Pike Place Market (Everything You Need to Know)

👉 Jump to: Pike Place Market History | Visiting Information | Best Places | Where to Eat & Drink | Tips | Things to Do | FAQ

I’m a Seattle local and Pike Place Market is one of my favorite spots in the city. Trust me, Seattle’s top attraction lives up to the hype.

That said, it can be pretty overwhelming if it’s your first (or even second or third) time visiting the market. So I’ve put together this ultimate guide to help you plan your visit!

This guide covers the market’s history, popular sites, and the food spots you can’t miss. I also share several of my favorite hidden gems, plus nearby attractions, and tips for making the most of your time at the market. Here’s what to know before you go!

Affiliate Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

Pike Place Market History

Before Pike Place Market

Before Pike Place Market, local farmers would sell their wares to wholesalers on slim commission margins. The produce was sold to the public at exorbitant prices. 

The farmers were frustrated with the lack of profit and customers were frustrated with the cost. A Seattle city council member proposed that the area on Pike Place become a market where farmers could sell directly to their customers.

Despite the wholesalers’ best efforts, on August 27, 1907, the market opened for the first time.

The Creation and Early Days of the Market

On opening day, about eight farmers showed up at the market. It was chaos, but they managed to completely sell out by noon. 

Frank Goodwin was an architect who witnessed the chaotic morning and the rush of the sales. He realized the market’s worth and decided to help by building the Main Arcade. The market continued to grow and expand from there. 

By 1911, more stalls were needed as demand and expansion progressed. In 1918, City Fish opened, bringing fresh fish to the market. In 1937, the iconic Public Market clock sign was erected.

World War II

World War II brought a grim disruption to the market. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans on the West Coast were forced into internment camps.

Since the beginning, Japanese American farmers were one of the biggest sellers in the market. With the internment, many of these farmers were forced to leave, meaning over half of the farmers in the market were gone.

Redevelopment, Preservation, and the Battle for the Market

Pike Place Market came close to the wrecking ball in 1963 because of a proposal to turn it into a hotel, hockey arena, and office building. The city council, the mayor, and the owners of the market supported this.

The community was staunchly against it. A committee called “Friends of the Market” fought to save it from the wrecking ball.

In 1971, Seattle voters voted to turn the market into a historic district. Once the bill was signed, the market was no longer in danger of demolition.

In 1973, the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) was created to manage the market. They continued to restore and update the buildings. 

Pike Place Market Foundation and Social Services

The PDA eventually formed the nonprofit Pike Place Market Foundation, which was established to help raise funds for the market’s social services. Low-income housing, child care, a food bank, a senior center, and a medical clinic were among these services.

The PDA and foundation worked to raise money by selling tiles people could put a name on. They used these tiles to replace the market’s wooden floor. The tiles are still on the market floors today.

In 1986, the giant bronze piggy bank, Rachel, arrived to help the foundation raise additional funding. It still collects between $6,000-$9,000 yearly.

Modern Era to Present Day

Despite several years of ownership disputes and conflicts between farmers and craftspeople, agreements were reached to support the market’s continued operation. The Pike Place Market Foundation continues to play a large role in funding the market and its services. 

In 2007, Pike Place Market turned 100. The market is one of the longest continually operating markets in the United States. 

Visiting Information

Costs, Hours, and How to Get There

💰 Cost & Admission – It’s completely free to visit Pike Place Market.

🕧 Hours – The market is open 7 days a week throughout the year. It’s only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The market’s official hours are 9 am – 6 pm. However, this varies from business to business. 

Produce, seafood, breakfast, and coffee vendors open around 7 am. Many restaurants and bars open later and stay open into the late evening. The craft market, produce, flower, and other vendors start closing down around 4 pm. 

🚍 How to Get There – Pike Place Market’s cross streets are First Avenue and Pike Street in downtown Seattle. The market sprawls several blocks north, south, east, and west of this. There are several ways to get to the market.

• 🚶 Walking: This is the best way to get to the market if you’re staying in a downtown hotel or a nearby neighborhood like Belltown.

