Are you looking for the best things to do in Pike Place Market? If so, keep reading!
If you’re looking for things to do in Pike Place Market, you’ve come to the right place! Seattle is such a fun city to visit, and Pike Place Market is at the very heart of it!
You might think there aren’t many things to do in Pike Place Market, but you’d be wrong! This isn’t just a simple food market, it’s the bustling heart of the city and there are loads of things to do in Pike Place Market and enjoy.
So, take a read of our list of things to do in Pike Place Market and see what this small area of Seattle has to offer!
Let’s get into it!
Our top things to do in Pike Place Market!
Explore the local market stalls
Top on the list of things to do in Pike Place Market, it’s exploring the local market stalls.
There are plenty of independent sellers in Pike Place Market and shopping amongst them is always going to be one of the best things to do in Pike Place Market.
Whether you’re looking for unique jewelry, interesting art, or delicious food – trust us, you’ll find it here. For this choice of things to do in Pike Place Market, it’s worth remembering that crowds are always busier at weekends.
So if you prefer a more relaxed shopping experience, a week day morning is a great chance to enjoy this option for things to do in Pike Place Market.
Buy some flowers
Next on our list of things to do in Pike Place Market, it’s buying a bouquet of flowers! The bright, beautiful flower stalls are the most eyecatching part of Pike Place Market, so you can’t miss it!
If you’re stopping in a hotel or AirBnB, we recommend heading to Pike Place Market on day one, and buying yourself some colorful flowers to brighten up your room for the rest of your trip!
It’s a lovely choice for things to do in Pike Place Market!
Read more about Seattle: 12 things to do in Capitol Hill, Seattle
Visit the fish stall
The Pike Place Market fish stall is next on our list of things to do in Pike Place Market. This place is famed in Seattle for the great show they put on whilst serving customers.
You don’t actually need to buy any fish yourself, but just watching these guys go about their business is hilarious and super interesting and entertaining. Definitely one to add to your list of things to do in Pike Place Market.
Just don’t get in the way, otherwise you might end up being hit by a fish!
Grab a Starbucks
Next on our list of things to do in Pike Place Market, it’s the old Starbucks right opposite.
One of the US’s oldest Starbucks is located right by Pike Place Market. Now, many people will tell you that this is the “Original Starbucks” but it’s not. It’s definitely old, but it’s not the first one.
Actually, the first Starbucks was located at 2000 Western Ave and was open from 1971 to 1976.
You’ll usually see big crowds outside the Starbucks at Pike Place Market though, which is fair enough, as this place still has lots of history and character. If you’re into Starbucks or coffee, you might want to check this off your list of things to do in Pike Place Market.
Read more about Seattle: 22 fun date ideas in Seattle
See the gum wall
How could we write a list of things to do in Pike Place Market, and not include the famous (and kinda gross) gum wall?
This isn’t a scenic attraction, nor will it win any prizes for beauty – but it’s wacky and weird and one of the quirkiest things to do in Pike Place Market. So certainly worth a visit.
Basically, it’s an entire alleyway, where bottom to top, the walls are covered in people’s gum. And yes, you can add your own to be part of the ‘magic’.
It’s not the most glamorous option for things to do in Pike Place Market, but worth a look!
Grab breakfast at Lowells
Our next option for things to do in Pike Place Market, is grabbing breakfast at Lowells. This is a local favorite and it’s a great place to enjoy a hearty breakfast in the city.
One of our favorite times to visit Pike Place Market is in the morning, when the stalls have only just opened and the crowds are low – so breakfast is something you’ll also want to grab at the time too! Making this an ideal choice for things to do in Pike Place Market.
If you love ‘diner-style’ food, then we think you’ll love eating here.
Read more about Seattle: 60 fun things to do in Seattle, Washington
Enjoy the view!
Next on our list of things to do in Pike Place Market, it’s simply enjoying the views. If you walk through the market out to the back, you’ll be treated with some great views (whether you look out to see, or back up to the city).
Just check out the photos below to see the kind of vistas on offer – it’s great!
Definitely one of the best things to do in Pike Place Market, and free! Don’t forget your camera too.
