What to See (and Eat!) at Pike Place Market from a Local's Perspective

Last Updated on March 17, 2023 by admin

Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s most popular attractions for tourists as well as locals. I’ve lived in Seattle most of my life and I never get tired of visiting the market. I’ve been there more times than I can count, yet I always discover something new when I visit. There are over 500 vendors at Pike Place Market, so you are sure to find something you love!

Pike Place Market (or “the market” as locals say) is the place to go for Pacific Northwest classics like clam chowder served in sourdough bread bowls and raw oysters on the half shell. But the market also has a significant international presence. You can find French pastries, Russian piroshkis, Persian kebobs, Thai curries, Taiwanese hombows, Turkish baklava, Japanese bento, English crumpets, and much, much more. (And if you want to see our picks for some of the best restaurants in Seattle, click here!)

Not only is the food amazing at Pike Place Market, but so is the energy. The sidewalks are often so crowded that people overflow into the cobblestone streets. You’ll hear musicians on the corners and vendors shouting to each other as they unload their products. The market is definitely one of my favorite spots to visit in the Emerald City, and today I’m sharing my complete guide to Pike Place Market.

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About Pike Place Market

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.

TIP: Don’t forget to book a tour of Pike Place Market. It’s the best way to learn about the market and sample some of the best dishes!

Pike Place Market receives over 10 million visitors a year! (In comparison, the Space Needle receives 1.3 million visitors each year.) Pike Place Market is the most popular tourist attraction in 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!)

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. For instance, if you plan on visiting the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Museum of Pop Culture, Woodland Park Zoo, Chihuly Garden and Glass, or Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, we highly recommend that you look into purchasing the CityPASS. For more information about CityPASS, click here.

Be sure to see our post on the 101 Best Things to Do in Seattle. We put together the ultimate list!

How to Get to Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is located in downtown Seattle. The main entrance to the market (with the iconic sign) is on the corner of 1st Avenue and Pike Street.

If you’re traveling to the market from SeaTac airport, the easiest option is to take the light rail. You can board the light rail directly from the airport and then disembark at the University Street Station. From there, it’s about a half mile walk to the market.

TIP: I recommend checking the SkyScanner website to see the best prices for your dates of travel!

Pike Place 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.

Name	Opens	Closes
Beecher’s Mac & Cheese	10am	6pm
Ellenos Yogurt	–	(Temporarily closed; coming back soon)
Pike Place Chowder	11am	5pm
Piroshky Piroshky	8am	7pm
Rachel’s Ginger Beer	10am	7pm Saturday – Thursday; 8pm Friday
Shug’s Soda Fountain	Hours Vary	Closed Monday – Wednesday
Storyville Coffee	Hours Vary	Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
The Crumpet Shop	7:45am	2pm Thurs and Fri; 3pm Sat and Sun (closed Mon -Wed)
The Pink Door	11:30am	11:30pm (closed Sunday and Monday)
Three Girls Bakery	7am	5:30pm

Parking at Pike Place Market

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 has three entrances (1531 Western Ave, 1901 Western Ave, and 1530 Alaskan Way). 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. And because Seattle is a tech city, you can even find electric vehicle charging stations there. You can find up-to-date parking information on their website here.

Be sure to also check out our post on another favorite Seattle market: The Ballard Farmers Market!

Tips for Visiting Pike Place 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. (Don’t waste your stomach space on something you can 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!
You don’t need an umbrella. Even if it rains, most of Pike Place Market is covered. And most Seattleites don’t use umbrellas anyways. The rain is either too light or it’s too windy to make using an umbrella practical. Or it’s just too crowded to use one. (I live near Seattle and although I technically own an umbrella, I don’t even know where it is. I haven’t seen it in years.) Instead, bring a good raincoat.

Traveling on a budget? Be sure to see our list of 50 free things to do in Seattle.

