This review is based mainly on the Christmas market. We were on a road trip and Pittsburgh was our last stop prior to visiting home for the holidays. There were Christmas markets in other cities we visited but we could not find the time. We extended our stay in Pittsburgh so we made it a point to visit. Upon finding the market, it was magical. Living in Florida many years makes me really miss home around the holidays. There is just something about that cold air! We didn't know where to start and we did not have any specific agenda. There was definitely a lot to see and experience! I found some really cool ornaments and jewelry. There were food venders but we had dinner plans so we held off. It was really busy and we were there late in the evening. I definitely want to visit this again, hopefully around the holidays again. read more

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My favorite place downtown. I love all the different events they host throughout the year. You also see all sorts of people pass through there from business professionals to street performers. It is under construction right now, as they are remodeling the entire square to get ready for the NFL draft coming in April. I hope the new design is as welcoming and inviting as the old layout was. Make sure to visit the farmers market on Thursday's and free yoga on Sunday mornings! read more

The homeless have taken this place over. A few good places are still there. The needed remodeling renovation was much needed. Parking is a issue. I think it will never change. read more

This review is for Pittsburgh Holiday Market: This was on my list to check out, this past Friday, for my birthday on December 1st...glad too have checked it out. Felt like you walked back into fun simplier times; European huts, selling various themed items, live Christmas music, beverages and other delicious treats. A short walking distance, you will find the Highmark icerink, and in the center a sparking, festive 3D Christmas tree. Great event for locals, and if your in from out of town visiting. read more

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The Apertivo Club is a secret little Italian cocktail & wine bar- located in the back of Market St Grocery and below Emerson's right in Market Square. Perfect spot to grab pre dinner drinks or have a night cap.- lots of fun cocktails on their menu! Open 4p-9p Thursday through Sunday. read more

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Market Square is a public space and marketplace in downtown Pittsburgh. It was originally built in the late 1700s and was most recently remodeled into a European-style plaza in the early 2000s. The area is pedestrian-friendly and contains restaurants, stores, and cultural events that are easy to walk to. Market Square has more than a dozen restaurants (e.g., Original Oyster House, Prantl's Bakery, and Il Pizzaialo). Throughout the year, the Market Square Merchants Association organizes events such as live concerts, farmers markets, a Holiday Market, and Light Up Night. For over a decade, I have visited Market Square off and on. I have enjoyed a few of its restaurants and events. Most recently, I came here for the People's Holiday Market. From mid-November to Christmas Eve, a few dozen vendors are set up in wooden chalets and are selling their crafts and foods to the public. I saw goods such as ornaments, t-shirts, plates, bowls, mugs, scarves, greeting cards, candles, books, figurines, nesting dolls, prints, etcetera. I also saw foods and beverages such as strudels, pretzels, roasted nuts, cider, wines, hot chocolate, etcetera. I bought a couple of items, and the prices were reasonable. read more

Market Square - Sign for the Holiday Market for 2023 - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I love coming here and especially at night. So much life and so many people enjoying themselves. From the fountains, to the bars, to the architecture to the restaurants, this area has everything you want and aldidn't know you need to fill your belly and heart with happiness. I 100% recommend coming here to enjoy all it has to offer and especially at night or during the St Paddy's day parade and festivities. It can get very busy depending on the day and time you are here so be prepared for that especially if you are wanting to go to Primanti Bro's as it is always busy due to the amazing sandwiches and people enjoying IC on tap while watching the Pens, Steelers or Pirates. Do yinzselves a favor and check this place out :D read more

Market Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This place is great as long as you are in the "market" for food. With everything from Dunkin to an oyster house, the plaza is able to satisfy all 3 meals. The big draw for me is the open space with seating and minimal cars that give people a place to meet up, enjoy some food, and enjoy some of the architecture of the city. read more

