At first glance, it might seem as if Pike Place Market is just another tourist trap. After all, it’s located in downtown Seattle, Washington’s largest city, it sits right by the bustling waterfront, and it’s one of the most photographed places in the Pacific Northwest. But the truth is, our iconic Pike Place is so much more. Not only is it loaded with local history (and possibly a couple of ghosts), but it’s utilized by locals far more than tourists. And if you go often enough, you’ll find that there are some amazing hidden gems in Pike Place Market that you just wouldn’t want to miss. Come along as we show you what is so special about this Seattle landmark!

We love and are very particular about our Pike Place Market, which should never, under any circumstances, be called "Pike's Place" or "Pike's Market."
Pike Place Market / Facebook
Spanning 9 acres in the heart of downtown Seattle, this is usually the first place tourists head when they make a stop while on a cruise or when they fly in from another state. But you're just as likely to see someone who lives in the neighborhood picking up ingredients for dinner as you are a tourist taking a selfie.
Pike Place was founded in 1907, making it one of the oldest and largest continuously operating public markets in the United States.
Seattle Municipal Archives / Flickr
The market is said to be haunted by Princess Angeline, Chief Sealth’s oldest daughter who defiantly lived in a shack below Pike Street during a time when Native Americans were not allowed to live in the area. Its other most famous ghost is Frank Goodwin, one of the original founders of the market. Goodwin, who died in 1954, has been spotted near his old office, which is now the basement of the Alibi Room.
Coming here is a feast for the senses!
James Joel / Flickr
Everywhere you look you will find an abundance of fresh produce brought in from all over the Northwest.
And of course, there are the gorgeous displays of fresh flowers (and dried bouquets in the winter).
Pike Place Market / Facebook
If you were born and raised in Western Washington, you probably know someone who wisely chose to get flowers for their wedding here.
And of course, most people associate Pike Place with its famously thrown fish!
Lysa Allman-Baldwin/OnlyInYourState
If you love fresh seafood, you will definitely find it here!

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There are more than 500 vendors at the market at any given time.
Pike Place Market / Facebook
This includes more than 150 artists, jewelry designers, photographers, and makers that sell their products in the Crafts Market.⁣ Each item sold on those craft tables is locally made by hand, so you know you're getting quality goods when you're here.
When you visit, you should come hungry. After all, Beecher's Handmade Cheese, Pike Place Chowder, and Ellenos Yogurt are here (and that's just a few of the most famous food stops).
Pike Place Market / Facebook
To see the spot where Tom Hanks sat while filming Sleepless in Seattle, have lunch at the Athenian. And if you're in the mood for some fine dining, you'll have your choice of places like Maximilien and the gorgeous Pink Door (pictured here).
Pike Place Market also happens to be home to some hidden gems that are fit for foodies, like Pasta Casalinga.
Pasta Casalinga / Facebook
It's possible to visit a dozen different times and never eat the same thing twice.
No matter what you choose to eat, you can enjoy it in the MarketFront seating area.
Pike Place Market / Facebook
And don't forget to take in the views from the MarketFront viewing deck... or better yet, grab a beer at Old Stove Brewing for the sunset.
The views from up here are simply amazing!
Lysa Allman-Baldwin/OnlyInYourState
And on a clear day if you look west you can see many of the other islands in the Seattle area.
Pike Place Market is full of delightful treasures and rich history.
Tiffany Van Arnim / Flickr
Best of all, the market hosts dozens and dozens of annual events from night markets to flower festivals.

Anytime is the best time to visit Pike Place Market! For more information, check out the Pike Place Market website.

Have you ever been to Pike Place Market? If so, what was your favorite part? How do you prefer to spend your time there? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

If you’re interested in making a weekend trip to Seattle, you might want to stay a night or two at The Westin Seattle. Another great option is found here if you read This Pike Place Market Hotel In Washington Is A Bucket List Must.

Searching for more Washington State adventures? Take a look at this video about beautiful Dog Mountain:

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More to Explore

More Washington State Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | October 10, 2023

Where can we find small towns in Washington State?

  • Winlock is a big egg-producing town and home of the iconic "World's Largest Egg."
  • Langley is an island town with lots of great mom-and-pop restaurants and charming boutique shops.
  • Palouse is known for its wonderful antique and thrift stores.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other charming small towns in Washington State.

Where can we find annual events in Washington State?

  • The Juan de Fuca Festival in Port Angeles is a small-town music festival that features a wide array of international musical artists.
  • The Poulsbo Viking Fest in Poulsbo celebrates the town’s Nordic history.
  • The Long Beach Razor Clam Festival in Long Beach is a weekend-long festival of clams, tons of other seafood, and even razor clam-digging lessons.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other exciting annual events in Washington State.

Are there any celebrities from Washington State?

  • Actress and director Hilary Swank  spent her childhood in Bellingham
  • Adam West who played "Batman" in the 1960s television series lived in both Walla Walla and Seattle during his younger years.
  • Supermodel, television personality, and wife of John Legend Chrissy Teigen lived in Snohomish as a teenager.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other celebrities from Washington State.

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Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, USA