Looking forward to your Seattle city tour? Online itineraries and listicles might have already convinced you to browse around the historic Pike Place Market. But before you head to this must-visit downtown neighborhood, here’s all you need to know for a hassle-free experience. Keep an eye on the Pike Place parking tips – you’ll need them!
Overlooking Elliot Bay on Puget Sound, the Pike Place Market takes a top spot on the list of Seattle attractions. It is one of the country’s largest and oldest farmers’ markets, dating back to 1907. A hub for small businesses, the public market is home to over 200 independently-owned restaurants and shops. You’ll also find artists, craftspeople, and buskers in the winding alleys. Seattle residents and tourists have many reasons to spend hours in this historic district. But if it’s your first visit, you’ll need answers to these questions:
Where is Pike Place Market?
Pike Place Market is in the northwestern corner of Seattle’s Central Business District. It is spread across nine acres on the Elliot Bay waterfront, stretching from First Avenue in the east to Western Avenue in the west and Virginia Street in the north to Pike Street in the south. The Seattle Aquarium, Pier 62, and other downtown attractions are within walking distance of the market.
Is Pike Market open?
Seattle’s Pike Place Market is open daily, except on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The general hours are 9 am to 6 pm, but some shops open as early as 7 am, and restaurants close only after midnight. Millions of visitors make their way to the historic neighborhood every day. But the best time to visit is before noon, on a Tuesday or Thursday when the crowd is at its thinnest. The weekend rush begins Thursday and continues till Monday.
How to reach
You’ll have no trouble reaching this downtown neighborhood by car or public transportation. If you are driving to the market, click on ‘Directions’ on the map below to find your way.
Is there parking near Pike Place Market?
The good news is that there is an on-site garage at the Pike Place Market, with 800 parking spots. The even better news is that you have more options. Affordable and safe parking lots are plentiful in the neighborhood.
The Pike Place parking garage is open daily from 5 am to 2 am. There are three entrances/exits to this parking facility – 1531 Western Avenue, 1901 Western Avenue, and 1530 Alaskan Way. Although there is a maximum vehicle height limit of 6’8″, oversized vehicles might find limited spots at the on-site garage – enter via 1531 Western Avenue. However, bus and RV parking is not allowed at the Pike Place garage.
What are the Pike Place parking garage rates?
Pike Place parking rates at the on-site garage start at $4 an hour, going up to $24 for 4-10 hours. The daily maximum parking rate for 10-24 hours is $30. An early-bird rate of $10 is also available for all-day parking if you enter before 9 am and leave by 9 pm. The $5 flat evening rate is applicable after 5 pm, but you’ll have to leave by 2 am or pay the general hourly rates for any extra parking time. Limited single monthly parking spaces are also available at the Pike Place garage.
Pay at the machines located within the garage using a card or cash before returning to your car. Make sure to leave the garage within 15 minutes of payment to avoid additional charges.
Is there ADA/Accessible parking at Pike Place?
ADA/Accessible parking spots are available near the elevators on all Pike Place parking garage levels. A limited number of disabled parking spots are also available at 85 Pike Street, close to the market’s main entrance.
Are there EV charging stations at Pike Place?
There are nine EV charging stations at the Pike Place parking garage. EV charging currently costs $1/hour, in addition to the general parking rates. Look for the green painted charging spots at stalls 886 – 895 in P6. You must enter via the 1901 Western Avenue entrance to find these spots easily.
Is there any free parking near Pike Place?
During the day, you might find free street parking on First Avenue, Stewart Street, and Pike Place. There are limited spots on Western Avenue, Second Avenue, and other streets nearby. Sundays are meter holidays in Seattle but don’t expect to instantly find a free parking spot. It is also a busy day at the market, so unless you get there early, the chances of finding free street parking are slim. On other days, metered parking is generally enforced from 8 am to 8 pm. Remember that free street parking comes with time limits and other restrictions. Make sure to read all posted signs before leaving the car curbside and move it before your time is up.
Where to find cheap parking near Seattle Pike Place?
Affordable Pike Place parking is available within a 1-mile radius of the market. Although there is a high demand for parking space in this downtown neighborhood, you will find cheaper rates than the Pike Place parking garage price. The easiest way to find cheap parking near Seattle Pike Place is to use a parking app or websites like Way.com. Don’t waste your time driving around the neighborhood looking for an affordable parking lot at the last minute. Pre-booking a spot online will get you all-day parking rates as low as $15!
Try these garages and lots for affordable parking near Pike Place Market:
411 University St Parking
This 24×7 covered self-parking facility is less than half a mile from Pike Place Market and charges only $2 an hour. Click here to book a spot now for instant access to the garage when you arrive.
466 John St Parking
Pay just $18 for 8 hours at this downtown Seattle parking garage at Komo Plaza. This is the perfect deal for those planning to explore downtown attractions like the Space Needle and Seattle Children’s Theatre too. Click here to book your all-day parking spot.
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