The Pike Place Market has been a defining Seattle icon for more than a century. Considered by many “the soul of Seattle,” the Market spans nine historic acres in the center of downtown where everyday locals and tourists alike shop, visit, eat and discover.
Pike Place Market is a public market in Seattle, Washington, United States. It opened on August 17, 1907, and is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers’ markets in the United States. Pike Place Market is Seattle’s most popular tourist destination and the 33rd most visited tourist attraction in the world, with more than 10 million annual visitors.
The Market is built on the edge of a steep hill and consists of several lower levels located below the main level. Each features a variety of unique shops such as antique dealers, comic book and collectible shops, small family-owned restaurants, and one of the oldest head shops in Seattle.
Food-focused travelers will want to wander produce stalls and taste the fruit slices on offer, from crisp Washington apples to peaches, depending on the season. If you’re looking to eat alfresco, pair the fresh fruit with specialty cheeses and charcuterie from DeLaurenti for a picnic lunch. Stop between tastes at Ellenos, a homegrown Greek yogurt stand with a cult following, or Seattle staple Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for a bowl of its signature mac and cheese.
Exploring the shops at the market can take a full day on its own. Pike Place is home to more than 200 artisan craftspeople selling everything from homemade soap to hand-thrown ceramics, all happy to chat about their work. The market is also known for its seemingly endless rows of flower stands.
After browsing on the street level, follow the illuminated sign pointing down to the lower arcade levels to find an array of offbeat shops housing magic tricks, vintage posters and magazines, and retro pop culture paraphernalia, from lightsabers to rare comics at Golden Age Collectables.
According to visitseattle.org; en.wikipedia.org. Source of photos: Internet
