I never thought I would find a map store interesting. When I picture maps I immediately imagine the pastel colored state maps with the faint grey borders and the red squiggly lines dictating roads. I enjoy a good map, but I do not particularly seek out maps. For a friend I found myself at Metsker Maps as she required a special map, a map of mountain peaks. Armed with a name and a publisher I walked into Metsker Maps and immediately was stunned by the sheer volume of maps. Sure, they had the typical state, country, and world maps that plaster a geography teacher's walls, but there were so many other maps as well. There were maps that showed hiking trails, topography, nautical routes. There were small maps that could fit in a pocket, and poster sized maps that could cover a wall. There were bookcases, bins, and niches all full of maps. I was overwhelmed. I had come for one singular purpose and I did not know even where to begin. A very nice lady behind the counter about five feet away noticed my perplexed gaze and asked if I needed help. I told her what I was looking for and her co-worker and her discussed where that map was located. Then they whisked me off to a corner in the back of the store and handed it to me with a smile. She even pointed out a similar map that would compliment the map my friend was looking for. It was great customer service. They were prompt without being pushy. They were extremely knowledgeable about their store. Their store had an amazing collection of maps. It was a delightful experience. read more

This place rules! Such a breath of fresh air. Has so much cool stuff.

I absolutely love geography and maps so this store was a dream! From framed and wooden style decor maps to more functional road maps and atlases, this store has it all. Plus, there were a number of children's books geared for the elementary school crowd that would be a great educational resource. Great store and hope to shop here again! read more

Ah, Metskers! A wonderland of maps. If you don't like maps, don't go here. If you love maps, come here to browse for a long time. Their maps range from the touristic to the practical to the historical, with, of course, a focus on the Pacific Northwest. I liked their original location in Pioneer Square better. The new place at Pike Place Market seems kind of dark and uninspiring (the old place had two or three levels and was on a corner with lots of windows). But the inventory and the staff are as great as ever. read more

What a gem, what a gem. Every time I need a map for a hike or a climb I can find the USGS map I need. I call ahead and ask for that particular item and, voila! I walk a few blocks from work and they will have it waiting on the counter for me. I have even looked like a giant dummy carrying (rather awkwardly) a 8x10 foot (yes I said FOOT) map of the Cascades down the street to try and shove (even more awkwardly) into my waiting ride after the guys there matted and framed the monstrosity. This is the coolest store by Pike Place, hands down. It also makes me realize how little money I actually have to travel, but with that being said, I can vicariously travel via all the amazing books and globes they have in the store. read more

Found this AMAZING Map Store, Metsker Maps, one block north of Pike Place Market, in Seattle, Washington! All kind of maps, globes and mobiles... EVERYTHING related to maps, Geography and the sorts! Check it out if you are ever in Seattle! read more

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Located in walking distance from Pikes Place Market, this is a great shop to find any map your heart could desire. I was particularly thrilled with the variety of post cards and stickers as I collect them wherever I go. I'm looking forward to returning for a second time today to check out their travel books! read more

There is a map/globe shop in Covent Garden - this is equally as good if not better. An amazing travel book section along with every kind of map you can imagine - world maps, USA maps, city maps, transit maps etc... read more

What a delightful shop! This place has it all - vintage maps, art maps, pocket maps, any map you can imagine I bet they have in stock. Beyond their extensive inventory and variety of maps they also carry a ton of fun gifts. If you're in the area it's worth checking out. read more

Cute shop with so much to offer! Go check them out! They have everything you need from traveling maps and books to state park passes. Great place to purchase a outdoorsy gift for someone. read more

Such a cool map store--raised relief, globes, antiques, reprints, you name it. I could spend days in this store. On top of that they have some amazing books on map design, cartographic science, and cultural geography. Plus TONS of travel books. read more

I love maps so this is defiantly my kind of place. Its filled with all things map. There are globes, travel books, and of course maps. If there is a map you are needing this is the place to start your search! I've been shopping with them since before they opened in the market. Before that they were over in Pioneer Square. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. They have maps from all over the world, as well as old maps. Really its fun to just come in and see everything! read more

