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Located in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, Market Square is a must-see for tourists and locals alike. Market Square is surrounded by shops and restaurants and boasts year-round activities in the center of the space. Discover Market Square's rich history.
Market Square for the Holidays
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 an illuminated market square for a unique family-friendly photo op.
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.
The 2023 Holiday Market opens Nov. 17 and runs through Dec. 24 (with extended hours the week leading up to Christmas), giving you plenty of time to shop! Nov. 18, 2023 is one of the most exciting days to visit Market Square, as Highmark Light Up Night dazzled by lighting the Christmas Tree downtown along with musical acts, firework displays, shopping, food and so much more.
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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, No. 1 Sushi Sushi presents fresh rolls for the lunch crowd, The Simple Greek lets you build your own bowls and if you’re looking for craft beer, City Works Eatery & Pour House has over 90 selections on tap. Or, try one of the newest spots in Market Square with molecular gastronomy hotspot Alchemy Bar + Kitchen or get your favorite protein with tacos, burritos, taco salad and more at Beto's Tacos.
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!
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. Check out Barcadia for two floors of classic arcade games paired with themed cocktails.
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Shopping & More
There are plenty of great, local businesses to stop and shop at in and around Market Square.
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. Sports fans, stop into DK Pittsburgh Sports for Steelers, Penguins and Pirates merch that make perfect gifts, and stick around to meet the owner!
If you're ready for some pampering, you'll want to make an appointment at one of the salon and spas in Market Square. The Health Club & Spa 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 Farmers Market
Events and activities are happening around Market Square year-round. From May-Oct. on Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., visitors and locals can experience the Market Square Farmers Market featuring a wide range of local vendors and live performances during Thursday 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 Tuesdays and Sunday. And, the Friday and Saturday Night Market brings together local businesses and the community for a fun pop-up shopping event from June-Oct.
Market Square Farmers Market
Market Square Parking
There is limited street parking available in the area surrounding Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh. Visitors can park in the Market Square Garage managed by the Alco Parking Corporation or explore real-time parking availability via ParkPGH.
Things to Do Nearby
The best part about being in Market Square is that you in a central of hub of Pittsburgh fun, with great things to do in every direction and just a short walk away. Head south from Market Square to PPG Place (one minute walk), a gorgeous plaza with stunning fountains during the warmer months and a gigantic Christmas tree and ice skating rink in cooler months.
To the west, Point State Park is where our three rivers come together in a beautiful park with iconic fountain, and also where hikers and bikers frequent as they see the best of our city. Follow Market Square north and you'll be on our 6th Street Corridor, full of a diverse collection of some of Downtown's best restaurants. To the east (and a touch south), you'll enter our Cultural District, our bustling arts district with 14-square-blocks of world-class theaters, exhibits and galleries.
