Attraction
Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle at Seattle Center has an observation level at 520 feet and The Loupe, a revolving glass floor.
Pike Place Market
Open since 1907, Pike Place Market is Seattle's historic public market, with produce and fish stalls, craft vendors, small shops and restaurants above Elliott Bay.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic public market
- Area
- Downtown, Seattle, United States
- Official site
- pikeplacemarket.org
Good to know
- Free entry
- Fresh produce and seafood
- Crafts market
- Restaurants
- Parking garage
Why we recommend it
Pike Place Market opened on 17 August 1907, and its first building, the Main Arcade, followed on 30 November that year. It has run continuously since then and covers a nine-acre historic district between First Avenue and Western Avenue, from Virginia Street to just past Pike Street. The market is managed by the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority, set up in 1973, and the area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Most visitors start under the Public Market Center sign at the foot of Pike Street. Here you will find Rachel, a 550-pound bronze piggy bank in place since 1986, whose donations help fund the Market Foundation's social services. Nearby, staff at Pike Place Fish Market throw fish to each other rather than passing them by hand, which draws a crowd through the day. From there, walk the arcades past produce stalls, bakeries and the Crafts Market, then explore the merchant buildings, which hold small shops.
The market is open daily and closes only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, but different parts keep different hours. Produce and seafood vendors start from 7am, merchant buildings open from 9am to 7pm, and the Crafts Market runs from 11am to 4pm. Most of the market is busy between 10am and 5pm, and restaurants keep their own hours, some until late. The market's website has a "See Who's Open" tool and an interactive map that are useful for planning.
Early morning, before 10am, is the calmest time to see stalls being set up and to queue less at famous counters. Late afternoon is also quieter, although some vendors pack up before 5pm. Bring an appetite, as grazing your way through chowder, pastries and fruit is half the appeal, and allow two to three hours if you want to explore properly. The market suits everyone, but the main arcade gets very crowded at weekends and in summer, which is worth bearing in mind with pushchairs.
Vehicle access to Pike Place is restricted during the day, so walking in from downtown or the waterfront is easiest; the market also has its own parking garage. The Seattle Aquarium and the waterfront are down the hill to the west, and the Seattle Art Museum is a short walk south along First Avenue.
Pike Place Market FAQs
When is Pike Place Market open?
The market is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Most businesses trade from 10am to 5pm, with produce and seafood from 7am.
Is it free to visit?
Yes. There is no charge to enter the market.
When did the market open?
It opened on 17 August 1907, and the Main Arcade followed on 30 November 1907.
What is the best time to visit?
Early morning before 10am is the quietest time, and you can watch the stalls being set up.
Where can you see the fish throwing?
At Pike Place Fish Market, where staff throw fish to each other rather than passing them by hand.
Who is Rachel?
Rachel is a 550-pound bronze piggy bank, in place since 1986, whose donations support the Market Foundation.
Can you drive to the market?
Vehicle access to Pike Place is limited during the day, so walking is easiest. There is a market parking garage.
How long should you allow?
Two to three hours lets you walk the arcades, merchant buildings and nearby streets and stop to eat.
When are the craft stalls open?
The Crafts Market runs from 11am to 4pm.