Maps on maps. This place was awesome. My dad was looking for a specific map of Puget Sound to hang up in his house after our recent trip to Seattle, and he was sort of specific on what he wanted. He had given up hope of finding what he was after, until we accidentally strolled past this place that just so happened to specialize in maps. Who knew such a place existed... but it does. Walking around, they had maps of all styles, shapes, and colors. They had photographic maps, cartoon maps, travel maps and maps to other states. If you thought it, they probably had it - or at least knew where to find it. After perusing the store, we asked the cashier if he had anything based on dad's description. The guy was not only super knowledgeable on all things maps - he was super friendly as well. He walked over to a drawer and started flipping through product that wasn't on the wall and pulled out an image of Puget Sound. $20 for a 28x36 is a steal, especially since it was a good looking image that would make any wall pop. Dad got his map, and for an extra $2.50, it was packed in a cardboard tube so it wouldn't get destroyed via the flight home. If you're into maps, or want something cool to take home as a souvenir from the Emerald City, I'd recommend making a stop at Metsker Maps to see what you might find! read more

When I tell people I'm a professional geographer, they usually assume I mean that I'm a cartographer. Geography today has come to encompass pretty much anything involving space, place, humans, and the environment (think about all the different articles in a "National Geographic"), but Metsker Maps harkens back to the grand age of paper and cartographic representation. This is the kind of store that embraces your inner geek, thrilling it with a plethora of options and excellent customer service. When I found out that they didn't stock just the right kind of map of the Rhine region (yes, I was hoping for one giant map, from Switzerland to the Netherlands), one of the gentlemen brought me the wholesale master catalog and let me browse through its dense pages. Said they'd order me anything in the book. Other highlights of the store are the nautical and recreational maps, including ones for kayaking and hiking the Northwest. The variety of international maps is stellar, especially if you're still planning a trip and want to consider maps of biking routes in foreign countries. They've also got a nice little selection of travel gear. Oh! And the selection of map pins and tacks is astonishing. Go, get a map, start plotting. To get to Metskers, go find the giant red PUBLIC MARKET sign. Then walk away from the ocean, uphill, and look along First Street (to your left), between Pike and Pine. Their little green sign is hanging from the awning. read more

Metsker's Maps has every kind of USGS map and globe you could desire. Plus they stock a very comprehensive travel section that eclipses local chain stores. I wander in and dream of where to go next: Turkey? Iceland? Borneo? Guatemala? Kirkland? Wait--definitely not Kirkland. read more

I stopped in here on a whim after first moving here to see if they had the Seattle neighborhood map so I could figure out where everything was in relation to wherever I would be...er you know what I mean. The old man behind the counter was friendly and new exactly what I wanted. $25 bucks will get you a map of the Seattle neighborhoods. This was a nice store for a reprieve from all the tourists near Pike's Place read more

Who the heck knew there was a store like this? Stopped in just because we walked by and I have to admit that in the era of internet, GPS, and satellite mapping I was blown away by how knowledgeable and passionate the folks were about the time honored tradition of a simple folding map. Check it out even if you're not buying - a great collection whether you want a map to simply wander the streets of Seattle or to decorate your wall with something from long ago. read more

You ever watch that show, Inside the Actor's Studio with James Lipton? You know how toward the end he asks those standard questions? You know how one of them is "What profession would you like to try, other than your own?" Yeah, no question - if I'm ever on that show, "Cartographer" would come out before he finished the question. ... And this place is great. Metsker is not just current street maps, but historic maps. And charts. And travel books. And so much more. Even with Google Maps on cell phones today, there's still something nice about the tactile experience of opening, holding and using a printed map. Even the smell as you walk in brings the history. I can't say enough good things about this place. If you love travel, or maps, or historical maps, or charts, or ... you just have to check it out yourself! read more

I don't LOVE maps but I do like to travel, so when I walked into this shop I was amazed. I got an up to date map of Auckland, NZ, stuff for my trip & backpacking (Int'l compass, mesh bags, little dorky money/stuff holder, blankie..) I love this place! Plus, the lady that was behind the counter patiently explained how a compass actually works- I had no idea there was a true north & a magnetic north. I am a newbie at backpacking but I got a great lesson! Good Times. Whenever I save up enough money, I'll be back. Oh, yeah. read more

Metskers has a great selection of maps. I've lived in Seattle for a number of years and never been in here since I had no reason. With my husband recently deployed with the military I was on the hunt for a Pacific-centered world map to send to his daughter so she could follow his path around the world. Turns out, they had exactly what I was looking for and in several different options. Not only did they have small, fold-up ones, but large ones and all different options for me. I was looking for something simple, but I was impressed with the options. Though I did not need the staffs help in finding what I wanted, I did hear them helping several other customers and they sounded very knowledgeable about what they were doing. The store is very well labeled and it's easy to find what you're looking for. If for any reason you need a map, I suggest coming here. Even if you're in WA and thinking you'd like one of somewhere halfway across the world, I bet they'll have it. read more

