I love this place. Many fond memories here, sober and drunk. I think I might be getting too old to be hanging out in the clubs, but still enjoy taking in some dinner and live music in one of the few "grown" venues. Yes, there are homeless people, but really there are everywhere. Don't want to give them money? Say no. Don't like the trash? Help clean it up. Don't like the drunk club-goers? Don't go there at night. I guess it just takes a true Seattlitte to love Pioneer Square. read more

Very interesting square in the historical district of Seattle! There are lots of homeless people here, but I found most areas to have a fair amount of homeless people. There are several restaurants and boutiques here and it has a park that looks like it has music from time to time. There are art galleries and gift shops. And all of the major sporting events are in this neighborhood because all of the stadiums in the area. I probably wouldn't walk in this area after dark, alone. read more

From the minute I set foot in Pioneer Square, I was attracted to the wrought iron pergola that arches around one of the street corners there. The park itself, well, its a mixed bag. For the history lover, the person that wants to feel Seattle's roots, you're in the right place. Its a nice place to spend a chunk of the afternoon. Having said that, yep, there are a lot of people there who are down on their luck, and may be spending the day trying to get a handout. Pioneer Square attracts all types. There is a lot to see- and to eat- nearby, and whats nice is that the vast majority of it is entirely unique to Seattle. Grab some gelato, a sandwich and then maybe do an Underground Tour or try on a Utilikilt. Or, just enjoy the history and architecture around you- this is one of the oldest and most well-preserved parts of Seattle. read more

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Area is very sketchy - replete with many homeless services and persons. There also weren't many people besides walking around (on a Sunday afternoon). It set my Spidey senses tingling so I didn't stay very long. However, from what I could see in the Pioneer Square area for the short time I was there and the 8 or so blocks I walked, there were some very lovely, architecturally interesting and historic buildings. It's also free. I would probably feel more comfortable roaming around on a week day when it would likely have more traffic and had I not been shooting with a $500+ camera and rolling around my large backpack. The best part of my exploration? When I walked into the main visitor's center for Klondike Gold Rush National Park, and I was completely ignored. The white, male front desk person greeted and spoke warmly and animatedly to the white patrons who were leaving the counter when I arrived but said absolutely nothing to me. He just stared at me. No greeting. No direction. Nothing. (And yes, I had my backpack on my back when I entered.) He also spoke to the white patrons who came in a few minutes after I did in the same way as the initial white couple. It's ironic to note that I have by FAR had more negative race-based experiences in the Northern part of the U.S. than I have EVER had in the South and I was born and raised in the South. I also still live there. Yet, when I have been up North, I have had other people of color tell me that they are afraid to go to the South. (laugh) read more

Pioneer Square is the old Downtown of Seattle. I loved this area. If you enjoy outside space with plenty of parks, games, and relaxing areas this is the place for you. This area is also full of great resturants, shopping, and history. This has been one of my favorite places to visit so far and close to a pier. read more

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This is the "old Seattle" district. Lots of history, buildings, etc. But also home of many of the shelters in the area. Homeless people asking for change abound, so we aware. Some cute landmarks and highlights make this part of visiting Seattle. This is where you take the Underground Seattle tour. Smith tower, once the tallest building west of the Mississippi also has an observation deck - opens at 10AM. read more

Not impressed at all. First, there was construction. Everywhere (so it seemed). Whole streets torn up. Traffic cops directing traffic. Noisy. Dirty. Ugly. We stopped in a couple decent galleries. But the atmosphere of the place in general was off-putting. Others have mentioned the homeless, and here we encountered them. Didn't feel threatened (it was daytime), but definitely decided we would rather be somewhere else. Would not recommend. read more

I came to this place with hopes of coming across friendly people with an upbeat atmosphere. What I got was sketchy homeless people and filthy walkways. This place is historic, yes. But I just didn't feel safe staying there. read more

Pioneer Square - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Seattle has done a good job revitalizing the downtown area. The old brick buildings have been stabilized, retrofitted and have some interesting tenants. There is a nice mix of retail stores, gallerries and buisness tenants. The public space is broad and airy, looks like it would be nice on a sunny day. Even in the rain, there are lots of pedestrian traffic. There is also a great museum- the National Park Service's Klondike Museum. It has a wonderful exhibit on the 1897 gold rush there. It is housed in the Cadillac Hotel, and there is a fascinating exhibit on how it was saved and renovated that gives you an idea how far this part of town has come. read more

