Seattle Shopping: Malls, Markets, and Shops

With fabulous boutiques, incredibly talented designers, unbelievable antique shops, and extensive outdoor markets, Seattle shopping has something for everyone. You'll enjoy wandering the city and seeing Seattle's hip, sophisticated style. Seattle shopping offers a wide range of products at every price level, and you can expect to find everything from designer clothing to Asian specialty candies. These six districts have some of the best shopping options in the city.

Downtown

Seattle's downtown, the most well-known shopping district has everything under the sun. Compacted into several blocks, downtown Seattle shopping offers brand name shops such as Gap, Banana Republic, Nike, Nordstrom, and Urban Outfitters. You'll also find well-known, high-end fashion boutiques such as Betsy Johnson. For something unique for your home or apartment, visit the Westlake Center Plaza, which showcases local and international home designers. If it begins to rain, slip into Pacific Place, an indoor mall with a movie theatre and name brand stores such as Ann Taylor and J. Crew. Restore your tired feet at one of the luxury spas and salons. Downtown Seattle shopping has it all!

Queen Anne

If you want something stylish and professional, visit Queen Anne, a cozy Seattle neighborhood. You'll find funky jewelry shops, gorgeous home accessory stores, and great boutiques for hip, professional females. Look for the perfect black dress for any occasion or artisan created earrings for your best friend. If you tend to shop on the hip side, shop in the Queen Anne neighborhood.

The University District

For great shopping in a college setting, make your way to the University District, which caters to the collegiate crowd with cheap food and a young vibe. Enjoy an eclectic mix of small, well-priced boutiques, chain stores, and upscale shops. On a rainy day, University District shoppers like to go to the theater—popular choices are Seven Gables, Varsity, or Neptune).

Fremont District

For great bargain and antique shopping, browse through the Fremont District shops. During lunch break, the Fremont District fills up with shoppers looking for anything from retro martini glasses to vintage pillows. Fashionistas also like to visit the Fremont District for big-name, but modest designers.

Pike Place Market

The Pike Place Market also offers great antique finds, craft shops, and food markets. Visit Antiques at Pike Place, a large antique warehouse that showcases everything from Victorian furniture to estate jewelry. Peruse the section of vintage books with some copies dating to the 17th century! Seattle shopping offers great antique finds. The Pike Place Market also has great food markets. Stop by the Fish Market, famous for the "flying fish," which is when merchants cut fish and toss them across the market as visitors stand in awe. It's a fun experience even if you don't plan on buying any fish. For lunch, purchase a fresh sandwich or hot piroshkies, a Russian deep-friend dumpling traditionally filled with ground beef an onion. You'll get an appetite from Seattle shopping!

International District

For great international buys, go to the International District, which brings a piece of Asia to Seattle shopping. There are plenty of great restaurants and shops with goods from China, Japan, the Philippines, and other regions of southeast Asia. Among the mix of restaurants and stores, you'll see a fortune cookie factory, herbal pharmacies, and Kinokuniya, a great international bookstore with fantastic Asian cookbooks. Also be sure to stop by the Uwajimaya, a long court with seafood, fresh vegetables, and specialty candies. There is a wide variety of colors, smells, tastes, and textures you'll encounter as you explore the Uwajimaya. For more background information, visit The Wing Luke Asian Museum which will give you a better understanding of the neighborhoods history—complete with artifacts and vintage photographs.

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