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Pike Place MarketvsSeattle Aquarium
Both are rated highly by expert writers. On balance, Pike Place Market scores significantly better than Seattle Aquarium. Pike Place Market comes in at 94 with endorsements from 9 sources including Fodor's, Concierge and Lonely Planet.
Pike Place Market
Fodor's
Concierge
Lonely Planet
Not For Tourists
Not For Tourists
Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide
National Geographic
Where
Condé Nast Traveler Show All Reviews
Between Pike and Pine sts. at First Ave., Seattle, WA 98101
From $0/night
"One of the nation's largest and oldest public markets, Pike Place Market dates from 1907, when the city issued permits allowing farmers to sell produce from wagons parked at Pike Place." Full review
"This bustling, labyrinthine bazaar is a wonderful place to while away a few hours."
Top Choice
"A cavalcade of noise, smells, personalities, banter and urban theater that's almost London-like in its cosmopolitanism." Full review
"So authentic even locals shop here!"
"The most unlikely public art created by thousands of wads of masticated gum."
"Pike Place Market is the city's most famous place to shop, fronted by a fish stall where fishmongers toss each other salmon and halibut over the heads of their patrons." Full review
3 Stars
"Fun, feisty and infinitely appealing, the market has maintained its earthy egalitarianism." Full review
"“The biggest and the best; the heart of Seattle”...one of the longest running public markets in the U.S.; nine acres of fresh fish, produce, flowers, and arts and crafts." Full review
i
Tip: “Explore Post Alley, a cobblestone street that runs behind the market and contains hidden gems.”
"The new MarketFront, which will convert a parking lot on Western Ave. into a public plaza and space for even more farmers, craftspeople and artists." Full review
"Seattle's Pike Place Market has been hawking fresh fish and produce for more than a century, making it one of the oldest farmers' markets in the United States." Full review
i
Be sure to visit the iconic Pike Place Fish, where resident fishmongers famously toss fish like they're trying out for the Seahawks.
Seattle Aquarium
Fodor's
Concierge
Lonely Planet
Not For Tourists
Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide
On the Grid
National Geographic
Where
Condé Nast Traveler Show All Reviews
1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101
From $0/night
"Located right at the water's edge, the Seattle Aquarium is one of the nation's premier aquariums." Full review
"Though screaming kids throng the Underwater Dome... this excellent aquarium on a pier overlooking Elliott Bay is a favorite with adults, too."
Top Choice
"The aquarium – situated on Pier 59 in an attractive wooden building – is probably the most interesting site on the waterfront." Full review
"Jellyfish and stuff."
"Seattle's aquarium isn't just near the water—it's practically in the water, located on a pier that juts into Elliott Bay." Full review
1 Star
"Home to some 380 species of fish, birds, plants, marine invertebrates and mammals native to the Puget Sound area." Full review
"The design of the space is well thought out, with a beautiful 360 degree domed viewing area, giant aquatic worlds and colors hidden in dark tunnels. " Full review
"See playful sea otters, giant octopuses, and other Puget Sound marine life; walk underneath a ring full of swimming jellyfish; located on the waterfront at Pier 59." Full review
"Filled with more than 400 species of marine life, the aquarium is home to river and sea otters, harbor seals and the largest species of octopus in the world." Full review
i
Be sure to visit Window on Washington Waters, a 120,000-gallon exhibit with daily diver shows.
"A fun way for people to see the diverse underwater world of the Pacific Northwest." Full review
i
If you're short on time, don't miss the octopus exhibit and the Underwater Dome.