This area was the original heart of the city. It is surrounded by blocks of shops, cafes, clubs, restaurants and galleries which make it a fun place to browse on a sunny day. It's also the area where you catch the spooky Underground tour and it's within walking distance from the International district. They also have the outdoor market on saturdays with local artist selling their goods and mobile food vendors such as Skillet, Ram & Rooster Dumplings and Parfait Organic Ice Cream. Transportation availability: All buses in downtown Seattle are free. read more

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I used to love Pioneer Square, but it recent years, it's become very sketchy. There are many panhandlers around who can be aggressive and rude. I've seen homeless people urinating on the sidewalk and have been asked for money while having dinner on an outside restaurant patio. Basically, I don't feel safe there. It's unfortunate because there are some adorable stores and nice restaurants there. read more

Being one of the few residents of Pioneer Square (and of those one of the few who actually have a home) I feel that I'm qualified to give out these tips on surviving the armpit of Seattle: 1. Never ever step into a puddle in Pioneer Square. It may look like water but most likely it's piss or vomit. Actually this last weekend I saw the aftermath of someone who must have been pissing on the sidewalk when he vomited. It wasn't a pretty sight. 2. Do not give the local homeless any money no matter how long they follow you. Their plan is to follow you for blocks to intimidate you to forking over some cash. As long as you don't walk into an alley you're be safe. This brings up to the next tip 3. NEVER, EVER EVER go into one of the alleys. Yes it's a shortcut and there's dumpsters. But what you don't realize is that it's a cesspool of crap and urine as the alleys are the public restroom for the locals (with or without homes). And yes my loft overlooks one of the alleys. And no, I haven't seen people having sex behind the dumpster though the moaning does get annoying. 4. Don't even think about letting your meter go a minute over your meter. Everyday the Nazi meter maids roam the sidewalks. If your car meter is about to expire, they will wait by your car. At exactly 01 seconds after expiration your car windshield will come with a decoration called a citation. 5. Lastly, if someone tells you they live in Pioneer Square don't friend them. They probably are a douche (me), have strippers/escorts visit them during the day (my neighbor to the right), wanna be hipster (my other neighbor to the left) or homeless and live in the shelters in the area (all my other neighbors). read more

Screw you, crackhead who smashed open my driver's side window and broke into my Suzuki Aerio on 9-29-10, on Marion St. between 1st and Western. I hope you are enjoying my accounting textbooks that cost me over $200, and my ipod, and whatever else you took to sell for whatever purpose. Because i am sure some dealer out there REALLY could learn how to balance an income statement. Be careful, people. When you park your car to go out at night, don't bring anything down here with you that you can't fit into your underwear. *joy p.s. mother-effer also stole my shrimp chips. Now you are just straight-up messing. read more

This is an interesting area and park, lots of cool old brick buildings, especially the glass and Iron structure in the park. Lots of interesting shops as well, though I miss the map shop that was there years ago. This trip I finally got around to taking the underground tour with tells of the history of the area (and Seattle) very interesting. Its a great area to explore around. Lots of things to find, from sculptures to small parks, I always try and enjoy my finds as I don't know when I will find it again. read more

Pioneer square. If you can go anywhere without having to step over, around, or be accosted by some crazy person, you have special skills or are hopping from rooftop to rooftop. I don't go here at all unless I have jury duty, I'm meeting someone who has taste that is questionable, or I've been abducted and am trying to free myself from my bonds in a trunk using the wheel jack. Sloppy lame bars, generally bad food, and people who haven't figured out there are better places to spend their time. It's kind of like Myspace of Seattle in that I don't have to go there and they'll be just fine without me. read more

Day or night, I find Pioneer Square a fascinating and cool place to chill. My favorite is on a chilly day (minus the rain, of course). The crisp, clean air as I walk through the neighborhood is utterly refreshing. I love to stop and sit on a bench and people watch. Right before I get asked for money, food, cigarette, directions, or sex. I never know which question I'll be asked but it keeps life interesting. I stopped spending a lot of time in bars and clubs there but still go occasionally. I often meet friends for lunch there since it's walking distance for me and it's nice to get away from some of my typical lunch spots. Some of the little shops are really funky and interesting. The buildings are the most interesting to me. The age, material, style, design - just about everything. Overall, a cool place to hangout alone or with friends. read more

