How to Experience Seattle’s Iconic Pike Place Market Like a Pro?
Pike Place is one of the places that any tourist should consider visiting especially after arriving in Seattle. It was founded in 1907 and is one of the few public markets that opened at that period and continues today. Owing to its size, it covers 9 acres of the land and it has more than 200 ‘stalls’, where various products ranging from foodstuffs such as vegetables, fish and meats to souvenirs and crafts are sold. Certainly it is a mind, taste and unforgettable show that belongs to the panorama of Seattle traditions.
Despite the overwhelming number of people and number of stands, shopping at Pike Place Market like a local all comes down to knowing some tips. Growing up in Seattle, I have had ample time to tour the market to know it inside out. Here are my top tips for making the most of your visit:
Go Early or Go Late
Pike Place Market is very busy especially when the travelers are on summer vacation. To avoid crowds, it is recommended to visit the place early in the morning before 10 AM or in the evening after 6 PM. It will be less crowded and you will have a better view of the iconic market sign and the Rachel the Piggy Bank sculpture.
Skip the First Starbucks
The first ever Starbucks store was established in 1971 at the Pike Place Market. However, the small store is virtually crowded with long queues of tourists eager for a picture. Frankly speaking, it is not worthy the wait. There are three other Starbucks locations within a block of the market where you can get your caffeine fix much faster.
Taste Local Specialties
Pike Place Market is a food lover's paradise with a huge variety of local specialties to sample. A few must-tries:
Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt - Creamy, dreamy small-batch Greek yogurt with unique flavors like marionberry and lemon curd. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Beecher's Handmade Cheese - Natural, satisfying small batch real Greek yogurt with exciting flavors like the marion berry and lemon custard. This tasted delicious and would be perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Piroshky Piroshky - A Russian style pies that can be hand held and come in sweet and savory fillings including beef and cheese, potato & onions, and cinnamon cardamom braid.
Daily Dozen Doughnuts - Bite size, mouth watering doughnuts, freshly prepared, either in cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar. Dangerously addictive.
Pike Place Chowder - Award-winning clam chowder and seafood bisque served with sourdough rolls. A comforting meal on a chilly Seattle day.
Visit the "Secret" Garden
Most tourists stick to the main arcade, but the market actually has multiple levels. Don't miss the charming urban garden on the rooftop of the LaSalle Building at the north end of the market. Accessed by a discreet staircase or elevator, this hidden oasis offers a quiet respite from the crowds, beautiful city views, and a chance to see the market's hydroponic growing program in action.
Find the Gum Wall
Down a nondescript alley near the main market entrance lies one of Seattle's quirkiest attractions - the Gum Wall. The brick walls are covered with thousands of pieces of chewed gum in a rainbow of colors. It's weirdly beautiful and makes for a fun photo op. Just don't get too close!
Catch a Show at the Market Theater
Besides food and shopping, the hall provides all types of live performances at the Pike Place Market. Visit the Market Theater, a black box theater with a seating capacity of 200 people which offers comedy, cabaret and improv performances. Tickets are cheap costing between $20-30 and it a means to discover the arts in Seattle.
Shop Local
Skip the tacky tourist shops selling generic Seattle-themed t-shirts and shot glasses. Pike Place Market is full of locally made treasures if you know where to look. A few favorite stops:
Hands of the World - Fair trade, eco-friendly gifts from artisans around the globe. Beautiful scarves, jewelry, and home decor.
Eighth Generation - A lifestyle brand owned and created by Native Americans that offer wool blankets, art prints, and even phones case with indigenous design.
Ugly Baby and La Ru - Hilarious shop with T-Shirts, Socks, Pins, Finger Puppets and other Senseless Products. Yes, you are definitely going to enjoy the show and probably laugh out at some point.
Old Seattle Paperworks - Small and well-chosen collection of contemporary and vintage paper products such as cards, journals, prints and postcards. A great place to find a one of a kind find.
Take a Food Tour
The best way to get an insider experience of the markets is to enroll for a food tour. Some of the companies that specialize in offering small group tours are affiliated with local guides. You will not only get to dodge the queues but also taste several specialities, listen to more tips and tales about this Market. It was quite expensive and costs roughly $50-$60 per person, which was worth it.
Following the Pike Place Market tour, if you feel too overwhelmed by the crowd, the best thing you can do is to go home. Luckily, Seattle has great services like https://seattlegreencleaningfairy.com, com that can help clean your accommodations when you are out sight seeing so that you can get back to a clean and quiet room to rest up before the next adventure.
Use this tips and you are all set to take on Pike Place Market like a Seattle expert. Stroll leisurely from one stall to another, tasting the food, and observing the lively culture. It is unique and there is no other place that can be compared to it in the entire world. Happy exploring!