Market Square - View of the square from The Simple Greek. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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The holiday market sponsored by People's Gas was absolutely beautiful and magical. We were there early enough in the season that there were not large crowds gathered yet. Highly recommend the strudel, spinach pie, and bratwurst at Helmut's Strudel chalet and the gluhwein at the wine chalet. I found it to be pretty pricey compared to other Christmas markets in the US and in Europe and the collectable mug did not specify that it was from Pittsburgh, but other than that it was a nice winter warmer. The accordion player was a great addition, and we sipped our hot mulled wine and listened to him play for a little while. We bought a couple hand- painted ornaments and enjoyed the gorgeous mid-November afternoon. Great afternoon in Market Square. read more

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So much history here, dating to 1764, but now a showcase for restaurants. The historic Diamond Market was demolished in 1961, but that led the way to the current European style open square. A renovation in 2011 enhanced the open air features and enhanced features for pedestrian access. Home to political speeches, seasonal concerts and art installations, the Square is a vibrant part of life in Pittsburgh. The German style Christmas market each winter is fun to attend. There's a lot of Abolitionist history in the Square, and a barely noticeable commemorative installation entitled The North Star is worth seeking out. read more

Market Square is an open public space surrounded by restaurants and shops, located at the intersection of Forbes Avenue and Market Street. The area has long been a meeting spot for Pittsburgh residents and it's where the city's first courthouse and first jail were built. these days- its pedestrian-only square is the grounds for many community-building events and festivals of course, summertime is fun here. Typical summer events like any downtown include farmer's markets, fashion truck pop-ups, and outdoor yoga classes, so yeah if you are downtown, go through this. Square is even not as big as you see in major downtowns, but yeah its good to have one rather than none. We had a few bites here, jerk chicken. it was so-so, like 5/10. There are limited on-street parking options near Market Square, but there are plenty of garages in the area. It's a short walk from the Wood Street, Gateway, and Steel Plaza metro stations and many buses stop nearby as well. It's free to stroll around the area, and many public events held in the square are free to enjoy, too. read more

Market Square - many people walking around - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Cool place! We were there for the Christmas market on a busy Steeler Sunday about 4 hours prior to game time, the market was packed with customers and vendors. They offer many unique items and are open daily until just before Christmas. It reminded me of the straw market on grand Bahama island (except the sales people weren't pushy) read more

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Decorated for the holidays Market Square has been transformed into an European village. Outdoor buildings have been brought in to be small craft shops that sell nice holiday wares of all kinds--clothing, hats, scarves, ornaments, leather goods, nuts, fudge,etc. Look for Santa in his house! Surrounding this Holiday Village are shops and restaurants are all price ranges. The ice skating rink is wonderful with a lighted tree that has LED lights going around it in holiday patterns. Skaters of all ages and abilities were having fun. Skate rental is available. This night there was a free concert near the river. The holiday event begins the weekend before Thanksgiving and goes until December 24th. This gem is neat and fun. Come, young and old, to downtown Pittsburgh. Find parking and stop here. read more

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I have been here every time I visit and I'm always amazed. Many shops to see and some great foods to have as you walk through the stalls. Definitely a spot to check out every time you're around here! read more

This is an interesting public park of sorts in the middle of the city, but without grass... it's all cobblestone and pavement, but they seem to have artists set up kiosks here and other public events. They had places for kids to play, like cornhole and such as well. Lots of restaurants around the perimeter of the center. But there are lots of homeless folk here too... and several were aggressive, loud, yelling, etc. So, they do need to police this area better to keep it cleaner. read more

Market Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

We lucked up and stayed at a nearby hotel during the Three Rivers Arts Festival 4-13 June. If you want to be more thoughtful making plans one resource is: TRUSTARTS.org/TRAF. There was music and artist selling handmade stuff at various times in the square. We could hear some of the musicians from our room, the bass thump. We were in the square off/on for 2 days. You can find almost anything to eat and drink nearby. This is an excellent people watching venue, a place to soak up some sun, and socialize (now that that's a thing again) a bit. read more

