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Pike Place Market, Seattle

Pike Market Place - Seattle
Pike Market Place
by Sweetberry1
Pike Place Market tips and photos posted by real travelers and Seattle locals.
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Pike Place Market: Pike Place Market
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  • starship
  • Updated By starship on May 5, 2008
  • Seattle Page by starship
  • Pike Place Market - Interior - Seattle
    Pike Place Market - Interior
    by starship, 1 more photos
    Pike Place Market claims to be the oldest operating public farm market in the country, and is definitely one of the liveliest places in downtown Seattle. The first time we visited in 2004, we didn't see half of it. Pike Place Market generates a unique energy all its own. The Market is a jumble of restaurants and eateries; a brew pub; fish, produce and flower stalls; and a variety of unique shops with clothing, gifts, antiques and more. The Market is a stone's throw from Elliot Bay. The Market has an "upstairs" as well as "downstairs" level so there is much to explore. One of the most popular attractions of the Market is seeing the fishmongers "throwing" the fish from man to man and the crowd is never disappointed when this show is put on. One of the restaurants here was the setting for a scene in the Tom Hanks' movie, "Sleepless in Seattle." (See my restaurant tips.) This has become quite an attraction in itself.

    Pike Place reminds me somewhat of Reading Terminal in Philadelphia, although the setting is quite different! One thing that Pike Place many visitors invariably look for is Rachel, the life-size brass pig and she alone is worth the treck down to Pike Place. Give her a little rub for good luck!

    While the Pike Place Market has become a great tourist attraction for visitors, it is also quite evident that it also plays a part in the lives of the local residents--where they shop & eat. I think this gives an added dimension to the Market and makes it the great attraction that it is and you shouldn't miss it.

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  • Address: 1st Avenue & Pike Street, Downtown
  • Phone: 206-682-7453
  • Directions: Downtown and close to the waterfront, the aquarium and the IMAX.
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    Pike Place Market: Pike Place Market
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  • jamiesno
  • Updated By jamiesno on May 14, 2005
  • Seattle Page by jamiesno
  • Pike Place Public Market Sign - Seattle
    Pike Place Public Market Sign
    by jamiesno
    For me this market was one of the all time greats I visited. Just the atmosphere and busy activity made it a nice place to explore. The Pike Place Market began on August 17, 1907 and its still a vital part of Seattle's social and economic fabric. The nine-acre historic district is the Soul of Seattle and a national treasure.

    I compared it to Vancouver's Granville Island another great destination. You will enjoy hanging out here. I could never have seen it all in the time that I had. You can go back there many times for sure!

    The web site has a great map and listing of all the businesses.

    The Pike Place Market was certainly one of the liveliest markets I had ever visited. I thought it would be hard to beat Vancouver Canada’s Granville Island but the Pike Place Market was right up there. It’s filled with great fresh food, unique stores and quality restaurants. I ate at Copacabana’s and that was great but it’s the atmosphere of all the activity that is special.

    On the day I left I followed up on a tip that I read and went to the market between 6 and 7 am to watch it all come to life. The merchants are busy setting up and I guess early in the morning your nose is probably actually able to smell something. I distinctly remember being able to smell the flowers of one merchant and the seafood of another. It was very clear and enjoyable. On that morning there was a light mist falling on the city and the fine people at Lowell’s let me in for an expresso and view before they opened at 7. If I had more time I would have enjoyed breakfast that morning.

    If it interests you the original Starbucks is actually in this market. On Saturday it was very busy with lots of street performers as well on the sidewalks.

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    Pike Place Market: Pike Place Market - More Than Shopping
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  • tpal
  • By tpal on March 10, 2005
  • Seattle Page by tpal
  • Pike Place at the Public Market - Seattle
    Pike Place at the Public
    Market
    by tpal
    Back in the '60's we were all hippies...well nearly all of us. Anyway, most of us moved on :-( Still I often wonder about what happened to all those folks who never "sold-out". Well, call the National Inquirer...all can now be revealed.

    Where are all the old hippies, the aging folk singers, the "dye" hard tie-dyers, the one-toke-over-the-line incense makers and the strung too many beads jewelry makers? They have all found happiness at Pike Place Market. Pike Place which seems to be located in the Public Market Center, although it never seems quite clear to me, is an absolutely fascinating place. Even if shopping is not your thing, this experience should not be missed.

    In fairness, while the hippies are probably there mostly for the tourist the larger portion of the market is reserved for farmers produce and, of course, the most important item...the fresh seafood. The salmon throwers are now world famous but seem to rarely toss without a specific sale incentive.

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    Pike Place Market: Flying Fish and More!
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  • leeludalas
  • By leeludalas on January 12, 2004
  • Seattle Page by leeludalas
  • Pike Place Market - Seattle
    Pike Place Market
    by leeludalas
    The Pike Place Market is one of the oldest public markets in the USA. It offers many wonderful vendors who sell flowers, fresh seafood, produce, as well as crafts and photographs. The Pike Place Fish Market is very entertaining, with lively employees who throw fish and generally put on a grand show for onlookers. Explore the lower levels of the market to find unique shops selling everything from fine wine to magic tricks. Don't forget to stop by the Pike Brewery for a pint!

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  • Address: Pike Street at First Avenue
  • Directions: Located near the waterfront within walking distance of downtown hotels. Approximately 20-25 minutes from SeaTac Airport.
  • Website: www.pikeplacemarket.com
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    Pike Place Market: Pike Place Market
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  • Erin74
  • By Erin74 on December 2, 2003
  • Seattle Page by Erin74
  • Outside Pike Place Market - Seattle
    Outside Pike Place Market
    by Erin74
    Pike Place Market is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Seattle and a wonderful, vibrant place to spend a couple of hours. The Market has been in existence for more than 100 years and covers nine acres on the Seattle waterfront.

