Pike Place Market: Best Food, Hidden Gems & Full Itinerary

If you’re visiting Pike Place Market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. With dense crowds, countless food stalls, and tucked-away attractions, it’s no surprise many visitors miss some of the best spots. There’s over 500 stalls, so it’s easy to miss something special! But with my guide, you’ll know exactly where to go to experience the very best it has to offer!

 

After visiting more times than I can count (including busy summer weekends and quieter off-season mornings), I’ve figured out exactly what’s worth your time.

In this guide, I’ll show you:

• The best food at Pike Place Market (what’s actually worth the line)
• A simple itinerary so you don’t miss anything important
• The best times to visit (and when to avoid it)
• Common mistakes first-time visitors make

Whether you have one hour or half a day, this guide will help you experience Pike Place Market without the stress.  

Why you can trust my review: I live near Seattle and I’ve visited Pike Place Market more times than I can count! In this guide, you’ll hear directly from a local’s perspective.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Why It’s Worth a Visit

Wondering if you should add Pike Place Market to your Seattle itinerary? Let me tell you, it’s absolutely worth visiting!

Pike Place Market receives over 10 million visitors a year! (In comparison, the Space Needle receives 1.3 million visitors each year.) There’s no where else you can find classic Seattle seafood dishes like creamy clam chowder side-by-side with international favorites (authentic French pastries, Russian piroshkis, Persian kebabs, Taiwanese hombows, Turkish baklava, and more!) all within a few blocks.

It’s the most popular tourist attraction in the city of Seattle, and it’s the 33rd most visited tourist attraction in the world. (As a local I knew the market was pretty cool, but I had no idea that it was in the top 50 worldwide attractions!)  

Pike Place Market has been the cornerstone of Seattle’s food scene since 1907. That makes it the oldest continuously-running public farmer’s market in the United States.

In addition to the best food in the city, you can also find freshly-cut flowers, a secret garden, views of the waterfront, and more!

My verdict: If you’re planning a trip to Seattle, prioritize a visit to Pike Place Market! I’d name it easily as one of the top 3 must-do activities.

Quick Tips for Visiting Pike Place Market

Here are my best tips for a smooth day at the market!

• Arrive hungry: Seriously, make sure you don’t eat a big meal before you go to the market. As soon as you get there, you’ll want to start tasting all of the different foods you see.
• Have a plan: Don’t settle for the first food item you see. (And don’t waste your stomach space on something you can easily get somewhere else!) We share some of our favorite food spots later in this post to help guide you.
• But also be a little spontaneous: One of our favorite things about the market is leaving some room for spontaneity and trying something new. Leave a little room in your stomach for something unique you just have to try. It’s easy to get full fast. There’s so much to see around the market, you can always walk around until you’re hungry again!
• Pronounce it right: It’s called Pike Place Market. Not Pike’s Place Market. Don’t worry if you call it Pike’s Place, though, because even locals do it sometimes!
• Check the official website: Before your visit be sure to check the official Pike Place Market website. I like to take a look to see what seasonal events are happening!
• Best entrance: If this is your first visit, be sure to enter the main entrance from Pike Street & 1st Avenue. You’ll be greeted by the iconic sign! If you’re a seasoned visitor, park at the garage off of Western Ave and enter the market through the back entrance.
• Bring cash: In addition to a credit card, bring about $20-40 in cash. Almost all of the vendors accept credit cards, but you might find a few that prefer cash. I also like to bring some $1 to tip musicians. 
• Explore beyond the main arcade: Most visitors get stuck in the main arcade and then leave for other Seattle attractions. I recommend visiting the lower levels, the secret garden, and the gum wall before wrapping up your visit. (More info on those below!)
• Book a food tour: Consider booking a tour of the market. It’s the best way to learn about the market and sample some of the best dishes! We did a food tour a few years ago and I’d highly recommend it. We were able to try lots of different foods, and we learned so much while we were doing it!
• Plan on sharing your food: With so many food options to try, it’s easy to get full and then have to pass on other items. Instead, split meals with your party so you can try a broader range.
• Bring gum: Don’t forget to pack some gum so you can add it to the gumwall!
• Save the bouquet for last: As you exit the market, buy a bouquet and take a photo holding the flowers in front of the sign. It’s the perfect Seattle photo shot! (And you won’t have to carry the bouquet through the market the whole day.)

