Market Square
Market Square
4.5
About
The heart of downtown, where several walking tours begin, Market Square is a center of activity with art galleries, bookstores, antique shops, ethnic restaurants and many original 17th-century buildings.
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- Maurene_KDover, New Hampshire12,283 contributionsTHE HUB OF JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING IN PORTSMOUTHWhenever I’m in downtown Portsmouth, I always walk to Market Square because there’s always something going on there. It’s not only the heart of Portsmouth’s downtown area, but it’s also the hub of shopping and activity with a good amount of dining and entertainment in the downtown clubs included. It’s the happening place. On this visit on Small Business Saturday, I’d been shopping on neighboring blocks. All afternoon, I’d heard bagpipe music coming from the heart of Market Square. And, as dusk was coming, I walked there to see if there was a lone piper, or if there was more than one, and they were taking turns. It turned out to be just one in full Scottish dress in his kilt. He was playing Christmas carols near the corner of Market Street in front of Market Square Jewelers. I did not cross Congress Street to get closer as there was too much vehicular traffic through the square and too much foot traffic on the sidewalk on that side. In short, it was a borderline madhouse at that hour. I maintain my rating of Market Square at 5.0. If you found this review useful, please click the THUMBS UP to indicate HELPFUL.Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 4 December 2023
- FaithfultravelerHalifax, Canada2,367 contributionsEnjoyed our 1st visit!Portsmouth, New Hampshire is an amazing historic town. It is on the Piscataqua River, with picturesque fishing trawlers heading out to ocean. Downtown’s Market Square is the city’s restaurant hub, offering fresh coastal cuisine in small chef-run restaurants tucked away in 17th- and 18th-century brownstones. The old huge homes, the colonial architecture, and the friendly small town feel of this picturesque city made for good memories during our 5 night stay.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 January 2024
- dustythoughtsManchester, Connecticut2,164 contributionsUpbeat, walkable areaThis fabulous area is a lovely way to spend an afternoon (or a whole day if you want to take your time). It's chock-full of historic buildings, cute shoppes, and interesting restaurants. Wander down an alley to explore a hidden gem of a restaurant, check out a cute boutique, or just enjoy the gorgeous, historical architecture. Everyone was out in full force when we were here, so there was an upbeat energy that made our meanderings much more positive. There were people playing instruments, which we loved. Everything is very walkable here, so put on your comfy shoes and enjoy!Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
757 reviews
Excellent
481
Very good
237
Average
33
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Eileen V
Trumbull, CT120 contributions
Feb 2022
Tons of overpriced shops and bars replete with an abundance of Millennial Hipsters. We saw more Jack Dorsey wannabes with beards and stocking caps to last us a lifetime. Visiting Market Square is worth your time, just don't expect anything too much.
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Faithfultraveler
Halifax, Canada2,367 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Portsmouth, New Hampshire is an amazing historic town.
It is on the Piscataqua River, with picturesque fishing trawlers heading out to ocean.
Downtown’s Market Square is the city’s restaurant hub, offering fresh coastal cuisine in small chef-run restaurants tucked away in 17th- and 18th-century brownstones.
The old huge homes, the colonial architecture, and the friendly small town feel of this picturesque city made for good memories during our 5 night stay.
It is on the Piscataqua River, with picturesque fishing trawlers heading out to ocean.
Downtown’s Market Square is the city’s restaurant hub, offering fresh coastal cuisine in small chef-run restaurants tucked away in 17th- and 18th-century brownstones.
The old huge homes, the colonial architecture, and the friendly small town feel of this picturesque city made for good memories during our 5 night stay.
Written 11 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas F M
New London, CT1 contribution
Jun 2022
A great land fun city with lots of sights and restaurants. My wife was saved by the very nice lady at Clays when she had left her dress at home and had to find something appropriate to wear. The store was actually closing and she stayed with us to find an outfit for my wife. We also enjoyed the restaurant we eat at the brew pub and Martingale Wharf, which was excellent. The staff and waitress were very friendly and prompt. The food was very good . We will be back
Written 4 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NHjo
Saco, ME13,335 contributions
Mar 2023
Market Square in late winter isn't nearly as crowded as it is at other times. The giant Christmas tree was recently dismantled. It's like the calm before the storm of tourists. There are also a few new stores, including a Best of British store with a very eye-catching life-sized Beefeater standing at the doorway.
Written 11 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony
Long Island, NY64 contributions
Oct 2022
Lovely area of the city. Shops, bars, restaurants, lots of golden retrievers, people, etc. Seemed like whenever we were walking about, we always found ourselves back at Market Square. Really is the hub of the city. Loved this walking city.
Written 21 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mislissyb
Nashua, United States79 contributions
Jul 2022
Whether you are there for the coffee and pastries, ice cream, or are a true foodie there is something for everyone. If f you prefer to shop there is a nice mix of handcrafted artisan shops, art galleries, retail, and brand name stores. If you are a history buff, historic Strawberry Banke is within walking distance.
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveler541
Pennsylvania417 contributions
Jul 2020
Great downtown place to watch people, buildings..sit on a bench with a coffee and relax. This is a great place to relax and enjoy many restaurants, cafes, stores and people watching. Very nice place to hang out and relax for a while.
