Pike Place Market is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States and is located in Seattle, Washington. The market began selling produce to the public in 1907 and now is one of the most popular destinations in the city for both locals and visitors. Today Pike Place Market is multilevel with over 500 shops, restaurants and bars. With this many shops, you can imagine, there really is something for everyone.

Two of the most popular attractions are the first Starbucks coffee store but its original location was actually one block north but moved to its present location in 1975 and Pike Place Fish Market. If you want to have coffee in the first Starbuck then be prepared to wait because it is the most popular place in the market and there are always long lines. One of the top attractions at the fish market is to watch fresh caught salmon being tossed across the stand. The picture below captures both of those attractions in one picture.

Seattle is known for its fresh seafood and Pikes Place Market has all of the local seafood that you would be looking to find. You will see the thinks that you would expect from the Pacific Northwest but you will also see things that you have never seen before. I always like to check out the seafood market just to see the strange things that comes out of the ocean.

Other than seafood, the market has just about anything that you could want. There are lots of fresh produce and fresh cut flowers along with other craft items. To me, walking through local markets is a little bit of an adventure because you never know what you will find. In the produce section, you will see fruits and vegetables that are uncommon and that you won’t see in your local super market. If you like unique items then I am sure that you will be interested in some of the local crafts. You can really see a lot of creativity from many of the local artist and craftsmen.

If you are not really looking to take anything home with you then the people watching should keep you entertained for a while and when you get tired there are plenty of places to take a break and get something to eat or drink.

When you go to Seattle, make sure to schedule a few hours to check out the Pike Place Market. There is lots of interesting things to see, people to watch and places to eat and it is within walking distance from the Seattle Waterfront.