• 🚌 Public Transportation: The King County Metro buses and the link light rail are good options for getting to the market from further afield. Both have stops near the market and are some of the best ways of getting around Seattle.

• 🚕 Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and Yellow Cab all operate in Seattle and are readily available to transport you to the market. Most local drivers know not to drive down the historic cobblestone pathway along Pike Place.

• 🚗 Driving: The Pike Place Market garage has three entrances on Western Avenue, and is the best place to park for visiting. You can also find other nearby parking lots and walk down. 

👉 Pro Tip: Do not drive down the historic cobblestone road on Pike Place if you’re driving yourself there. Pedestrians have the right of way (and frankly, don’t care about the cars driving through). You’ll slow to a snail’s pace as you make your way through and miss out on some valuable time you could be exploring.

When to Go and The Best Seasons to Visit

📅 Best Day and Time To Go – For shorter lines and fewer crowds, go during the weekdays in the morning or after the lunch rush between 2 pm and 4 pm. 

Pike Place Market Seasons

• ☀️ Summer – As one of the best times to visit Seattle, summer is the busiest time at the market, especially on weekends. Be prepared for lines. The flower selection is phenomenal and produce shopping is a must during the summer.

• 🌼🍂 Spring and Fall – These are good times to go to the market with a good mix of locals and tourists. Sunnier days will be more crowded, and drizzly or overcast days quieter. This is a good time to try out the restaurants for seasonal selections.

• 🌧️ Winter – This is the coldest and wettest time to visit. Crowds are smaller and the lines are shorter. Bundle up and come out to the market to mingle with locals. Warm up with a steaming bowl of clam chowder.

What To Expect

🐟 Fish, Flowers, Produce – Vibrant, fresh flowers and produce are all over the market, along with Seattle’s favorite: seafood! Upon arriving, you’ll immediately see Pike Place Fish Market, home of the flying fish throw that draws crowds daily. 

🥘 Foodie Paradise – Pike Place Market is one of the best places in Seattle to pig out on famous Seattle foods. You’ll find bakeries, coffee shops, bars, and a variety of Seattle restaurants. There are also takeaway stands, breweries, and under-the-radar hole-in-the-wall spots (don’t worry, I’ll cover some of the best in the Food & Drink section)

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Crowds – Expect big crowds at the market throughout summer and on sunny Saturdays and Sundays. After all, it gets over 10 million visitors annually.

🎨 Arts, Crafts, and Retail Shops – You’ll find glass creations, original paintings, leather goods, jewelry, soaps, and more in the crafts market area. There are also small shops throughout with goods like comic books, records, and other knick-knacks.

🎹 Buskers & Street Performers – The market is never silent. You’ll see and hear performers doing magic tricks, playing banjos and pianos, and singing to keep the crowds entertained.

The Best Places & Things to See in Pike Place Market

Pike Place Fish Market

Pike Place Fish Market is one of the market’s most popular attractions and probably the first thing you’ll see when you get here. It’s most well-known for the “flying fish throw.”

The fish tossing tradition started as a way for fishmongers to move fish around the shop. Instead of walking back and forth to take orders, they’d simply toss the fish so it could get wrapped more quickly. Eventually, it evolved into the beloved tradition today… with the addition of the monkfish used to prank unsuspecting onlookers.

But fish tossing aside, Pike Place Fish Market has a huge selection of seafood for sale including salmon, oysters, crab, prawns, lobster tails, and tons more.

Flower Vendors

Flowers are abundant here. The majority of flower vendors are in the Market Arcade. Choose between fresh and dried bouquets and come in spring, summer, and early fall for the most dazzling arrangements. Most bouquet prices start around $10-$15, making them a great deal.

MarketSpice

Come to MarketSpice for high-quality tea and a range of global spices at super reasonable prices. The cinnamon-orange is a classic and the most popular flavor, so you can usually count on getting a sample of that one.

In addition to spices and teas, MarketSpice has teapots, coffee, hot chocolate mixes, candles, and gift sets, making this a good place to shop for souvenirs.

