Pike Place Market in Seattle Downtown Seattle is a fascinating blend of old and new, where trendy meets laid-back, and it is home to Pike Place Market.

The best way to soak in this eclectic mix of sights and sounds is to simply start walking. See the main Seattle page here.

If you're new to Seattle, consider joining a walking or food-tasting tour to gain insights from local experts.

On my first day in the city, I embarked on the “Taste Pike Place” tour with Show Me Seattle. It was an excellent way to learn about one of Seattle's most iconic attractions while savoring delicious food.

Pike Place Market Tour Guide Our guide, Marcia, was both friendly and knowledgeable. We spent over three hours exploring the market's history, people, and shops, sampling food from 13 different places.

Interesting Fact: Pike Place Market spans approximately 9 acres and features 24 buildings and 240 small businesses.

The variety of food options was impressive and filling. We sampled seafood, donuts, snacks, chowder, and dessert on this tour. My favorites included:

Daily Dozen Doughnuts Daily Dozen Doughnuts: This small kiosk crafts delicious donuts daily. I particularly loved their sugar-coated and caramel varieties.

Tip: Most visitors only explore the top level along Pike Street and Pike Place. Don't be just another tourist; venture deeper into the market and down the stairs to discover more shops and restaurants.

Saffron Spice: This Indian cuisine kiosk offers delicious traditional dishes like samosas, curry chicken, and vegetable wraps. We tried several samosas with different fillings and a spicy sauce.

Rub with Love Shack Rub with Love Shack: This spot boasts a wide variety of American sandwiches, including cheesesteaks, salmon burgers, toasted turkey, and grilled cheese. We sampled the salmon burger, and it was delectable.

Honest Biscuits: This place specializes in fresh biscuits with various fillings. It uses ingredients sourced locally from Pike Place shops. The biscuits are always freshly baked and fluffy.

Pike Place Chowder: You can't miss this award-winning chowder restaurant. Their New England Chowder was superb.

Interesting Fact: Rachel the Piggy Bank, located beneath the Public Market Clock and Sign at the corner of Pike Place, actually helps raise funds for the market foundation.

Ellenos Greek Yogurt Ellenos Greek Yogurt: Offering a delightful snack or dessert, this place serves Greek yogurt made with locally sourced fresh ingredients. You can taste before you buy, and my favorite was the Marionberry Pie.

We also enjoyed great street tacos at Los Agave, sampled smoked salmon at Pacific Seafood, and tasted dried fruit at Supply the Best. The tour wasn't just about food; we also visited “Seattle’s Pub and Brewery,” watched fishmongers throw fish, and admired a charming rooftop garden maintained by local vendors.

Interesting Fact: The market foundation prohibits chain stores in the area, but Starbucks was grandfathered in because it originated as a unique coffee store.

Pike Place Arts and Crafts One of the buildings at Pike Place is dedicated to arts and crafts, where local artisans sell their handmade creations. Throughout the market, you can enjoy street performers, also known as buskers, featuring guitar players, singers, and classical musicians.

I thoroughly enjoyed my tour with Show Me Seattle and would recommend it to anyone new to Pike Place Market.