Ghost Tours at Pike Place Market

Ghost Alley Espresso, Seattle, Washington © Immortal Affliction | Flickr

Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s top tourist attractions, drawing an astounding 10 million visitors annually. That means that at most times, on most days,the market is packed. But as the sun goes down and the vendors pack up their crafts and their produce, visitors depart in droves. Technically, the market is closed, but a few people have access to its historic hallways — and to the unsavory stories of its past.

Ghost Alley Espresso, a tiny coffee shop tucked into Post Alley near the market — offers after-hour ghost tours led by charismatic tour guides who help visitors tap into the fascinating history behind the market. Tours weave through the market, stopping at locations known for ghost sightings, strange occurrences and historic points of interest. For example, you’ll learn about the former mortuary that is now a bar, and the connection to the Heaven’s Gate cult, among many other fascinating tales.

Tours usually take place at night and run for about 75 minutes. There are also daytime historical tours and occasional opportunities to participate in a paranormal investigation at the mortuary, which is otherwise off limits to the public.