Pike Place Market

To many Seattle residents, Pike Place Market is the city’s heart and soul. Here, one can find people of all kinds of backgrounds – from farmers and business professionals to students, hippies and tourists. It’s a great place to shop for bargains. The market is admired for its wide variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood.

Pike Place Market started out in 1907. It was founded so that farmers could sell directly to consumers. It was an immediate success until it experienced a decline during and after World War II. In the 1960s, it was threatened by demolition, but was later declared as a Historic District.

In this three-block area you’ll find almost everything, from bakeries, tea shops, fish sellers, flower shops, produce displays and herbal apothecaries to magic stores and much more. It’s a place where street musicians converge and the smell of freshly baked bread fills the air. The place has an atmosphere of the old Seattle.

Also visit one of the earliest Starbucks stores at 1912 Pike Place. The shop opened in 1976. It was the business’s second location (the first one was opened on Western Avenue in 1971). To help you find your way around at Pike Place Market, visit the information booth at 1st Avenue and Pike Street, which provides a useful map.

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