The Ultimate Seattle Stroll from Pike to Peak - Seattle, Washington
Places: 23 POIsDistance: 2.55 miDuration: 1h:37m
Tour #2411
About this English self-guided 1h:37m walking tour in Seattle
Welcome to Seattle, Washington—a city where coastal beauty, rich history, and cutting-edge creativity come together. This tour begins at the iconic Pike Place Market, a bustling hub of local culture, fresh seafood, and artisan goods that captures the heart of Seattle. As we make our way through the city, you’ll experience stunning waterfront views, public art, and green spaces that showcase the natural and urban charm of the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle’s story is one of innovation and tradition, from its Indigenous roots and maritime legacy to its role in shaping music, tech, and pop culture. Along the way, we’ll explore vibrant neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and the dynamic atmosphere that defines this one-of-a-kind city.
We’ll end our journey at the Museum of Pop Culture, a bold, interactive celebration of music, film, and innovation—an ideal finale to a tour that captures the creative spirit of Seattle. Let’s get started! Just follow your navigation!
And here we go! Welcome to Pike Place Market—Seattle’s beating heart and a feast for every sense! This open-air market has been delighting visitors since 1907. Pike Place isn’t just a market—it’s a living, breathing community filled with color, charm, and flavor.
You’ll encounter rows of stalls overflowing with local produce, fresh flowers, handmade crafts, and artisan cheeses. The seafood here is legendary—just wait until you see the fish fly at the world-famous Pike Place Fish Market! Around every corner, there’s something unexpected: a hidden comic shop, a hallway of vintage treasures, or a baker offering the best croissant this side of Paris.
Hungry? You’re in luck. From buttery pastries and warm clam chowder to fresh sushi and international bites, there’s something for every craving. Don’t forget to visit the very first Starbucks store, nestled right here in the market’s core.
But it’s more than food and shopping—it’s the soul of Seattle. Artists, street performers, and local characters breathe life into every brick. And whether you're a first-timer or a regular, Pike Place always has something new to discover. Please follow your navigation to the bronze pig sculpture. And of course, don't forget to snap a photo of the iconic red Public Market sign!
Did you find the pig? That’s Rachel the Piggy Bank—a 550-pound bronze pig sculpture that has become one of Seattle’s most beloved photo ops. But Rachel isn’t just a charming mascot; she’s also a working piggy bank that raises thousands of dollars each year to support social services in the market community. She stands guard at the entrance to one of Seattle’s most iconic attractions: the Pike Place Fish Market.
Step inside and you’ll immediately be drawn to the energy of the market’s fishmongers. Famous worldwide for their theatrical fish tossing, the market staff turns seafood into performance art. When a customer places an order, a glistening salmon or halibut is hurled across the counter with a shout and a laugh, delighting crowds and cameras alike. This tradition began as a way to save time—and it quickly became a hallmark of Pike Place’s vibrant culture.
The market’s roots date back to 1907, when farmers and fishermen gathered here to sell directly to Seattle residents. Over a century later, it remains a vital part of the community and a living symbol of Seattle’s connection to the sea. The fish are always fresh, locally sourced, and sustainably caught, with everything from Dungeness crab and wild-caught salmon to oysters and smoked delicacies on offer.
But the Pike Place Fish Market isn’t just about seafood—it’s about the atmosphere. The booming voices of vendors, the aroma of salt and ice, and the camaraderie of staff and visitors create a truly unforgettable experience. It’s no wonder this spot draws tourists from all over the world. More than just a place to buy fish, it’s a celebration of local life, community spirit, and the unique energy that defines Seattle.
Our next stop, and hear me out, could be a little bit… yucky. Follow your navigation if you choose to. Tucked behind the bustling energy of Pike Place Market, Post Alley is one of Seattle’s most atmospheric and iconic pedestrian lanes. With its uneven cobblestones, colorful storefronts, and charming old-world feel, Post Alley invites visitors to slow down and soak in a different side of the city. It’s not just a shortcut—it’s a destination in its own right, lined with cozy cafés, hidden restaurants, local art, and a character that feels distinctively Seattle.
But what truly sets Post Alley apart is its most infamous attraction: the Gum Wall. Located near the Market Theater, the Gum Wall is exactly what it sounds like—a brick wall completely covered in chewing gum, added piece by piece by visitors from around the world. What began in the 1990s as a quirky, unintentional tradition has grown into a vibrant, sticky mosaic and an offbeat symbol of the city’s creativity and irreverence.
Whether you find it fascinating or a little gross, the Gum Wall is undeniably one of Seattle’s most photographed spots. Visitors love to contribute their own colorful piece of gum to the collage or simply marvel at the sheer volume of it. It’s weird, it’s fun, and it’s a must-see part of the Pike Place experience.
If you’d rather NOT spend time admiring the germ, I mean GUM wall, just skip it. But I‘m actually gonna turn you loose for a while to explore until I meet back up with you at the famous first Starbucks coffee shop.
Pike Place Market is a nine-acre historic district with mazes of winding hallways, hidden staircases, and bustling levels filled with treasures for every type of traveler.
Art lovers will find handmade pottery, jewelry, and paintings sold directly by the artists who made them. Foodies can sample artisan cheeses, small-batch chocolate, fresh-baked pastries, and exotic spices. Farmers still sell local produce and flowers that fill the market with color and fragrance, especially in the spring and summer.
Want a taste of local life? Street performers add a soundtrack to your stroll, and tiny specialty shops offer everything from vintage comic books to rare vinyl records. Downstairs, in the lower levels, quirky curiosities abound—think magic shops, odd museums, and collectibles you never knew existed.
Whether you're hunting for a perfect souvenir, sampling your way through local flavors, or simply people-watching with a cup of coffee, Pike Place Market offers a unique, immersive glimpse into Seattle’s creative, community-driven spirit. So go enjoy and then meet up with me at POI 4 where we will find Starbucks.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Pike Place Market
Place 2Pike Place Fish Market
Place 3Starbucks
Place 4Victor Steinbeck Park
Place 5Elliot Bay
Place 6Pier 62
Place 7Overlook Walk
Place 8Seattle Aquarium
Place 9Pier 58
Place 10Pier 57/The Seattle Great Wheel
Place 11Pier 66
Place 12Edgewater Hotel
Place 13Pier 69
Place 14Pier 70
Place 15Olympic Sculpture Park
Place 16Paccar Pavilion
Place 17Pacific Science Center
Place 18Olympic Iliad
Place 19The Space Needle
Place 20The Space Needle part 2
Place 21Chihuly Garden and Glass
Place 22The Armory
Place 23Museum of Pop Culture
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Walk at your own pace.
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A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
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Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
