Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square

Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square

Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Inspired by the rich architectural heritage of the 18th century, Merchants Square blends the atmosphere found in the adjacent Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg with 21st-century shopping and dining. This is a shopping experience unlike any other. We offer the best in personal service, high-quality merchandise, world-class food, and shop owners who really care.
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The area

Address
How to get there
  • Williamsburg Transportation Center • 8 min walk
Reach out directly

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

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles296 reviews
Excellent
156
Very good
105
Average
27
Poor
7
Terrible
1

hbhakh
Roanoke, VA2,349 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020
Merchants Square is situated on prime real estate in Williamsburg......at one end of the historic area. It includes a variety of nice shopping and dining options. There is also ample outdoor seating areas (some with heaters). There is a small ice rink for the holiday season.

We visited Thanksgiving weekend. There were quite a few people on Saturday and Sunday but far fewer during the week.

We recommend
Written December 6, 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.

Sharon V
Scottsville, VA50 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022 • Couples
The Birthplace of America, LLC, which is located at 212 N. Henry St. is a great little store. Owned by a veteran. They are a lovely couple who own and run the business. Very knowledgeable and great to talk to them and their items are fairly reasonable compared to many other shops.
Written September 28, 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.
Thank you Sharon for your 5-star review and your recommendation to visit the Birthplace of America. You may want to complete a Google Review for that specific store. Kind regards.
Written November 14, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

screw you
Westover, MD1,606 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Couples
The farmers market is on Saturday from 8 am to 12 noon. Parking can be a little challenging during busy times. Seems like a lot more vendors than our last visit in March. Lots of variety of goods for sale. Shops and cafes in Merchant square as well. You can also enjoy some of the colonial Williamsburg. Restaurants and restrooms available.
Written July 8, 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.
Thank you for your review and for highlighting the Saturday market in Merchants Square. There is alot to choose from for foods and crafts. We look forward to seeing you again.
Written July 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

sloomis31
Bristol, WI1,029 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
I've always been disappointed with the Merchant's Square district. Maybe it's because I visit during the summer (without the college town vibe) or maybe it's because this year so many shops were closed, but it is just underwhelming. I have never counted but I doubt it has those 40 stores and award-winning restaurants Williamsburg promotes. The street closure permits more socializing which is fantastic, however, there are fewer shops and those that are left are really either cheap souvenir places or expensive niche locations. I hate the idea of chain stores, but I miss the William & Mary Bookstore and would love to see a tastefully done Starbucks. Just pick a red-brick storefront. Anything to liven up what appears to be a district that is hurting.
Written September 1, 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.

screw you
Westover, MD1,606 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Couples
Nice to have a local market. Produce, seafood, veggie stands, knife sharping, coffee plus much more. Some items reasonably priced since they are sold fresh, but some things just to overpriced. Usually go once a year. Keep any eye out for their new location starting in November.
Written October 31, 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.

MissLoraLane
Washington, PA588 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022 • Friends
Merchants Square is the modern area of shopping and restaurants next to the historic colonial Williamsburg area. You can arrive at Merchants Square via the free colonial Williamsburg shuttle bus that you can board at the visitor center and which takes you to various stops around the historic center. There are a number of contemporary shops Of some national recognition but also some eclectic quaint shops to buy food products or clothing or trinkets.
It’s a walkable area with outdoor umbrella tables and chairs where you can sit and have a meal your brought for yourself or a meal that you are having at one of the restaurants.
There is also car parking lot if you would like to just drive there and park instead of taking the shuttle bus.
Written October 6, 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.
We're so glad you enjoyed your time in Colonial Williamsburg's Merchants Square! There's something new to explore each season, so be sure to visit us the next time you're in town, we especially love the outdoor tables and chairs!
Written October 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Howie
Virginia829 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
Fun way to see shops, people, and dogs. The lots offered the first two hours of parking for free when I visited -- just the right amount of time to walk around and enjoy the day. Plenty of places to grab something to eat or drink, splurge on shopping (if you have the budget), or just have a wander and unwind.
Written November 21, 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.
Thank you Richard for providing a detailed experience that a guest can expect when visiting Merchants Square. We are pleased that you had an enjoyable visit and look forward to your return.
Written November 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jessicafb_16
King George, VA172 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021
Lots of great shopping and restaurants. I always pop in to the Christmas shop. This area has a great feeling at Christmas time, with no cars allowed and pretty decorations, you can pretend you've traveled back in time.
Written December 23, 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.

Brian B
Scranton, PA14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2020
The shopping area is great and is blocked to traffic so you can casually stroll through the streets and stores. The stores are very unique and have great products and prices. The restaurants are also a good idea especially if you plan to spend the whole day. I thouroughly recommend Berretts as the go to restaurant for delicious sea food entrees.
Written July 3, 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.

shawney C
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Family
Merchant's Square Market place is a great place to go-walk-about and venture outdoors during this festive season...

During this pandemic season, the great outdoors is the best thing for ya! Not only because of the CDC, Gov and State restrictive guidelines for indoor activities and events which are (not allowed) at this time, but spending time outdoors is good exercise for the your own body, health, and mind.
(Social distancing and wearing a mask) is required of course...

We enjoyed everything Merchant's square had to offer from the Holiday festive Market place fair of the O'l time "Mom and Pop" shops, to the historical outdoor monument exhibits, historical landmarks with the cobble stone streets and walkway's that bring the nostalgia culture of the16th century, with lots of benches where you can sit to rest and soak up a lil sun or maybe take some private time by yourself to read a good book.

The Horse and Carriage tour ride of Williamsburg Merchant's square mainstreet and beautiful view of the historical homes was the icing on the cake! Main reason why we gave it a "5 star rating! Just gorgeous! Lol

Thank you Williamsburg Merchant's square, my family and I had a beautiful outdoor festive time...

Reminder: Follow all CDC, Gov, and State restrictive guidelines.
Practice Social distancing and wearing a mask is required for all outdoor events and activities.
Written December 9, 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.

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Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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