Meet the Market- Food and Fun tour in Pike Place Market
Recommended by 92% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Seattle, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Get to know Pike Place Market’s history and importance to Seattle’s food scene while learning how to navigate the maze of vendors on this guided tour. Explore this century-old market with a local guide who will take you to James Beard award winning vendors. Meet nearly a dozen merchants as you sample their foods and learn about their unique offerings. From cheese to cherries, you’ll taste 10 different foods that are among the best in the market.
- Receive a special discount for each vendor you visit on the tour
- Taste tacos, fish, coffee, pizza, and more on this rotating menu tour
- Learn to navigate the market to find overlooked vendors that locals love
- See the world’s oldest comic book shop and the PNC’s oldest magic shop
What's Included
- 10 Vendor food stops and samplings from some of the best Market merchants
- Discounts on all vendor partner shops visited
- A Market family insider-led tour
- Parking is not included. There are many options to choose from, prices range from $5 and up.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Gratuity
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- The Crumpet Shop1503 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Your host will meet you in front of The Crumpet Shop. Remember Seattle is known for its overcast weather and rain, the tours will run regardless. Also, The Pike Place Market is over 100-years old and still has cobblestone streets and alley ways. So, get those walking shoes and dress appropriately!
End point
- The Athenian Seafood Restaurant And BarNext to Pure Food Fish Market, 1517 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
The Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar, is a Market icon. It served as one of the locations in the film Sleepless in Seattle, where Tom Hanks and Rob Reiner had lunch. It is also one of the best views you can get of Elliott Bay.
Itinerary
1
The Crumpet Shop
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Can Can Seattle: A Culinary Cabaret (Pass By)
Piroshky Piroshky (Pass By)
2
Honest Biscuits
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
City Fish Co
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Corner Market
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
DeLaurenti Food & Wine
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Pike Place Fish Market (Pass By)
Don & Joe's Meats (Pass By)
6
Pike Place Market
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
MarketSpice
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
8
Market Magic & Novelty Shop
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Golden Age Collectables (Pass By)
Holy Cow Records (Pass By)
9
Los Agaves At Pike
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Athenian Seafood Restaurant And Bar (Pass By)
10
Chukar Cherries
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Rachel_M
We had such a great time on our tour! John is such a character and knew so much about the market. I was with my husband and parents. My dad is in a wheelchair and John helped us navigate the market with ease and never made us feel like we were a burden. The food was delicious and we got to see so much! The market is a very confusing, complex place and I felt like such a 'regular' walking around it with him. If you like your tours with a side of comedy, you'll love this. I would highly recommend this tour - it was excellent!
Reviews
4.7
based on 405 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Joan_H, Jul 2026
The guide had us walking around a lot more than was necessary to show us places he'd worked at in the market. Who cares? I liked the food stops. One was closed on Tuesday, but nothing (to my knowledge) was substituted for that stop. He got upset when, at the pizza stop, I asked for cheese pizza instead of pepperoni. I did get cheese, AFTER he pointed out that there were only 2 people who had specific food requirements. There was a lot of walking, including stairs and uphill sections. I asked if there would be a place to sit down at one of the stops. His reply was that this is a walking tour and is not ADA compliant. He did, however, pull over a stool for somewhere. He was very repetitive, especially about the shops he'd worked at in the market. We were near an ice cream stand. He told us about how wonderful the ice cream is, but that wasn't a stop, so that was disappointing. I will add, that I did enjoy the stops we made, it was fun tasting the different food.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Sounds like you wanted to go to the Mall and hit the Applebees and went on a walking food tour through a 9 acre 30 building historic district instead. The Market is a 119 year old working produce market not a giant restaurant with seating everywhere. I can make some food substitutions along the way but it helps to know ahead of time. You provided nothing - I still got you what you wanted anyway. There are over 500 business in the Market I can only go so many in two hours. Nowhere on my tour description does it mention ice cream. Im just pointing it out like I point out a lot of things on the tour. Pretty common on walking tours. This is like one of those Grand Canyon is just a big hole in ground reviews.
Mervyn_M, Jul 2026
Tour was very rushed. It ended 30 minutes early. We didn’t stay at any of the stops for more than 5 minutes. It felt like more of a sales pitch for the stops than learning about the history of the Pike Place Market.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
I literally start the tour in front of a large map of the Market and explain the entire 119 year history from Thomas Revelle to the modern PDA. I explain the history of every building along the way and how the current Market functions. I have 30 years experience and am a constituency member and I know the entire 9 ace 30 building historic district like the back of my hand. You where on your phone the whole tour and wandering around the whole group had to wait for you.. No wonder you didnt hear anything.
charlie_k, Jul 2026
John was perfect for the Pike Market. He had extensive knowledge of the history and great relationships with many shopkeepers.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for taking my tour and supporting the Market. I had a grand time showing you around. I am so happy you enjoyed it. Im always thrilled when I can highlight my connections to the Market community. Come back anytime.
