Metsker Maps, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways: 1. They have nearly any basic map you'd want to get your hands on, both internationally and within the U.S. 2. The selection of gifts is on point: Shower curtains, mugs, stationery and artwork are some of this shop's adornments. 3. The staff is friendly and helpful. They also won't judge you for requests. I witnessed a customer ask for a "whaling map" and though there was a moment of confusion (Wales? Whales?), they were able to locate the solution. 4. The selection of books compliments the map selection, but doesn't distract. 5. This shop's range of globes is truly impressive. 6. They will mount your maps--or, if you're traveling, they'll tell you where to get it mounted at your destination. If you're interested in seeing several interesting maps--both for artwork and for general use--this place doesn't disappoint. It's important to note that this is not a travel store, but a specialty map store with several travel gifts and items. That being said, it's definitely worth a look. read more

Awesome store with both informative and artsy maps. Fun postcards and books as well. Anyone who enjoys travel will love this store! Customer service is excellent -- I was accidentally charged for the wrong item, which was much more expensive than what I had bought. I called back two days later, and they happily refunded me the difference! read more

One of my Top 10 retail experiences in Seattle. I was bummed when they moved from their age-old location in Pioneer Square up to the Pike Market, but then got over it. Wherever they are I'm glad they're still thriving, because when I want a map of downtown Bucharest they've got my back. Go. Spend an hour. Blow your entire travel budget on maps. You'll be glad you did. read more

I am a bit of a map geek (in another lifetime I worked for MS MapPoint). This is a great store to browse on your way through the market. They have the best selection of new and vintage maps in Seattle to my knowledge. I purchased a framed world map mounted on foam core and laminated and it came back looking amazing (and for under $100). Now I am happily sticking a pin in every city I have visited around the world. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I would take the bus downtown though unless you want to pay for parking. read more

Who would have thought maps could be so awesome? I enjoyed walking through and through this store just perusing through the hundreds of different maps. Giant maps, small maps, ball maps, blow up maps, puzzle maps, globe maps, light maps, etc. I did buy a neat typography map of the city of Chicago along with two earth/globe marbles for my neice and nephew. The Chicago map was really sweet. It just had neighborhood names and not streets. This store would also be a great traveling resource. Seemed like they had a decent selection of traveling books and necessities. I did learn that you could buy tacks to pin on maps, like if you wanted to point out all the places you've traveled. read more

Such a cool shop to browse! Maps, guides, typography prints galore. It felt a little like a library walking in the store though, no one acknowledged us walking in and watched us browse as if we were intruding on a secret project. I guess what I'm trying to say is, the environment made me feel a little awkward browsing... I will say though that once we purchased something, the gentleman helping us was nice enough and even gave us good insight on shipping our purchase versus packing them up and carrying it on the plane with us. So many awesome products in the store, I just wish the employees were a bit more excited to sell them and to see customers coming in. read more

I have ordered special maps from them a couple of times. Everyone I have spoken to has been kind and helpful. They are patient and knowledgeable. Even for a single map, they are happy to make an extra effort. This is service that you can't get from a huge on line merchant. read more

A dream destination for any map or geography nerd like myself. I bought so many things to bring back home, it was hard choosing and staying within my budget! read more

Bought a map from Metsker Maps on-line. When I received it there had been a printing error and part of it was out-of-register and not useable. I called them and they worked to get me new map. They did not have a replacement on-hand when I called them. Since I was leaving the country soon time was important. A new map came in and they express mailed me the new one so I'd have it in time for my trip. Outstanding service and a great attitude about fixing a problem in a timely manner. WAY TO GO! read more

Super cute, quaint shop with a ton of maps, National park patches, books and such. Was able to grab a few different things for thoughtful souvenirs. Worth checking out! read more

Love this store, I will gladly drive from Kent to support this store whenever I need maps or references for my travels!

SUPER cool store! I went here right after visiting Left Banks Collective, and while both stores are unique, Metsker is actually a pleasant place to shop. They have a huge array of maps, stickers, and other knick knacks that are impossible to not buy. As an added bonus, the staff is super helpful. Don't miss this place if you're visiting Seattle. read more

If you're an adventurer at heart, this place is perfect. Aside from an informative staff, their perpetual selection of various world and US maps is amazing, and their guidebooks that range from coastal hikes to lavish, holiday living abroad, are novel and compacted with a vast array of necessary tidbits on traveling safely and efficiently. Just check the place out on 1st Avenue and you'll see how this attractive business will inspire your desire to get outside and travel elsewhere. read more

Very unique store for map enthusiasts. Might be a good place to buy someone a gift. Felt like I was in a map library. Great customer service ("librarians"). read more

Such a cute place to stop by and look around! Definitely a hidden gem. They have everything from guide books and road maps, to globes decorative poster maps in all sizes and different styles. Checking it out is great idea for planning a trip and for map enthusiasts! Also the staff is very helpful :) read more

This is a really lovely shop with a ton of globes, maps, travel books, gifts, and art. We bought a globe for my son here instead of ordering it online, and it was great to be able to see the different options before choosing one. We also got our SnowPark pass for the winter, and a map placemat for mealtime. If you want to foster a love of geography or get ready for a trip near or far, this is a great place to go. read more

Cool maps, but not being greeted and getting stared up and down, didn't leave us with a good vibe. I also had to ask to pay for my items while I stood right in front of the cashier as she folded bags. read more

I'm confident: Metsker Maps is as good as it gets! The people who work here are patient and friendly and very knowledgeable. I was looking for a specific type of map and had a bunch of dumb questions which the shopkeeper answered with ease and way more information than I expected. It's surprising to have such a family-style business right in the heart of the biggest tourist area of our big city. read more

