Pike Place Market

The next best way to fit in with the locals is to shop when they do: first thing in the morning. The stalls that cater to Seattleites, those offering fish, vegetables and other raw ingredients, open first, some as early as 6 a.m. The rest of the market wakes up more slowly throughout the day. But the best views of the fishmongers and the most beautiful displays of vegetables are seen by the early bird.

That early bird also gets the worm — in this case an incredible breakfast. Breakfast is the best meal to eat at Pike Place Market, as it is at so many markets around the world. It’s the food eaten by the people who live here and work here, who spend their money here day in and day out, not the food that caters to the hordes of visitors looking for a one-time snack.

Smart visitors figure this out and head down to the market before 10 in the morning, watching for where the lines form and where the wafting scent of fresh baked goods comes from. If you’re looking to save some time sniffing the air for the smell of scrambled eggs, here’s a cheat sheet on where to pick up the best bites of breakfast at Seattle’s Pike Place Market.