Best Time to Visit Pike Place Market (Avoid the Crowds)

The best time to visit Pike Place Market is early in the morning, ideally ideally between 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. The market will be fully awake, but the heavy tour groups haven’t arrived yet. You’ll be able to stroll through the main arcade without feeling pushed around and overall it will be a more relaxed experience. Lines will be shorter at popular food stalls as well. The tradeoff here is that some of the vendors, such as cocktail bars, don’t open until later. But if you want to see the fish throwing and explore the main stalls, this is the best time to come.

Weekdays are almost always more calm than weekends, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Saturdays are the busiest by far, with peak congestion around late morning through mid-afternoon. If weekends are your only option, arriving right at opening can make a big difference.

Late afternoons, roughly after 4:00 p.m., can also be a good alternative. Some vendors begin winding down, but you’ll often find thinner crowds and a more local, unhurried feel as the day tapers off.

Weather can also play a role. On rainy days, indoor sections of the market tend to feel more crowded since visitors cluster under cover. However, the lines might be shorter since many people choose to skip the market on a rainy day.

My favorite time to visit the market is a weekday during the month of September. The weather is still nice and the crowds are thin.

Best Food at Pike Place Market (What’s Actually Worth It)

Food is the main reason most people come to Pike Place Market. Here’s a list of my recommendations so you can go in confidently with a plan!

Must Try Foods For a First Visit

These are the places I recommend checking out if this is your very first visit to the market. 

• Ghost Alley Espresso: Start with a coffee at this quirky spot. It’s located right by the gum wall so it’s an efficient start to your day at the market.
• Fresh Doughnuts at Daily Dozen Doughnut Company: Grab a bag of these mini-donuts. They are made hot and fresh right in front of you! I’ve listed them as one of my favorite donuts in Seattle.
• Pastries at Piroshky Piroshky: Flaky, handheld Russian pastries filled with savory or sweet options. This place always has a line, but it moves fast. The potato and cheese flavor is my personal favorite.
• Beechers Mac and Cheese: Watch the cheesemakers while you wait in line! Try their “World’s Best” Mac & Cheese or their toasted grilled cheese sandwich. 
• Three Girls Bakery: This is the oldest vendor at the market, operating since 1912! You’ll find danishes, strudels, croissants, cookies, scones, and lots more here. 

Seafood Tour of the Market

If you want to try the fresh seafood at Pike Place, add these to your list!

• Jack’s Fish Spot (Seafood Bar): Try the raw oysters or fish and chips.
• Pike Place Chowder: Don’t miss their award-winning New England chowder! I also really like the smoked salmon chowder. I recommend purchasing a flight so you can try multiple types!
• Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar: Get the Dungeness Crab Benedict or the Smoked Salmon Benedict. They also sell hot cakes for breakfast! 

Best Sit-Down Restaurants at the Market

If you’re looking for a spot to sit down and rest your feet, these are my favorite restaurants.

• Cafe Campagne: I used to have lunch with my aunt here all the time when I worked downtown. It’s a classic Parisian Brasserie. Try pommes frites with aioli and a les croques sandwich. You’ll feel as if you’re grabbing lunch in Paris! Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 
• The Pink Door: They specialize in Italian-American cuisine and often have life entertainment, such as cabaret, trapeze, or tarot reading. Be sure to make your reservations as soon as you can, it can be hard to get a reservation here! We recently visited for a date night and the food was divine. I listed it as one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle.
• Matt’s in the Market: Seared scallops, oysters on the half shell, roasted halibut, and more. They have tables with views of the main market sign.

Dessert Crawl Through the Market

If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to check out:

• Shugs Soda Fountain & Ice Cream: Get a s’mores sundae or an affogato. (Or anything else, you can’t go wrong!) 
• Le Panier: The place to go for French pastries. Eclaires, macarons, tartelettes, and more. 
• Indi Chocolate: Their counter has tons of beautiful chocolates. 
• Chukar Cherries: Enjoy Washington cherries covered in chocolate! These are a classic bite of Seattle. I even brought them to Brazil to give to my sister-in-law’s family. 
• Bite Society: Try the cookies! I especially love the Zesty Chocolate. It has hints of orange and it’s so satisfying for a sweet craving. It’s a vegan cookie and my personal favorite!

