Founded August 17, 1907, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the United States. This 9-acre historic district attracts over 20.9 million visitors annually and generates $177 million in commercial sales.
Official Website: Visit Pike Place Market Official Site →
⭐ #1 Tourist Attraction: Pike Place Market ranked as Seattle's most popular destination in 2023, experiencing a 13% increase in visitors from the previous year!
Market Quick Facts
| Feature |
Details |
| Size |
9 acres spanning 4 blocks |
| Vendors |
500+ farmers and small businesses |
| Local Farmers |
85 farmers selling fresh produce |
| Artists |
225+ local artisans annually |
| Residents |
400 apartments housing ~500 people |
| Languages |
12+ languages spoken daily |
| Rachel the Pig |
Collects $6,000-$9,000 annually for social services |
Historic Significance
The market was created to combat price-gouging middlemen who had driven onion prices from 10 cents to $1 per pound (equivalent to $33 today!). City Councilman Thomas Revelle discovered an unused ordinance allowing public markets, and on opening day, farmers sold out within minutes.
In 1971, Seattle voters saved Pike Place Market from demolition, choosing preservation over urban renewal by a 3-to-2 margin. This grassroots victory established the historic district that thrives today.
🎬 Famous Appearances
Featured in "Sleepless in Seattle" (1993). Tom Hanks has a dedicated barstool that reads "Tom Hanks sat here."
🌸 Flower Vendors
Most flower vendors are Hmong families, creating Pike Place's signature colorful bouquet displays.
🎨 Gum Wall
The famous Market Theater Gum Wall in Post Alley is a quirky tourist attraction cleaned in 2015 (2,350 lbs of gum!).
🤝 Social Services
Market includes senior center, medical clinic, childcare, food bank, serving all regardless of ability to pay.