Safe travels
Sonic John
Kevin_P, Jul 2026
This was one of the best walking tours I've been on. Sonic John brings an incredible amount of knowledge and energy, making the experience both engaging and informative. He's a fantastic ambassador for Pike Place Market and does a great job explaining its history, vendors, and importance to Seattle's culture.
The tour is an excellent introduction to the full breadth of the market, helping you discover places you might otherwise overlook. John also tailors recommendations to your interests, whether you're looking for great food, local specialties, or unique shops. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Seattle, especially if it's your first time exploring Pike Place Market.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Why thank you so much for this nice review. I had a wonderful time myself taking you on a Market adventure. I am so thrilled you enjoyed it. Get your discounts and safe travels.
Sonic John
Jill_S, Jul 2026
John kept telling us that the tour was too late in the day and all the stops were closed. Which begs the question of why he offers a tour at that hour knowing that all the stops will be closed. We had no way of knowing as visitors.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
This is 100% inaccurate folks --- I replace the ONE Honest Biscuits stop (a breakfast place closed at 3 PM) with a stop at the Truffle Queen so its really not that big a deal and is exactly the same amount of stops as my other tours. Jill here also does not understand what the phrase "begs the question" actually means because its not applicable here.
Safe travels folks!
Mimi_K, Jul 2026
Great tour; super knowledgeable! Lots of insider info and yummy samples. We would not have visited all the levels if we did not take the tour.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for supporting the Market and for the kind words. I had a fun time exploring the maze with you. So happy you enjoyed it.
Safe travels.
Sonic John
Carlos_S, Jul 2026
I struggled with this review. If this was billed: Discover the fascinating history of our historical 9 acre Pike Place Market and explore the many levels and unique shops it offers. Sample some of the local food during our walking tour.
I would have given the experience a 5 star. As a labeled food tour it was weak in offering and taste. Hence the 4 stars. The tour guide was knowledgeable about the massive site and knows all the vendors. This is the best part of the tour. I didn’t know how extensive the place was.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hi folks - Sonic John here. My tour is called the "Meet the Market Food and Fun Tour" - it is exactly as described here . I definitely will show you how to fully enjoy the 9 acre 30 building historic district as only a true Market Family member can. Along the way we will enjoy samples from all my vendor partners as we meet them. Food samples may include:
Smoked Salmon from City Fish
Piroshky from Piroshky Piroshky
Flagship cheese from Beechers
Fresh baked cheddar biscuits - Honest Biscuits
James Beard-award-winning Filipino food exclusive to my tour - O-Mart
Seattle Dog from Bonnie B's
Pizza - Delaurentis
Tacos - Los Agaves
Chocolate covered cherries - Chukar
Fresh fruit - Sosios
Chowder - Market Grill
Truffle demonstration and tasting - Truffle Queen
Dried fruits - Simply the Best
Beef jerky - Don and Joes
I'm not sure how much more food I can provide in 2 hours for $58.00. The Pike Place Market is a blue-collar working fish Market with hardly anywhere to sit. It is not a fancy sit-down food tour type of environment with plates and waiters - Not sure about the confusion here. I am glad you enjoyed the walking part though.
Safe travels
Cynthia_G, Jul 2026
Lots of walking. John has a ton of energy. Make sure you arrive hungry. Highly recommend for a wonderful overview of Pike Place Market.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for Meeting the Market with me. It was my pleasure to guide you through the busy Market. I am so happy you enjoyed it.
Safe travels!
Sonic John
Jeremy_B, Jul 2026
Great tour. Sonic Steve was great. There was lots of stuff to do and lots of stuff to see and the food was great.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Even though they call me Sonic John I am still thrilled that you had a great time. I had fun myself showing you around. Get your discounts.
Safe travels!
Sonic John
STEPHANIE_H, Jul 2026
We picked this particular tour and guide based on vibes and we weren’t disappointed. Sonic John really knows the market like the back of his hand and weaves his history with Pike’s Place throughout his tour. John is a lot of fun and manages to keep things both informative and entertaining. And the samples we got along the way were delicious (we definitely went back for more after). Aside from the history, food, and vibes, it was also a great introduction to Pike’s Place Market and very much helped us navigate the market later on our own.
tl;dr- Sonic John is a lot of fun and this tour is the perfect way to meet the market. Oh hey! That’s why he calls it that!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
I am humbled by your kind words. I am thrilled that you enjoyed the tour. I had a terrific time myself guiding you through the labyrinth. Thank you for supporting the Pike Place Market and my small business. You are part of the family now.
Safe travels!
