Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is Seattle's historic public market, opened in 1907 and sited along the waterfront bluff at 85 Pike Street in downtown Washington's largest city. It is among the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the United States and now spreads across several levels and buildings, with produce stalls, fishmongers, flower sellers, craft vendors, bakeries, restaurants and small shops. The market's best-known scene is the fish-throwing at the seafood stalls near the main arcade, where staff toss whole salmon across the counter as orders are called. Visitors can sample local cherries, Rainier-grown apples, smoked salmon, cheese and pastries, and the flower stalls sell large bouquets at modest prices. Nearby, the original Starbucks storefront at 1912 Pike Place draws a long queue, while quieter streets such as Post Alley hold independent restaurants and the Gum Wall below the market. The lower levels, known as the Down Under, contain antique dealers, comic shops and secondhand stores. A visit typically takes two to three hours, longer with a meal. Weekday mornings are the quietest, and crowds build steadily from late morning, peaking at weekends and when cruise ships are in port during the summer season. Many stalls begin to close by late afternoon. The market offers views over Elliott Bay and the Seattle Great Wheel from the north arcade and the MarketFront, and the pavement near the Rachel the Pig brass statue at the main entrance is a popular photo spot. Many visitors combine the market with the nearby Seattle Aquarium and the waterfront. The market is free to enter, though parking in the area is limited and expensive, so light rail to Westlake or University Street followed by a downhill walk is a common approach. Cash is useful at smaller stalls although most vendors accept cards.