Market Square
Market Square
3.7
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown
Downtown Victoria, a cosmopolitan district with a historical charm, stands as a testament to the city's rich past and promising future. Iconic landmarks such as the Parliament Buildings and the Royal BC Museum grace the skyline, while charming boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and traditional pubs line the streets. The neighborhood is also home to the beautiful Inner Harbour, a scenic waterfront that hosts a variety of activities and events throughout the year. The city's well-connected public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and ferries, makes exploring this area a breeze. Downtown Victoria, where history meets modernity, offers a unique blend of cultural attractions and exciting experiences, making it an ideal destination for every type of traveler.
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Restaurants
831 within 3 miles
Attractions
201 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.7
74 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
33
Average
20
Poor
4
Terrible
2
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada14,970 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I think Market Square is one of those places locals tend to take for granted because it’s always been there. I’m guilty of that. Despite passing by this place countless times over the years, I didn’t take the time to actively patronize it until this past August. What I found was a nice blend of eclectic boutique shops and eateries housed within a historic setting perfectly fitting of Victoria’s Old Town (see my earlier review of “Old Town” on this site).
The impetus for my visit to Market Square was Wannawafel. Specializing in Belgian liege waffles, Wannawafel gained a modicum of fame following their successful appearance on Dragons’ Den (2010). I found the dining experience disappointing (see my review), but, after I was finished, took this as a golden opportunity to fully explore Market Square.
The sky was clear of clouds, but smoke from the BC wildfires obstructed the blue sky. I moved gingerly throughout the Square thanks to a foot issue I was dealing with at the time. Nevertheless, smoke and discomfort didn’t detract from the overall experience. When I visited in late August, Market Square was surprisingly quiet; however, I didn’t complain because it made for a peaceful stroll through this historic part of town. I checked out a couple boutique shops – Little Shop of Strange and Oscar & Libby’s – before taking a moment to sit and people-watch for a while. And that’s when it struck me: Market Square reminded me, in many ways, of Vancouver’s Yaletown in microcosm. Like Yaletown, Market Square is a former shipping and trading hub that’s been converted into a successful commercial center. The brick and beam heritage buildings further entrench the comparison, in my mind.
A historic part of town – Market Square – re-purposed and contemporized for modern tastes. It’s a great use of heritage buildings and keeps this part of Victoria lively and colourful. If you’re in the area, do take some time and check out the unique shops and eateries in this attractive space.
The impetus for my visit to Market Square was Wannawafel. Specializing in Belgian liege waffles, Wannawafel gained a modicum of fame following their successful appearance on Dragons’ Den (2010). I found the dining experience disappointing (see my review), but, after I was finished, took this as a golden opportunity to fully explore Market Square.
The sky was clear of clouds, but smoke from the BC wildfires obstructed the blue sky. I moved gingerly throughout the Square thanks to a foot issue I was dealing with at the time. Nevertheless, smoke and discomfort didn’t detract from the overall experience. When I visited in late August, Market Square was surprisingly quiet; however, I didn’t complain because it made for a peaceful stroll through this historic part of town. I checked out a couple boutique shops – Little Shop of Strange and Oscar & Libby’s – before taking a moment to sit and people-watch for a while. And that’s when it struck me: Market Square reminded me, in many ways, of Vancouver’s Yaletown in microcosm. Like Yaletown, Market Square is a former shipping and trading hub that’s been converted into a successful commercial center. The brick and beam heritage buildings further entrench the comparison, in my mind.
A historic part of town – Market Square – re-purposed and contemporized for modern tastes. It’s a great use of heritage buildings and keeps this part of Victoria lively and colourful. If you’re in the area, do take some time and check out the unique shops and eateries in this attractive space.
Written December 21, 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.
tdsuperstar
Toronto, Canada19,769 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Market Square has a cool feel to the place. I just feel that it needs a bit of a shot in the arm, get a few more places in there. However, the couple of places me and the kids went to too, they loved. My oldest had to go back just to look at some of the kitschy goods! Safe feeling and immediately adjacent to Chinatown, Market Square is a lovely place to check out, a decent 3.5!
Written April 14, 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.
gary r
10 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We stayed at the strathcona in down town Victoria. We had a great time and were able to walk where ever we wanted to go. The Market square was cool and eclectic for.shopping and eating. We were a few blocks off of government street and it was near the harbor. Fantastic sights to see including China town.
Written June 13, 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.
Michael Moriarity
Vancouver, Canada3,917 contributions
Dec 2019
There is a wide variety of shops to choose to breeze through or to take more expensive time to find very interesting local art and gift ideas..plenty of places to rest with very interesting scenery... also a wide variety of restaurants and Coffeeshops .. close to the Johnson Street Bridge and Chinatown.. Market Square is located between Pandora Avenue and Johnson Street and fronted by Stote Street..
Written January 4, 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.
Sherpa30714
12 contributions
It is a cute little market area with some nice shops. Just off Wharf street and before you get to Chinatown. If you have a dog, they have a dog bakery (cater's to cats as well). They make homemade dog biscuits, which I am sure your dog will love. The market is for those who like quaint shops. It is also home to a vegetarian restaurant (did not stop for a bite).
Written July 10, 2004
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.
SailorAirman
Hamilton, Canada3,354 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
I was staying in the area and walked over here to take a look around. It was a pretty brief look. While the layout of the place is really interesting there's a pair of restaurants and a few stores none of which I had any interest in visiting. If this place had some better shops it might be a bit more of an attraction. Also it's sort of like an open mall so wouldn't recommend it on a rainy day.
Written September 2, 2017
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.
Luis C
Boca Raton, FL69 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
If you live in a city with more than 1000 people living there, you will not find this place interesting. Only shops, regular shops like any other place on earth. Don't wast your time in Victoria going there. There are many beautiful places to go.
Written July 20, 2017
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.
DoloresJacoby.Let’sTravel.98368
West Palm Beach, FL12,427 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
I loved visiting Victoria and this location was one of the greatest to just walk around and enjoy the environs. It's a block south of Chinatown and an easy 5 or so walk from the Inner Harbour. It is meticulously preserved to maintain its unique character and seems to be the heart of Victoria's Old Town. It has more than 35 independently owned and operated shops which are quaint and lots of restaurants and a nightclub. Heritage brick buildings surround an open air courtyard that is great for gathering in the spring or summer among wonderful flowers.
Written July 12, 2016
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.
Alberta S
Washington DC, DC758 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
This is a jammed-packed location in a small area with pubs, restaurants and shops in a sea of flowers. Just beautiful and really fun. Hit it from the top and walk down or walk the harbour and meander up into it. A vibrant location on a summer's day.
Written July 15, 2015
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.
Ron R
Fredericksburg, TX71 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
The Market Square is located right across from the Inner Harbor on the down-town side. Many good craftspeople displaying their handmade wares. Eats, drinks and lots of other stuff.
Written May 27, 2014
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.
Can you buy local produce and meats here? We are staying at a place that provides a kitchenette and wondered if you offered fresh foods?
Written November 7, 2017
The closest grocery store to downtown would be the Market on Yates at 903 Yates Street. I have walked there when I was staying at the Empress Hotel. Could also take a cab.
Written November 7, 2017
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