retail space for cocoa creations, and windows offering a glimpse into the chocolate-making process.
Shopping Adventures: Unique Finds and Artisan Crafts
Exploring the diverse shops at Pike Place Market could easily fill an entire day. Home to over 200 artisan craftspeople, the market offers everything from handmade soaps to exquisite ceramics, with artisans eager to share the stories behind their creations. The market’s flower stalls are legendary, bursting with color and offering incredible deals on bouquets, often starting at just $10.
Venture to the lower arcade levels, guided by the illuminated signs, to discover a treasure trove of quirky shops. Here, you’ll find magic tricks, vintage posters and magazines, and retro pop culture items, including lightsabers and rare comics at Golden Age Collectables.
Culinary enthusiasts must visit the original Sur La Table, located in the heart of the market. Made in Washington offers souvenirs celebrating the Pacific Northwest, from smoked salmon to glass art and Sasquatch-themed kitchen towels. Around the corner, Metsker Maps of Seattle specializes in travel and geography, offering local maps and books on the region’s topography. Nearby, find whimsical prints and t-shirts at Robot vs Sloth, and for knitting enthusiasts, So Much Yarn is a haven of yarn and knitting supplies.
Along Western Avenue, browse the unique boutiques Ugly Baby and The Paper Feather for quirky gifts and handmade paper products respectively.
Pike Place After Dark: Evening Entertainment and Libations
While the farmer’s stalls close in the evening, Pike Place Market remains vibrant after sunset. Radiator Whiskey, sibling bar to Matt’s in the Market, serves an impressive array of whiskeys, bourbons, scotches, and ryes, alongside inventive cocktails. Pike Brewing Company stays open until midnight, offering a rotating selection of beers and guided tours and tastings earlier in the day.
Hidden behind a staircase on the Pike Place Hill Climb, Zig Zag Cafe is a beloved local spot known for its intimate ambiance and expertly crafted cocktails. Nearby, the cozy JarrBar offers a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere, serving craft cocktails and small plates until 2 am.
Discover the Secret Garden: An Urban Oasis
Even seasoned locals are sometimes surprised to stumble upon the Pike Place Urban Garden, a hidden gem located on the rooftop of the LaSalle Building. This urban oasis donates its produce to the Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank. Find a bench amidst the winding tomato plants and raised garden beds to enjoy views of the waterfront and the iconic Seattle Great Wheel.
Guided Explorations: Top Pike Place Market Tours
For first-time visitors, a guided tour can be the perfect introduction to Pike Place Market. Seattle Free Walking Tours provides a comprehensive overview of the market, blending historical anecdotes with delicious samples. Friends of the Market tours delve into lesser-known corners, emphasizing the market’s rich history, while Nightly Spirits Seattle Ghost Tour offers a spooky perspective on the market’s past.
Savor Seattle Food Tour
Food-focused tours abound, with options from Savor Seattle and Eat Seattle, guiding foodies through the market’s culinary highlights. For a personalized experience, Diane’s Market Kitchen offers private tours followed by cooking classes using fresh market ingredients.
Pike Place Market is more than just a destination; it’s an experience. Immerse yourself in its sights, sounds, and flavors to truly discover the heart of Seattle.
