Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market has traded above the Seattle waterfront since 1907, one of the oldest continuously running public markets in the country. A warren of levels holds fishmongers who toss flying fish to shouts, stalls of fresh produce and flowers, craft and food vendors, the original Starbucks, and the quirky gum wall, all humming with life.

Background

The market opened on August 17, 1907 and overlooks the Elliott Bay waterfront on Puget Sound. It takes its name from its central street, Pike Place, which runs from Pike Street to Virginia Street at the western edge of downtown, and with more than 20 million visitors a year it is Seattle's most visited sight. Built on the edge of a steep hill, it has several lower levels of antique dealers, comic and collectible shops and small family restaurants. Farmers and craftspeople rent tables by the day under the founding motto Meet the Producer, and nearly 500 people live in eight buildings within the market.

Source: Wikipedia, "Pike Place Market"

The main sights

• The flying fish - the fishmongers hurling fish to the crowd at Pike Place Fish.
• The produce and flowers - the stalls of fresh Northwest produce and bouquets.
• The original Starbucks - the first store, still trading opposite the market.
• The lower levels and gum wall - the quirky shops and the famous wall of chewing gum.

When to go

Year-round; mornings are freshest and less crowded, and the market winds down in the late afternoon. Weekdays are calmer than the busy weekends.

Practical notes

It has become a major tourist draw, so it is crowded, especially around the fish market and the original Starbucks, which has long queues. It is a working market as well as a sight, best early. The gum wall is exactly as unhygienic as it sounds.

Nearby

The Seattle waterfront, the Great Wheel and the Seattle Art Museum are close; the Space Needle is a short ride.

Key facts