Post Alley - Image 1
1 / 10

Post Alley

4.6
·491k reviews·Seattle, United States

A narrow alleyway transformed into a vibrant, sticky canvas of chewed gum, offering a uniquely quirky Seattle experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Post Alley - Image 1

Post Alley

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A narrow alleyway transformed into a vibrant, sticky canvas of chewed gum, offering a uniquely quirky Seattle experience.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"It's a sticky, colorful, and unforgettable Seattle landmark that sparks conversation."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Add your own gum!

Bring a piece of gum to contribute to the wall's ever-growing art.

👃 Brace for the smell

The concentrated gum can create a unique aroma. It's part of the experience!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Gum Wall

The Iconic Gum Wall

Post Alley

A vibrant, ever-growing tapestry of chewed gum, this quirky landmark is a Seattle must-see.

Ghost Alley Espresso

Ghost Alley Espresso

Next to the Gum Wall

Grab a unique 'mystery mocha' at this cozy spot, a local favorite near the Gum Wall.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Sticky Spectacle

Post Alley's famous Gum Wall is a unique, albeit sticky, attraction. Be prepared for a sensory experience – it's colorful but can be pungent. While it's a quick stop, it's a must-see for many visiting Seattle.

Location & Timing

Nestled in Post Alley, just below Pike Place Market, the Gum Wall is easily accessible. Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds and get the best photos. Weekday mornings are often less busy.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#OVERWATCH ₊˚⊹ i hqve sm silly edits i just donr post idk why LMFAO 🏷️; #overwatchclips #overwatchtiktok #overwatchmeme #overwatchfunnymoments #overwatch #symmetra #lifeweaver
@irl.juno
26.2K likes • 86.8K views

📸 Add your own gum!

Bring a piece of gum to contribute to the wall's ever-growing art. Instagram

👃 Brace for the smell

The concentrated gum can create a unique aroma. It's part of the experience! Reddit

Seattle's Weird Gum Wall Seattle's Gum Wall in Post Alley is a quirky tourist attraction covered in chewed gum, near Pike Place Market. It started in the 1990s and is now a unique city landmark. 🎥 - I wrote the original owners of all video sections at the bottom right of the video.
moonmudshorts
128 likes • 12.6K views
📍The Great Gum Wall of Seattle The Wall of Gum in Seattle has become a popular landmark. Bubble gum of all flavors and colors await you inside Post Alley, just below Pike Place Market. The wall is eight feet tall and over fifty feet long… and it just keeps growing. The covering of the alley started almost 30 years ago, in 1993, just outside the entrance to Market Theater. Ticket holders would s...
a_friendly_stranger_
180.9K likes • 8.7M views

👟 Wear comfy shoes

Post Alley has uneven surfaces, so comfortable footwear is key. Reddit

☕ Try a mystery mocha

Ghost Alley Espresso, right by the wall, offers a fun surprise drink. Instagram

Seattle's Gum Wall is a quirky, colorful landmark located in Post Alley near Pike Place Market. It began in the 1990s when theatergoers waiting in line at the Market Theater started sticking chewed gum on the wall as a form of protest after the theater staff repeatedly scraped it off. The gum accumulation has now become a local oddity andis a popular stop for tourists looking to leave their mark. ...
monalisa
122 likes • 4.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Add your own gum!

Bring a piece of gum to contribute to the wall's ever-growing art. Instagram

👃 Brace for the smell

The concentrated gum can create a unique aroma. It's part of the experience! Reddit

👟 Wear comfy shoes

Post Alley has uneven surfaces, so comfortable footwear is key. Reddit

☕ Try a mystery mocha

Ghost Alley Espresso, right by the wall, offers a fun surprise drink. Instagram

🧼 It gets cleaned!

The wall is periodically cleaned to preserve the brickwork. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Post Alley's Gum Wall is a polarizing but unforgettable Seattle attraction, celebrated for its unique, colorful spectacle and quirky charm. While some find the aroma and stickiness off-putting, most visitors appreciate it as a bizarre piece of public art and a fun photo opportunity. The adjacent Ghost Alley Espresso is a highly recommended coffee stop.

What People Like

Unique and colorful art
Quirky photo opportunities
Vibrant atmosphere

What People Dislike

Strong smell
Sticky and unhygienic

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Gum Wall is located in Post Alley, a narrow street just below Pike Place Market. Look for the colorful, sticky spectacle! It's a popular spot mentioned in many Seattle travel guides and TikToks. InstagramReddit

Yes, Post Alley is easily accessible from downtown Seattle. The Link Light Rail and various bus routes stop near Pike Place Market, putting you just a short walk away from Post Alley. Reddit

Driving directly into Post Alley can be challenging due to its narrow, pedestrian nature. It's best to park in a nearby garage or lot around Pike Place Market and walk. Reddit

Post Alley is adjacent to the famous Pike Place Market, offering a wealth of food, shopping, and entertainment. You'll also find other unique shops and eateries in the alley itself. Instagram

Post Alley is generally considered safe, especially when it's busy with visitors. However, like any urban area, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, particularly late at night. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee to visit the Gum Wall in Post Alley. It's a public art installation and a free attraction. Instagram

Post Alley and the Gum Wall are accessible 24/7 as it's an outdoor public space. However, the surrounding shops and cafes have their own operating hours. Instagram

To avoid the largest crowds, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends and midday can get quite busy with tourists. Reddit

