Pike Place Market is a public market overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront in Seattle, Washington. It opened 1907 and is one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the United States. It is a place of business for many small farmers, craftspeople and merchants. It is named after the central street, Pike Place, which runs northwest from Pike Street to Virginia Street.
More than 10 million people visit Pike’s Place annually. It is Seattle’s most popular tourist destination. The Market is built on the edge of a steep hill, and consists of several lower levels located below the main level. Each level of the market features unique shops such as antique dealers, comic book and collectible shops, small family-owned restaurants. It is even home to one of the oldest head shops in Seattle. The upper street level is always colorful, with fresh produce stands and craft stalls operating in the covered arcades. Local farmers and craftspeople sell year-round in the arcades from tables they rent from the Market on a daily basis, allowing consumers to meet the producers, following the Market’s mission.
Pike Place Fish Throwing
One of the Market’s major attractions is Pike Place Fish Market, where employees throw three-foot salmon and other fish to each other. When a customer orders a fish, an employee at the Fish Market’s ice-covered fish table picks up the fish and throws it over the countertop to another employee who catches it and preps it for the customer.
Dining and Drinking
As the heart of Seattle’s vibrant food scene, there are many places to eat and drink at Pike Place Market. Here, foodies can enjoy a feast of bakeries, cafes, bistros, casual and fine dining restaurants, and take out counters. Every time you go to the Market you are met with an opportunity to indulge in favorite regional dishes or to try a new dish from one of the many vendors serving ethnic cuisine.
Shopping
At every turn, Market visitors will discover shops that specialize in unique products like vinyl records, miniature cars, maps from around the world and even magic! There are antiques, art, new and used books, clothing, kitchen products, and many other specialty items.
For a list of all the unique and colorful places to shop at Pike Place Market visit www.pikeplacemarket.org.
Location and Directions
Pike Place Market is located in downtown Seattle to the east of the waterfront. It is a whole nine acres of farm and craft tables, shops, restaurants, together with breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. There is pedestrian access to the waterfront via the Pike Street Hillclimb.
We recommend you park at the Public Market Parking Garage, located at 1531 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98101. For directions to the Garage, please visit them online at www.pikeplacemarket.org.