Opened in 1907, Pike Place is one of the oldest continuously operating public farmers' markets in the United States, and it genuinely earns the crowds. Come early — by 8am the flower stalls are stacked ceiling-high with dahlias and peonies, the fishmongers at Pike Place Fish Market are warming up for the theatrical whole-salmon throws, and the bakers have been working for hours. The market sprawls across a bluff above Elliott Bay through a warren of lower levels and side arcades, with antique dealers, craft stalls, and small restaurants tucked into every corner.
The original Starbucks is here (at 1912 Pike Place), though the line is longer than it deserves. Better coffee is at Ghost Alley Espresso nearby, or at Le Panier for a French pastry and a proper espresso. For lunch, the Athenian Seafood Restaurant has been feeding locals since 1909 with a window seat view over Elliott Bay that has appeared in several films.