What is Pike Place Market?
Pike Place Market welcomed its first guests in 1907, making it one of the oldest continuously running public food markets in the United States. Today, the market has expanded well beyond its dozen or so original stands, now hosting hundreds of produce and seafood vendors, restaurants, craftsmen, and artisanal food makers.
Is Pike Place Market worth visiting?
While famed for its flying fish, Pike Place is home a whole lot more than salmon soaring through the air. From chocolate-covered cherries to Alaskan king crab, the market houses the best of the Pacific Northwest’s culinary finds, drawing tourists and locals alike. Treasure hunters should head downstairs, where funky stops like the Giant Shoe Museum and Old Seattle Paperworks—selling vintages posters and antique art—are tucked away. On the market's outskirts, make sure to admire the views over Elliot Bay, where you might see some ferries passing by.
What’s the best way to visit Pike Place Market?
The hours of stands and vendors vary slightly, but as a whole, Pike Place is open daily, from 10am to 5pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Each season brings fresh and varying flowers and produce to the market. Weekends see the most action. The additional street food vendors are a weekend bonus, but the crowds can be overwhelming. Come with some time to walk and get lost within the never-ending maze of vendors in the several sections of the market.
What’s good to eat near Pike Place Market?
Pike Place is synonymous with food. The biggest challenge you’ll have is strategizing your visit so you can sample the market’s extensive food offerings. Seafood, dumplings, tacos, to name a few. Le Panier is known for its French breads and pastries, while Mee Sum specializes in Chinese buns. DeLaurenti’s has a mouthwatering selection of imported cheeses and delicacies, with a café accompanying it. For classic Pacific Northwest fare, order the grilled salmon sandwich from Market Grill or grab a cup of seafood chowder from Pike Place Chowder. If you’re feeling decadent, walk down the street to Beecher’s Cheese and order a bowl of its famous mac & cheese.
