Distance: 1 mile Approximate time: 3 hours
People who come to downtown Seattle with no specific destination in mind usually end up at Pike Place Market. Its mixture of locally grown produce, fresh seafood, handmade crafts, antique stores, street musicians, and sidewalk vendors attracts residents and visitors alike, providing enough diversions to entertain all but the most jaded. The oldest continuously operated public market in the United States, Seattle’s beloved Market is a warren of intriguing sights and smells. If you like to shop, you’ll love it. Even if you don’t like to shop, you’ll find plenty to interest you. The atmosphere is always lively, and the views of Elliott Bay are some of the best in town.
The first part of this walk provides a list of buildings and attractions in Pike Place Market, but does not suggest a specific route. Half the fun of exploring this area is happening upon apparently undiscovered nooks and crannies in the many blocks, passageways, and levels of the Market. Also, several of the buildings mentioned are joined together, so it can be unclear where one begins and another ends.
When you leave the Market (if you can pry yourself away), this walk leads you to some of Seattle’s waterfront sites, including the Seattle Aquarium, a carousel, and a waterfront streetcar. You’ll then walk up a stairway park to the Seattle Art Museum on your way back to the Market.
