Seattle’s Top 10 : Pike Place Market

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The Market stretches for several blocks high above
the port traffic sailing on the gleaming waters of Elliott Bay. This
historic district includes a meandering multi-level underground arcade,
and street-level tables and stalls. Established in 1907, America’s
oldest continually operating farmers’ market has become one of Seattle’s
most treasured institutions. By mid-century, most farmers’ tables were
run by Japanese-Americans, and their tragic internment during World War
II nearly ended the market’s operation. Plans to raze the old buildings
fortunately ceased in 1971, when architect Victor Steinbrueck and his
supporters saved them from the wrecking ball.

  • Between Pike & Virginia St, from 1st to Western Ave

  • 206 682 7453


  • www.pikeplacemarket.org

  • Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day

Three Girls Bakery

  • 1514 Pike St

  • 206 622 1045

DeLaurenti’s

  • 1435 1st Ave

  • 1 800 873 6685


Rachel the Pig

Don’t miss Rachel,
Seattle’s largest piggy bank. This brassy icon of the Market Foundation
also serves as the Market’s sentry at the main entrance. All proceeds
from visitors’ donations to Rachel go towards low-income groups.






Neon fish advertisement



Famous neon cup sign

The market abounds in
ethnic foods. Three Girls Bakery offers freshly baked bread and tasty
sandwiches. For delicious in-door dining, head to Il Bistro for Italian,
Place Pigalle for French urban, or Café Campagne for French country
cuisine.


Summer Saturdays are the Market’s busiest days. For a more leisurely visit, try a weekday morning.


Don’t try driving through crowded Pike Place. Instead, use the parking lots on Western Avenue, then take a walking tour.


Top 10 Sights

  1. Pike Place Fish Company

    Crowds
    and film crews gather to witness these entertaining fishmongers. Their
    skills include hurling fish high over customers and countertops to be
    weighed, filetted, and wrapped for travel.




  2. Starbucks

    The
    West was won with steamed milk and dark roast coffee. Howard Schultz’s
    global retail coffee empire began right here in 1971, at Starbucks’
    first store.




  3. Steinbrueck Park

    Its
    wonderful grassy hill makes this a popular lunch destination. Pack a
    picnic, find a spot, and drink in the gorgeous views of Puget Sound, the
    Olympic Mountains, and Seattle’s skyline.

  4. Underground Mezzanines

    Follow
    a maze of ramps and stairways to reach this shopping wonderland. Browse
    collectibles and books, have your palm read, commission a portrait, or
    treat yourself to local arts and crafts.

  5. Buskers

    Street
    music is a constant feature of the Market life. You might catch the
    hyperkinetic show of a spoons player who featured in at least one
    award-winning rock video, or be entertained by gospel quartets, piano
    troubadours, or a kazoo soloist.




  6. Organic Wednesdays

    Check
    out the Market’s Wednesday program during the spring and fall harvests.
    Look for the yellow ribbon surrounding a block-long stretch dedicated
    to the produce of Washington’s organic farmers.




  7. DeLaurenti’s

    Step
    inside to sample the delicious offerings of this Mediterranean gourmet
    grocery. Fresh breads and cheese, and a large wine selection create a
    great summer picnic.

  8. Hillclimb

    This
    enclosed stairway and elevator connects the Market to the waterfront
    and more stores and restaurants in between. It also offers enchanting
    sea-to-mountain views.




  9. Hmong Flower Stalls

    Seattle’s
    small, entrepreneurial SE Asian Hmong community dominates the Market’s
    flower stalls. You can smell the blossoms from oversized bouquets even
    before seeing them through the crowds. In winter, residents make do with
    equally colorful dry flowers.




  10. Read All About It

    This quaint, old-fashioned newsstand offers a wide array of newspapers and magazines from around the world.