OH MY GOSH, MAPS AND GLOBES EVERYWHERE!!! I am obsessed with maps. My best friend, my brother, and I were walking in downtown Seattle, on the way back to our hotel to pick up the car, getting ready to leave for the airport when we passed by this store, and I just had to stop! I dragged both of them in, and we spent like an hour inside. Oh my gosh. The store is well-organized and clean. The staff was friendly and helpful. I especially appreciated them letting me SQUEEE and fawn over all the awesome maps, globes, and books there. I was making a lot of excited noises, for real. Thank you for not minding (too much)! My best friend was entranced by a map puzzle (she loves puzzles), and my brother seemed bored but was being a good sport browsing around. Since my brother is moving to Olympia/Seattle, I plan on making Metsker Maps a regular stop when I visit! So excited! read more

Amazing store. It's lucky I only had 20 minutes to browse here, cos otherwise I'd probably have spent $$$. If you have any interest in maps, this place is a wonderland. Lots of quirky left-of-centre stuff in addition to more mainstream practical maps. A lot of satellite / aerial photos as well. The staff were friendly and helpful. read more

This store is so cool. You can find something interesting in it. We bought the maps of Shanghai, Seattle, Kyoto, Los Angle. And there are some books and cards. So many choices in it. read more

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Ironically, I had some trouble finding this place because the maps of Pike Place Market were just not up to snuff. If I had looked more closely at the Yelp map it wouldn't have been a problem, but having never been to the Market, I just assumed I'd head over there and be able to wander around until I found the map store. I had actually given up on finding Metsker's and met up with at a friend a bagel joint, and about 3 steps after getting our bagels we stumbled across Metsker's completely by accident. Once we actually found the place, it was rad. I could leaf through travel guides all day, and there was plenty else to browse through if that's not your thing. Worth finding. read more

I must have spent an hour in here looking around. They had great maps and wall charts, even on on ruling government round the world since the dawn of time. Its just really cool to see old maps, new maps, PNW maps, European maps, huge maps, pocket maps, and more. I ended up with a nice 36" x 24" map to hang in the Man-Cave to track my travel. Lame and overdone, yes, but my map is pimp. read more

I love me a good map store! Metsker Maps definitely tickles my fancy and I spent a good amount of time there perusing through the aisles and finding maps of all types. I'm glad they're there because as another reviewer mentioned, cartography is indeed a lost art and slowly disappearing from our culture. They've also got books, posters, gifts, and unique maps so if you're looking for a present for someone who loves traveling, there's a good chance that this store will probably have something they'll find fascinating! read more

The only store all of us in our party loved in our long weekend adventure to Seattle, Metsker Maps was truly amazing! Maps galore. Maps everywhere. All kinds of maps. And Globes. Don't forget the globes. And the atlases. Geographic information tucked into every nook and cranny - just outstanding stuff. Don't get me wrong, the store was extremely well organized with good spacing. The content was just incredible. They also have educational games and other children's items. I can't even begin to describe how amazing the selection was. My inner nerd could have happily spent the whole day there. Please open a store in Ann Arbor. read more

This is the most amazing map store ever. I don't know why I hadn't thought of it before, but my apartment needs a lighted globe so badly! The salespeople are totally helpful about telling you what latitude and longitude you're in for your stargazing guide, just try 'em! They also have tons of gorgeous political maps of vary sizes with beautiful illustrations that make them educational and decorative. Everything was very reasonably priced, including some very pretty papier mache globes. Everyone could stand to know a little more about their world, and Metsker is a good place to start. read more

I'm not really into maps. I mean, I know they have a function and that some people are avid collectors, but I still don't really get it. With that said, I can still appreciate this place. Maps from all over the world, definitely a stop when you are planning a vacation. Some really nice books on travel, though I didn't find a lot to my liking. The older maps are quite interesting and reasonably priced. The only maps I was a little interested in were ocean floor ones and they only had a limited selection. But I was very pleased that they did try to find me some. I would definitely shop here for gifts and I plan to come back and pick out some maps for my next vacation. read more

