Merchants Square
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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How to get there
- Williamsburg Transportation Center • 8 min walk
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Restaurants
257 within 3 miles
Attractions
99 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
4.5
295 reviews
Excellent
156
Very good
105
Average
26
Poor
7
Terrible
1
sloomis31
Bristol, WI1,031 contributions
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, MD1,608 contributions
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.
shawney C
9 contributions
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.
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.
screw you
Westover, MD1,608 contributions
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.
MissLoraLane
Washington, PA589 contributions
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.
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.
jessicafb_16
King George, VA172 contributions
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.
Richard C
Virginia792 contributions
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.
Gerryp84
Chester, VA882 contributions
Nov 2020 • Family
I originally accidentally typed “lively place” in my title. Both are accurate. It was a very busy area on a Sunday afternoon. We went shortly before Thanksgiving and they have a nice tree up and an ice skating rink. There was a guy playing violin for everybody. There are loads of nice shops and restaurants and you can take your food outside to any number of nice tables that have good heaters set up next to them. It was a very cool place to be.
Written November 23, 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.
Katie W
Charleston, SC123 contributions
Aug 2021
This area was so cute! Parking was incredibly reasonable, and there were even some free parking spots. So many great stores, cool places to eat, and the locals were friendly. I would absolutely love to go back.
Written August 14, 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.
Sirenita123
Coventry, UK1,831 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
A must to visit in this part of The country. A great opportunity to see historical houses in a Merchants Square with plenty of eating and drinking establishments. Whichever store you go into the people are really friendly, such a beautiful place which shouldn’t be missed.
Written March 8, 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.
I would say it mostly is. We pushed around our toddler's stroller (I know, not a wheelchair, but as much as I can relate to answer this question) without any issue. Some shops didn't seem to have ramps in (only steps), but in general I would say yes.
Written July 18, 2024
Do you have to pay for tickets just to visit the shops?
Written July 13, 2018
It says it closes at 6 pm, is that everything or a few stores and restaraunts?
Written August 3, 2017
Angel the stores do typically close but restaurants are open. It is highly recommended to get reservations. It can be busy. Enjoy this beautiful area. Safe travels.
Written August 4, 2017
is there parking other than the visitors center at colonial Williamsburg? is this a better option to eat rather than the pricy choices at the historic taverns ad quick service choices at historic Williamsburg. I spent $40 on 3 people at the bakery with stale bread today . wondering if the merchant sq better choice to eat at tomorrow???!!!
Written June 7, 2017
There is parking in the Merchant Square area but it either costs or is limited to an hour or two. There are a lot of food options there though. What we did was park at the Visitors Center, walked around Williamsburg until we were hungry and then walked over to Merchant Square to eat.
Written June 8, 2017
Is this a good spot to visit in the winter?
Written December 5, 2016
Yes, Small shops in the area to visit. I wouldn't go on a really cold day but mild temperatures would be good to walk around outside.
Written February 3, 2017
Hi, I know we're past Labor Day now but I looked up their phone number. It's (757) 565-8889 if you need to call them in the future.
Written September 7, 2016
Carol G
Williamsburg, Virginia
Most of the stores are toddler/stroller friendly. There are ramps for strollers and most stores have an area outside where a stroller can be parked for access to one of the smaller shops.
Written July 26, 2016
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