Market Square - Tables & chairs in the Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Who couldn't like Market Square? Great vendors and place to be around Christmas or St Patrick's day. So very Pittsburgh perfect. It's just a beautiful part of downtown and a great place to gather. read more

Got really yummy Greek food from the farmers market here on Thursday. You've gotta get the spanikopita and baklava! 5 stars!!! read more

I really had a good time at Market Square yesterday. There was a live concert going on and i sat there and relaxed for a while. The market square has a large assortment of restaurants around it and you can't go wrong with any of them. I have been to Market square several times and it is a really nice place to visit, And spend some time. read more

Market Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Gone are the days of debauchery and mayhem that filled this square. Now a nice little section of downtown life packed with restaurants, bakeries, a market and more. All of the commercial businesses line the park square giving way for dining and relaxing. Lots of events in the park year round. read more

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They have something going on in the square. There are also like 5 restaurants in that square that always smell delicious.

Market Square - a cultural hotspot for the burg. Although the square was established way back and was modernized in 2009/2010. Restaurants and businesses were added and it became an ongoing hotspot for downtown. I remember when I was younger celebrating St. Patrick's Day in market square - gated and patrolled to keep all the Pittsburghers safe. Also, Farmers Markets, Concerts and Special events in the summertime and even horse and carriage rides. My latest memory is the holiday market in December, which is a lot of fun to walk around and browse at all the amazing merchants that have such unique items for sale -from jewelry to baked goods. I can't imagine dahntahn without Market Square.. Solid staple to an amazing city!! read more

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I'd say Market Square is one of the best places in the city. What is nice, it's a great location during spring and summer. You can purchase food and relax here. During the spring and summer and fall, they have bands in the park area, they have festivals and or markets for people to show off their foods and drinks. It's an overall great place to visit. They have games that you can play during the nice weather times. It's a beautiful place of the city surrounded by many different places to eat. read more

What's not to like about this little square? Historic? Yes. Easy to reach? Yes. Safe to walk in? Yes. Chain restaurants? Yes. Locally owned restaurants? Yes. While I was there, a farmers market was setting up shop, which was just too perfect for a typical old town square. Pro tip: Take time to read the historic markers and learn more about Pittsburgh's troubled labor relationship. read more

Do you like Christian music in the afternoon's in the summer time? Do you like random homeless people milling about when you're having lunch? Do you ever wish that a man would try to sell you frozen steaks out of his book bag on your way home? Oh and there's a farmers market every Thursday too. Bur seriously Market Square does have its downfalls which I don't see changing anytime soon but it is really a great area that I feel is under appreciated and under utilized by the city. The square is constantly updating and adding new businesses but yet it's not the true focal point that it needs to be. It's a great meeting spot for people; with many new bars around it, to me it's the go-to option especially in the summer when you want to go out. How easy is it to get dinner at one place and get drinks next door? If you're lazy like me then you'll love that idea. Plus if you're going to a show it's right around the corner. Plus although I'm not the biggest fan of its new design it has a very clean look to it which I can appreciate. And there's a Moe's there so I will always be a fan of that. read more

Very nice and quaint square. Limited parking but easily reached with the awesome public transportation that PA has! Lots of restaurants all around and in the summer they have some kind of market fest. I hear in the winter they have a Criskindlel / holiday market of sorts. read more

Oh how I miss the Square! After renting an apartment in the Theater district (and working in Boston - yeah complicated), I had my occasional visits to Market Square. It started out with NOLA (whose food I enjoy - crispy Alligator!! and the potent Hurricane) to Winghart's (great burgers at a good price), then Starbucks and Dunkin (having lived in New England for so many years, I am a fan of DD), and finally Chipotle and Las Velas (Mexican). Well, the food drew me to the Square most of the time, but I soon found out that there was more to it - the Christmas tree lighting, the skating rink, the beginning and end of all events - farmers market, St. Patrick's day drink fest, a Christmas/Winter festival, live music and dancing. So now in spite of being a good 20 min drive away, I find any opportunity to visit Market Square when I am in the vicinity. The roads are paved here and parking is difficult (but not impossible) and during the daytime you will experience a lot of human traffic, however the hustle and bustle of the place, the liveliness, and people-watching is what makes Market Square even more fun! Agreed that the place is lacking greenery but nonetheless a fun place to visit. read more