Sosio’s Fruit and Produce

Sosio’s Produce is just one of many great produce vendors in the market that carries a variety of immensely tasty seasonal fruits and veggies. Browse the stalls, ask for samples (I highly recommend the Rainier cherries), and buy your favorite to snack while picnicking in one of Seattle’s many parks. 

Golden Age Collectables

Golden Age Collectables has been in operation since 1961, making it the oldest and longest-running comic book store in the country. It’s beneath the main floor of the Market Arcade. Inside, you’ll find hundreds of comic books, graphic novels, and a healthy dose of pop culture memorabilia, too. 

📚 Related Reading: Want to be as close to the market as possible? Book a room at the Inn at the Market, which was one of my top downtown Seattle hotel picks for where to stay in Seattle. Check out the article for even more options!

Rachel & Billie, the Market Mascots

You’ll see two large, bronze pigs at the market. The one near the entrance is Rachel who’s been there since 1986. Billie is near the MarketFront deck and made her arrival in 2011. 

These two giant piggy banks help the Pike Place Market Foundation fund the market’s social services. It’s said that if you make a donation and rub their noses, you’ll have good luck. 

The Gum Wall

The Gum Wall is an infamous Seattle landmark that’s evolved into more of a gum canyon than anything. And yes, it’s just as gross as it sounds.

It’s been scrubbed clean several times, but this never lasts long. Try not to accidentally lean against it or get too close (unless you’re trying to leave your own addition to the wall). 

Post Alley

It’s easy to spend most of your time around the Main Arcade and surrounding businesses when you first visit the market. But don’t neglect Post Alley, which has can’t-miss restaurants like Pike Place Chowder, The Pink Door, and Three Girls Bakery. Go to Post Alley for all the lunch options your heart desires and to discover more market treasures.

Pike Place Market Overlook Walk

The Pike Place Market Overlook Walk seamlessly connects the market and the waterfront. Come here to take a breather from the market’s chaos and soak up expansive views of the Sound. There’s also a little play area for kids who need to unleash pent-up energy.

Another perk of the Overlook Walk is that it provides a ton of extra seating. It’s the perfect place to enjoy all those tasty goodies you’ll pick up from the market. The Overlook Walk has only been open since October 2024. But it’s sure to become a popular spot for events and other fun festivities in the summers to follow.

The Secret Garden

Escape the market crowds at the Secret Garden. The produce grown at this little garden is donated to the food bank and the Pike Market Senior Center thanks to the Pike Place Market Foundation. There’s some seating around here so you can take a break, have a breather, and enjoy a snack.

Truffle Queen

Visit Truffle Queen if you want a little taste of Italy in the market. It stocks the tastiest truffle salts, oils, and wines. Sit down in the patio area to enjoy a wine tasting before grabbing a few items from the shop to help you get creative in the kitchen.

Where to Eat & Drink

Pike Place Chowder

🍽️ Seafood | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps

Want to sample award-winning chowder that visitors and locals rave about? Pike Place Chowder won’t disappoint. Along with delightfully creamy chowder (yes, you should get it in the bread bowl), it also serves tasty lobster and crab rolls.

Alibi Room

🍽️ Pizza | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 623-3180

Alibi Room is a tucked-away hidden gem of a restaurant by the gum wall that serves delicious pizzas and has a wallet-friendly happy hour. Come here to escape the crowds and enjoy good food. It’s one of my favorite spots for a low-key and casual date in Seattle.

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

🍽️ Cheese/American | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 956-1964

This spot is a haven for cheese lovers. Beecher’s Handmade Cheese makes its curds onsite (you can even watch the process from a window). It sells these curds, creamy cheeses, and other delicious treats. Order the mac and cheese or grilled cheese and sink your teeth into a little slice of heaven.

The Crumpet Shop

🍽️ British | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 682-1598

The Crumpet Shop is a cozy little quick-serve spot that serves – you guessed it – crumpets! You’ll usually find a crowd here, but don’t let it scare you off. The crumpets are soft, chewy, and addicting. It’s worth the wait.