After a totally chill stroll through the market this weekend, I found my way into this cool map shop...who knew maps could be so much fun!! Well, being the geek that I am, I fell in love with the place. A very helpful staff, really cool maps and such and just a good place to check out what they have to offer. There is a little bit of everything as far as map stores go...current events, historical maps, and other fun stuff. This is definitley a "must check out" place for residents and visitors. read more

Really fun place to spend some time if you're on the nerdier side of humanity. They have maps of everything. From just about any time period. There's even maps of Mars. And the huge antique globe in the store window always makes me think about winning the lottery. read more

How can you give anything less than five stars to a map store who has any map you could possibly want? I went in for a map of Seattle but found maps of every country and every city. They have globes of all sorts and maps to hang on your wall, complete with map tacks to trach where you go. The staff is friendly, a little cookey, but they get the job done :) read more

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Such a gem of a store! My friend and I wandered in near closing time and had such a great time looking at all the maps and knick knacks they had. I picked up a little greeting card, and had we had more space in our luggage, I think we would have picked up some poster prints as well, since they had a great variety of geographical maps, celestial maps, vintage prints, etc. We also had maybe the most wholesome conversation I've ever had about dream travel destinations with the store clerks. Highly recommend a trip here. read more

They've an excellent collection of Green Trail Maps, which are very nice and detailed topographical maps for the hiker, backpacker, climber, etc. I had a nice time looking through their collection. They have a particularly good selection of compasses, including some vintage inspired models. For sure a niche business like this, customer service is absolutely imperative. The staff was not only knowledgeable and helpful, but friendly. I had wanted to purchase a Raisz Northwest map (Landforms of the Northwestern United States) but they no longer had any in stock. However, the store manager let me purchase the one on display, AND promised to call my companion when they would have more in stock or how she could get some. Now that's going above and beyond for your customers. I absolutely love this place and plan to purchase all my hiking maps from them in the future. read more

This was a fun store to browse in. Maps of every place one can think of! My boyfriend's mom picked out the neatest poster/map and bought it for us: it's a map of the world in the form of a musical score! It's so cool looking, with landforms made with faster notes that use more black ink. I'll have to take a picture of it and post it later so you can see what I'm talking about. I put it up in my classroom. The students LOVE it. Great integration of geography, art, and music! read more

Wonderful place about a block east of the Pike Place Market! Probably the largest map store in the system of Washington! I have been there a few times! Lots of good maps, travel books, and globes! There are other shops and restaurants nearby! read more

I'm not sure how I never made it into this place before, but this map store is amazing. I could spend hours in this shop. And if that makes me a geek, I do not care whatsoever. This place has the greatest selection of maps I've ever seen. I wanted to walk out with all of them. I almost walked out with a map of all the major and minor league ballparks in America, but I figured I'd actually wait until I scheduled that road trip officially. I coveted the beautiful globes (I've always wanted one) and it took all that I had to walk away without purchasing one. I will definitely be back here. It is fantastic. read more

If you love maps, or history, heck if you have a heartbeat you will be an instant fan of Metsker Maps. This shop was ah-mazing, I wish I had more time to explore. I picked up a fun map of all the Portland neighborhoods as a gift for a friend. My husband bought a laminated map of Oregon, Washington and Idaho (his sales territory) for his office to help plan trips. The staff was really helpful and knowledgeable. This will be a must stop shop for me anytime I am in Seattle. read more

This is by far the best map store I've ever been in. I can't think of anything that they don't carry at this store. The store has a good amount of space and is a playground for map lovers. They have maps, map wall décor items, globes, gifts, and items for kids. I enjoyed slowly walking through the store and looking at every single item that they offer. This is leaps and bounds better than the map stores I've visited in other towns. read more

When I was a little girl my dad used to make random surprise stops at the map store on the way home from picking me up from school. It was a huge treat, and it stayed with me my whole life. He used to get excited about all of the old and strange maps, especially the ones of Egypt. I began to love Geography and Cartography, and ended up studying both a bit in college (for five minutes). These days, a visit to the map store means a special treat for me filled with wonderful memories of my father. A week before I went to Europe last year I stopped by Metsker to look for a couple of guides, and they have a nice selection. I love the maps of Western Washington, and all the dreams of hiking that and I can enjoy while on the premises. I highly recommend Metsker Maps for a nice hour of relaxation. read more