What to Bring For Your Visit to Pike Place Market

There are a few things we recommend that you bring to make your most of your visit. These include:

Rain jacket
Rain boots or comfortable walking shoes
Bubble gum (to add to the gum wall!)
Hand sanitizer
Power bank (so you can charge your phone on the go)
Camera
Water bottle (this one is insulated so your water will stay cold longer)
Comfortable daypack

What to Drink at Pike Place Market

Coffee

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.) 94 Pike Street Top, Floor Suite 34, Seattle, WA 98101
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. 1499 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
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. 108 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101
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. 1902 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
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. 1930 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Seattle is known for coffee. Want to find the perfect cup? See our post on the best coffee shops in Seattle.

Tea

The Crumpet Shop: The Crumpet Shop only brews whole leaf teas, so this is the place to go for tea. A major perk of going here is that they offer free refills in which you can try any type of tea. And while you’re there, grab a crumpet to pair with your tea. If you haven’t had a crumpet before, you have to try one of these English griddle cakes. Currently open Thursday through Sunday. 1503 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Perrenial Tea Room: The Perrenial Tea Room has over 100 different types of teas to try. And in the summer, be sure to grab one of their beautiful iced teas to take with you while you explore the market. 1910 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
MarketSpice: When you enter this store, you will see walls completely filled with teas and spices. It’s a great place to try a new flavor of tea! The cinnamon orange tea is a local favorite and often included for tour groups. 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101

See our guide The Best Hotels in Downtown Seattle to help you plan your trip!

Alcoholic Beverages

The Pike Brewing Company | Beer: You can tour the on-site brewery and view their microbeer museum. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 1415 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Old Stove Brewing Company | Beer: The taproom has beautiful views of the water. The beer is made on-site, and it’s also kid-friendly! 1901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Zig Zag Cafe | Cocktails: Just a few steps away from Pike Place Market is the Zig Zag Cafe. This is a great 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. 1501 Western Ave Ste 202, Seattle, WA 98101
JarrBar | Cocktails: If you want to feel like you are in Spain, this is the place to go. Grab a craft cocktail and enjoy boquerones, marinated olives, and Spanish cheeses. 1432 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Radiator Whiskey | Cocktails: Right now they have a smoked maple old fashioned – yum! 94 Pike St #30, Seattle, WA 98101
Alibi Room | Cocktails: You will feel very hip when you enter this bar in Post Alley. It has a speakeasy vibe. Drinks pair well with their brick-oven pizza. 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream | Cocktails: Treat yourself to a dessert cocktail! Try a prosecco float with sorbet or an adult root beer float. 1525 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Rachel’s Ginger Beer | Cocktails: Try a Moscow Mule with their signature ginger beer. 1530 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
Il Bistro | Wine: Enjoy a glass of wine with some classic Tuscan appetizers. This is the place to go for an authentic Italian experience. 93 Pike St Suite A, Seattle, WA 98101
The Tasting Room | Wine: This tasting room is entirely focused on the wines of Washington. They offer over 60 different wines for tasting, and we recommend trying one of their tasting flights. They were also voted “Best Tasting Room in the West” by Sunset Magazine! 1924 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
White Heron Cellars at Northwest Tastings | Wine: Head to Northwest Tastings to enjoy a glass of wine from White Heron Cellars while snacking on local cured meats and crackers. 1501 Pike Pl # 527, Seattle, WA 98102

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Rachel’s Ginger Beer: A Seattle icon, Rachel’s Ginger Beer is a must-try beverage while visiting. With flavors such as blood orange, white peach, and pink guava, you’ll be sure to try something new and interesting! They also ship nationwide if you want to send some back home. 1530 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream: Floats, milkshakes, and more! The Shugsicle is one of their signature drinks (orange soda with a scoop of vanilla ice cream). 1525 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Los Agaves: Try the horchata, a creamy Latin drink made from grains, ground nuts, and spices. 1514 Pike Place Ave, 7, Seattle, WA 98101

See our perfect weekend itinerary for Seattle here.

Where to Eat at Pike Place Market

Here’s our list of recommendations of where to eat at the market!

