Palmer Square

Palmer Square showing a park and outdoor art
Palmer Square which includes a park
Palmer Square featuring a garden
Palmer Square which includes a park
Palmer Square


Find myriad dining and shopping opportunities, along with a packed calendar of special events, in this small square in downtown Princeton.

There is no better place to enjoy the charms of downtown Princeton than in picturesque Palmer Square. Take a leisurely stroll through the square, browse its boutiques or enjoy a meal in one of its top-quality restaurants.

Admire Palmer Square’s Colonial Revival architecture. This appearance is no accident the square was built in a style that would complement nearby Princeton University. Although it looks like it’s been here for centuries, the square was not completed until 1939.

Explore the dozens of shops around Palmer Square. Whether you’re looking for clothing, cosmetics or unique gifts, the upscale but varied selection of stores will offer plenty of options.

Purchase coffee or a snack in one of the cafés lining Palmer Square. For a sit-down meal, choose from a variety of restaurants. At a range of price points, the diverse eating options, including cuisines from around the world, make Palmer Square a great dining destination for all budgets and tastes.

Find Princeton University, one of the most prestigious schools in the world, directly across Nassau Street. Explore the stately, tree-filled campus on foot. Many of its brick and stone buildings have stood since the 18th century. In fact, its oldest building, Nassau Hall, was built in 1756 and served as the United States capitol in the summer of 1783.

For worry-free parking, take advantage of one of the two on-site garages where you can park for a fee. You may also find street parking throughout town. If you prefer to take public transportation, the Palmer Square bus stop is conveniently located near the square.

Check out Palmer Square’s calendar for current and upcoming events. The large space often hosts live music performances, parades, fitness classes and more. In December, come to see the Christmas tree and menorah lightings. Regardless of the season you visit, find something delightful and entertaining n Palmer Square.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Hyatt Regency Princeton

Hyatt Regency Princeton

4 out of 5
102 Carnegie Ctr, Princeton, NJ
Hyatt Regency Princeton
The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village

The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village

4 out of 5
201 Village Blvd, Princeton, NJ
The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village
Hampton Inn Princeton

Hampton Inn Princeton

2.5 out of 5
4385 Us Highway 1, Princeton, NJ
Hampton Inn Princeton
Hyatt Place Princeton

Hyatt Place Princeton

3 out of 5
3565 US Highway 1, Princeton, NJ
Hyatt Place Princeton
MHO Inn & Suites

MHO Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
4191 Us Highway 1, Monmouth Junction, NJ
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Holiday Inn Princeton by IHG

Holiday Inn Princeton by IHG

3 out of 5
100 Independence Way, Princeton, NJ
Holiday Inn Princeton by IHG
Candlewood Suites Lawrenceville Princeton by IHG

Candlewood Suites Lawrenceville Princeton by IHG

2.5 out of 5
3000 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ
Candlewood Suites Lawrenceville Princeton by IHG
Staybridge Suites Cranbury by IHG

Staybridge Suites Cranbury by IHG

3 out of 5
1272 South River Rd, Cranbury, NJ
Staybridge Suites Cranbury by IHG
Courtyard by Marriott Cranbury South Brunswick

Courtyard by Marriott Cranbury South Brunswick

3 out of 5
420 Forsgate Dr., Cranbury, NJ
Courtyard by Marriott Cranbury South Brunswick
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Palmer Square

Palmer Square offers a delightful array of activities for visitors, including engaging sports events and live music performances. Enjoy charming shopping experiences and partake in enjoyable activities such as apple picking, which adds to the area's appeal. With its vibrant atmosphere and entertainment options, Palmer Square is an excellent destination for a memorable vacation.

Shopping

Palmer Square offers a delightful shopping experience with nearby spots like University Square Shopping Center, 3.2km away, and Princeton North Shopping Center, 6.4km away, featuring a mix of entertainment and family vibes. If you're up for a drive, visit Blue Moon Acres, located 11.3km away, for a charming public market atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the exhilarating atmosphere at Princeton University Stadium, where you can enjoy various sports events. For a leisurely day, head to Princeton Country Club for a round of golf surrounded by scenic views. Alternatively, unwind at Hobler Park, a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst nature.

Adventure

The Delaware River Heritage Trail at Lake Carnegie Trailhead, located 3.2km from Palmer Square, offers scenic hiking opportunities amidst nature. For tennis enthusiasts, the Lenz Tennis Center, only 1.3km away, provides an exciting adventure activity. Additionally, the Delaware River Heritage Trail Rocky Hill Trailhead, 6.4km distant, invites outdoor exploration.

Nightlife

In Palmer Square, the enchanting McCarter Theatre offers a blend of culture and romance just 644m away, while the charming Princeton Garden Theatre, located a mere 322m away, invites families for delightful performances. For a cinematic experience, AMC MarketFair 10 is a short 3.2km jaunt, perfect for a romantic night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Palmer Square

Palmer Square offers a delightful mix of attractions, including modern colleges and universities, urban parks, and historic houses. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture, enjoy family-friendly activities, and experience the great outdoors. Whether you're exploring the charming surroundings or engaging in recreational pursuits, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant area of Princeton, New Jersey.

  • Princeton University: Experience the charm of this prestigious institution, known for its beautiful campus that blends historic and modern architecture. Take a leisurely stroll to admire the stunning buildings and lush gardens, while soaking in the vibrant academic atmosphere.
  • Albert Einstein's House: Step into history at the former residence of the renowned physicist. This modest yet significant home offers a glimpse into Einstein's life, allowing you to explore the cultural heritage and legacy of one of the greatest minds of the 20th century.
  • Mercer County Park: Enjoy a family-friendly day in this expansive urban park, featuring scenic trails, sports facilities, and picnic areas. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, connect with nature, and engage in outdoor activities.

Best time to go to Palmer Square

The best time to visit Palmer Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Palmer Square falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Palmer Square falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February33.8°F (1.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
April52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.9°F (16.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Palmer Square

To save money on your trip to Palmer Square, consider visiting between January and March, when accommodation prices are lower than in the peak months of May to July. Mondays are the cheapest days to book, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly, Eco-certified hotels, and sort results by price to find the best deals. Additionally, look for package options that combine flights, hotels, and activities for further savings. Be sure to check for any additional fees to secure the best rates.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Palmer Square are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Palmer Square is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Palmer Square is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel reservation at Palmer Square with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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