Welcome to Pioneer Square, a lovely section of Seattle full of history, life and underground tunnels. Believe it or not this part of town is actually sitting several feet up from its original ground elevation. Nevertheless, the background story of this area is very intriguing especially for those who love a bit of history. Just along Yesler way was the old transport path for loggers to get down to the harbor. Surrounding the neighborhood is a wide arrangement of restaurants and stores that have stood there for several decades. If you really want to get a handle of the history of the area I recommend taking the underground tour. You won't be disappointed. Like most downtown areas, this does show signs of being worn down, but not necessarily run down. I wouldn't say you aren't safe walking down the street, but be mindful there's a lot of bums and peddlers. Find your closer to Pike's or in the heart of Seattle, you'll have less to worry about. Did I enjoy my stay at Pioneer Square, absolutely, the vibrant history is surrounds made the trip well worth it. Is it the classiest and modern can't say it is. read more

I don't get it.... Is this supposed to be the historic centre? Because it was nondescript and boring. It felt like everything was closed (it was a sunday) and while there were a few bars/ tourist shops open I was genearlly confused to the general draw of this place as a tourist attraction. I guess it's cool to walk around. but I got over it in half an hour. and that was a STRETCH. Go just to see what people are talking about, but really... not worth spending more than 20 minutes of your life on. MOVE ON. read more

Pioneer Square is the smallest urban park in the world, I'd read. Then I visit it to find out it's also the worst. It's so small, I've seen bigger (and prettier) traffic circles. Right now half the sidewalks are ripped up and the area is surrounded with construction barricades. On the the plus side that seems to be decreasing the homeless population a bit... though there are still plenty of crazy people shuffling around and occasionally screaming obscenities at passers-by. Good times! (Not.) read more

So, as a visitor from another state I loved finding some great shops along here and what a pretty area. It is just too bad that it is filled with sketchy people the whole day - someone had a tent setup??!! I was actually amazed though with how clean the area seemed with all the people sleeping there in the middle of the day... read more

If I wasn't into people watching I probably wouldn't like this place much...however it definitely deserves at least three stars due to the historical significance and interesting sights Pioneer Square offers. I strongly recommend visiting here during the day to see the Underground Tour, the Klondike Museum, the Smith Tower and the waterfall. There are usually questionable people out, so be cautious of beggars and people talking (or shouting) to themselves. There are some good bars and restaurants to eat in the area...it's pretty safe as long as you aren't by yourself (I've been here day or night to eat and the worse thing that happened is someone begging to me). read more

This is a really neat part of Seattle and after taking the Underground Tour, I appreciate it even more. Don't let people convince you that that tour is a dud. It's fun and the guides are great and keep you interested the whole time. If you do try the tour, I think you will have a new appreciation of the great city that is named after a great Native American chief and I assure you, you won't go sleepless afterward. read more

Nice area turned into a dump. People smoking crack pipes in the street, tents set up in the park, it smelled bad, and I just did not feel safe there. It looked like businesses have been board up and have closed. I have not been to downtown Seattle in a couple of years but now that I have moved back to Washington I thought it would be nice for the family to visit. Two days wandering around the downtown area and I did not see one person from law enforcement. If this is what the Seattle voters want from their mayor and city council good luck. I will not return and I would not recommend anyone else go there especially with small kids. read more

Seriously why the hate Yelpers... Pioneer Square is where it started. And have you ever spent a day there without seeing something interesting? I doubt it. Sure there is a fair amount of the pointing tourists either lost or looking for the Underground Tour or lost and looking for the Underground Tour but Pioneer Square is kinda of wickedly cool. Some of the shops are top notch. There are many places to try interesting food. The art walk is so intriguing I was almost late to work once considering going. There is a park with some waterfalls, amazingly old buildings, and a large number of businesses ranging from video game studios to toy stores to one of the best Sake shops in the US. Sure it is also a little creepy and there is definitely an element that is not exactly wholesome... But this is a city folks and Pioneer Square offers a lot of amazing things for those brave enough to walk it... just bring a friend, a charged cellphone, and use your brain and you're bound to have a memorable time. read more

