Pike Place Market is located in the heart of downtown Seattle and is a huge public market that reminds me of a mix between a farmers market and a pulga. There is so much to explore, with vendors, food, shops, and other attractions spread throughout the market and surrounding downtown area. It is also a very walkable area, so be prepared to get your steps in! The market itself has a combination of indoor and outdoor areas, and there are even more restaurants, shops, and places to explore nearby. Give yourself plenty of time to wander around because there’s much more to Pike Place than what you initially see from the outside.
Address: 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
Hours of Operation:
One thing I will warn you about is parking. Finding affordable parking near Pike Place Market can be a challenge, especially during busy times. There is street parking if you arrive early enough, along with parking garages and lots throughout downtown, but prices can add up quickly. Depending on where you park and how long you stay, you could spend around $20–$50, and you may still have a bit of a walk to reach the market. I definitely recommend wearing comfortable shoes because you’ll be doing plenty of walking once you arrive.
Pike Place Market is amazing and has so much to see, eat, and shop for! There are vendors everywhere selling everything from fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables to handmade jewelry, paintings, drawings, books, clothing, bags, and even anime and pop-culture items. If you’re looking for a unique Seattle souvenir, you definitely won’t have a hard time finding something here.
Of course, one of the best parts of Pike Place Market is the food! You can find cider, donuts, Asian cuisine, dumplings, sweet treats, snacks, and plenty of options for a full meal. We grabbed some dumplings while exploring and also had to try the famous Beecher’s mac and cheese nearby. There are tables where you can sit down and enjoy your food, and some areas offer a beautiful view of the Seattle waterfront and the Great Wheel.
There are also a few iconic Pike Place experiences you have to check out while you’re there. One of the most famous is watching the fishmongers toss fish back and forth at the fish market. Head downstairs and you can also find the famous Gum Wall, where you can take pictures and even add your own piece of gum to the collection.
Whether you’re stopping by for lunch, shopping for souvenirs, picking up fresh flowers and produce, or simply exploring one of Seattle’s most famous attractions, Pike Place Market has a little bit of everything. You could easily spend hours wandering through the different levels and vendors because there is always something else to discover. Just be prepared for the crowds—it can get extremely busy! Overall, it’s such a fun place to shop, eat, explore, and experience a little bit of Seattle all in one stop.
With so many vendors and shops throughout Pike Place Market, we definitely had a few favorites! One of our first stops was Daily Dozen Doughnut Company, where you can grab freshly made miniature donuts. You can keep them simple or choose different flavors and toppings like powdered sugar, cinnamon, or chocolate. They make the perfect little snack to eat while walking around the market.
Another fun stop was a cider vendor offering several different flavors of cold cider. We were able to sample the different options before deciding which one we wanted, with flavors like apple, orange, blueberry, and more. The cider was absolutely delicious and refreshing after walking around the market.
Of course, I couldn’t visit Pike Place without finding a bookstore! We stopped at one where I was able to pick up a few books, and one of my favorite things inside was their fun book-themed “World Series” display that matched different books against each other to see which one would win. It was such a cute and creative touch for book lovers.
Finally, we had to make a stop at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for their famous mac and cheese. This place is POPULAR—the line was literally out the door! We grabbed some of their mac and cheese along with some cheese to try, and it was definitely worth the stop. If you’re visiting Pike Place Market, I highly recommend adding Beecher’s to your food list!
