Seattle Shopping Options

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not much for shopping. However, I'll happily point you in the right direction. Fortunately, downtown Seattle is a pretty small downtown area, so it's pretty easy to take it all in. Here's a simple, down-n-dirty guide.

Pike Place Market
The Good
-Great market. Many, many, choices. Unique items and hand made goods.
-Location. It's right in the heart of downtown Seattle.
-It's fun. Flying fish, the pig, street performers, great food, unique offerings, art. It's tourism done really well. It's not just for tourists, either. You'll see many locals as well.
The Bad
-Crowds. Insanely crowded in the Summer. Don't even attempt to drive through the market.
-Cost. Not that it's expensive. It's just that many people think that they are going to get a great deal here. Like I said, I don't think it's expensive, just don't expect huge bargains.

Pacific Place Mall
The Good
-Location. It's right downtown and walking distance to most hotels and restaurants.
-Quality. It's a really nice mall. Many shopping, dining, and theatre options.
-Shopping abounds. Most of the shopping options downtown are either in the mall or within a few blocks of it.
The Bad
-It's a mall. Do you really want to go to a mall on your vacation? It has the same stuff as your hometown mall.
-No Sports Bar. It would be sweet if it had one.

Capital Hill
The Good
-Location. The shopping is on Broadway Avenue. Very close to downtown. It's either a long walk or very short drive.
-Options. Many unique shopping choices. It has an alternative, hip vibe to it. Many indie record stores, book stores, and hip alterna clothing shops and jewelry stores.
-Coffee Shops. Absolutely the best coffee shops in Seattle.
-Food/Drink. Great dining choices. Really cool restaurants and bars.
The Bad
-Nothing really comes to mind. I'm a big fan of Capital Hill.