Bowen's Wharf
Bowen's Wharf
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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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284 within 3 miles
Attractions
179 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
431 reviews
Excellent
234
Very good
144
Average
50
Poor
3
Terrible
0
steph
United States89 contributions
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allison A
52 contributions
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT2,236 contributions
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joefromcincy1961
West Chester, OH617 contributions
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John W
LaGrangeville, NY973 contributions
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 đź‘Ť
Written October 20, 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.
David M
Warwick, RI515 contributions
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.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie S
Roseland, NJ1,464 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Probably my favorite spot in Newport. Such a cute area on the water with lots of shops and restaurants! You get to watch so many boats come in and out. A busy spot with good reason. There is a small public parking lot right in the center. I parked there and my car was in the center of the what all day for like $56 which wasn’t too bad considering the prices of some lots. Love the ambiance of the wharf. You definitely need to stroll here when I’m Newport
Written August 6, 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.
Kelly H
Detroit, MI4 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Ah, Bowen's Wharf—where tourists flock, but you secretly feel like you belong. Yes, it’s a tad touristy (think selfie sticks and fanny packs galore), but the shops and cafes more than make up for it. This isn’t your average trinket trap—no cheap keychains or tacky T-shirts here. Instead, you’ll find unique treasures and food that’s totally worth the calories. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect souvenir or just a place to munch and people-watch, Bowen’s Wharf delivers. Bonus: you’ll leave feeling like a pro at dodging stroller traffic.
Written December 6, 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.
Barry N
Coventry, RI3,215 contributions
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.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edwelsh
North Canton, OH7,282 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Nice area full of unique shops and nice looking restaurants. There are plenty of boats to look at and place to sit and watch them. We spent at least an hour here taking in the sites and perusing the stores, we even bought something. This is not your cheap t-shirt souvenir shop kind of area.
Written September 16, 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.
Anyone know if it was really $56 just to park!?!???
Written August 11, 2023
It depends - you can find parking for $20 cash at the hotel near Bowen’s wharf , or the city parking fees can be very expensive. If you wait until after Labor Day all the prices in Newport fall through the floor
Written August 12, 2023
A Tripadvisor member
Essex, Vermont
1 contribution
Does anyone have experience with the seafood festival on Bowen's Wharf? We happen to be going to Newport on 10/13 and found out the festival is going on that day. Is it very expensive, very crowded? Thanks
Carol
Written October 2, 2018
Would be crowded. Make reservations to eat if possible. Walk a way to park car in garage. Can be a bit pricey.
Written October 2, 2018
across the street is Thames street. Its like many blocks of parking Facing the main road which you will cross over to get to the wharf. Its VERY difficult to find parking. I was there at 10:30 and couldnt find anything on Thames, then i was going up and down the side streets behind it and wherever i did find a spot was way too far to walk,so you basically have to get lucky like i did, someone pulled out as i was going around again!!! GO EARLY!
Written September 24, 2017
The best restaurant around Bowen's Wharf.
Written May 20, 2016
Just steps away from Bowen's Wharf is the Black Pearl on Bannister's Wharf.Nice atmosphere,great clam chowder.
Written May 24, 2016
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