Pike Place Market is the historic marketplace of Seattle, but it is also infused with a lively atmosphere and eclectic mix of what's inside. Legendary fishmongers like Pike Place Fish Market, rich variety in fresh produce and seafood stalls, and handmade crafts can be found here.
This market contains the original Starbucks, a few eateries providing a great diversity of food-including Pike Place Chowder, along with flower vendors brimming with color. Additionally, the Market Theater and a gum wall make this place rather interesting and very similar to local culture and community spirit.
Here are 20 fun things to do in Pike Place Market:
1. Enjoy A Scenic View From The Market's Rooftop
On top of Pike Place Market, get an expansive view of Seattle. A view from Pike Place stretches out to Elliott Bay, offering a panoramic view of the city skyline. With this kind of setup, you will be allowed to relax in comfort and appreciate the beauty: sparkling waters in the bay and a busy city down below.
A rather placid retreat from the lively atmosphere of the market provides a moment of tranquility and appreciation of the beauty with which the world is filled. If you're snapping pictures or just enjoying the view, take a walk out onto the rooftop and treat your senses to an unforgettable Pike Place experience.
2. Relax At Victor Steinbrueck Park
While you are visiting Pike Place Market, you should take a minute or two away from the crowded marketplace by walking down to Victor Steinbrueck Park. The park has plenty of sitting areas where travelers can have a seat to enjoy their picnic and look up to the beautiful views.
It's a perfect complement to your visit, allowing you to unwind with some fresh air and great vistas. Adding Victor Steinbrueck Park to the list of things to do at Pike Place Market enriches the experience by pairing lively market exploration with serene natural beauty.
3. Visit The Seattle Aquarium
Within walking distance from Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium gives an interactive look at local marine life and conversancy. It has various displays featuring interactive touch tanks, colorful sea creatures, and educational exhibits about underwater ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest.
From sea otters to jellyfish and starfish, visitors will meet an ensemble of local creatures and learn about ongoing conservation efforts to protect these vital marine ecosystems. The Seattle Aquarium is a fitting complement to visit informative and engaging into marine biology and environmental stewardship while at the Market.
4. Visit The Market Historical Commission Office
The Market Historical Commission Office is rich in history which is behind Pike Place Market. Situated right inside the market, this office offers a generous amount of insights into the historical importance of the market in Seattle's growth. Detailed exhibits and documents on display at this office provide an opportunity for visitors to trace the origin of the market, its evolution over the decades, and how it impacted the local community.
Displays that show the preservation and celebration of heritage in the market can be evidenced at various places through different displays and educational resources. If you are visiting the Pike Place Market, visit the Market Historical Commission Office for some insight into your experience by relating it to its storied past and cultural importance.
5. Explore The Market's Arts And Crafts Shops
While visiting what to see in Pike Place Market, don't forget its arts and crafts shops. Colorful stalls overflow with local art, handmade goods, and unique souvenirs, all of which ooze the creativity and skillfulness of Seattle's artists. You will find handcrafted jewelry and artisanal ceramics, original paintings, and eclectic home decor items here.
Whether looking for unique gifts or personal souvenirs, these shops do provide a great way to take a little piece of Seattle's artistic spirit home with you. And as you wander through these stalls, so too are you supporting local talent and giving your trip to Pike Place a little flair.
6. Visit The Original Starbucks
When visiting Pike Place Market it would be incomplete to visit the very first Starbucks store, which is a heritage store opened in 1971. It does evoke the early days of the coffee giant. Take a cup of coffee and step into a retro store design that has held quite well with vintage signs and decorations.
The original Starbucks has a kind of nostalgic feeling to it, providing rather different coffee experiences than the modern locations do. This would be one of the must-visit places for both a coffee appreciator and a person interested in history related to probably one of the world's most recognizable brands.
7. Attend A Cooking Class Or Demonstration
When thinking about things to do in Pike Place Market, taking a cooking class or demonstration is an outstanding one. There are several classes and demonstrations one can engage in at the market, wherein experts and local chefs teach new techniques and recipes.
This includes everything from how to create culinary masterpieces with seafood to a look into some of the most unique and interesting ways of using the many local ingredients found in the region. Join these sessions to learn much about cooking, but also the handling of some of the fresh produce and exceptional ingredients available on the market.
8. Shop for Unique Gifts At The Market's Specialty Stores
Specialty stores abound in Pike Place Market for that out-of-the-box, perfect gift. Handcrafted delicacies by local chocolatiers will treat the person with a sweet tooth, and specialty kitchen gadgets will add a touch of fun and functionality to any culinary space.
You will also find handmade jewelry, tailored soaps, and unique home decor to ensure that you get something special for everyone on your gift list. The creativity of this market is truly represented by the wide variety of specialty stores that make shopping here a real treat, full of memories with unique treasures.
9. Discover The Gum Wall
Of all the things to do at Pike Place Market, a trip to the Gum Wall is one of the more bizarre and colorful spots. In the alleyway of the Market Theater lies this weird little attraction, which is speckled with literally several coats of chewed gum that visitors have spat out over the years. The wall has become famous for pictures, boasting bright mosaic pieces of gum that make for quite an unusual backdrop.
Fun and engaging, it feels like an interactive element of the market and mirrors the feeling in the air. To some, it might seem a bit offbeat, but the Gum Wall speaks more to creativity than anything else in the market, providing a richly contrasting component to traditionalism within the rest of the market.
10. Enjoy A Meal At The Pink Door
Be sure to schedule a meal at The Pink Door when you plan your visit to the Pike Place Market. The Pink Door is one of the highly recommended places for this truly great dining experience known for its great Italian cuisine, from classic pasta dishes to drool-worthy seafood dishes.