There are a lot of flavors to choose from. I adore the ricotta with lemon curd. But you can’t go wrong with the pesto, tomato, and parmesan if you prefer something savory.

Mee Sum Pastry

🍽️ Chinese | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 682-6780

Lines at Mee Sum Pastry are usually long, but don’t let that deter you from snagging a sweet or savory pastry at this Chinese bakery. The BBQ Pork and Beef Curry hom bows are the biggest crowd-pleasers. I hate to leave the market without one!

Rachel’s Ginger Beer

🍽️ Ginger beer | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps

Rachel’s Ginger Beer is a must-stop on a hot summer day. Choose between fun flavors like pink guava, caramelized pineapple, and cucumber tarragon. Enjoy your ginger beer straight or in a cocktail.

Lands of Origin

🍽️ African | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (612) 203-7540

I’m so happy I stumbled upon this spot by chance with my husband. Lands of Origin is a tiny shop that serves tasty Ethiopian coffee and sells African spice blends. There’s also food: Jamaican meat pies, Moroccan lamb rolls, African milk tarts, and more. Everything is delicious and I never leave without taking something to-go.

The woman who owns the shop is a gem. She’s happy to chat with you about all the shop’s offerings and ensure your coffee is perfect.

The Pink Door

🍽️ Italian | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 443-3241

The atmosphere, food, and location make The Pink Door one of the most delightful places to dine out in Seattle. It’s identifiable only by its pink door. Reservations are highly recommended. Bring someone special and come here to enjoy quality Italian food, live bands, burlesque shows, and phenomenal service.

Oriental Mart Filipino Restaurant

🍽️ Filipino | $$ | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 622-8488

Oriental Mart is easily identifiable by all the tongue-in-cheek signs surrounding the kitchen. Good, home-cooked style Filipino food awaits you at this family-owned restaurant. Try the flavorful adobo chicken, pancit, and lumpia to start.

Old Stove Brewing

🍽️ Brewpup | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 602-6120

Brews and views join forces to make the experience at Old Stove Brewing a good one. Sip a range of locally crafted beers, munch on pub grub, and enjoy the smell of the sea and waterfront views at one of the best breweries in Seattle.

Piroshky Piroshky

🍽️ Russian Bakery | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 764-1000

Piroshky Piroshky has been serving delightful sweet and savory Russian baked goods since it opened in 1992. It’s one of the most well-known bakeries in Pike Place Market which means there will probably be a line, but they move quickly. The portions are generous and it’s an awesome place to stop for breakfast or a mid-day snack.

Maíz

🍽️ Tacos | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 679-4414

Maíz is easy to miss, partially because it gets overshadowed by the long line outside of the Starbucks next door. Sneak past that line and you’re in for one of the best meals in the market.

You can taste the freshness of the ingredients at Maíz. All of its tortillas are made with high-quality and unique varieties of corn. The meats are succulent and flavorful, and the food options are plentiful. 

I almost always go for the tacos, but there are also gorditas, sopes, chilaquiles, and drinks. On a cold and rainy day, there’s nothing like the champurrado to warm you up. I’ll admit, the portions are a little small and prices are high, but the taste more than makes up for it. Eat slowly and savor every bite.

Ghost Alley Espresso

🍽️ Coffee | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 451-7115

This little hole-in-the-wall a few steps from the gum wall is an awesome coffee shop to start your market adventure. Choose between classic drinks like an americano or latte, or try the mystery mocha to get something tailored to your tastebuds.

👉 Pro Tip: Really love coffee? I suggest skipping the original Starbucks in the market. The Pike Place Starbucks has long lines, no seating, and drinks only. Instead, go to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, one of the best coffee shops in Seattle, for tours, coffee flights, and unique drinks!

Le Panier

🍽️ French Bakery | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 441-3669

Le Panier serves classic French pastries like macarons and croissants, plus a variety of tasty tarts. It’s just the place to satisfy your sweet tooth. Get here early to make sure you get to pick from the widest selection!

