Pike Place Market

When first approaching the Pike Place Market the giant "Public Market Center" sign is almost impossible to miss, as are the roars of the crowds and shoppers inside. Welcome to Pike Place Market, "The Soul of Seattle."

Under the large "Public Market Center" sign and clock you will find the unofficial mascot of the market, Rachel the piggy bank. Rachel weighs 550 pounds (she's cast in bronze) and receives around $6,000 every year which goes to the Market Foundation for supporting market social services.

Perhaps the most famous shop in all of the market is the Pike Place Fish Market where you can spot fishmongers throwing fresh salmon while others catch the fish in outstretched paper 10 to 20 feet away. This shop earns quite a crowd as tourists wait with cameras ready for the next person to purchase a fish so that they can get their action shots.

The also sell deliciously fresh shrimp and crab cocktails among other things, and make their sale known loudly as one shouts out the order and the others echo loudly.

They ship their fish around the world, or you can have it wrapped in a airplane-friendly carry-on box for your journey home.

As you head north through the market you will soon be overwhelmed with meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, and other savory items coming at you from every angle. On the floors below you will find candy shops, wine stores, and many gift and souvenir shops.

As you head north through the arcade the food stalls will thin out and be replaced by other artisan crafts and souvenir shops. While not particularly known for it, Pike Place has a high quality flower market as well.

Escape the rowdy crowds and smell of fish by taking a break in nearby Victor Steinbrueck park where you will have nice views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountain range in the distance--that is, if it's not too cloudy.

The park is named after Victor Steinbrueck who was one of the leaders of the community opposition against the city's plan to demolish Pike Place Market and replace it with hotels, offices, and apartment buildings in 1963.

The first Starbucks store originally opened in 1971 at 2000 Western Avenue, but moved to 1912 Pike Place in 1977 where it has operated ever since. Unlike other stores around the city and world, this one still features the original logo.

This indoor market was designed in 1910 by Daniel Huntington and so named because horse carts were not allowed inside, which made it "sanitary." Today you can find small shops including delis, bakeries and small restaurants most of which have been here for quite a while.

This 3-story market was designed by Harlan Thomas in 1912 and once held many smaller food stalls. The Three Girls Bakery originally started in this building when it opened in 1912 but has since moved to the nearby Sanitary Building. Today you will find many small shops and restaurants inside, and a colorful display of fresh produce out in front.