This restaurant is known for its festive ambiance and live entertainment that make dining all the more enjoyable, with cabaret shows that will leave you enthralled. Its location is perfect for that unforgettable dinner while you are visiting Pike Place Market. You can visit their website or even call them to learn about the current Seattle Pike Place Market hours.
11. Check Out The Market's Historic Signage
Pike Place Market allows a view of the historic signage that adorns this market, which gives a peek into its past. When wandering through these busy aisles and alleyways, take time to see retro signs or historical markers scattered across this market.
These artifacts not only add character to the market but also narrate its rich history by showing how the market has evolved over the decades. From old advertisement signs and commemorative plaques, these bits are part of what goes into making up the heritage and charm of the market, turning them into an interesting aspect of your visit.
12. Explore Pike Place Fish Market
Visiting the Pike Place Fish Market is incomplete as it is one of the real treasures of the Pike Place Market. This charismatic fishmonger and seafood stall, known for its lively atmosphere, presents an exciting variety of fresh seafood on offer: succulent salmon, sweet crab, briny oysters, and so much more.
One of the major attractions is the dynamic fishmongers pitching fish to one another with flair. This show of entertainment with a fresh seafood aroma makes for an experience worth memories. From the seafood lover to the curious mind, Pike Place Fish Market gives a vibrant and engaging view into seafood culture.
13. Stroll Through The Pike Market Crafts And Artisan Stalls
Pike Place Market crafts and artisan stalls can make one feel good about the ingenuity of local artisans. Walking through the colorful display booths, you will be introduced to different types of handmade crafts. These include beautiful, well-designed jewelry, original paintings, and handmade pottery.
Each stand is representative of the expertise and creativity that Seattle's artisans possess when it comes to things like customizable accessories and unique home decor. Whether you're after that special gift or personal keepsake, inside these stalls, you can find one-of-a-kind treasures that reflect the rich artistic spirit of the market.
14. Watch The Fish Throwing
When thinking of general things to do in Pike Place Market, Seattle, consider taking a visit to witness fish throwing at Pike Place Fish Market. This iconic attraction entails staff at the market tossing fish to each other with dexterity and charisma, making what ought to be a seafood stall a live performance.
Known for their energetic and charismatic style, the fishmongers turn every catch and throw into a performance that has visitors gasping with glee right in the market. Since then, the show has become iconic for this market: adding a bit of fun and action to your visit.
15. Eat At Pike Place Chowder
Pike Place Market would be incomplete without sampling the award-winning clam chowder at Pike Place Chowder. The hotspot serves up exceptional soups, ladling rich, creamy clam chowder piled high with many awards.
Other tasty soups offered in addition to clam chowder are seafood bisque and tomato basil, all made with the finest ingredients and flavor balance perfection. It's a perfect place to comfort oneself with good food while perusing the markets. Sampling Pike Place Chowder is a classic Pike Place Market experience like it's a foodie reward.
16. Browse Pike Place Market's Produce Stands
You should saunter around the produce stands of Pike Place Market. These ebullient stalls are going to turn out to be a window opener for you with their array of fresh fruits and vegetables along with awesome bouquets. You will come across every seasonal thing, from crunchy vegetables to exotic fruits that speak about the quality and different local and regional agriculture.
The flower stands are equally appealing, having glamorous bouquets with an eye-catching appeal that adds a touch of beauty to the natural scenery of your visit. Whether one is looking to stock up on fresh ingredients or just to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market, the produce stands offer a great sensory experience with a taste of the agricultural richness of the area.
17. Explore The Market's Hidden Corners
One of the most rewarding adventures in Pike Place Market is exploring all of its hidden corners. Take a walk through the lower levels to find lesser-known treasures like the Market Theater, which offers impromptu performances and local entertainment. While wandering in the nooks and crannies, you will stumble upon unique stores selling items from used goods to offbeat novelty items.
These jewels offer a nice contrast with the main busy areas and give the shopper a more intimate, eclectic shopping experience. Taking the time to meander into some of these less-traveled paths reveals rich character and special surprises that can heighten your visit to the market.
18. Visit Rachel The Pig
Rachel the Pig is one of the most famous icons of Pike Place Market, and a shot with the bronze statue of this piggy bank has to be clicked. Rachel proudly stands right there at the entrance, not just a cute picture point but also serving a charitable cause.
She is an official mascot of the market, helping to raise funds from donations put into her base for local charities. Its playful design and community-driven mission make this a favorite spot for capturing memories and contributing to a good cause. Don't miss this fun and meaningful part of your Pike Place Market experience.
19. Try Local Treats At The Pike Place Market Food Court
Visit the Pike Place Market Food Court to try out the local treats and sample a bit of food from these vendors. This will give you a taste of just-baked delicacies from other local bakeries, like artisan breads and delectable pastries, to feel the richness of taste that this market is comprised of.
Other than that, there are several international dishes to expose your taste buds to almost all kinds of tastes and flavors around the world. It offers everything from savory, like gourmet tacos and Asian street food, to sweet pleasures in the form of homemade ice cream and pastries.
20. Shop At Pike Place Market's Spice Shop
The Spice Shop of Pike Place Market, offers exotic spices, herbs, and blends to give a nice taste to your dishes. This shop offers a huge selection of great quality seasonings, all of which you can get from each corner of the world. If you are in the mood for hard-to-find spices, aromatic herbs, or any type of specialty blend, the staff at this shop will walk you through your options and advise according to your taste.
From the display of colors to the aromas on offer, there is a good shopping experience to be had, with the wide selection of spices making sure you leave the store with a special something to elevate your kitchen adventures.