Sonic John
sherricka_g, Jul 2026
Awesome tour if it is your first time going to Pike Place Market. The tour helps to make the market easier to navigate. John was very informative and makes the tour fun and interesting while giving out little secrets on the best places to visit. We got to taste samples from several vendors so no need to eat a heavy meal prior to the tour. It does require a lot of walking so wear comfortable closed toe shoes and the grounds can be wet and slippery in certain places. The first tour of the day is the best time to go to beat the crowd.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Its true folks. The Pike Place Market is a 9 acre working historic district and is fill of cobblestones, hills and ramps. The four fish mongers constantly shovel ice that is constantly melting hence the wet floors. I am thrilled that you had a great time and now have the lay of the land!
Safe travels
Sonic John
Mandy_G, Jul 2026
This was truly a great experience. Our guide was knowledgeable and knew so many of the vendors at the market. Well worth the price! Left very full.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
I am so happy you had a great experience. I am truly blessed to have so many Market connections that I can provide a true insiders tour. Please get your discounts and come back anytime.
Sonic John
Rachelle_S, Jul 2026
So glad we booked this tour. John has great energy and knowledge. He is local so knows the market and its vendors inside and out. Experienced areas we never would have found on our own. Samples were perfect - and had enough that we didn’t need lunch. Highly recommend!!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Im glad you booked the tour too. I had a great time showing you around the Market. I am so happy you enjoyed it. Come back anytime.
Safe travels
Sonic John
Labrigni_R, Jul 2026
This tour was one of the best decisions I made during my trip to Seattle! It was my first time visiting both the city and Pike Place Market, and honestly, I don't think I could have navigated it or appreciated it nearly as much without our guide.
He was incredible, spirited, engaging, funny, and so knowledgeable. The market can feel overwhelming at first, but he made it easy to understand the layout, shared the history behind it, and introduced us to some amazing local businesses that I probably would have walked right past on my own.
What I appreciated most was that after the tour, I actually felt confident exploring the market by myself. I went back to several of the shops he recommended and ended up buying from a few of them because I knew exactly where they were and what made them special.
If it's your first time in Seattle or your first visit to Pike Place Market, I can't recommend this tour enough. It transformed what could have been an overwhelming experience into one of the highlights of my trip. Thanks to our guide, I was able to truly enjoy the market instead of just wandering through it.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Why thank you so much for this wonderful review. It was indeed my pleasure to guide you through the Market. I am so happy you enjoyed it. It is a special place and I had a great time myself showing it to you. I am glad you enjoyed the food and history. Come back anytime always something new to see. Get your discounts.
Safe travels.
Sonic John
Cindy_W, Jul 2026
We have been to Pike’s market, on our own. However, John showed us secret garden, and other passages thru the Pikes Market. It was a wonderful experience! We got to sample 7 items.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for exploring the Market with me. I had a great time showing you around. I am always so happy when I hear my guests enjoyed the food. Thank you for supporting small business.
Safe travels
Sonic John
Katherine_M, Jul 2026
Sonic John is the best!! Knowledgeable about the market, friendly, and funny. It was a great help that we took the tour our first morning there. It gave us such confidence in maneuvering through the market later on our own. And Sonic John showed us things that we might not have found on our own. The food samples were delicious. We truly feel that the tour enriched our market experience. We highly recommend!!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for Meeting the Market with me!
I had a fabulous time myself showing you around. I am so happy to hear you had a great experience. Come back anytime.
Safe travels!
Sonic John
Sarah_W, Jul 2026
Sonic John was an amazing guide! He shared so many fun and interesting facts about Pike Place Market and all the food stops were delicious! The size of the group wasn’t too big, especially when you compared to other tours we saw walking around. He got us to the front of lines and really gave us a great experience! I would highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
I really appreciate the kind words and I am delighted to hear you enjoyed my Tasty Tour. I do like to keep my groups small so I can navigate the crowds while getting to know my guests. I am the only local Market Family tour guide so I can give you insider information known only to Market folk.
Safe travels
Sonic John
Jeanine_H, Jul 2026
It was a great experience at Pike Market. We got to enjoy many samples and the food was great. Thanks
Response from Host, Jul 2026
You are so welcome. I had a great time showing you around. I am glad to hear you liked the food. Get your discounts and safe travels.
Sonic John
Jim_J, Jun 2026
If you do not know the history of Pikes Market , and would like to, then this is the excursion for you. Orange, yellow, green floors; names on 4x4 tiles all have a story. Great trip.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the nice review. I had a fun time leading you through the maze. I study Pike Place history constantly and comprehensively and my first job at the Market was in the late 80's so I am happy to be able to pass that knowledge on to my guests. Thank you for supporting small businesses.
Safe travels!
