Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington is one of America's oldest farmers' markets and has been operating since 1907, when the market first opened. As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seattle, Pike Place Market is listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places.
Perched on a steep, multi-level complex, the upper street section of Pike Place Market is full of fresh produce, fish stands and charming craft stalls. Meanwhile the lower levels of this vibrant market feature antique shops, rare book stalls, collectibles and charming family-owned restaurants.
This thriving Seattle landmark offers shoppers the chance to ‘Meet the Producer', since it is the local farmers and craftspeople who present their own wares directly to the crowds. To learn more about what's on offer visit the Pike Place Market website.
The Space Needle -
The Space Needle is a major landmark within the Pacific Northwest and an iconic symbol of Seattle itself. Located at the Seattle Center, it was built for the 1962 World's Fair, during which it attracted over 2.3 million visitors. The Space Needle became a designated historic landmark on April 19, 1999 by the City's Landmarks Preservation Board.
This breath-taking structure is 605 feet high at its highest point and 138 feet wide at its widest point and weighs 9,550 tons. Visitors can take in stunning views on the observation deck at 520 feet or enjoy something to eat at the rotating SkyCity restaurant at 500 feet. From the top of the Needle, one can see not only the Downtown Seattle skyline, but also the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliott Bay and surrounding islands.
Visitors can reach the top of the Space Needle via elevators that travel at ten miles per hour (and five miles per hour on a windy day), though queues to take the lift can take up to an hour. To find out about admission and opening hours please visit the Space Needle website.
The Queen Anne Neighbourhood -
The Queen Anne neighbourhood is home to a host of impressive Seattle landmarks including twelve historic houses, which along with its pretty hilltop location make it a superb destination for visitors to the city. The picture-perfect residences on 14th Avenue West, built between 1890 and 1910, include one of the few remaining Queen Anne style houses on the hill.
The unusually high North Queen Anne Drive Bridge spanning Wolf Creek, was built in 1936 and connects the Queen Anne neighbourhood and the George Washington Memorial Bridge. Meanwhile those interested in boating may enjoy visiting one of the oldest wooden-hulled tugboats still afloat, the Arthur Foss, which is moored near the base of Queen Anne. Finally round off your visit with a walk along Queen Anne Boulevard. This walk circles the crown of the hill, taking in some of the original retaining walls complete with decorative brickwork, balustrades and street lights, which happen to be designated landmarks too!
The ideal hotel for exploring Seattle -
Ideally situated near Pike Place Market, Warwick Seattle Hotel is located just four blocks from this famous Seattle landmark.
Spend the day exploring the delicious produce on offer, discovering rare collectibles and admiring skilled craftsmanship at Pike Place Market. Then return to a home away from home in Seattle at Warwick Seattle Hotel, which features an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness centre, high-speed internet, meeting facilities and a popular restaurant and lounge.
Perched on a steep, multi-level complex, the upper street section of Pike Place Market is full of fresh produce, fish stands and charming craft stalls. Meanwhile the lower levels of this vibrant market feature antique shops, rare book stalls, collectibles and charming family-owned restaurants.