It would be improper to visit Seattle, Washington, without stopping by the Pike Place Market, which is like ordering decaffeinated coffee in a city known for its strong coffee culture.
Anchoring the Seattle waterfront for a century, this monument also acts as a gateway to neighboring museums and attractions.
Landmark Destination
Pike Place, one of the nation’s oldest farmers markets still in operation, opened its doors in 1907 and currently has 500 stores, eateries, and vendor stalls. Take a picture of yourself in front of the well-known Public Market Center sign at First and Pike to start your day. The enormous red letters are some of the oldest neon signs on the West Coast, having been around since 1927.
Pike Place is home to numerous ethnic eateries, cafes, and bars in addition to rows of booths offering local art, imported souvenirs, antique hats, and beads. It is most known for the fishmongers in vividly colored high rubber boots who toss whole salmon back and forth.
Consider embracing your inner superhero at Golden Age Collectibles, purportedly the oldest comic book store in the USA, or take a trip around the world at Metsker Maps, a unique experience for the inquisitive traveler including maps and unusual items from all over the world.
Seek out a little set of steps covered with faded music posters, which descend to a cobblestone road known as Post Alley and the Gum Wall. Early in the 1990s, the management of the Market Theater next door requested that patrons leave their gum outdoors, which led to the creation of this 16.5-meter-long attraction. Today, a sort of bizarre art piece has appeared on the wall in the form of sticky gum balls.
Require a vacation? In 1971, Starbucks first opened for business at the Soames-Dunn Building market. You can only purchase a Pike Place Market Starbucks memento here; the blended logo is not available elsewhere.
The vibrant Gum Wall next to Post Alley
Check Out the Waterfront Attractions
The market is easily strollable from a lot of places. Elliott Bay, with its bustling waterfront filled with ferries, cruise ships, and marine attractions, will soon come into view as you head west. The spectacular Windows on Washington, a massive, 454,000-liter display that replicates the surrounding coastal waters and contains more than 800 native fish and invertebrates, is housed at the Seattle Aquarium on Pier 59. Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island for a fun adventure that gives fantastic views of the Seattle skyline.
The adjacent Seattle Art Museum, renowned for its extensive permanent collection and globally-focused visiting exhibitions, is a great place to get a taste of culture. Don’t miss the variety of Pacific Northwest artists that are focused on the area. (Tip: Monday and Tuesday are closed at the museum.) In addition, if you use your ticket within a week, you can enter the Asian Art Museum.
Before carrying on with your stroll, head over to the neighboring Seattle Central Library, which was created by local architect Joshua Prince-Ramus and renowned architect Rem Koolhaas. You can enjoy free Wi-Fi there and share some images.
Olympic Sculpture Park, on the other hand, offers a collection of enormous outdoor sculpture displays that are free to view every day and feature one of the most striking cityscapes around. What makes Seattle such a special American city is precisely the way the park combines art, roughness, and vision.
Admiring outdoor artwork in Olympic Sculpture Park