I'm also a map geek and I also miss the Pioneer Square location. Lots more light there. However, this is still THE place to get your maps. And atlases and globes... A staggering amount of cartographical information. Don't overlook the nautical charts and space posters. You can also get your maps laminated. If you love maps this won't be a quick stop. Plan to spend some serious browsing time. read more

Maps, maps, and more maps. If you are new to Seattle and need a Thomas guide or are travelling to another state for a road trip or on a European adventure, this map store is for you! Very helpful staff and a great location in the market. There are old maps, new maps, laminated maps. You name it three is a map for it! read more

Every time I am in Seattle, I stop in because I know I'll find something cool. I've never been disappointed and the staff is very helpful and friendly. read more

I like maps, a lot. I think they are pretty, and awesome in general. It makes me excited that we have a cool map store like Metsker, where you can buy maps just for their cool factor, or for actual use. They sell old maps, new maps, but just pretty damn good maps in general. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but the last time I was there a really nice guy helped me decide which map of the Seattle are would be best for what I wanted (for an out-of-town guest) and the map was totally affordable at $5.95 I believe. read more

People expect you to be fussy over clothes or food, but not many understand when you want to comparison shop the best map of a region. Metsker Maps has a wide selection and many options for popular types of maps. You can walk in not just wanting, say, a US map. One has the option of wanting an area, a projection, a stylistic look, etc. For me that's the best part. I didn't need to order out, but I'm glad I had the option of looking even further. Plenty of different types of maps (parks, novelty, etc) mean everyone is entertained. Don't be afraid to be picky! Though you should anticipate spending a pretty penny on each map (as much as a band poster or more). read more

All a map store should be -- the Elliott Bay Book Co of map stores, the Taj Mahal of terra graphica, the... well, you get the idea.

I love this shop. I could spend hours here, but I try to not be so obnoxious when I browse. If you want any kind of map, they have it! Their prices are very reasonable and the people working in the shop are kind and helpful but not obtrusive. read more

I love this store! They are the only place that sells laminated Green Trails maps for hiking. Very helpful staff! read more

Huge thumbs up! These guys sell laminated Green Trails maps! If you hike or play outdoors in the Great Northwest, a good set of Green Trails maps is a necessity. And, if you have a favorite map that you need to take hiking, they'll laminate for you. Very helpful and a huge selection. I always find just what I'm looking for at Metsker's. read more

Aahhh what an incredible store! I love their collection of maps, with countries that you wouldn't normally see in many stores. Cartography is a lost art that I profess to know little about and I really appreciated the store and its employees who were quite informative. If you want a specific map that they don't carry they have partnered with a local printing company that will produce it for you on high quality paper and even ship it to you (lead time of 4-5 days is needed). We bought a gorgeous enormous old world map that we carried back with us on the plane and are working on framing and displaying right now! Honestly, I'd wanted to buy an actual antique print from our store Rare Old Prints locally, but despite multiple looks I've never found the right map there, and here, while it's not antique, it is PERFECT. Cannot wait to have it up. read more

The only map you won't find here is a map to my heart, because you don't need one, my heart is at Metsker Maps! Seriously though, this place has ANY map you can imagine or need. Lots of PNW maps too, historical and topo as well. Get here for all of your cartographic needs! read more

Adore this place. Great selection of travel guides, journals and maps. A good place to brainstorm ideas for overseas travel or weekend getaways. They always have a good mix of guides that cater to more history-focused travelers as well as young penny pinchers. All around inspiring place to be. read more

The best map store ever...from here to there, and every point in between. And you'll be inspired to go to new places.

First time visiting store. Fantastic and knowledgeable staff. A must visit in the market.

Metsker Maps is a usual stop on our Sunday market strolls, to the point of my having a favorite terrestrial globe I can lust after. This store is great place to take your out-of-state visitors who will be spending a week or two in town: you can pick up not only--you guessed it--maps, but also guides for virtually any activity in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, from backpacking to epicurean pursuits. Don't forget about awesome cartographic gifts, as well as some of the most beautiful local postcards in the vicinity of Pike Place Market. read more

I found this place exploring the area around Pike Place on a rainy day ... a delightful collection of books and other items for map enthuiasts - definitely worth a stop! read more

Stores like this are Rare, you must go if you need or like maps. Metskers doesn't just stock the mass-published maps, they have also scrounged up all kinds of small-producer products. Many items are unique to the Pacific Northwest, but they also carry many maps of the United States and the World. Aside from maps and atlases made for utility, they also have a wide variety of framable, hangable gift maps including modern maps, themed maps, carved wooden maps, and reproductions of antique maps. They also have map-related objects that are perfect as gifts. I got the set of world map post-it notes in a tin because I couldn't resist. I really want to go back and get a USGS bench mark medallion. read more

I was intrigued that there was a map specialty shop. I loved the maps on the wall, especially of old time Seattle. It was like a charming museum walking around inside. The guy was super awesome and friendly. read more

I love maps and they have so many beautiful ones here, your eyes will glaze over.

Love this place! I love to get maps of places I've been, and browse the maps of places I want to go. This is also a great store if you're looking for a gift for someone who loves travel, reading, history, art, boating, trivia, games--anything, really! read more

Love it! Best place to go for a gift for someone you wish would leave town.

This place is my Disneyland. Best map store ever! Some of the maps are more like works of art than maps. The vintage maps are really cool too. They even had the tide table I was looking for. I'm not usually much for shopping, but when I go into this place, it's hard for me to leave. read more