Pike Place Market
Along Pike and Pine, there is a multiple story marketplace that has an abundance of little stores, eateries and even one of Seattle’s most famous alleyways. These nine acres of historic streets and buildings hold arts, markets, farmers markets, retail shops and restaurants. You can also check out the famous Pike Place Fish Toss.
The Gum Wall
Beneath Pike Place Market on Post Alley is the famous, “Gum Wall,” which is actually an alleyway filled with gum, posters, and stickers. This street is filled with tourists placing wads of chewed up gum all around. Almost 20 years old now this tradition was started by a few improv students of Seattle’s Theater Sports group.
Coffee Shops
Seattle is home to the very first Starbucks, located in Pike Place Market. This is where the idea and community of coffee became what it is today, because Seattle has a rich coffee culture and plenty local coffee shops. The original Starbucks is always packed but it is still a cool spot to visit.
Underground Tour
If the history of Starbucks really isn’t your jam, Seattle has plenty of interesting history to discover. Bill Speidel’s underground tour is a good option for anyone interested in learning about Seattle’s history. There is a bar area that serves food and drink while you wait for the by hour tours. Along with a breakdown of some of Seattle’s history, this tour also takes you down into some of Seattle’s underground basements.
Bookstores
Seattle is filled with plenty of small first hand and second hand bookstores. Pike Place Market alone has six independent bookstores. The most popular bookstores is Elliot Bay Book Company, and although it’s only 1.7 miles away from Pike Place Market, it’s almost a 30 minute walk. If that’s too far there are plenty of other smaller bookstores in the area and all around Seattle.
Sightseeing
The Space Needle is by far the most popular sightseeing destination in Seattle, but priced at $45 a person so people will often opt for the free views. The Fremont Troll, located on North 36th Street and Troll Ave. is a big troll under a bridge that is connected to a small walkable flower garden and park.