See the local artwork
Did you know there are local artists exhibiting at Pike Place Market? Our next suggestion for things to do in Pike Place Market, is to seek out some of that local artwork.
The MarketFront expansion that was added onto Pike Place Market more recently is home to some of our favorite artwork in the city.
Two incredible artists have made their mark on the MarketFront, and it’s well worth looking out for them. Clare Dohna’s work (pictured below) is so intricate and absolutely stunning. It’s a great choice for things to do in Pike Place Market.
Take a tour of Pike Place Market
Did you know you could take a guided tour of Pike Place Market? There are lots of great local tour companies that run amazing and informative tours around the market and surrounding streets. It’s such a fun choice for things to do in Pike Place Market.
If you prefer a more guided approach to sightseeing, then you need to add a guided tour to your list of things to do in Pike Place Market!
Whether you want a historical tour or a food-themed tour, there are choice to suit everyone! A great pick for things to do in Pike Place Market.
Read more about Seattle: 28 places to eat in Seattle (that you’ll love!)
Try the in-season fruit
If you’re visiting Seattle in the summertime, then our next option for things to do in Pike Place Market, is for you!
In the summertime, the incredible Rainier Cherries and local peaches come into season. And let us tell you – they’re the best fruit you’ll ever try. Simply delicious!
If you’re looking for things to do in Pike Place Market that aren’t expensive, this is a must. Such a delicious way to taste the city!
Read more about Seattle: 10 amazing waterfalls near Seattle
Don’t forget to go downstairs!
Next on our list of things to do in Pike Place Market, it’s the downstairs area! Many people visit Pike Place Market, and only explore the ground levels stalls and restaurants – without realizing there’s a downstairs to explore too!
So don’t forget to visit downstairs of Pike Place Market. It’s worth a spot on your list of things to do in Pike Place Market!
Do some food shopping
Our next choice for things to do in Pike Place Market, is vegetable shopping.
If you’re stopping in an AirBnB, and you plan on cooking some food yourself during your trip, then make sure you get some delicious food from Pike Place Market as ingredients!
There’s so much choice to be had, and it’s so fresh! A must-do for things to do in Pike Place Market.
Indulge your sweet tooth
Our next suggestion for things to do in Pike Place Market, is indulging your sweet tooth.
You won’t be surprised to learn just how many dessert places and sweet treats can be found at Pike Place Market. The market is full of delicious items to enjoy!
Here are some of our favorites you might want to check out and add to your own list of things to do in Pike Place Market!
- Daily Dozen Doughnut Company – mini donuts, straight off the cart. So tasty and nostalgic!
- Pike Place Nuts – Try cinnamon almonds or caramel cashews if you want something classic! So tasty and a great on-the-go snack.
- Shugs Soda Fountain & Ice Cream – Everything is great here, you really can’t go wrong.
- Mee Sum Pastry – If you love traditional sweet steamed buns, then you’re going to want to stop off here.
- Le Panier – If you love traditional French pastries, then you’ll want to pay this place a visit whilst you’re in Pike Place Market.
- Three Girls Bakery – This place is full of sweet treats. You’ll find danishes, strudels, croissants, cookies, scones, and so much more.
- Read more food inspiration: Top 15 best desserts in Portland
Sit down for a coffee (anywhere!)
Seattle is a city for coffee lovers, so we had to include some coffee places on our list of things to do in Pike Place Market. There are loads of coffee places around Pike Place Market, and you can’t really go wrong with any of them.
Here are some of our favorites for your schedule of things to do in Pike Place Market!
Eat at The Crumpet Shop
The Crumpet Shop is next on our list of things to do in Pike Place Market. This place is quirky, cool and (most importantly) it’s delicious.
Seriously, if you love finding slightly quirky places to eat, then you’re going to adore it in here.
The crumpets are delectable, and the vibes are memorable, friendly and cute. It’s a great choice for things to do in Pike Place Market.
Read more about Seattle: Things to do for couples in Seattle
Grab dinner at Pike Place Market
Of course, one of the best things to do in Pike Place Market, is to grab dinner! There are some fantastic restaurants located in and around Pike Place Market, and we’ve compiled a list of some of our top choices here!