Zig Zag Cafe

🍽️ Cocktail Bar | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (206) 625-1146

Zig Zag Cafe is the type of place you escape to on a chilly evening when you want to cuddle up in a booth and share dessert with a loved one. At least, that’s what it is for me. This spot is right on the outskirts of the market, but it’s close enough to earn a spot on this list. 

The ambiance at this restaurant and cocktail bar is lowkey and romantic. And Zig Zag casually serves some of the best cocktails in the city (try the Crimson Sky if it’s available). 

Feeling hungry? Order seasonal bites like the glazed shishito peppers and fermented jalapeno hush puppies.

5 Tips for Visiting Pike Place Market

Visit Over Multiple Days

Visit the market on different days for a couple of hours at a time if you’re able to work it into your Seattle itinerary. Trying to do and see it all in one day can be overwhelming.

By going multiple times, you can take in the market slowly and savor the experience. I suggest going in the morning one day, and in the evening for dinner on another.

Have a Plan

Spontaneous exploration of the market can be fun, but it’s good to have a few places you know you want to visit so you don’t feel like you’re missing something. Select some shops and a few must-eat places before you go. This way, you’ll know for sure that you can see and eat things you’re actually interested in.

📚 Related Reading: Make sure to bookmark my full list of Seattle travel tips next!

Go During the Low Season (Or on a Rainy Day)

The market will always be crowded to some degree, but go during early spring, late fall, or winter if you’re trying to avoid this. Any day that it’s raining will also mean fewer people to navigate your way around and fewer lines to wait in.

Get the Name Right

The correct name is Pike Place Market, but a lot of tourists call it “Pikes Place Market,” “Pikes Marketplace,” “Pikes Market, or “Pikes Place.” It’s not plural, and there isn’t an apostrophe in the name.

Acceptable iterations are “The Market” or “Pike Place.” Just make sure you don’t slip up when talking to locals or prepare for a little roast and correction!

Nearby Things to Do

Seattle Waterfront 

The waterfront is super easy to get to from Pike Place, and it’s one of downtown Seattle’s best attractions. Visit the Aquarium or Pier 62 Park. Ride on the Great Wheel, admire odd finds from Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, or simply watch the ferries making their way from Seattle to Bainbridge Island.

Olympic Sculpture Park

The Olympic Sculpture Park in the Belltown neighborhood is just north of the waterfront and is a part of the Seattle Art Museum. Take a nice walk down the meandering path past modern sculptures with views of Elliott Bay to keep you company after eating your way through the market.

Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum is just a five-minute walk from the market. Art lovers will have a fantastic time at this multi-level art museum filled with beautiful exhibits.

As a bonus, the Seattle Art Museum is one of the best free things to do in Seattle if you visit on the first Thursday of the month. At those times, admission is free and the hours are extended.

Belltown 

Belltown is one of Seattle’s best neighborhoods for nightlife and it’s within walking distance of Pike Place. It’s a great place to go for drinks, dancing, or late-night eats.

Listen to live music at The Crocodile, an iconic venue once frequented by early grunge bands. Visit the Bathtub Gin speakeasy, or catch a performance at the Moore Theater to see some of Belltown’s best.

FAQs

Why is Pike Place Market so famous?

Pike Place Market is famous because it’s one of the oldest continually running markets in the country. The historic district is home to some of the best restaurants in Seattle, including Oriental Mart and The Pink Door.

Is Pike Place Market still open?

Pike Place Market is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. The market is only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

How much does it cost to go to Pike Place Market?

It costs nothing to go to Pike Place Market! The market is free and available to visit year-round.

What is the best day to go to Pike Place Market?

The best day to go to Pike Place Market is on a weekday morning in the off-season, especially if you want to avoid crowds. 

***

Visitors and locals alike love visits to Pike Place Market, and you will, too! Enjoy Seattle’s historic district and have a fun visit to one of the best attractions in the city. Leave a comment with any questions, and let me know what you’re most looking forward to!