What is Market Square?
Market Square is was originally constructed in Downtown Pittsburgh in 1764 and become home to the area’s first courthouse, jail and newspaper. In 2009, the area went through a renovation that focused on catering to pedestrians by offering a variety of restaurants and dining options, shopping, activities, accommodations and year-round programming.
Restaurants in Market Square
Tap into the history of Market Square by visiting Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co., an institution since 1919 or the iconic Primanti Bros., serving the ultimate Pittsburgh sandwich stacked with french fries and coleslaw since 1933.
Pizzaiolo Primo serves handmade pizzas and pasta and if you’re looking for craft beer, City Works Eatery & Pour House has over 90 selections on tap. Stop into Market St. Grocery for fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner or to shop a range of local food products and goods. Looking for a sweet treat? Be sure to check out Millie's Homemade Ice Cream using only local and real ingredients to bring you delicious and flavorful ice cream, including vegan and dairy-free options!
On the outskirts of Market Square is the Harris Grill where Tuesday is Bacon Night, and free bacon is served at the bar. Many of the Market Square restaurants turn into a hub for nightlife, including Las Velas, which turns into one of the best dancing destinations in the city during the weekends.
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Shopping & More
There are plenty of great, local businesses to stop and shop at in and around Market Square. Powered by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, PG&H is a brick and mortar location showcasing the works of artisans, craftspeople and makers in the local community. Explore a variety of unique, high-quality home goods, accessories, décor and gifts while giving back to Pittsburgh's vibrant arts community. Boutique La Passerelle is must-visit store featuring European fashion with a Pittsburgh flair, and 306 Forbes Boutique offers women's fashion, accessories and state-of-the-art Microblading, Permanent Lip and Eye Makeup. For the guys, be sure to visit Heinz Healey's, a locally-owned and operated Pittsburgh men’s clothier for 33 years carrying high-end fashion.
If you're ready for some pampering, you'll want to make an appointment at one of the salon and spas in Market Square. Stella & Shay Beauty Bar PGH offers hair, nail and spa services including facials and full body waxing. The Health Club at the Fairmont Pittsburgh is a great option for a full-service spa menu ranging from massages to a variety of full-body treatments. And, for the more athletic crowd, Moxie Mind & Body is a pilates studio with private, duet and group classes.
Market Square Special Events
Notable attractions are held year-round. From May-Oct, visitors and locals can experience the Market Square Farmers Market featuring a wide range of local vendors and live performances during Thurday lunch hours. During the summer months, Market Square transforms into an outdoor yoga studio for Yoga in the Square programming, offering free classes to the public on select nights and weekends. And, the Saturday Night Market brings together local businesses and the community for a fun pop-up shopping event from June-Oct.
You'll definitely want to experience Market Square during the holidays as it turns into an incredibly festive Winter Wonderland! The Peoples Gas Holiday Market™, inspired by the original German Christkindlmarkts (or "Christmas Market"), brings a cherished European tradition to Pittsburgh. With an international flair and local charm, the market features shops from around the world with Asian, African, Haitian and Latin American goods. You can also find Santa's House and plenty of helper elves around market square for a unique family-friendly photo opp. Across the way from the square is The Rink at PPG Place, an outdoor ice skating rink complete with a stunning 65-foot illuminated Holiday tree in the center.
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Parking in Market Square
Market Square itself is closed to vehicle parking however, there is limited street parking available in the area. Visitors can park in the Market Square Garage managed by the Alco Parking Corporation or explore real-time parking availability via ParkPGH.