Yes, many visitors choose to add their own chewed gum to the wall as part of the experience. Just be mindful of where you stick it! Instagram

Yes, the Gum Wall has undergone several cleanings over the years, most recently in 2015, 2019, and again recently to preserve the brickwork. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography & Vibe

Get up close to capture the intricate details and vibrant colors of the gum. Experiment with different angles and lighting, especially during the golden hour for a unique glow. Instagram

Post Alley has a quirky, artistic, and slightly gritty vibe. It's known for its unique street art, independent shops, and the unforgettable Gum Wall. Instagram

Opinions vary! Some find it a fascinating, colorful art installation, while others find it a bit unsanitary. It's definitely a unique Seattle experience. Instagram

Beyond the Gum Wall, Post Alley offers opportunities for street photography with its brick textures, unique doorways, and the general atmosphere of the alley. Instagram

Absolutely! Many visitors capture videos and photos to share their experience. Just be respectful of other visitors and their space. TikTok

🍽️ ☕ Food & Drink

Yes, Post Alley is home to several charming eateries and cafes, including the popular Ghost Alley Espresso, known for its 'mystery mocha.' Instagram

Being so close to Pike Place Market, you'll find an incredible variety of food options, from fresh seafood and local produce to international cuisine and sweet treats. Reddit

Many visitors rave about Ghost Alley Espresso for its friendly staff, great coffee, and the unique 'mystery mocha' experience. It's a perfect stop after visiting the Gum Wall. Instagram

While Post Alley itself might not have dedicated pizza joints, the surrounding Pike Place Market area and downtown Seattle offer numerous pizza options. The keyword 'post alley pizza' suggests interest, and you'll find options nearby. [^SEO]

Post Alley and the surrounding area have a good selection of bars, from cozy pubs to more upscale cocktail lounges, offering a great way to experience Seattle's nightlife. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Gum Wall in Post Alley is a quirky and memorable stop for families. Kids often find the sheer volume and color of the gum fascinating, making it a fun, albeit slightly unusual, photo opportunity. It's a quick visit, so it won't disrupt younger attention spans. TikTok

Consider bringing a piece of gum for each child to add to the wall – it's an interactive element that can make the experience more engaging for them. Nearby, Ghost Alley Espresso offers kid-friendly drinks, and the proximity to Pike Place Market means plenty of other food options are available to satisfy picky eaters.

📸 Photographers & Art Lovers

Post Alley and its Gum Wall are a photographer's dream for unique urban art. The vibrant colors and textures of the gum create a visually striking subject. Experiment with macro shots to capture the intricate details or wider shots to show the scale of the installation. Instagram

Beyond the Gum Wall, the alley itself offers interesting architectural elements and street art. The soft light in the late afternoon can create a beautiful atmosphere for capturing the essence of this hidden gem. Don't forget to explore the surrounding areas of Pike Place Market for more photographic inspiration.

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Post Alley and the Gum Wall are completely free to visit, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity in Seattle. It’s a quick stop that offers a unique visual experience without costing a dime. Instagram

Combine your visit with exploring the free attractions around Pike Place Market, like watching the fish throwers or browsing the public art. For affordable eats, grab a bite from one of the market's many vendors or enjoy a coffee from Ghost Alley Espresso, which offers a more reasonably priced option than some downtown cafes.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Curious Case of the Gum Wall

Post Alley's most famous resident is undoubtedly the Gum Wall. What began in 1993 as a quirky act of defiance by theatergoers waiting for shows at the Market Theater has evolved into a bizarre, colorful, and undeniably unique landmark. Visitors would stick their chewed gum onto the brick walls, initially even adding coins to the sticky blobs. Over the years, this practice transformed a simple alleyway into a vibrant, albeit pungent, canvas of public art. Instagram+1

The sheer scale of the Gum Wall is astonishing. It stretches for over fifty feet and reaches up to eight feet tall, a testament to decades of contributions. While some find it a fascinating, if slightly gross, spectacle, it has become a must-see for many tourists exploring Seattle. The wall is periodically cleaned to preserve the physical structure, but it always seems to regenerate, a testament to its enduring appeal. Instagram+1

Beyond the visual spectacle, the Gum Wall offers a unique sensory experience. The concentrated aroma of countless pieces of gum can be quite potent, a detail that many visitors note. It’s a place that sparks conversation and often elicits a strong reaction – love it or find it a bit much, you won't forget it. Reddit

Exploring Post Alley Beyond the Gum

While the Gum Wall draws the most attention, Post Alley itself is a charming and atmospheric pedestrian street worth exploring. It's a narrow, brick-lined passageway that offers a glimpse into a more intimate side of Seattle, away from the bustling main streets. You'll find a variety of independent shops, art galleries, and unique boutiques tucked away in its nooks and crannies. Instagram

One of the gems within Post Alley is Ghost Alley Espresso. This cozy coffee shop is a local favorite, renowned for its friendly baristas and its intriguing 'mystery mocha' – a surprise flavor concoction that adds an element of fun to your coffee break. It’s the perfect spot to refuel and soak in the alley's unique ambiance. Instagram

Post Alley also serves as a gateway to the wider Pike Place Market experience. Its proximity means you can easily combine a visit to the Gum Wall with exploring the market's vibrant stalls, fresh produce, artisan crafts, and diverse food vendors. The alley offers a slightly more off-the-beaten-path feel compared to the main market thoroughfares, making it a rewarding discovery for curious travelers. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2