Pub Crawl at Pike Place

If you’re looking for drinks, add these to your list!

• Can Can Culinary Cabaret: For a fun evening out, enjoy a fancy dinner while you watch the cabaret. I’ve been here several times and it is always a good time! 
• Radiator Whiskey:  I ordered a smoked maple old fashioned – yum! We also really enjoyed the “By the Book” cocktails… they came with a hidden flask served in a book! We self-poured and it was a unique experience. (Scroll down to the gallery at the end to see a pic!)
• The Pike Brewing Company : You can tour the on-site brewery and view their microbeer museum. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 
• Rachel’s Ginger Beer | Cocktails: Try a Moscow Mule with their signature ginger beer. 
• Zig Zag Cafe | Cocktails: Just a few steps away from the market is the Zig Zag Cafe. This is a fun place to go for date night. It’s tucked away behind a staircase, so I’ve found it’s a spot that is more popular with locals. (You have to know to look for it!) Their craft cocktails are simply amazing.

TIP: Looking for a souvenir? I think the cookie tins from Bite Society make for the perfect gift! Their packaging is very cool (tattoo artists create the designs), and the cookies are delicious. Also, their staff are super nice!

Full Itinerary For a First-Time Visitor

Here’s my breakdown of how to spend a few hours at the Pike Place Market. I have it organized by location so it’s an efficient walk-through. See my map below:

 

• 9am: Arrive at the main entrance. Take photos of the sign!
• 9:10am: Instead of heading to the main arcade under the sign, follow the road to the left of the sign that leads down below the market. 
• 9:15am: Buy a cup of coffee at Ghost Alley Espresso. While you’re there, check out the gum wall. 
• 9:30am: Now go up to the main arcade and grab some donuts from the Daily Dozen. Watch the fish tossing “show” at the fish market while you nibble on your donuts. Also check out the piggy bank mascot right next to the fish market.
• 10am: Explore the main arcade, buy souvenirs, and support the local artists.
• 10:30am: Grab a bite from Piroshky Piroshky and Beechers. They are right by the “first Starbucks”. Don’t waste your time at the Starbucks, though, because there’s always long lines and it’s not too different from what you’d find at other locations.
• 11:30am: Go back to the main entrance and follow my directions (below) to the secret garden. 
• 12pm: Explore the lower levels of the market. 
• 12:30pm: Try Pike Place Chowder.
• 1pm: Buy a bouquet from the flower market, grab a photo in front of the main entrance sign, and wrap up your visit!

Best Coffee at the Market

Seattle is known for its coffee, so you can’t leave this city without trying a cup of joe. But instead of visiting the Starbucks (which serves the same stuff you can find anywhere), try one of these gems:

• Storyville Coffee: Their Pike Place location is beautifully decorated with wood paneling. They focus on quality by using only the top 2% of coffee beans. (They also make Italian sodas with fresh fruit from the market if that’s more your thing.) 
• Ghost Alley Coffee: This coffee shop is located in what used to be the attendant’s room at the market. If you go there, you might even see its resident ghost. 
• Seattle Coffee Works: Located a quick two-minute walk from the main market, Seattle Coffee Works is a mainstay. This location is temporarily closed, but will re-open in the winter of 2021. 
• Le Panier: This one is probably most well-known as a bakery, but they make an amazing latte. Feel free to pair your coffee with an eclair. 
• Moore Coffee Shop: This place is known for their latte art. Want an instagrammable coffee shot? This is the place to go. It’s just a short walk from Pike Place Market. Closed Monday through Wednesday. 

Seattle is known for coffee. See our post on the best coffee shops in Seattle!

 

Travel Tip: If you’re planning a trip to Seattle, consider buying a Seattle CityPASS. You’ll be able to save money if you plan on visiting multiple attractions. 