Breakfast at Pike Place Market

Moore Coffee Shop: Get the churro Belgian waffles! Just a short walk from the market. 1930 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Crepe de France: Their sweet crepes are perfect for breakfast. The crepes aux peches (peaches and cream) look amazing. 93 Pike St #204, Seattle, WA 98101
Honest Biscuits: This spot was made for breakfast. Get a homemade biscuit breakfast sandwich or the Southern-style biscuits and gravy. 1901 Western Ave Suite E, Seattle, WA 98101
Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar: Get the Dungeness Crab Benedict or the Smoked Salmon Benedict. They also sell hot cakes for breakfast! 1517 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
Ellenos Yogurt: Traditional Greek yogurt with fun flavors like strawberry shortcake, coconut cream pie, and marionberry. 1500 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
Sound View Cafe: Currently they are serving breakfast all day long. Try the salmon hash and eggs. 1501 Pike Pl #501, Seattle, WA 98101
Bacco Cafe: Try the french toast! 86 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101

Lunch at Pike Place Market

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. 1600 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
Mariscos Mexico: This counter serves up some amazing fish tacos. 97 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
Pasta Casalinga: Handmade pastas that will fill you up on a cold day. The menu changes weekly. This week I would order the ziti con patate, pancetta e scamorza. 93 Pike St #201, Seattle, WA 98101
Piroshky Piroshky: I don’t think I’ve ever visited here without seeing a line out the door! They sell sweet and savory piroshkis. My favorite is the beef and onion. 1908 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
Pike Place Chowder: Did you even go to Seattle if you didn’t have clam chowder? They have a chowder sampler where you can choose between 4 or 8 of their chowders. 1530 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
Beechers Mac and Cheese: Watch the cheesemakers while you wait in line! We recommend that you try their “World’s Best” Mac & Cheese or their toasted grilled cheese sandwich. 1600 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
Oriental Mart: Try homestyle Filipino cooking that was awarded a James Beard Classics Award. 1506 Pike Pl #509, Seattle, WA 98101

Dinner at Pike Place Market

Pink Door: This is one of Seattle’s most popular restaurants. They specialize in Italian-American cuisine and often have life entertainment, such as cabaret, trapeze, or tarot reading. 1919 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
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! 1530 1/2 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
Kastoori Grill: This restaurant specializes in Indian and Tibetan cuisine. Try the tandoori salmon.

94 Stewart St, Seattle, WA 98101
Il Bistro: For a classic Italian dinner from the antipasti to the dolci, visit Il Bistro. 93 Pike St Suite A, Seattle, WA 98101
Matt’s in the Market: Seared scallops, oysters on the half shell, roasted halibut, and more. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 94 Pike St #32, Seattle, WA 98101

Desserts at Pike Place Market

Daily Dozen Doughnut Company: Get your mini doughnuts hot off the cart! One time we got a free bag full of them because they liked my husband’s cribbage t-shirt. (No promises if you wear a cribbage shirt you will get the same!) 93 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
Pike Place Nuts: Try cinnamon almonds or caramel cashews. All products are vegan! 97 Pike St #2, Seattle, WA 98101
Shugs Soda Fountain & Ice Cream: Get a s’mores sundae or an affogato. (Or anything else, you can’t go wrong!) 1525 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Mee Sum Pastry: Delicious savory and sweet steamed buns. 1526 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
Le Panier: The place to go for French pastries. Eclaires, macarons, tartelettes, and more. 1902 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
Three Girls Bakery: This is the oldest continuously operated vendor at Pike Place. (Since 1912!) You’ll find danishes, strudels, croissants, cookies, scones, and lots more here. 1514 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
Indi Chocolate: Visit one of the top 24 chocolate shops in the United States. 1901 Western Ave D, Seattle, WA 98101
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. 1529B Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101

What to See at Pike Place Market

Fish Tossing at the Public Market

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.

It’s easy to miss the gum wall 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!)

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. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the market, the garden is a great place to steal away for awhile for some peace and quiet. Not many people know about its existence, so it tends to be quiet on even the most crowded days. You can find the garden by walking past the fish throwing stand and taking a left before Maximilien Restaurant.

Flower Market

One of my favorite things to do at Pike Place 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!)

