Pike Place Market in Seattle

Pike Place Market is one of the most popular markets in Seattle and offers a wide variety of shops centred around a public farmers market located by the waterfront. It's also one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the entire country, so you'll be experiencing a bit of history during your visit. The market itself is built on a hill, so despite initial appearances, you can actually find several lower levels full of shops you can peruse, along with some delicious restaurants.

Everyone can enjoy a visit to Pike Place Market, as there are shops and restaurants here that can appeal to all interests and ages. Visitors usually spend about 2 to 3 hours checking out the market, but it's easy to make it an all-day adventure if you want to explore everything it has to offer.

Pike Place Market in Seattle - one of the highlights of 14 Best Things to Do in Washington State and 11 Best Things to Do in Seattle (Read all about Seattle here)

What are the highlights of Pike Place Market in Seattle?

When you're looking to get the most out of your visit to Pike Place Market, there are a few highlights you won't want to miss. The shops are the central attraction, with more than 200 artisans offering all the handicrafts you can imagine, from soap to ceramics. Plus, they're always happy to talk about their work if you're curious. Don't forget to check out the rows of flower stands and the comic shop that's home to retro pop items and rare comics.

If you're looking to explore the local restaurant scene, Pike Place Market has plenty to offer whether you want a full meal, just a quick bite, or drinks after hours. Fresh fruit is easy to find, as you might expect from a farmers market, but that's just the beginning. You'll also find Greek yoghurt, handmade cheese, Russian pastries, and high-end Italian, among countless others.

A brief history of Pike Place Market in Seattle

Pike Place Market has a long history, having begun selling produce in 1907. By November of that same year, the market had grown to have 76 stalls. When 1922 came around, the marketplace already had 11 buildings and 9 acres of land. It continued steadily expanding and thriving until World War II when around ⅔ of its vendors were forced into internment camps for being of Japanese descent.

After the decline of Pike Place Market, it was nearly turned into offices in the 1960s until activist and architect Victor Steinbrueck was able to establish a historic district around the area, preventing development. Since then, the market has grown and exceeded its former glory with hundreds of different shops, restaurants, and bars. It even offers housing and a area centre in the area now.

What else is good to know about Pike Place Market in Seattle?

Before you visit Pike Place Market, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Getting to the market is easy, as it has its own massive car park with 800 spots and multiple entrances. Additionally, you may want to visit the market before noon if you're looking to avoid the crowds. Summer months are the busiest.

Visiting Pike Place Market will put you close to several other notable locations you may be interested in. It's located within the Seattle Waterfront area, so you'll find multiple piers and parks to explore. The Seattle Aquarium is located within the market district here, but you'll have to head a short distance south to reach the Great Wheel. You can also visit the iconic Seattle Art Museum just southeast of the marketplace district.

Location: Seattle, WA, USA

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