Prepare your stomachs for Pike Place Market’s treasure-full sights and cuisines.
Photo: Pike Place Market. Photo: Precious VueAmerica’s premier farmers market is located on the corner of 1st Avenue and Pike Street in Seattle, Washington. There are a diverse number of vendors from farmers, craftspeople, commercial business, and street performers all along the nine-acres of the Elliott Bay. Pike Place Market is open seven days a week and closed on holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas.) The best time to visit is between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. while the vendors are still there, and food stands are still open. A parking garage is located right next to the walkway of the market. There are three main entrances to the garage: 1531 Western Ave, 1901 Western Ave, and 1530 Alaskan Way. Parking will cost $10 for early birds before 9 a.m. otherwise it’s $4 an hour.
SEE
Photo by Christian Walker on UnsplashAt Pike Place you’ll encounter diverse cuisines from all over the world such as French pastries, Russian piroshkis, Persian kebobs, Thai curries, Taiwanese hombows, Turkish baklava, Japanese bento, English crumpets, and more. You’ll hear musicians on every corner, vendors shouting to each other as they unload products, and sellers persuading visitors to buy their gems. Prepare an empty stomach for the amazing and eye-pleasing foods at the market. Follow my guide to making your Pike Place Market experience yummy-full and enjoyable.
- Visit the first Starbucks: Opened in 1971 the world’s first Starbucks is a must to visit. The coffee shop gets crowded fast so put this at the top of your list.
- Stick gum on the Gum Wall: You can’t come to Pike Place Market and not stick your gum on the infamous Gum Wall. It’s disgusting, amusing, and amazing.
Gum Wall. Photo: Precious Vue- Flower Market: Stroll through the Flower Market and view the flourishing, colorful, plants. Buy a beautiful bouquet of flowers at Yang Farm from prices between $10 to $25.
- Rachel the Pig: Spot the Pike Place Market’s mascot. Rachel the Pig can be hidden behind crowds of people, but when spotted visitors tend to drop spare change into the giant piggy bank.
- Thrift Shops and Collectibles: Pike Place Market is full of antiques, oddities, and collectables, all handmade by locals. Thrifting between these shops are part of the Seattle culture.
EAT
Pike Place Clam Chowder. Photo: Instagram @christas_cravings- Crepe de France: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Try out Crepe de France’s sweet, filled crepes.
- Pike Place Clam Chowder: Seattle’s #1 clam chowder place. Definitely worth the hype and the visit.
- Beechers Mac and Cheese: The “world’s best” mac and cheese. Each bite is creamy delicious. As you’re waiting in line, watch the cooks create the dish in front of you.
Beechers Mac and Cheese. Photo: Precious Vue- Piroshky Piroshky: Looking for something sweet and savory? Piroshky Piroshky has everything. Prepare for a long wait, the lines are always running up outside.
- Mee Sum Pastry: Have yourself a delicious steam bum ranging from sweet to savory at Mee Sum Pastry.
Precious at Pike Place Market. Photo: Precious VueMy personal favorite attribute about the Pike Place Market is the abundance of diverse cultures and vendors scattered along the waterside boardwalk. It felt like I was everywhere all at once and witnessing soul-opening experiences. No wonder Pike Place Market is called the “Soul of Seattle.”