Market Square - St. Patrick's Day parade at the square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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MS has certainly shaped up in recent years. I recall avoiding Market Square as a teenager due to all of the vagrants that tended to congregate in this Downtown Pittsburgh hub, but a few years ago, I attended a rally that was held in the Square and was amazed at its transformation. I thought I had been teleported to London's Hyde Park! Lately, weather permitting, you're more likely to see someone sitting on a bench reading a book than drinking booze from a bottle shrouded in a paper bag, and that's a positive development. The most inspiring day of my life culminated here when I participated in the Occupy Pittsburgh march in October of 2011. The scene of drum beats, chants, protest signs, and left-leaning camaraderie in a chilly Saturday afternoon will flash by my eyes as I take my final breaths. There's still some work to do, and I wasn't crazy for Winghart's (read my review of you dare), but much is happening here. You've got the novel restaurants in NOLA, Diamond Market Grill, and the experimental (?) Bluebird Kitchen (easy five stars from me) that make MS exciting. Conversely, places like Cherries Diner, a Primanti Brothers franchise (they're everywhere now, haters!), and the long-standing and underrated Original Oyster House serve as anchors of tradition, providing simple, economical, and pleasurable food, successfully co-existing with the trendy and exotic. Don't be afraid to walk down to this American piazza and experience a microcosm of what Pittsburgh has to offer you all. P.S. I knocked off a star since Lucretiz does have a point about the needless de-greening of the area. read more

I would like to go on record that this is just a review for market square during the holidays. The miscreants and businesspersons that clog this area during the rest of the year don't count. The holidays in market square are amazing. Magical. Seeing the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child is something everyone should experience once in their lives. Market Square has everything that a child could want to see or do for the holidays. First stop was at Santa's house. Santa was a great guy. Took his time with the kids, and was even gentle with the gangs shy guy. The kids loved him and we got a picture with Santa for a $5 donation to the Food Bank. Money well spent. We then went over to the party balloon guy, and he entertained us for a good 15 minutes while he made both the kids candy canes with a reindeer on top. He was very funny and kept the kids interested by popping balloons and making jokes. The shops and vendors were all great. I'm definitely going back to the shops sometime before Christmas so I can get some gifts for my family!! Happy Holidays! read more

Market Square is an urban space in downtown Pittsburgh that always has a cool vibe. The Farmer's Market from mid-May to end of Oct. on Thursdays from 10:00 to 2:00 with lunchtime concerts features fresh and organic fruit and vegetables from local farmers. The square is surrounded by good restaurants and the City Works Pour House with an awesome local and craft beer selection. read more

Market Square is the central area of Pittsburgh. It is a nice walking area with vehicle traffic detoured. In the summer it hosts various food vendors and sometimes speakers or impromptu concerts. During the winter it hosts the People's gas holiday market. There is "Santa's House" along with a variety of different shoppes from various ethnic groups as well as a few food vendors. This is the 3rd year for this attraction. Most of the vendors are the same but they will change one of two. One of my favorites is Linda Barnicott who works with Wendell August in painting or have aluminum ornaments made of Pittsburgh or other famous cities. Her art work is very good and makes excellent gifts for people who don't live in the city. Nearby is PPG place which will be reviewed separately along with it's holiday tree and ice skating rink. During the holiday season they offer horse drawn carriage rides as well as a complementary trolley. Parking is normally free on Sats. in certain garages in Dec. It makes for a nice family visit of a European holiday market. read more