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 at 2000 Western Ave and was open from 1971 to 1976. 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 at Pike Place Market

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!

Hotels Near Pike Place Market

Booking.com

There’s only one hotel within the market itself, and that’s the Inn at the Market. This hotel has both water-view and city-view rooms, is located steps from the market, and has beautifully-styled rooms. The hotel was recently recognized by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast.

The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is a 5-minute walk from Pike Place Market. It’s a gorgeous 5-Star hotel located centrally in downtown Seattle. If you can afford it, this is our first recommendation. The hotel has an outdoor infinity pool with a view of the Seattle waterfront, lots of amenities, and is within walking distance of a lot of Seattle attractions.

The Charter Hotel Seattle is a moderately-priced hotel that’s only one block away from Pike Place Market. It’s also only a mile away from the Seattle Center (where the Space Needle is located). The hotel is sleek and many of the rooms have nice city views.

The Seattle Marriott Waterfront has views of the water, as well as an indoor-outdoor pool. Every room has a view of the mountains and water.

For a full list of hotels in Seattle, click here.

We wrote an article about our favorite hotels in downtown Seattle. You can check it out here! We go into greater detail about hotel locations, amenities, and more.

Tours of Pike Place Market

There are a variety of tours operating at Pike Place Market. Here are a few ideas if you’d like to have a more structured experience:

Pike Place Market Food and Cultural Tour: This is the market’s original food and cultural tour. The tour is approximately 2 hours long, and it will take you to some of the most iconic vendors. You can book your tour using this link.
Chef-Guided Tour of Pike Place Market: Experience the market from a chef’s perspective! This two hour tour will give you 10 different tastings. You can book your tour here.
Early Access Food Tour: Beat the crowds and talk with the vendors before they get too busy. You can make reservations here.
Show Me Seattle: Their tour is 2 hours long with 8+ tastings that add up to a light lunch. Their website is linked here.
Seattle Terrors Ghost Tour: Want to see the spooky side of Seattle? This tour will take you by Pike Place and a few other downtown locations as you learn about Seattle’s ghost history. You can read more about their tours here.
Seattle Scavenger Hunt: This app-based tour lets you go at your own pace while you learn all about the market and a couple of other Seattle attractions nearby. You can read more about the scavenger hunt here.
Seattle Free Walking Tours: The Market Experience Tour is about an hour long and you will walk approximately half a mile. These tours are operated as “pay what you feel”. Payment is voluntary, but if you can, $20 per person plus a tip would be comparable to other tour companies. Your guide will take you to the oldest Starbucks, Rachel the Pig, Pike Place Fish Company, the Gum Wall, and Post Alley. You’ll also get some food samples. You can make a reservation here.
Brewery Tours: Pike Place Brewing Company offers brewing tours on Saturdays. Right now tours are suspended due to covid, but hopefully that will change soon. More info is linked here.

We went on a food tour of Pike Place Market several years ago to celebrate my husband’s birthday and we had a great time. Even though we are locals, taking the tour taught us so much about the market. We got to see it from a completely different perspective. We also got to chat with many of the vendors because they would specifically make time to connect with tour groups. We highly recommend going on a food tour if you are able!

Pike Place Market 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 at Pike Place Market!

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	$$$$
Place Pigalle	French	$$$

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best souvenirs to get at Pike Place Market?

You will find so many cool vendors at the market, it can be hard to choose! Some of our favorites that pack well include the orange cinnamon tea from Market Spice, Chukar Cherries (any flavor!), roasted coffee beans from Storyville Coffee, and chocolate bars from Indi Chocolate. You can also check to see if the Starbucks has coffee mugs that have Pike Place Market written on them. If you’re local and don’t have to travel far, we also like to bring home fresh cut flowers from the flower market, as well as beer from Pike Place Brewing Company.

Where’s the best place to take photos at Pike Place Market?

Some of the most Instagrammable photo spots at Pike Place Market include beneath the Public Market Center neon sign, next to the gum wall in Post Alley, in front of the fresh cut flowers, next to Rachel the Pig, and photos of the latte art from nearby Moore Coffee.

