Today, we are diving into the bustling and vibrant Pike’s Place Market in Seattle. This market is world famous for its size, variety, and restaurants. Not to mention the views around it are stunning, as it’s right on the Puget Sound! With 220+ shops and restaurants, it is definitely a full day, must do activity if you are visiting Seattle.
Hotel
If your goal is to spend as much time in the market as possible, I recommend staying close by. That way you can pop in and out of the market at will. We stayed at the Inn in the Market, which is the only hotel that is considered inside the market. This charming hotel has been a staple in the area for quite some time, and we were excited to see what it had to offer. With its prime location, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the heart of the market.
The hotel staff and rooms were lovely, and we really enjoyed our stay here. Our room had a window seat perfect for taking an afternoon nap in (don’t ask me how I know, wink wink). The room was clean, had a large desk with a real office chair, and a mini bar. The stand out feature of this hotel is its roof top deck. There isn’t a bar up there, which means you can supply your own. Imagine hanging out there in the afternoon with a local bottle of wine or beer you snagged from the market, along with some local treats that caught you eye that day. It’s the perfect ending to a market day.
At the Market
We always like to start our day with coffee. Lucky for us, the original Starbucks location was just a block away. Don’t expect this to be a quick coffee stop through. The line for this location can reach an hour long and stays that way throughout the day. There’s lots of shops with coffee, so don’t feel the need to hit this location unless you want special Starbucks merch. There is a Starbucks Roastery location a little under a mile from the market (although it’s mostly uphill) if you fancy a morning stroll and truly amazing coffee.
The best plan for exploring the market is a flexible plan. You will likely get distracted by an interesting stall or store often. The market is open 9am to 5pm every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pike’s Place Market is a bustling hub of activity, especially on weekends. Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular spots.
This market truly has it all, from fresh produce to unique crafts and everything in between. You could easily spend an entire day exploring its multiple floors. If you’re short on time, I recommend allocating at least four hours and making sure to enjoy a meal amidst the bustling market atmosphere. If you are staying for dinner in the market, plan ahead and make a reservation. On weekends this is a necessity. If you find yourself hungry at dinner without a reservation, Old Stove Brewing overlooks the sound and takes walkups in a line outside. They have nice cocktails/beer, a full menu, and amazing views of the sound.
A couple favorites
A favorite stop of mine is Rachel’s Ginger Beer. I make it a point to visit this gem whenever I’m in Seattle. The unique and refreshing flavors of ginger beer are a must-try. The guave is my personal favorite, but if it’s hot outside you should try an ice cream float with the spicy pineapple ginger beer.
I also recommend Pike’s Place Chowder. The line for chowder can get long, so I recommend getting in line 30 minutes before your desired lunch time. There’s something special about indulging in a warm bowl of chowder amidst the lively market atmosphere. This chowder has won countless awards and you can have it shipped to your doorstep if you get a future craving. If you are unsure what to get there, I recommend the sampler packs, so you can try several options.
