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Pike Place Market: Seattle's Historic Heart

Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Seattle at the historic Pike Place Market, a vibrant hub of local commerce and culture since 1907.

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Pike Place Market, established in 1907, is a vibrant public market overlooking Elliott Bay in Seattle [4]. It's a bustling hub where farmers, craftspeople, and merchants offer fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique finds, drawing over 10 million visitors annually [4, 17].

A brief summary to Pike Place Market

  • Monday 8 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, before 10 a.m., to avoid the biggest crowds and experience a more relaxed atmosphere [17].
  • Explore the Market's lower levels for unique shops, the Gum Wall, and hidden gems [17, 18].
  • Don't miss the fish throwing at Pike Place Fish Market, but be prepared for crowds [3, 17, 18].
  • Sample the diverse food offerings, from fresh produce and seafood to pastries and clam chowder [13, 17, 18].
  • Take public transportation or utilize the Market's parking garages, as street parking can be difficult to find [2].
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Pike Place Market is easily accessible via Seattle's public transportation system. From downtown Seattle, numerous Metro bus routes stop near the Market on 3rd Avenue and Pine or Pike streets [2, 14, 20]. The Westlake Station and Symphony Link Light Rail stations are within walking distance [2, 14]. A one-way bus fare costs $2.75 [10]. The Light Rail fares range from $2.25 - $3.50 depending on the distance [10].

  • Walking

    From many downtown Seattle hotels and attractions, Pike Place Market is within easy walking distance. For example, the walk from downtown Seattle to Pike Place Market is approximately 10 minutes [20]. Be aware that the Market is located on a hill, so some routes may involve a slight incline.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services offer a convenient way to reach Pike Place Market. A short taxi ride from downtown Seattle typically costs between $5 and $6 [20]. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours.

  • Parking

    Pike Place Market has two parking garages with entrances on Western Avenue and Alaskan Way [2, 11]. Early bird rate is a flat $15 if you enter before 9 a.m. and exit by 9 p.m. [11]. After 5 p.m., the flat evening rate is $8, with exit by 2 a.m. [2, 11]. Hourly parking is $5 per hour for the first 4 hours [11]. Electric vehicle charging stations are available in the Pike Place Market parking garage for $1 per hour plus the cost to park [2]. Several other parking garages are located near Pike Place Market, with varying rates [15, 16]. Booking in advance is recommended [15, 16].

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Discover more about Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market, a cornerstone of Seattle since 1907, stands as one of the oldest continuously operating public farmers' markets in the United States [4, 5]. More than just a marketplace, it's a vibrant community hub overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront, offering a sensory explosion of sights, sounds, and smells [4, 17]. Originally founded to connect local farmers directly with consumers, cutting out the middleman and lowering prices, the Market quickly blossomed into a thriving center of commerce and culture [3, 5, 9]. Today, it houses over 200 independent shops and restaurants, 160+ craftspeople, and 70+ farmers [13]. You can find everything from fresh produce and seafood to handmade crafts and unique souvenirs [13, 17, 18]. The Market's history is rich and colorful. It faced near demolition in the 1960s but was saved by community activists who recognized its historical and cultural significance [3, 4]. The Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) was established in 1973 to protect and enhance the Market's unique character [4]. Don't miss the famous fish throwing at Pike Place Fish Market, a spectacle that has become a symbol of the city [3, 17, 18]. Explore the lower levels to discover hidden gems like the Gum Wall and quirky shops [17]. Take a photo with Rachel the Pig, the Market's mascot, and be sure to sample some of the delicious food offerings, from fresh pastries to clam chowder [3, 13, 18, 25]. Pike Place Market is more than just a tourist destination; it's a living, breathing part of Seattle's identity, offering a glimpse into the city's past while remaining a vital part of its present [17, 18].

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