What’s inside Pike Place Market?

Pike Place Market is filled with hundreds of vendors. The main arcade inside Pike Place Market has restaurants, food stands, craft booths, antique shops, collectibles, and more. Pike Place Market contains several floors of vendors, so there’s plenty to see and do!

What to eat if you’re on a budget at Pike Place Market?

Many of the counter service vendors have options for less than $10. We would recommend avoiding the sit-down restaurants, and instead buying lots of small portions from the counter service vendors.

When is the best time to visit Pike Place Market?

We recommend either early in the morning (prior to 9am) or later in the afternoon. If you visit on a weekday the market will likely be less busy than the weekend. (Although you should note that some vendors are closed during one or two weekdays. If you have a place you really want to check out, be sure to view their individual store hours prior to visiting.)

How much time do you need at Pike Place Market?

We’d recommend at least two hours for your visit to the market. It’ll take you about that long to walk around, view the shops, and stop and try a few things to eat. You could easily, though, spend much longer at Pike Place Market. We have been dozens of times and still find something new with every visit!

How far is it to the Space Needle from Pike Place Market?

It’s approximately one mile from Pike Place Market to the Space Needle. It’s definitely possible to complete the walk in about 20 minutes. Public transportation and ride shares are a good option so you don’t have to spend time looking for parking.

How far is Pike Place Market from the airport?

The market is about 15 miles from the airport. If you have a layover and are planning a trip, please be aware that Seattle often has heavy traffic going into the city. Although it’s just 15 miles, it could take between 30 minutes to an hour to drive that distance.

Can you bring your dog to Pike Place Market?

Pets are not allowed in the market’s building and Main Arcade. (Trained service animals are permitted.)

How old is Pike Place Market?

Pike Place Market was established in 1907. At the time of this writing, it is 114 years old.

Why is Pike Place Market famous?

The market is famous for a lot of reasons! It’s the oldest continuously-running public farmer’s market in the United States. The fishmonger’s tossing fish is one of the most famous aspects of the market as well.

Is Pike Place Market worth visiting?

Yes. You really get to see Seattle’s culture at the market! And if you like eating, which most people do, there’s something for everyone at the market. Our favorite thing is to buy snacks and small portions from multiple vendors and eat throughout the visit.

When does Pike Place Market close?

Pike Place Market is comprised of hundreds of individual businesses and vendors. In general, the market is open from around 9am and closes at 6pm. However, some vendors may close earlier than 6pm. Many of the sit-down restaurants are open later in the evening. It’s a good idea to look into the individual operating hours of any vendor that you want to visit.

Where’s the best place for breakfast at Pike Place Market?

The are several good options for breakfast at Pike Place Market. We recommend Sound Cafe and the Market Diner.

Why do they throw fish at Pike Place Market?

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! That’s how the tradition of throwing fish at Pike Place Market began.

What should you eat in Pike Place Market?

When we take guests to Pike Place Market, we always go to Beecher’s to get their mac’n’cheese. We also get a piroshky almost every time at Piroshky Piroshky. Finally, we almost always get a bowl of clam chowder from Pike Place Chowder.

What activities are 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 great 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, we wrote a full blog post about it here)
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. We wrote a full post about it here)
Chihuly Garden and Glass (a unique glass art exhibit)
The Museum of Pop Culture | MoPOP (Learn more about Seattle’s music scene and more! We wrote a full post about it here)

Summary: Our Favorite Things to See at Pike Place Market

We hope you enjoyed this post on Pike Place Market! Pike Place Market is one of our favorite places to visit in Seattle. I’ve lived in the Seattle area for many years, and I feel like I’m just barely scratching the surface of what the market has to offer. I hope you’re inspired to visit Pike Place Market!

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Disclaimer: We always strive for content accuracy. Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.

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Hi, I’m Kelly!

After studying abroad in Spain, I became passionate about international travel. Since then, I’ve traveled to 6 continents and 36 states within the United States. When I’m not travel blogging, you can find me hiking, reading Spanish novels, or playing cribbage. I hope my blog inspires you to see the world!