What Is the Most Famous Street in Seattle?
It's a city of immense natural beauty, well-known landmarks, and active cultural expression. However, when it comes to the streets of Seattle, there is only one regarded as the most famous: Pike Place.
The Heart of Seattle
Located right in the middle of downtown Seattle, Pike Place embodies more than just a street—it embodies an experience. This cobblestone road fronts the historic Pike Place Market, one of the oldest working farmers' markets in the United States.
It has been one of the city's favorites since it opened in 1907, and today it attracts over 10 million visitors annually simply to shop, eat, and soak in the atmosphere.
A Sensory Experience
Pike Place is a sensory experience in and of itself. With hundreds of vendors running down the street, everything from fresh produce to flowers, handmade crafts, and artwork will be sold.
The sights, sounds, and smells of the market are intoxicating. Fishmongers toss huge salmon at each other, buskers play live music on the sidewalks, and the smell of freshly baked bread drifts through the air.
Local Tip: Be sure to swing by the famous Gum Wall in Post Alley—it's a brick wall covered in chewed gum that has been wadded up and left by visitors. Fascinating and gross, all at the same time!
Foodie Heaven
Pike Place is food heaven. Within the market, several restaurants, coffee shops, and food stalls await the visitor with their specialties in foods like clam chowder, crab cakes, and Seattle-style hot dogs.
But, of course, seafood's the real star. Pike Place Fish Market's flying fish are actually tossed by fishmongers across the counter—a sight to behold, really—for massive salmon, much to the crowds' amusement. Fresh oysters and Dungeness crab, as well as other Pacific Northwest delicacies, are available here.
Must-Try: Get a sack of warm mini donuts from the Daily Dozen Doughnut Company. Maple bacon flavor— need I say more?
An Icon of Seattle
No trip to Seattle would be complete without a visit to the original Starbucks, located right on Pike Place. This humble coffee shop maintains an old-school sign and antediluvian interior, but this very place was where it all began with the global coffee giant way back in 1971.
While you're here, snap a photo with Rachel the Piggy Bank — a 550-pound bronze piggy bank who's presided over the entrance to the market since 1986. Rub her snout for good luck and drop in a donation to support the social services of the market.
More Than a Street
Pike Place is so much more than a famous street; it's a strong, fast-beating pulse of Seattle. This eclectic, lively marketplace embodies the very spirit of this city and is not to be missed by any traveler.
Shop, dine, or come to gawk—no matter what your purpose for visiting, you will undoubtedly retain unmistakable memories of this place as you leave the Emerald City. There seems to be no other place like it.
