A Day at Pike Place Market and Taking a Ferry

Today we explored Seattle’s Pike Place Market where you see the famous fish throwing and took a ferry ride across Puget Sound.

We walked down to the market down Pike Street from the hotel.

First, we did a photo with the famous clock and sign when we entered Pike Place Market. (main photo)

Our family did a trip to the Pacific Northwest seeing Seattle, Portland, North Cascades National Park, the Columbia Gorge, and sites in between. This is what we did on our vacation, hope it helps you in planning your trip to this amazing area!

Pike Place Fish Co.

Next, we walked to where they throw and package the fish at Pike Place Fish. Co. Andrew enjoyed watching them do this for a bit. We were early in the day so a crowd had not formed yet.

Address:

86 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101

Rachel the Pike Place Pig

Next, we stopped by Rachel the 550-pound bronze pig. It is a piggy bank with a hole on top. Its origin is from an idea by the Pike Place Market Foundation to raise funds for supporting the market back in 1986.

At one time, the market was in bad shape and was possibly going to tear down for high rises. Through the actions of local people and the foundation, the market was brought back to life and is now an institution and popular tourist attraction.

The 750-pound pig has become an unofficial mascot for the market.

Andrew liked the bronze hog hoof prints found around it which are also used to raise funds for the market.

The Gum Wall

Next, we walked over to an alleyway to The Gum Wall.

It began in the 1990s when performers and local patrons of Unexpected Productions stuck their used gum on the wall. The amount of gum has grown piece by piece to cover the expanse of brick and continues to expand down Post Alley.

To see it, head down a ramp to the left of Pike Place Market’s “Public Market Center.” At the bottom of the ramp, veer left into Post Alley and The Gum Wall will appear on both sides.

(If you want to see it from above go inside the Pike Place Market area on the left at Pike and First and go to the back where you can look over it.)

PIKE’S MARKET RESTAURANTS AND STORES

Since we were there for several days, we visited a number of restaurants and shops in the market. Here is the rundown of where we went and what we had.

Pike Place Chowder

Local place that serves traditional and specialty chowders in a counter-service setting. The line can be long so expect a wait. If you go further into the market past the front counter you can do an online service.

Hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Daily

Address:

1530 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

Upscale shop featuring a variety of cheeses that includes its well-known macaroni and cheese. The line can be long at this location.

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Daily

Address:

1600 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101

Piroshky, Piroshky

Compact Russian bakery serving over 20 varieties of handmade piroshki

Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Daily

Address:

1908 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101

Original Starbucks Location

This is like any other Starbucks but at the original location. The line can be long, and if you just want to say you go Starbucks in Seattle plenty of other locations throughout town including the Grand Sheraton Seattle where we stayed.

Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m., Daily

Address:

1912 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101