Sonic John
Chad_W, Jun 2026
Pike Place market is so much larger than I expected - it was so worth the tour to see it all and get insider information. John is an amazing guide, from the area, and clearly knows all the ins and outs of the market. Great food choices as well!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Why thank you so much for taking my tour. It was my pleasure to show you around the many twists and turns of the Pike Place Market. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the food. Get your discounts.
Safe travels
Sonic John
Jessica_M, Jun 2026
John was awesome!! So knowledgeable and funny. We loved all the food and learning all the ways to get around the market. Do this early in your visit so you can go back later to spend more time. The smoked salmon was incredible and they ship anywhere in the US. Plus being on the tour gives you a discount to come vendors. Thank you for this great experience. Highly recommend!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for exploring the Market with me I had a great time showing you around. I am so happy you enjoyed the food. Come back anytime always something new to see.
Safe travels
Sonic John
Alex_L, Jun 2026
John was amazing! We went to all the back alleyways down through the different levels. Secret garden, gum wall and unique shops that we probably wouldn't have found on our own.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Why thank you for the nice words. I had a blast guiding you all through the 30 building maze that is the Pike Place Market. I am so happy that you enjoyed it. Get your discounts...
Safe travels!
Sonic John
Laurie_O, Jun 2026
Fascinating and informational experience! John is so fun and full of insight, facts and tips! Our family of 4 (kids aged 16 and 10) had a blast!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Right on! I always dig it when the kids have fun. Thank you for the nice words and for taking my Tasty Tour. I had a great time exploring the Market with you.
Safe travels!
Sonic John
Dana_H, Jun 2026
So many delicious food samples. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and fun. Would definitely recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
I really appreciate the kind words. Thank you so much for taking my tour and for supporting small business. I had a blast showing you the historic district.
Safe travels
Sonic John
Sean_B, Jun 2026
Sonic John is THE MAN. Seriously, this is a great way to experience the market if you have never been. I'd plan to do the tour and then give yourself time to explore afterward. Also, there is real food! We were STUFFED afterwards. We had planned to have lunch after, and we didn't need it.
OH, also... the Market has NO LOGICAL LAYOUT. They have 1/2 numbered levels and you just randomly find yourself on another level (3 turned into 4 just walking at the same level). He has lived the history of the market. Listen to him, note where you want to come back to, and ask him how to get there.
Easy 5 stars. THANKS JOHN.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Why you are so very welcome! And thank you for the nice review and for Meeting the Market with me. I had a blast showing you around my neighborhood. Stop back anytime always something new to see.
Safe travels.
Sonic John
ivan_g, Jun 2026
Plenty of walking, good food samples, very good tour. John knows his stuff and he keeps it fun and light.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for Meeting the Market with me. I like to show off as much of the Market as I can on my tour rather than walking the one main street like other tours. I am so happy you enjoyed it.
Safe travels!
Sonic John
Linda_M, Jun 2026
Tour guide was enthusiastic and full of really unique information about Pike Place Market - great insider knowledge. Food was great but it took a while before we had our first food tasting. Timing of tastings was a bit unpredictable.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for taking my tour. The Market is 9 acres and there is no central area to bring food to. You have to walk to each business. My tours are extremely predictable as I follow a set and precise route timed with my vendors so they have your samples hot and ready when we arrive.
Safe travels.
Sonic John
Barbara_K, Jun 2026
We saw a lot we would not have seen our own . He talked a lot about himself.
The food was good and we had enough to eat .
He could have sat us down and talked more about the market, how to start a business there etc . We got that last time on our chefs tour .
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hmmm What LOL ? Its a walking tour of a 9 acre, 30 building historic district. Pretty clear in the description what this tour entails. Why would I sit you or anyone down and tell you how to start a business here? Its a food, culture and history tour. Your request makes zero sense. Are you sure you didnt want to go to a sit-down restaurant and accidentally took a 2 hour walking food tour instead? Also "chefs tour"? huh? Its the Meet the Market Food and Fun tour no chefs involved. You sound very confused. glad you liked the food and had enough to eat though!
Catherine_G, Jun 2026
Experienced the market from one end to the other and then 3 floors, with delicious tastings and eye catching artistic creations along the way.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
I really appreciate the kind words. I had a blast leading you on a Market adventure. I am so happy that you enjoyed it. Come back anytime!
Safe travels.
Sonic John
janemcgavock, Jun 2026
Great selection of food tasting and Guide John was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The tour involved more stairs up and down than I expected, but this insider's tour was well worth while as John showed us hidden gardens, historic elements like the wall of chewing gum, and hidden gardens tucked in here and there. His treasure trove of insights and history made this a delightful introduction to Pike Place Market.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for taking my Tasty Tour. I had a wonderful time showing you around. The Market is 119 years old, 9 acres and 30 buildings. To get a true sense of it you need to see the hidden gems. Get your discounts.
Safe travels.
Sonic John
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