Pike Place Market - Seattle - TravBuddy

There is nothing like Pike Place Market that I have yet to come across. Located in downtown Seattle, Washington, on the waterfront, Pike Place, an open air market, offers a variety of shops and foods. The first (upper) floor is a mix of several different types of local products, including fish (this is where the flying fish can be found) fruits and any other type of seafood that you can think of. Further in the market on the upper level, local artist have booths to sell crafts and other things that are handmade. The second level consists of shops from "magic" shops to used books. A Chinese restraunt is also located on this level. I do not exactly reccomend the lowest level of the market, it has a ran-down feel to it, but this is just my personal opinion.
I recommend cathcing a "fly fish" show, that usually takes place in the morning, and finding the flavored honey sticks on the upper level.

Since I stayed at the Green Tortoise Hostel in Seattle, I could visit the Pike Place Market whenever I wanted to. You can find all kinds of shops there. I really had fun looking around! Haha.

Pike Place Public Markets are the biggest tourist destination in Seattle. The markets are the oldest continually-operated public farmer's markets in the US (over 100 years old). The markets are quite large, over 9 acres, with lots of speciality shops, crafts, fishmongers, fresh fruit, and so forth.

Notable attractions in the markets are the fishmongers flicking fish at each other, the original Starbucks store (with the original bare-breasted mermaid logo modestly hidden in the green logo of other stores), Rachel the bronze pig, the bar overlooking the sound featured in Sleepless in Seattle, and so forth. The food is fantastic (especially in the post avenue shooting off Pike Place), try the Russian and Turkish. It is probably the only place in Seattle that you can buy oddity fruit like grapples.

One of the main places to check out if you are in Seattle. Try the smoked salmon, which is sold in nearly every store and stall. Also, the very first Starbucks is right across the street from the market, so if you are into history and/or weak coffee, don't forget to check it out!

Seattle has its many charms, and one can certainly see them melting together at the Pike Street Market in downtown.

This hundred year old public market is endless rows of fresh produce, flowers, seafood, art, antiques, and a labyrinth of little shops and bakeries.

Farmers sold directly to the eager consumers at its advent in 1907, and now it holds hundreds of retail and commerical businesses, as well as everything green and edible under the sun; from Huckleberry Honey to Sunflowers.

Before venturing into the long corridors of goods, make a stop at the wonderful Russian Bakery "Piroshky-Piroshky." Here you can get a sampling of hearty Russian baked goods like the piroshky. A pastry filled with meat, cheeses, or even chocolate, this bakery is bound to have something you like. I loved the salmon pate piroshky!

Inside the market buildings, you will find numerous other bakeries and places to start the day. If Russian is not on your plate, then try "Crepe de France." My favorite French Pancake is with the Nutella, that delicious nougat enhanced chocolate dream.

You will find Pike Street like an exotic, antique mall. Antique books, wood art, glass art, fine art, jewelry, wine, specialty foods, tea shops, african imports, mexican imports, egyptian, indian, pakistani....

For me, there are two highlights here: The fish market, where you will see a group of guys tossing fish like basketballs through the air (I think they even have a video) and the "Market Spice" store, which is located to the left of the Fish Market. (They are both located near the entrance of Pike Street Market, so you can't miss them)

The "Market Spice" store is nearly 100 years old, and here you must sample Seattle's notorious market spice tea. There is always a fresh pot brewing of this unique blend of cloves, orange peel, and essential oils.

During the dryer/warmer months, there is much going on at Pike Street. You will always find a plethora of performers, live artists, painters, street musicians, and comedians. Keep in mind that Seattle is wet, and best enjoyed in the summertime.

We went here several times during our stay.  There are a lot of small shops and beautiful flowers, crafts and colors. 

You will find millions of reviews on Pike Place Market. And overall they are all very good.  And I agree, that the area is a wonderful place to shop, browse, look around, discover items of interest and generally have a good time. Shops sell everything from fresh fish (the most famous in the world), to nearly you name it of everything else, including fresh flowers. There are even a few places where you can get a bite to eat. Just remember, it is after all, just a bunch of stores and somewhat touristy.
Note: This area is not handicap friendly.  There are many stairs, very steep ramps, and very narrow areas. For this reason, I have only given a rating of two stars.