It goes without saying that Pike Place Market is a “must see” attraction for anyone visiting Seattle. The market dates back to 1907 and can boast that it is one of the oldest, continuously operating public markets in the United States. Considering Seattle is more than a hundred years younger than many cities on the eastern United States, that’s saying something! Pike Place Market is Seattle’s most popular tourist attraction and the 33rd most visited tourist attraction in the world. 
But in addition to Pike Place Market, the local Farmer’s Market scene in many neighborhoods around Seattle are not only thriving, but growing and well worth your time to check out while you are here. Similar to Pike Place Market, these markets are bursting with colorful flower stalls, fresh, organic produce, handmade crafts, delicious food and specialty items. If you are on the hunt for unique gifts to take home, you are bound to find a perfect treasure or two as you wander. Plan on starting with an empty stomach as well. Tastings abound at many of the specialty food stalls as well as grab and go items to eat as you browse.
The Fremont Market is arguably the most well known local market outside of Pike Place Market. Established in 1990, there are over 200 vendors that attend on a weekly basis year round. West Seattle, Ballard and Capital Hill also hold year round, sizable Sunday markets. For those not here on a Sunday, Seattle still has you covered. Several neighborhoods hold mid-week or Saturday markets. University District (Saturday, year round),Columbia City (Wednesdays, May-Oct), Phinney Ridge (Fridays, June-Oct), Lake City (Thursdays, June-Oct), and Burien (Thursdays, May-Oct). For a complete listing of markets in the northwest/Seattle area, visit the Tilth Alliance