First to review Pioneer Square? Can it be? So, there's a lot to be said about this part of Seattle. This is the old core of the city, where skid row was birthed and some of the oldest buildings can be found. The architecture is fabulous - lots of red brick and terra cotta. Be sure to check out the Pioneer Building on 1st and James - gorgeous. There's a ton of good bars down here where you can hear great music. Back in the day I saw Mudhoney and Tad down on 1st street. But with the bars come the drunks, and Seattle has more than it's share of drunks. You can't walk half a block without stumbling over a passed out guy, or getting panhandled. You'll also find good shopping here, as well as great art galleries, antiques and restaurants. Don't scoff at the Underground Tour. In the 13 years I lived in Seattle I went twice, and loved it. One thing I don't understand is why the place virtually shuts down on Sundays. I was there at 3pm last week and it was like a ghost town. This is how it's always been, but Saturdays the place is crawling with tourists. This time I returned as one of them, and like them took one look at the closed up shops and left for other parts. Hmmm... Oh yeah. Be sure to check out Smith Tower. read more

This place is an ignominious cesspool of drugged up, diseased trash, douchbag yuppies and fake thugs that couldn't cut it in whatever shit hole they came from so they came out here for the social welfare. Here's the deal. This place has always been the aforementioned, but it used to have a much better nightlife. I'm talking before larry's, back when the Bohemian was in full effect with a line around the fucking block, J&B had a line around the corner and the arab gyro shop sold hotdogs and popcorn over by where the Persian rug place was. Then you had an all night place where the Volume, Catwalk, heaven is it was open until like 5am. But ever since mayor Dickhole assraped the night life for the yuppie invasion it just hasn't been the same. Not to mention those fucking metermaids and the god damned Lincoln tow assholes that wait for you to park in the wrong spot so they can tow your car, steal what's inside and pawn it to buy meth. Long story short, fuck this backards shit hole. They should let people put food carts in the area and open the park up to vendors at night like a real fucking city. read more

I'm a tourist! and I loves it! You really have to take the underground tour to truly appreciate it's goodness, because it truly comes with an understanding of the sqaure's history. I also found it too cute! Very San Francisco of Seattle, as well. While we were waiting around the pavillion, this transient started yelling "where's my shit?!" to a guy sitting on a bench. Of course, a ladycop was standing right behind the transient, and after two good screams, she takes that transient down. What's amusing is the time and delicacy this ladycop too to put on her leather gloves, so as not to make skin-to-skin contact as she forced the screaming hobo to the ground... and I did feel bad for the guy, but he totally wasn't cooperating. Lots of Seahawk fans around, which is cool, I guess. They weren't as obnoxious as Raider fans, which I appreciated. It was also kind of neat to know that a number of the locals were in the stadium and the streets were all MINE! :) I also had some GREAT Thai food in the basement of the building above. And it was right before the underground tour where I learned that the restaurant was actually once the street level of the building above. So NEAT! Oh, and lots of great photo ops! read more

I love the smell of piss and good deals on crack. So much potential and upside...clean it up!!!! read more

This is a good spot to just relax, sit and do people watching. Surrounded by the restaurants and boutiques this is the only spot on the road where the chairs are lined up for people to sit and enjoy the commotion. read more

At first I wasn't sure what to think, you have some bums in the corner but then regular people walking right by as if nothing. The place has that unique old school look, a place that if you live in a city like Miami is like a fairy tale coming to life. The buildings, the weather that day, the coffee shops on every corner it was wonderful. It's a definite must see!!! read more

What a Find. Great place full of beautiful buildings. I found this hidden treasure for my husband and enjoyed it as much. There is a lot to see, the streets are gorgeous, The square is spectacular. They have good stores there. Well worth a visit if you are at all in to the City History. read more

Pioneer Square is part of the oldest of Seattle's memory. You will find what was once a beautifully crafted neighborhood now in the middle of some of the dirtiest parts of town. It is still worth the visit, even if you have to go there regardless because you will pass right by it on your way out of town. After you get past the terrible smells, screaming addicts, and aggressive driving, it is a nice spot to rest on your way through. There are a variety of things around here that are fun to do and see, but really you're here if you want to soak up some history. You can really see the evidence of the growing pains of the city here and buildings sink into the ground. The brick structures are holding up as well as you might expect, but it doesn't appear anyone will put any modern sky risers here without needing to dig a hole down through decades of settling fire damage. The real stars here are the Iron Pergola and Tlingit Indian Totem, centrally located in the Square. These have been painstakingly restored to as close to their original look when they were put there over 100 years ago. Both have a colorful history, just like their town of residence. Enjoy it while it lasts and get in an underground tour if you can. This place won't be like this forever. read more