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A nice little outdoor market right in the middle of Downtown Pittsburgh. Definitely a better summer spot than a winter one..the cold was almost unbearable the day we were there. They bring a nice array of shops and sellers of art pieces and crafts and such together in this little squre. They decorated the market very nice for the holidays as well. I look forward to heading back in warmer times to give this place a more complete review. read more

Market Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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They have done a good job fixing up Market Square. You can hit NOLA for New Orleans food. There are 2 Italian restaurants right next door (Bella Sera and I can't recall the other). There's Moes, Chipolte, Wingharts, Oyster House, Primanti's and nearby is Ruth Chris. Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and Einstein Bagels are also there. NOLA and Bella Sera share the same valet parking. It is usually busy at lunchtime. read more

So after eating at Tako, I accidentally ended up wandering thru Market Square on my way to the PPG Towers - those two spaces are actually interconnected so it all worked out! In former times, this square might truly have been an older, European style market with the butcher, baker, candle-stick maker. But now it's morphed into a restaurant square with maybe one or two hold out produce stores. The empty space in the middle is great to get night time photos of the city skyscape but it's also surrounded by outdoor dining tables from those aforementioned restaurants so really if it's busy, you are wandering past as people are eating which I feel is sorta weird (but maybe that's just me). It's a nice square however, so definitely wander past. Note: #332 of Yelp 100 challenge for 2016 read more

Market Square - View from middle of Market Square, at night - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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This review, if done a few years ago, could have gone a different direction. But with the remake of Market Square I'm happy to be giving it a five star rating. No more chopped up areas for sitting and no more street cutting right through the middle of the plaza. Market Square is a great place to be able to take a little escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With all the restaurants that line the plaza you can definitely have an outside meal at one of the many table that are available to sit at. This place is great for events too. Most people know of the St. Patrick Day's festivities, but almost always there is something to do here. From Christmas to First Night. I even had the chance to attend a wedding in Market Square. Talk about amazing. The city surrounding you and you make the day that much more special. read more

I've been to Pittsburgh 8 years in a row and always visit this little park. It's best to go on a Thursday when they have the farmers market. It gets bigger every year. This year I picked up cheese, cookies, chocolates, steak sticks and tasted lots of goodies. Grab a coffee and sit back in a chair and enjoy life as it goes by. Nice spot for people watching. read more

Market Square is a downtown urban oasis boasting new restaurants and fun family events all year round. Park hours are from 6am-11pm. If you are lucky enough to make it to one of the square events you too can enjoy the consumption of alcoholic beverages right "Dawn Tawn" in the land of the Yinzers! Check out the blog spot for Merchant specials and promotions, New business openings, Farmers Market, concerts, rallys and more. Every year I come down for the annual St. Paddy's day festivities. Watching the parade and the sea of emerald participants has me doing an Irish jig! This year there was quite the controversy when some militant bible peddlers tried to go all hells fire on us! Check out the pics from this dramatic and hilarious scene! read more

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A nice pedestrian friendly area. Chairs and tables to lounge at. A nice kid area with life size connect four. This area was staffed/supervised. It approved that a mom was having her 'visitation' with her child here. Meaning child was removed from the home and this is where the visit was taking place. It was hard to watch. Then the ambulance and police showed up. There was a man asleep on the ground. They could not wake him. He went out on a stretcher. So, you see lots here. If you like to people watch this is your place. read more

It's really nice the square s clean wish they had benches to sit on. On street parking is really tough to find but there are parking garages close but there $7.00 an hour. Lots of restaurants circle the square so you have your pick of places to eat plus it's walking distance to a lot of landmarks. read more

Market Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I come to Market Square weekly during free yoga season. This yoga class is family-friendly, and it gets packed. The location is a bit odd because people hang out and watch 200 people do yoga on Sunday mornings, but I love the free yoga initiative! In the winter, there is a really cute Holiday area that is fun to hang out in on the weekends. There are crafts, holiday-themed food, and fun! If you are just hanging out in Market Square with no set purpose, there are plenty of places to eat and grab a drink. read more