Best Things to Do at Pike Place Market (Beyond Eating)

Fish Tossing at Pike Place

One of the things that Pike Place Market is most famous for is the fish tossing that happens daily at the fish market. To find the fish market, go to the corner of Pike Street and Pike Place. The fish market is located under the giant red “Public Market Center” sign. Occasionally when a customer orders a fish, the fishmonger will shout to the other staff and then throw the fish behind the counter to be wrapped up. Stick around long enough and you will definitely see a flying fish!

The Pike Place Fish Market made a commitment decades ago to become world-famous for selling only the highest-quality seafood. Today, they have over 20,000 daily visitors! If you can’t make it to see them in-person, they also have a live webcam set-up where you can watch the fish market from home.

The tradition of throwing fish at Pike Place Market began when the previous owner, John Yokoyama, realized that he did a lot of walking every day. He started counting exactly how many steps it took him to pick up the fish, weigh the fish, package the fish, and then deliver the fish. He realized that he was walking at least 100 steps for every customer transaction. He could save himself thousands of steps a day if he just threw the fish! Throwing the fish was not an easy task though, as there is some skill to it. Because the fish’s head weighs more than its tail, the fishmongers cradle the fish to keep it from spiraling.

Rachel the Pig (The Market Mascot)

Located right by the fish market is Rachel the Brass Pig. The brass pig has been at the market since 1986. On crowded days, the pig is hidden behind a crowd of tourists all trying to take pictures with it. Tourists deposit their spare change in this giant piggy bank, and the proceeds fund important social services in the area. After Rachel the Pig was hit by a taxi cab, an artist restored the pig and then added a second brass pig to the market: Billie. These brass pigs have collected over $350k in their lifetimes!

Gum Wall

Don’t leave Pike Place Market without visiting the infamous gum wall! Upon seeing this famous Seattle landmark, you’re likely to feel a combination of disgust, amusement, and sheer amazement.

I asked some of my Instagram followers what they thought of the Gum Wall, and here was the breakdown:

• 47% thought it was disgusting
• 17% thought it was a local treasure
• 37% thought it was both disgusting and a local treasure

It’s easy to miss this attraction if you’re not looking for it. To find it, walk to the main entrance of the market and find Rachel the Brass Pig. (Located directly below the neon “Public Market Center” sign.) Go down the outdoor stairwell near the pig and around the corner to Post Alley. You’ll then see the gum wall in all its glory!

The tradition was started in the early 1990s when patrons would line up and stick their gum on the wall. (It’s no coincidence to me that this happened during the grunge era!) In 2015, workers pressure washed the wall to clean it. Over 2300 pounds of gum was removed! You wouldn’t know it, though, because there is plenty of gum that has collected since then.

If you go, be sure to bring your own bubble gum so you can add to this work of art. (And if you’re grossed out, bring plenty of hand sanitizer and try to wipe the memory from your mind!)

Flower Market

One of my favorite things to do at the market is to look through all of the beautiful flower arrangements. Not only are they gorgeous, but they are also affordable! I always buy a bouquet when I visit the market. (Usually two bouquets actually… one for my mom too!)

Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss

Secret Garden

Did you know Seattle has its own secret garden? (And it’s actually called Secret Garden!). It’s an intergenerational garden cared for by volunteers, and all produce is donated to the food bank.

What I love about this garden is that it’s such a quiet space and it’s only steps away from the crowds. Not many people know about its existence, so it tends to be quiet on even the most crowded days.

Directions to the Secret Garden

You can find the garden by walking past the fish throwing stand and taking a left before Maximilien Restaurant. In the photo below, just take a left before Maximilien’s entrance.

MarketFront Expansion

Pike Place Market was recently expanded in 2017. There’s now an open-air space for vendors as well as a public plaza. If you’re ready for a little break from the market and want some room to breathe, it’s really nice to walk out to the plaza and admire the views of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound. It’s also a great place to take pictures!

Thrift Shops, Unique Stores, and Collectibles

Pike Place Market has all sorts of collectables, oddities, antiques, and gently used items. Thrifting is part of the culture of Seattle. (Which Macklemore captured perfectly in his song Thrift Shop!) You can find a consignment shop at Rummage Around, comic books at Golden Age Collectibles, and rare coins at Market Coins and Collectibles.

The market even has its very own magic shop (Market Magic & Novelty Shop). It’s worth visiting just to see the vintage magic posters that line its entrance.

You might also enjoy browsing through vinyl records at Holy Cow Records. Or, you might prefer visiting Lamplight Books and looking through their collection of indie books.

You can also support local indigenous artists by stopping in at Eighth Generation. The shop is filled with native art pieces.

Have a couple extra quarters? Head to the Giant Shoe Museum and pay 50 cents for the curtains part to see some of the world’s largest shoes.

We don’t really recommend that you visit the “Original Starbucks” at 1912 Pike Place, only because it’s technically not the first Starbucks! The first Starbucks was located a few blocks away, but that location closed in the 1970s. There’s usually a big crowd at the Pike Place location, and the products are the same as any other Starbucks, so we usually take our friends and family to “see it once” and then keep it moving.

Shows and Entertainment 

Unexpected Productions in an improv comedy theater located in the market. After a day full of sightseeing, sit back and be ready to laugh.

For dinner and live entertainment, check out the Can Can Culinary Cabaret. I’ve been there for a bachelorette party and several birthday parties. It’s always a lot of fun! (Their cocktails are also amazing!)

The Pink Door also often has evening entertainment during their dinner service. Check out their website for the latest offerings! 

As you wander around the market, you will likely see street musicians on corners promoting their music as well. There’s always lots of music at the market! 

Hours of Operation

Each of the vendors will have different hours, but in general, the market merchant building is open from 9am to 6pm. If you’re interested in a specific vendor, we recommend that you view their website for exact hours. Some of the restaurants and bars at the market are open later in the evening. Restaurant opening times vary between 7am and 2pm. The Secret Garden (discussed below) is open from 9:30am to 5pm.

Here’s a table of some opening and closing times of popular vendors as of this writing. (Note that times are subject to change based on season and at the vendors’ discretion.) Double-check their websites for current hours of operation.

 

Parking

The parking garage at the market was recently expanded, so finding a parking spot is much easier than it used to be. The main garage can be reached at the following entrances (1531 Western Ave and 1901 Western Ave). If you park before 9am, you can purchase early bird parking for $13 for the full day. (Just be sure to exit before the garage closes its gates at 9pm.) Otherwise, it’s about $4 an hour. There are also electric vehicle charging stations. You can find up-to-date parking information on the parking website.

Looking for a hotel near Pike Place Market? Check out the Inn at the Market. It’s the only hotel within the actual market itself!

Restaurants

In addition to many of the food stall vendors, there are lots of great restaurants in Pike Place Market or very nearby. With all the walking you’ll be doing at the market, it can definitely be nice to sit down and have a full meal. Below is a table of some of the restaurants you might be interested in trying out!

Restaurant Name	Description	Price Point
The Pink Door	Italian	$$$
Bacco Cafe	Breakfast & Lunch	$$
Matt’s in the Market	Seafood	$$$
Alibi Room	Pizza	$$
Il Bistro	Italian Trattoria	$$
Athenian Seafood Restaurant & Bar	Seafood	$$
Maximilien	French	$$$
Cafe Campagne	French Bistro	$$
Sushi Kashiba	Sushi	$$$$
Place Pigalle	French	$$$

Activities Near Pike Place Market

If you’re visiting the market, the following attractions are also within walking distance:

• Victor Steinbrueck Park (views of the waterfront and a nice place to picnic with your market purchases)
• Bell Street Pier Rooftop Deck (walk to Pier 66 for one of the best view’s of Seattle’s skyline)
• Seattle Art Museum (check out Seattle’s visual arts scene)
• Seattle Aquarium (this is such a beautiful aquarium)
• The Great Wheel (this giant ferris wheel was added to the city’s waterfront in 2012)
• Wings Over Washington (an immersive theater experience that uses 5K cameras)
• Space Needle (another iconic Seattle must-see with newly installed glass floors.)
• Chihuly Garden and Glass (a unique glass art exhibit)
• The Museum of Pop Culture | MoPOP (Learn more about Seattle’s music scene and more!)

More Photos 

Here’s more of my photos from Pike Place. enjoy!