Pike Place Market

As one of the most iconic symbols of Seattle, the Pike Place Market lies on the edge of a steep hill in the city’s northwest corner, overlooking Puget Sound. The best place in the city to meet small farmers, craftspeople, and merchants, Pike Place Market is the world’s 33rd most-visited tourist attraction, and more than 10-million visitors tour the streets every year.

About the Pike Place Market

Since Pike Place Market first opened in 1907, it has been at the forefront of Seattle culture. Built against a steep hillside, this public market is split into several levels—at the top you’ll find fishmongers, crafts, and fresh produce, while the lower levels are home to a variety of restaurants and unique, quirky shops.

More than just one of the country’s oldest public markets, it’s also home to nearly 500 permanent residents that live throughout the Market—many of which are low-income housing or seniors that are supported by the community’s services.

Visiting the Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is located on the water in the heart of downtown Seattle, on 1st Ave. It stretches across nine acres, from Virginia Street to Pike Street. It's most active from 10am-5pm, though you can get meals before and after that.

History

Pike Place Market first opened its doors in 1907, although who could sell goods and when they could sell them, along with payments, were strictly regulated by the city. Still, the demand for the public market continued to grow, and by 1911, the number of stalls at the market had doubled.

Over the following decades, the Pike Place Market weathered scandals, disputes with vendors, and management issues. Then in 1971, a historic zone around the area was created—returning the Market to public hands and sparking a revitalization effort.

Today, the boundaries of Pike Place Market depend on who you ask, but it still remains the top tourist destination in Seattle for its uniquely local flair and incredible food, crafts, and performances.

Interesting Facts

The Pike Place Market is known worldwide for its farm-fresh produce, entertainers, and art vendors, but it is also a vital part of the Seattle community in other ways. By bringing the residents and visitors to Seattle together, the Market highlights the best of the Pacific Northwest and works with the local community to provide essential housing and social services.

• The Pike Place Market celebrated its 100th anniversary in August 2007, making it one of the oldest continuously operating public farmers’ markets in the country.
• The management of the Pike Place Market is overseen by the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority consisting of 12 volunteers appointed by various councils.
• The Pike Place Fish Market is a top attraction, and visitors can watch as employees toss 3-foot salmon and other fish between them to prep it for sale to market shoppers.
• Pike Place Market is home to the first Starbucks Coffee store, which has been in continuous operation since 1971.
• “Rachel”, a 550 pound bronze-cast piggy bank, is the unofficial mascot of the Market. Located at the corner of Pike Place since 1986, it receives up to $9,000 in donations annually that go to support housing and services in the community.

Points of Interest

Seattle is a mecca of attractions for tourists, and Pike Place Market is at the heart of it all. When you want to experience the local farms, fishermen, and craftspeople of the Pacific Northwest, all you need to do is head down to the Market and spend the day exploring the very best that Seattle has to offer.