Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market, at 85 Pike St on the Downtown Waterfront in Seattle, Washington, is one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the United States and the most visited attraction in the city. It sits on a bluff above Elliott Bay and spreads across several levels and a handful of historic buildings. The goods sold differ sharply from generic shopping: fresh and smoked Pacific seafood, Washington produce, cut flowers, local cheese, honey, spices, baked goods, and a large number of handmade crafts, jewelry, and art. Farm and fish stalls are mostly run by long-standing vendors, and the craft tables on the main arcade are juried so that sellers must make or grow what they sell. Alongside these sit souvenir shops and tourist-oriented stands, so the ratio of authentic to trinket goods is better than at most waterfront markets, but it varies by corner. Prices at produce and fish stalls are fixed and bargaining is not part of the culture. Most vendors accept credit cards, although a few smaller stands and buskers prefer cash. The United States has no tax-refund scheme for visitors, and Washington sales tax of roughly 10 percent is added at the register on non-food items. The main arcade is crowded, especially on weekends and summer afternoons, and the fish-throwing stall draws a dense audience. Layout is the key to enjoying the market: the Main Arcade holds produce, flowers, and crafts; the lower levels hold vintage shops, collectible stores, and small specialty retailers; and the surrounding streets hold bakeries, delis, and cafes. Food options on site are extensive, from piroshky and chowder to oysters, fresh pastries, and coffee, including the original Starbucks storefront, which usually has a queue. Must-visit corners include the fish stalls near the main entrance, the flower vendors in the arcade, the cheese and pasta makers on the Pike Place side, and the lower-level shops reached by stairs. Visitors should expect some uneven floors, steep surrounding streets, and narrow aisles. Opening hours vary by vendor and season, so the market operator's website is the best source for current details.