    Pike Place Market's shops and stalls are filled with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. You'll also find fresh flowers, fresh fish and lots of Seattle souvenirs. Be sure to stop by the original Starbucks store (opened in 1971). Another must see is the Pike Place Fish Market, famous for its "flying fish." It's really interesting to see the guys here throwing those big, frozen fish around. Pick up some Aplets and Cotlets (a Washington treat that is delicious!) and enjoy the area.

    The Pike Place Market is open seven days a week, year-round, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Sundays are voluntary opening days for Market merchants and some shops may not be open. Business hours for individual merchants also vary depending on location and type of business.

    Parking is notoriously difficult in this area. The most convenient parking is in the Market's garage located at 1531 Western Avenue, south of Steinbrueck Park. There is street parking, but it's very hard to find. Be prepared to spend some time searching for a space.

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  • Directions: Detailed directions are available here: http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/about/visiting_market/maps.asp
  • Website: http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/default.asp
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    Pike Place Market: Pikes Place Public Market
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  • emilienoelle
  • By emilienoelle on September 20, 2006
  • Seattle Page by emilienoelle
  • Pepper decoration at el Mercado Latino - Seattle
    Pepper decoration at el
    Mercado Latino
    by emilienoelle,
    4 more photos
    Pikes Place Market is probably one of the most visited, and most famous, places in Seattle. Because of this I was sure that it was going to be a seething tourist trap full of plastic junk and people wearing Budweiser t-shirts, but you know, it was nothing like that at all. In fact, the place is awesome!

    Pikes Place is the real deal, full of actual local farmers and fishermen who bring their goods to the market early every morning. The fish there was breathtaking. I know that is a weird way to describe fish, but that is what it was. Most of it looked like it was still alive. The place is full of flowers as well. The flower vendors are everywhere and they are so lovely that you can't help but want to buy some.

    You can also buy just about any type of ethnic food at the market. They have a Russian bakery, a Filipino barbecue, a Turkish sweets shop, a Latin American Grocery and a Greek take-out window.

    You can also buy fresh honey, chocolates, ice cream, fresh donuts, French crepes and tons of non-food items. The market has a used book store, a newsstand that sells papers and magazines from around the world, and many clothing boutiques, jewelry stores and other types of shops.

    The only bad thing about Pikes Place is that you can't take most of the stuff home with you!

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  • Address: Between Pike and Virginia Streets
  • Directions: Across from the Aquarium and up a lot of stairs.
  • Website: www.pikesplacemarket.org
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    Pike Place Market: Pike Place
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  • archan4698
  • By archan4698 on August 29, 2003
  • Seattle Page by archan4698
  • pike place market area - Seattle
    pike place market area
    by archan4698
    Well, alota people seem to come just to see the market, I can tell you what little factual info I know of, its the longest running market in the USA. Its a good place to grab a bite to eat, check out the fish throwers, or just explore.

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  • Address: 1st and pike
  • Directions: 1st and pike will put ya right in front of it.
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    Pike Place Market: Fodder for a Presentation.
  • Tip Rating:
  • grandmaR
  • Updated By grandmaR on August 10, 2005
  • Seattle Page by grandmaR
  • Pike Street market steps (inset post card) - Seattle
    Pike Street market steps
    (inset post card)
    by grandmaR
    The second day I was in Seattle, I did the trolley tour, and Pike Street Market. I got off the trolley at the waterfront and walked up the steps (the back door) to the market. It is a huge place - 9 acres. I think I bought some goodies there to take back to my room at the bakeries or some of the other food stores there.

    One of the signature sights to see at the Pike Street Market is the fish market section where the employees throw fish to each other. Of course since I had no kitchen facilities I did not linger long in the Fish Market.

    Later when we had to give a presentation to the group about the city, I bought a postcard and got my film developed so we would have some visual aids for the presentation.

    The URL gives a panoramic (360 degree) view of the market. Wait for it to load.

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  • Phone: (206) 682-7453
  • Directions: First Avenue to the east, Western Avenue to the west, Virginia Street to the north, and, to the south, a line drawn from First to Western Avenues halfway between Pike and Union Streets
  • Website: http://www.peacehealth.org/System/Careers/tour/PikePlace.htm
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    Pike Place Market: Pike Place Market
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  • zrim
  • By zrim on March 30, 2003
  • Seattle Page by zrim
  • Pike Place Market - Seattle
    Pike Place Market
    by zrim
    A super place to kill some idle hours. All sorts of fresh fruits and vegetable available. Of course, seafood that slept in the sea the previous evening is on ice waiting for the scutiny of the hungry shopper. Some vendors also offer honeys, vinegars and other extracts. This is an absolute must see for any out of town visitor.

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    Pike Place Market: Pike Place Market
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  • sarahfh
  • By sarahfh on July 6, 2009
  • Seattle Page by sarahfh
  • Pike Place Market - Seattle
    by sarahfh
    A trip to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without a walk around the famous Pike Place Market. Bustling with locals, fresh fruit, fish, cakes, cookies and coffee. Here is also where you will find the first ever Starbucks. Walk about 200 metres along the main stretch and you will find it on your right. Come on Sunday and find the main stretch of the market blocked to make space for outside BBQ grills and bars. For a hearty meal, head to Pike Place Brewery and try a micro ale when your there. The vintage cider is pretty good too. If it’s a sunny day (yes, they do occur!), head to the end of Pike Place Market to find a stretch of grass to relax on with an ice lolly. Tucked in just behind the market, one block up the hill you’ll find Pound Street. Also worth a look, for small cafes, restaurants and irish bars.

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  • Address: Pike Place
  • Directions: At the end of Pike Street
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