Flying Fish and Gorgeous Bouquets at Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is a fun place to explore for a few hours in Seattle. I was fortunate to have sunny weather while visiting the notoriously rainy city and it brought everyone outside. The market was bustling with visitors!

Pike Place first opened in 1907 and is one of the oldest operated public farmer’s markets in the USA.

One of the main attractions in Pike Place is the fish market, where employees hurl massive salmon and other fish over their counters to each other. Apparently the flying fish tradition started when fishmongers got tired of having to walk out to the market's fish table to retrieve a salmon each time someone ordered one. Eventually, they realized it was easier to throw the fish to each other. Watch out for flying fish!

The market stalls sell everything from handmade clothing, jewelry, ceramics, artwork, housewares, and books to fresh produce and seafood. It also houses a ton of unique shops such as a small candy store, a magic shop (my favorite), a comic book store, and numerous antiques and collectibles dealers.

Then there are the fresh flowers. The most beautiful bouquets are for sale here at a fraction of what they would cost anywhere else! They are to die for. It’s no wonder that every second woman you see is carrying one. If I lived in Seattle I would try to grab one every weekend.

Pike Place Market has several restaurants that offer fresh seafood and other Pacific Northwest delicacies. While I’m sure the restaurants are excellent, when you’re traveling on a budget they are simply too expensive. Instead, head to nearby Kastoori Grill Restaurant, the best place to eat Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan dishes, for an amazing all you can eat lunch buffet price of $9.95!

Info & Getting There

Pike Place Market is free to visit and open daily at 9am. Limited shops and eateries open earlier at 6am. The market is open 363 days a year, closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Pike Place is located in downtown Seattle on the Elliott Bay waterfront. For further information please visit the Pike Place Market website.