If you’re feeling hungry and you want to eat in Pike Place Market, then these suggestions shouldn’t be disappointing!
- Pink Door – Offering Italian-American cuisine, this is one of Seattle’s most popular restaurants.
- Can Can Culinary Cabaret – A really fun evening out with live entertainment on offer too!
- Kastoori Grill – Indian and Tibetan cuisine, something a little different to coffee and burgers!
- Il Bistro – A clasic Italian place with sophisticated vibes.
- Matt’s in the Market – A market icon – this place is known for amazing seafood.
Find Rachel the Pig (The Market Mascot)
We couldn’t write a list of things to do in Pike Place Market and not include Rachel the Pig! She might not do much, but she’s beloved by market traders and visitors alike, as the official market mascot!
A great choice for things to do in Pike Place Market if you want a photo with the market mascot!
Read more about Seattle: 20 amazing restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Seattle!
Find the Secret Garden
Next on our list of things to do in Pike Place Market, it’s the market’s secret garden.
We love anything secret, and this is one of the city’s best kept ones. If you want to go looking, you can find the garden by walking past the fish throwing stand and taking a left before Maximilien Restaurant.
It’s definitely one of the most mysterious choices for things to do in Pike Place Market. Good luck finding it!
Grab a beer at the Pike Brewing Company
Pike Brewing Company is next on our list of things to do in Pike Place Market. Who doesn’t fancy a cold beer after a hour or two of shopping?
This is a great choice for things to do in Pike Place Market if your feet need a rest, and it’s also a perfect option for things to do in Pike Place Market if you’re a beer enthusiast!
Giant Shoe Museum
And the prize for the most random things to do in Pike Place Market, goes to the Giant Show Museum. We bet you didn’t even know this place existed!
If you don’t fancy looking around the whole place, a good alternative is paying 50 cents for the curtains to part so you can catch a glimpse of the world’s largest shoes.
Sure this is a weird and wacky choice for things to do in Pike Place Market, but it’s great fun and totally unexpected!
Grab something from Honest Biscuit Co
Oooh here’s a choice for things to do in Pike Place Market for the foodies. Honest Biscuit Co is one of the most loved and well known food places near the market – and it’s no surprise why.
The food is simply amazing, and we know you’ll love it, especially if you’re a fan of those Southern-style home cooked meals.
Read more about Washington State: 21 fun things to do in Everett, Washington
Things to do in Pike Place Market: Enjoy the music
Next on our list of things to do in Pike Place Market, it’s enjoying the local music. There might not always be a musician in the market, but if you visit and there is, it’s worth spending a few moments enjoying the atmosphere and music they offer.
Music can range from country and folk music (see below) or traditional piano music.
There’s no right or wrong answer – it’s all great and adds so much to the atmosphere in the market. Don’t forget to drop a couple of dollars in their hat as a thank you if you enjoyed it. It’s a lovely choice for things to do in Pike Place Market.
Try the famous Pike Place Chowder
Pike Place Chowder is next on our list of things to do in Pike Place Market. This place is an iconic addition to the market food scene, and it’s one of those must-try items on any Seattle bucket list.
So don’t miss out the amazing Pike Place Chowder on your list of things to do in Pike Place Market. You won’t regret it!
Find the most interesting market railings
If you head to the back of the main building, you’ll find lots of small personalized pendants hanging from the railings. And these are our next idea for things to do in Pike Place Market.
These pendants are all personalized and each one reads something new and different.
We challenge you to hunt them out, and find the most interesting words and phrases out there!
Here’s our favorite!
Things to do in Pike Place Market: Pose for the perfect Pike Place photo!
And finally, last on our list of things to do in Pike Place Market, it’s getting a Pike Place Market selfie! Don’t forget to grab a photo in front of the amazing Pike Place Market sign!
After all, you didn’t come all this way to forget to snap a photo! Definitely add this to your list of things to do in Pike Place Market!
We hope this list of things to do in Pike Place Market has been helpful!
Which of these things to do in Pike Place Market will you be enjoying first? Let us know!
