A guide to Pike Place Market

Seattle’s Pike Place Market is more than just a historic landmark – consider it the beating heart of the city. First established as a public farmers market in the early 1900s, it remains a vibrant hub where the scene of fresh flowers mingles with roasted coffee, fishmongers theatrically toss salmon, and tucked-away alleys reveal hidden treasures. Whether you’re here to shop, eat or soak in Seattle’s quirks, Pike Place Market is an essential stop and the spot to get that postcard-worthy photo. With hundreds of vendors and stores, it can get overwhelming, so here’s how to make the most of your visit. 

Know before you go 

Prepare to get lots of steps in at the market. It’s located on a hilly part of Seattle, so I would recommend wearing a good pair of walking shoes. Depending on what time of the year you’re visiting, dress in layers. I’d also pack a reusable grocery bag or tote to carry all your goodies from shopping or buy a fun one at one of the shops inside the market.

An itinerary with fan favorite stops

Morning: The essential market experience 

Start with caffeine. Seattle takes its coffee seriously, and it’s especially evident in the warm buzz of Pike Place’s morning crowd. Tucked on the top floor of the market, Storyville Coffee Company offers a sleek, cozy perch to sip on a latte with coffee beans roasted just across the Puget Sound on Bainbridge Island. For something a little sweeter, Indi Chocolate pairs bean-to-bar chocolate with specialty coffee, so grab a mocha and pick up some chocolates for later or to take back home. 

The First Starbucks store is just down the cobbled path on the main level. It’s more symbolic than spacious, but for fans of the brand or ‘proof you were there’ photo, it’s a fun stop. Expect a line, and maybe bond with fellow travelers while you wait. 

Next, head to the main attraction: the famous fish toss at Pike Place Fish Market. What began as a way to move seafood without leaving the ice box has morphed into quite a show. Watching salmon soar through the air, accompanied by shouts and cheers, is a vibe all on its own. 

For a bite, swing by The Crumpet Shop, where English-style crumpets are cooked fresh and topped with everything from fresh preserves with ricotta to smoked salmon. Consider taking your crumpet to go and stroll Seattle’s renovated waterfront called the Overlook Walk, which is seamlessly accessible from the market. 

Completed and opened in late 2024, this pedestrian path links the Pike Place Market to the waterfront and offers some of the best street-level views of Elliott Bay, Mt Rainier, the Great Wheel and Seattle’s skyline. It also connects visitors to the Seattle Aquarium and the entire 20-acre Waterfront Park. 

Midday: Artisan treasures and hidden gems

Now that you’ve taken in the panoramic views, dive deeper into the market’s offering with a stroll through the eclectic vendor stalls, where local artisans sell handmade jewelry, ceramics and quirky collectibles. There are hundreds of shops, so there’s something different at every turn.

There’s Golden Age Collectables, which touts itself as the oldest comic-book shop in the world, and the unique, artist-owned Ugly Baby, which is a little bizarre and doesn’t appear to sell anything for babies. If you’re traveling with little ones (or even if you aren’t), try to find the market’s resident pig statues, Rachel and Billie. They double as public art and donation boxes for The Market Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting the Market’s diverse community. 

Unless you’re looking for something specific, the fun is wandering inside a store and getting lost in all the gems. On one visit, I stumbled inside one of the many collectibles stores with my family and spent way more time than planned looking through a collection of Lego minifigures with my kids.

If you’re like me, shopping works up an appetite. One of my favorite indulgences is Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, with a comforting bowl of macaroni and cheese, a Seattle staple that’s rich and gooey. While you wait, make sure to get a few samples of cheese curds. The Pike Place Market location also features a glass wall with a look into the kitchen. 

If mac and cheese isn’t your thing, Pike Place Market offers plenty of alternatives. Try hot clam chowder and lobster roll from Pike Place Chowder or a BBQ pork bun from Mee Sum Pastry. There’s really a flavor for any craving. 

Afternoon: Offbeat and Unique Finds 

By now, you’ve wandered the central halls, but the market’s magic lives in its edges. Take a short walk down the cobbled slope of Post Alley, where flower baskets dangle from brick facades and street performers strum folk songs or belt Broadway hits.

Then there’s the Gum Wall. A little gross but a lot iconic, this multicolored alleyway of chewed gum has become a rite of passage. You know you’re near when you get the whiff of mint mixed with bubblegum. Just don’t lean on the walls, and bring your own chewing gum if you want to leave your own mark. 

If you need a quick pick-me-up, drop into Piroshky Piroshky, a beloved Russian bakery whose buttery pastry aromas can be smelled down the block. Whether you go sweet with a cinnamon cardamom or savory like a potato and cheese, which is a personal favorite, you’ll walk away blissfully crumb-covered.  

Evening: unwind and indulge

By now, you’ve shopped, snacked and soaked in the soul of Pike Place. But stick around as golden hour gives the market another chance to sparkle. 

Reserve a table at Matt’s in the Market, a beloved institution perched above the arcade with serene views of the Puget Sound. The menu shifts seasonally, with offerings like wild-caught halibut, roasted root vegetables and inventive cocktails infused with local herbs. 

Many businesses will close around 5pm or 6pm, so if you aren’t ready for the night to end after dinner, there are some options for getting a drink. White Horse Tavern is a cozy spot where Seattleites meet up with friends and colleagues after work. It’s dimly lit with its walls filled with trinkets and interesting posters, it’s a whole mood in itself. 

Final Tips 

As Pike Place Market is located in a central location near other Seattle landmarks, consider staying downtown or the Belltown neighborhood for maximum convenience and the most walkable experience.

And note that no two visits to Pike Place Market are alike. It’s an experience that somehow feels both bustling and personal. One trip might revolve around artisanal food, the next around hidden galleries and discoveries.

So grab a tote bag, don’t forget your camera or phone, and come hungry. You’re not just visiting a market; you’re stepping into a living, breathing story.