IT'S OKAY TO BE A TOURIST, EVEN IF YOU LIVE CLOSE BY

Whether you've been here 10 times or are a first-timer, Pike Place is always interesting. Here are a few tips to help you conquer the Market.

BEAT THE RUSH

If you want to experience the market without winding your way through crowds of tourists, swing by early in the morning. Mid-morning typically starts to see more foot traffic, and by lunch it's a fully bustling bazaar.

VISIT A UNIQUE COFFEE SHOP

Le Panier, Seattle Coffee Works, Storyville, Caffe Ladro, Fonte, Cherry Street Coffee, DeLaurenti's, Ancient Grounds, Bacco, The Crumpet Shop, Bottega Italiana. These are just a few of the many coffee joints in and around Pike Place Market where you can grab a cup of the good stuff.

MEET RACHEL

You can find her right out front under the "Public Market Center" sign — she doesn't tend to move around much. Also, she isn't very chatty. Maybe she's just shy. Or maybe it's because she's an inanimate bronze pig statue. Still, she's very charitable, collecting change from passersby that goes toward the Pike Place Market Foundation.

GO LOW

Past the crowds of tourists and photographers out front, there's more market down on the lower levels that's every bit as awesome as the one up top. So, don't be a typical tourist by getting your Public Market Center sign photo then leaving. Do a Market deep-dive.

leave your mark on THE GUM WALL

In the early 90s, an improv comedy group began sticking their gum to the wall to deter theater goers from putting their gum under the seats, and the idea stuck.

LOOK FOR A PINK DOOR

Nestled away in Post Alley, you'll find a pink door. The Pink Door, to be specific. Delicious Italian food, and so much quaint, rustic charm, you'll swear your Pinterest boards came to life. Did we mention the trapeze, cabaret, and burlesque?

GRAB A MEAT PASTRY

Two words: Piroshky Piroshky. Okay, so it's one word twice, you get the idea. It's the Market's premier spot to grab one of those deliciously versatile Russian puff pastries. Choose a meat, a sweet, or a veggie.

FIND THE PIKE PLACE URBAN GARDEN

At the southwest corner of the market, look for the Maximilien Restaurant Outdoor Seating Spectacular View sign. Follow the hallway behind it, turn left, and you'll find your own little slice of urban tranquility.

INDULGE YOUR SWEET TOOTH AT SHUG'S SODA FOUNTAIN

Based on the amount of delicious dessert treats, Shug’s is a sure cure for that sugar craving. Enjoy ice cream cocktails, coffee, and affogato in a space that's both modern in its design, and nostalgic in its pastel, malt shop goodness.

RIDE A FERRY

End your day with a ride on an iconic Washington State Ferry. Enjoy incredible views of Puget Sound, the setting sun, and the Seattle skyline in the background. You can just walk on the ferry and head to Bainbridge Island, a great day trip for some lunch and shopping. Heads up: there's no Wi-Fi on the ferries, so you'll have to go full 20th-century and talk to people.

TAKE IN THE SIGHTS AT THE NEW MARKETFRONT

Okay, this might get a little confusing. The most iconic image of the Pike Place Market is the open-air market underneath the Public Market Center sign. That's typically considered the front of the market. Based on that, the new MarketFront is actually in the back. No matter the direction, though, the MarketFront still offers stunning views of Elliott Bay and a slew of new stalls and shops. Arguably just as good an Instagram opportunity.