DIY Food Tour of Pike Place Market (From Locals)
Pike Place Market has over 200 vendors and countless options for good eats. We love the variety of food the market offers, and that a food tour is something everyone can enjoy. Since the market is indoors, it’s a great activity regardless of the weather.
Disclosure: We’ve included affiliate links with recommended hiking gear in this post. If you click through and buy something, we’ll receive a small portion of that sale. You won’t be charged more, and we haven’t been paid by any of these retailers to share their information. These are all our genuine preferences.
When is Pike Place Market open?
The market is open seven days a week — only closing on Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Most of the market is active from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Although you’ll have the most time to explore and eat if you arrive earlier in the day, you can eat your way through the market at any time. Expect some lines at more popular spots later in the day.
How to get to Pike Place Market?
It’s best not to have a car if you’re planning on exploring downtown Seattle. Traffic is terrible and parking is expensive. Instead, take the light rail to and from the airport, and Lyfts, buses and monorail to get around town. If you choose to explore outside of Seattle, having a car is necessary.
Where to stay nearby?
Luxury:
Aside from beautiful modern rooms, you’ll love this hotel’s infinity pool overlooking the Puget Sound!
Mid-range:
This inn is located directly in the Pike Place Market! The sunset views over the Puget Sound are stunning here.
Budget:
Located across from Pike Place Market, you can’t beat this location or price. Choose between private rooms, female only, or mixed dorms.
How to eat at Pike Place Market
Arrive hungry because there are so many restaurant options in the market! We recommend buying the smallest portion sizes possible and touring the market with a buddy so you can share items and try more things.
While we have specific shops and items to look for, we love the spontaneity of stumbling into things and highly recommend you do the same. The market is very large, with hidden hallways, a downstairs area, and shops across the street. Check out this map of the market to make sure you don’t miss anything!
Many of the shops have small seating areas, but there are public seating areas as well. Our favorite is the section of seating with waterfront views is next to the Sound View Café and the newer outdoor Marketfront Pavillion.
Dietary restrictions
The restaurants at Pike Place Market are generally dietary-friendly. Meghann has celiac disease and can enjoy a good number of items. If you have questions or concerns, just ask the staff!
Where to eat at Pike Place Market
Eats
Over the years of visiting Pike Place Market, these are the restaurants that we’ve come to love. Below, we’ve listed shops in looping order, from the north side near Stewart Street, down to Pike Street and back up through the market Pike Place.
Savory meat pies
Smoked salmon is a must try in the Pacific Northwest
Get the mac and cheese and/or the Dungeness crab grilled cheese sandwich
The Manhattan chowder (tomato-based) is the only gluten free option here
Allergy friendly — gluten and dairy free
Try their pupusas
Oriental Mart Filipino Restaurant
Offer half servings so you can try more things
Get the pork adobo or the sinigang before it sells out for the day
Single serving crab cocktail, crab legs, oysters, and prawns
Great gift item
Offers large pastries
· Grab a bag to go
Offer gluten free crepes, although they do sell out
The crab and lobster rolls are the tastiest
Try the beef hum boa
Gluten free offerings
Located on the street level below the market
Grab a bag to go
Marketfront Pavillion has rotating vendors on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays
There were steamed bao buns when we visited
Beverages
The Tasting Room for wine
Nonalcoholic, gluten, yeast, soy, diary, and egg free
Shrug’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream
On our list of best milkshakes in Washington!
Seasonal hot apple cider
Awesome outdoor seating
Shops
Between restaurants and food stalls are vendors with all kinds of wares. Wander and you’ll find beautiful bouquets, fresh produce, and handmade wares on the top floor. Explore downstairs to find more eccentric shops. Listed below are our favorites.
Native-owned, inspired, and made items
Vintage poster shop
The Gum Wall
Where to go next?
More in Seattle:
The Waterfront Park
From the Marketfront Pavillion you’ll find stairs that lead you to the waterfront promenade. Visit the nearby piers, aquarium, Great Wheel, and Miner’s Landing for more shopping and restaurants. Check out The Crab Pot if you’re still hungry!
Pioneer Square
Home to art galleries, night life, the Seattle Underground Tour, and boutique shops.
The Seattle Center
Catch the monorail at the Westlake Center to the Seattle Center. Explore the Space Needle, MoPop Museum, Chihuly Garden of Glass, and the Pacific Science Center among other attractions.
Explore more of Washington:
The Olympic National Park
Take a ferry and head to Port Angeles! You’ll want to spend at least three days exploring the park — more if you can!
Mount Rainier National Park
Drive two hours south to reach Mount Rainier. Visiting is best between July and September when you’ll have the best odds of seeing the mountain, great weather, and accessible trails. You’ll want to spend at least one day in the park.
The North Cascades National Park
Drive the Cascade Loop to see the most scenic towns in Washington, including Index, Leavenworth, and Winthrop.
Hike our favorite trails in Washington
Look at the hike recommendations in the Central Cascades for hikes closest to Seattle. Pair a hike to Franklin Falls with a trip to the more famous Snoqualmie Falls!
Search the blog for more adventures! Try searching for topics such as “backpacking”, “waterfalls”, or “national parks”.
