Perched along Seattle’s Elliott Bay waterfront, Pike Place Market stands as the beating heart of the Emerald City. Since 1907, this iconic destination has welcomed locals and travelers alike with its vibrant atmosphere, unique shops, and unforgettable characters. It’s not just a market—it’s a multi-sensory experience that captures Seattle’s essence in ways no other attraction can match. As travel professionals guiding visitors through Seattle, you’ll want to know what makes this 9-acre historic district truly special.
The Market’s Colorful History
Pike Place Market was born from a crisis. In 1907, Seattle consumers were furious about middlemen driving up food prices. The city’s solution? Create a public market where farmers could sell directly to consumers. On August 17, 1907, eight farmers brought their wagons to Pike Place, and the market was born. By 11 a.m., they had sold everything. Word spread quickly, and within weeks, hundreds of farmers were flocking to sell their goods.
The market has weathered numerous challenges throughout its history—from the internment of Japanese-American vendors during WWII to a threatened demolition in the 1960s that sparked the successful “Save the Market” campaign. Today, it stands as the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the United States and remains true to its founding mission: connecting people directly with local producers.
Must-See Market Attractions
When your clients visit Pike Place, these iconic experiences shouldn’t be missed:
- The Flying Fish Show – Pike Place Fish Market’s fishmongers toss fresh catches through the air with theatrical flair, turning commerce into performance art. The tradition began as a time-saving measure but has evolved into one of Seattle’s most photographed attractions.
- The Original Starbucks – Coffee enthusiasts make pilgrimages to the first Starbucks store, established in 1971. While technically not the very first location (which was actually a few blocks away), this Pike Place storefront maintains its vintage appeal with the original mermaid logo and often features live music.
- Rachel the Piggy Bank – This bronze piggy bank collects around $20,000 annually for the Market Foundation. Legend says rubbing Rachel’s nose and making a donation brings good luck.
- The Gum Wall – Located in Post Alley, this colorfully disgusting attraction features thousands of pieces of chewed gum stuck to brick walls. Despite periodic cleanings (including a major steam-cleaning in 2015), the wall quickly returns to its sticky glory.
Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
Beyond the famous spots, Pike Place rewards curious explorers with lesser-known treasures:
- Lower Levels – Beneath the main arcade, winding hallways house eclectic shops selling everything from magic tricks to vintage comics and handcrafted jewelry. The “Down Under” section feels like a treasure hunt.
- Victor Steinbrueck Park – This nearby green space offers stunning views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, perfect for picnics with market-bought treats.
- Market Ghost Tours – As one of Seattle’s oldest sites, Pike Place has accumulated numerous ghost stories. Evening tours reveal the market’s spookier history.
- Secret Garden – The rooftop Urban Garden produces vegetables and herbs for the market’s food bank while offering a peaceful respite from crowds.
Culinary Adventures
Pike Place Market serves as Seattle’s ultimate food destination, boasting over 80 local restaurants and food stands. The market philosophy emphasizes “meet the producer,” creating authentic connections between visitors and food artisans.
Culinary highlights include:
- Beecher’s Handmade Cheese – Watch cheesemakers craft their famous “World’s Best” mac and cheese through viewing windows.
- Pike Place Chowder – Award-winning clam chowder that regularly draws lines down the block (tip: order online to skip the wait).
- Piroshky Piroshky – Russian pastries in sweet and savory varieties, with cinnamon cardamom braids and smoked salmon pâté offerings among the favorites.
- MarketSpice – Operating since 1911, their signature cinnamon-orange tea perfumes the entire shop with its distinctive aroma.
Shopping for Unique Treasures
With over 225 small businesses and 150 craft vendors, Pike Place Market offers shopping experiences you simply won’t find elsewhere. The market operates on a “meet the maker” philosophy, meaning most items are sold by the people who created them.
Recommend these shopping experiences to your clients:
- Flower Row – Local farmers offer stunning bouquets at prices that will astonish visitors from other major cities—$10-15 typically buys an armful of seasonal blooms.
- Crafts Market – Over 150 artisans rotate through daily, selling handcrafted jewelry, clothing, art, and more. Each vendor is jury-selected to ensure quality and originality.
- Specialty Foods – From locally harvested honeys to small-batch chocolates, this is a food souvenir paradise. Suggest Chukar Cherries (Washington-grown cherries dipped in chocolate) or puzzlingly addictive MarketSpice tea.
- Antique Shops – The market’s lower levels house several vintage dealers offering everything from maritime memorabilia to mid-century modern treasures.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Help your clients navigate Pike Place like seasoned Seattle residents:
- Timing is Everything – Visit before 10am to experience the market without crowds and watch vendors setting up. Alternatively, come after 5pm when flower vendors often discount their remaining bouquets.
- Weekday Magic – Tuesday through Thursday offers the most relaxed experience. Saturdays are vibrant but extremely crowded.
- Parking Solutions – The market operates its own garage on Western Avenue with validated parking. Better yet, suggest nearby public transportation to avoid downtown parking challenges altogether.
- Weather Preparedness – While parts of the market are covered, Seattle’s famous drizzle can still impact the experience. A light rain jacket is always wise, even on seemingly clear days.
Beyond Shopping: Market Programs and Community
What makes Pike Place truly special is its role as a community hub. The market isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a living ecosystem supporting local producers and vulnerable community members:
- Pike Market Food Bank – Serves over 1,000 people weekly with food primarily sourced directly from market vendors.
- Senior Center – Provides meals, healthcare, and community for downtown seniors.
- Childcare Center – Offers affordable childcare for market employees and nearby low-income families.
- Public Events – Throughout the year, the market hosts free concerts, cooking demonstrations, and seasonal celebrations.
Summing Up the Pike Place Experience
Pike Place Market represents Seattle at its most authentic—a vibrant community space where history, commerce, art, and food collide in delightful ways. What began as a simple solution to food price gouging has evolved into a beloved institution that supports hundreds of small businesses and draws nearly 10 million visitors annually.
For your clients, Pike Place offers more than just shopping or dining; it provides genuine connections with local producers, craftspeople, and Seattle’s cultural heritage. Whether they’re watching fish fly through the air, discovering a hidden jewel shop in the warren-like lower levels, or simply people-watching with a coffee from the original Starbucks, visitors to Pike Place Market are experiencing Seattle’s soul.
Encourage your clients to approach the market with a spirit of exploration and an empty stomach—there’s no better way to understand Seattle than spending a few hours wandering through the historic stalls, engaging with vendors, and tasting the bounty of the Pacific Northwest at Pike Place Market.