Great little part of Seattle. This part is of downtown is known as the triangle because of how the streets form. In the early days, Seattle's developers thought it would be nice to have the streets adjacent to the waterfront for excellent views. I learned that during my tour earlier today. Area looks historic. read more

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What I loved about Pioneer Square is its architecture because it reminds me a little bit of Boston where brick buildings and small funky shops surrounded the historical area. There seems to be some homeless people inhabiting certain areas around Pioneer Square, but overall, it was a nice place to visit, especially with all the eclectic shops they have! P.S. My boyfriend and I happened to stumble upon a crew of people who were making a documentary when we were walking to the waterfall garden. We were so curious and it was very tempting to jump in the scene. But I don't think they want two random asian tourists popping out of nowhere with peace hand signs plastered on their face. Maybe next time! read more

This is a really interesting part of town. I love all of the old architecture and the tree lined streets. We came down on Saturday night for the first time and found several fun bars with live music - most with no cover charge. The crowd is a little older and mellower unlike Capital Hill. I also saw lots of shops and restaurants to explore the next time we visit in the daytime. read more

Pioneer Square - Merchant's Cafe - bacon wrapped prawns. $9 - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I'm digging this neighborhood--it exudes history in a beautiful town that is very quickly building in this modern day and age. Yeah, I get that it is maybe in a more rundown part of town, but how can you not love driving down 1st and checking out those old brick buildings and absorbing it all in? read more

The history is very interesting, and it's nice to know where Seattle began. I will say that this place can be sketch at night... there are some "characters" that make you have a white knuckle grip on your purse and loved ones, but don't let that deter you from the fun shops and tours that occur in this area. If you aren't much of a tour person just look around! The buildings are amazing, and it's one of the best places to people watch. read more

Just don't. It is sketchy. Homeless and mentally ill people hanging out here. We walked through from a stadium tour. We had to wait at the pergola for the shuttle to pick us up. Otherwise, I would not have stayed. This isn't my first trip to a city. I have seen the homeless element before. But, I didn't feel safe at 3pm. Stay away. There is a bad element there. read more

Visit during the day and you'll get a breathtaking idea of what Seattle must have been like at the turn of the century. The architecture and the buildings are magnificent. The cobblestone areas are really cool bringing some old world charm but everything is just a little dampened by the large amount of homeless and transient folks who call Pioneer Square home. The quaint little shops and restaurants are very cozy and enticing but beware when you walk outside or down the street for multiple strangers (who smell bad usually) to have a hand out asking you to spare some change or sometimes, get violently angry with you for not showing enough attention or giving to their cause. You'll also probably be solicited by at least one if not more people selling a daily publication called "Real Change". It is a way for the folks who are down on their luck to earn some money productively to help them get on their feet so to speak. I used to like donating to their cause until they doubled the price of their publication from $1.00 to $2.00. Now I know that sounds pretty stingy of me but I have a hard time overlooking that they up'd the price by 100% and did nothing to change the product. I would suggest buying one if you are touring the city as they do have some interesting things to read on occasion. Enter Pioneer Square after dark and you're in for a whole different experience. This is the night life mecca of Seattle and given the day of the week, is bustling with night clubs. The scene has gone way down since the 90's or early 2000's for that matter. I blame the economy and the increasingly tendency of people to be introverted now because of at home entertainment but if things are still the same, you can pay one cover charge and have your hand stamped and then you will be able to enter into around 8 or so venues all for the price of that one admission. It's a really good value if you like to check out the latest in local music performances and bar hop. read more

ew, ew, ew....disgusting. This area was our one of our first impressions of Seattle and it turned me completely off. I live in New York and see tons of homeless people and shady areas, but this takes the cake. Yes, I know, it's a very historical area (that was why we were in that area for a couple of tours) but honestly, if I never go to that area again in my life, I will be fine with it. During the two tours were did (beneath the streets and spooked in Seattle), I think that both guides talked about how the area was bad for a long time and is now getting better. Getting better?? I can't even begin to imagine what it was like before... If you are visiting Seattle, don't make this area your first, second, or even third, place to visit, as you will be totally turned off of the city from it. read more