Written 28 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angielynn7
Bridgewater, MA41 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Spent a couple hours walking around exploring this area of Portsmouth. Lots of restaurants and shops to visit. Easy walking even though it was very busy on the beautiful Sunday we visited. Stopped for lunch at the Thirsty Moose Taphouse and grabbed coffees after that. There was live music on the day we were there. Good way to spend some time
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Culture36730
Boston1 contribution
Market Square is a step back in time, and my favorite place to visit with my wife. Sporting some quirky attractions like a haunted walking tour, where you are guided down the oldest sidewalk in America along Strawberry Bank, this town has something unique for everyone. Traditional pubs like Molly Malones make you feel like you're in Ireland, and traditional music is often played and sung in the evenings. Following the sidewalk down to the water, it's difficult not to stop in every little brick antique shop or gallery. I recommend following the water to 1 Harbour Place, a charming brick building set right on the water next to the bridge to Kittery. From its large brick patio you can spend the day watching boats and seagulls and mingling with the fellows from Fairfield Mortgage who occupy the space and seem to know every odd detail about the history of Portsmouth and its people. But be careful- you may fall in love with this wonderful town and buy a vacation home! If you're lucky they'll invite you in to view the spectacular views of the bridge and park from their office. After leaving 1 Harbour Place, by all means take a stroll through Strawberry Bank. This slice of yesteryear is privately maintained and has been meticulously restored. You'd never guess that you're only a short drive to Boston. In conclusion, there's really no wrong turn you can make in Market Square. From the friendly tobbacconist to the modern day witches, you'll wish the rest of the country could be so quaint, beautiful, and filled with the ghosts of early America.
Written 23 January 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maurene_K
Dover, NH12,283 contributions
Apr 2021
Market Square is where Daniel Street becomes Congress Street, and Pleasant Street angles across to Market Street. The convergence has been a major crossroads and center of commerce in Portsmouth since the 17th.century when the City of Portsmouth was settled.
Today, it is still a busy crossroads with today’s commerce ~ shops, coffeehouses, and restaurants, plus the historic North Church of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Athenaeum Library. Bookstores, toy stores, art galleries, more coffeehouses, more restaurants, specialty shops, and three Historic New England homes are just a block or so away.
Market Square is also something of a social center. It’s a place to see and be seen.
Most of the red brick buildings there were built between the early and mid-1800’s. The reason for so much red brick is three devastating fires in the area in 1802, 1806, and 1813. All occurred around Christmastime. The red brick’s fire-resistant quality has withstood the test of time.
The old red brick construction is part of Portsmouth’s charm. It takes one back in time when life was at a slower pace.
On my most-recent visit, it was a warm, sunny spring day. And, for the first time in the decades that I’ve lived in the area and been to Market Square, I had time to relax and hang out on a park bench on the corner of Congress Street and Pleasant Street after shopping at nearby Stonewall Kitchen. During my 30-minute stay, I had some company with people from away and locals.
I rate Market Square at 5.0. It’s a place to gear down and enjoy one’s surroundings.
If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.
Today, it is still a busy crossroads with today’s commerce ~ shops, coffeehouses, and restaurants, plus the historic North Church of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Athenaeum Library. Bookstores, toy stores, art galleries, more coffeehouses, more restaurants, specialty shops, and three Historic New England homes are just a block or so away.
Market Square is also something of a social center. It’s a place to see and be seen.
Most of the red brick buildings there were built between the early and mid-1800’s. The reason for so much red brick is three devastating fires in the area in 1802, 1806, and 1813. All occurred around Christmastime. The red brick’s fire-resistant quality has withstood the test of time.
The old red brick construction is part of Portsmouth’s charm. It takes one back in time when life was at a slower pace.
On my most-recent visit, it was a warm, sunny spring day. And, for the first time in the decades that I’ve lived in the area and been to Market Square, I had time to relax and hang out on a park bench on the corner of Congress Street and Pleasant Street after shopping at nearby Stonewall Kitchen. During my 30-minute stay, I had some company with people from away and locals.
I rate Market Square at 5.0. It’s a place to gear down and enjoy one’s surroundings.
If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.
Written 15 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there any restaurants open Thanksgiving Day in this area.
Written 18 November 2019
If you have 1 full day here, what is the best plan of action: must see things and best places to eat?
Written 11 October 2018
I would start the day with a nice breakfast at "The Friendly Toast" on Congress Street or Popover or Breaking New Grounds.
Next stroll the downtown area and check out all the quaint and colorful shops.
Walk on down to the harbor and take a tour on either the "Thomas Leighton" or one of the other boats.
If you're back in time for lunch I recommend the River House on Bow Street, excellent menu and great chowder.
Next stroll over to Strawbery Banke, our living history museum of homes decorated from the late 1700s to 1954. See how people lived in days past.
Then see what's happening in Prescott Park next door. They often have plays, concerts, and and entertainment throughout the warmer months.
Cap the day off with a nice dinner at The Library restaurant in the Rockingham building on State street.
Written 11 October 2018
Where is the Portsmouth, NH Rock located ?? Thx!
Written 12 August 2018
Thanks for your answers! I found it! It is on the corner of Deer St. It is a rock that is engraved with Portsmouth, NH 1623 :)
Written 14 August 2018
weather in early December/are stores closed after visitor prime seasons? Concerned about driving conditions.
Written 19 November 2017
Stores and restaurants stay open. The weather in New Hampshire can be tricky. However my wife and I love going to Portsmouth in the winter because the tourist are gone and the food is great. Just bundle up.
Written 20 November 2017
We will be visiting for the first time with our children Ages 7 - 14. What places would you recommend visiting and what would be the closest place/beach for them to swim etc.
Written 20 July 2017
There's a wonderful sea water beach ar New Castle Common. There's a large playground, well manicured lawn with trees then a beach & water but also rocks to climb and explore.
Written 24 July 2017
where do you park to visit Market square?
Written 8 May 2017
The easiest is the parking garage on Hanover St.There is also on street metered parking ,which runs 7 days a week until 8 pm.
Written 9 May 2017
we would like to stay at a bed and breakfast in portsmouth.
Written 1 November 2016
We stayed at an Air BnB apartment--less money for room than a hotel, and plenty of privacy. Wherever you end up staying, Portsmouth is a plesant place to visit.
Written 1 November 2016
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