Pike Place Market

You’ve certainly heard about Pike Place Market (bounded by 1st Avenue, Western Avenue, Pike Street, and Virginia Street). Situated on 9 acres of now-protected land, it all began in 1907 when the city decided to single out a place where local farmers could sell their produce direct to consumers. The idea caught on in a big way, and today this public market is something more of a cross between a farmers’ market and a carnival. Take all the time you want to browse among the stalls of vegetables, meats, cheeses, flowers, and baubles. Look sharp around the fish stands, where one vendor is likely to throw a whole fish to the other right over your head as they wrap it to order. (Open from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 11 am to 5 pm Sunday; 206-682-7453.) A popular staircase here is called the Pike Street Hill Climb, whose stairs will take you to the waterfront activity along Elliott Bay. Watch for signs in the marketplace directing you there.