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Rhode Island (RI)
Newport
Things to Do in Newport
Bowen's Wharf
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Bowen's Wharf

See all things to do
See all things to do
Bowen's Wharf
4.5
419 reviews
#16 of 99 things to do in Newport
Piers & Boardwalks • Shopping Malls
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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
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Welcome to Newport's premiere year-round destination! Brick walks, granite quays, and 18th century commercial wharf buildings bring you back to Bowen's beginnings as a thriving seaport in one of the finest natural harbors in New England. Trading with all corners of the world, then and now, Bowen's Wharf is central to the city's commerce and culture. Bowen's Wharf: The Anchor of the Newport Waterfront!
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What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
420 reviews
Excellent
226
Very good
142
Average
49
Poor
3
Terrible
0
irishwhiskey135
Elmwood Park, NJ419 contributions
Nice strolling on the pier
Aug 2022 • Couples
When you first arrive at the wharf you’ll see many restaurants and many small shops.You can walk around from different piers and look over at all the yachts and small watercraft that are sitting out on the water.There are many open bars where you can just sit around and have a snack with drinks.It is a very relaxed atmosphere.We just walked around and checked out all of the restaurant menus.
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jbrenz
Chicago, IL1,369 contributions
Quaint shops, lots of choices for food, and a great place to people watch!
May 2022 • Solo
Just a nice area to sample local foods, enjoy the sunset and water views, and people watch! I liked Bowen’s Wharf as there were many places to eat, drink, grab a snack, etc. There were also many areas to sit and people watch while resting and enjoying water views and catching some rays. Very relaxing area with lots of souvenir and lots of little shops.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
intothemystic623
New York City, NY81 contributions
Very charming!
Aug 2021
A very nice area where you can eat and go into little shops. The lemonade is to die for. There is also ice cream parlors and the views of the ocean are magnificent. You can also go on sunset cruises or cruise during the day. Very quaint.
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
steph
United States88 contributions
Parking Nightmare
Jun 2021
Maybe this would've been a 4, but the grumpy old lady manning the parking booth was terrible. New to the area, and not sure what the parking situation was like, we pulled up and since I couldn't see any parking, I asked if she had any spots available. She replied, "No, I'm just working here and taking your money to annoy you and make you think we have parking." Wow! Then she looked a little worried as she realized she might be out of spaces and would look like a complete idiot (too late.) She ran out of her little booth, and came back breathing a sigh of relief and took our $20 for the last parking space on the wharf. As for the actual wharf - it's typical as others. Got some cookies to go from the shop next to Diegos.
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Allison A
39 contributions
Fast walkthrough, no great views of water
Nov 2021 • Solo
Nice, pretty place to walk around. But shops are overpriced and I didn't see any great views of the water. I rated this 3/5 because it was nice to pass through but I wouldn't recommend this to visitors. I just didn't get too much out of my visit. However, there are a few choices of restaurants that looked good if you need somewhere to eat.
Written November 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John W
LaGrangeville, NY801 contributions
Scenic area and fun place
Oct 2022 • Couples
We visited the area during a cruise port stop. The timing was great because it also coincided with a Seafood Festival, with lots of food, drinks, bands and people. And, it was only a short walk from where the cruise ship tender dropped us off. Fun time 👍
Written October 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT1,809 contributions
Good place for walking and outdoor shopping
Jul 2020
We spent some time walking around this wharf to have an outdoor activity to do, and it was overall a pleasant experience. It's generally a busy place with a lot of shoppes, so there's plenty to see, and you can wander in and out of stores according to what catches your fancy, or you could just sit on a bench and enjoy the view of the ocean. There are also a lot of good restaurants in the area. You do need to pay for parking, though.
Written March 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
joefromcincy1961
West Chester, OH651 contributions
THE Must-See When Visiting Newport
Aug 2021
This area right in the water is the must-see and do in Newport. So many shops and restaurants with lots of people making it such an event. The Black Pearl is a noted restaurant as well as The Lobster Bar and The Landing. Do not miss it when in Newport.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Barry N
Coventry, RI3,468 contributions
A part of history in Historic Newport RI
Jun 2021
This outstanding Wharf has so much going on it is hard to keep up. From small mom and pop shops to outstanding restaurants and so much more are featured here. We ate here and we just loved the food and the service was great. We shopped and I got a great new fancy hat for my upcoming trip to Vegas.
My wife got a bunch of items and a friend got a great serving dish for serving dips.We also ate on the Wharf and then took a trip on one of the boats that sail where we learned history of the area. Truly outstanding. Not to be missed by the entire family.
Written June 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David M
Warwick, RI512 contributions
Interesting shops and restaurants and nice atmospheres
Jul 2020 • Couples
We Always hit Bowen’s Wharf when visiting Newport.
We like some of the shops (Primavera for one - bought a birdhouse there this time) and the restaurants (22 Bowen’s a favorite, also Black Pearl). Nice place to have a relaxing walk and it easily connects to the neighboring wharfs and America’s Cup Ave.
Written July 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Bowen's Wharf (Newport) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Bowen's Wharf
Bowen's Wharf is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM