Palmer Square Tours

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


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.

Plan a trip to see Palmer Square

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Best Lodging Options Near Palmer Square

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
Homewood Suites by Hilton Princeton

Homewood Suites by Hilton Princeton

3 out of 5
3819 U.S. 1 South, Princeton, NJ
Homewood Suites by Hilton Princeton
Hampton Inn Princeton

Hampton Inn Princeton

2.5 out of 5
4385 Us Highway 1, Princeton, NJ
Hampton Inn Princeton
Holiday Inn Princeton by IHG

Holiday Inn Princeton by IHG

3 out of 5
100 Independence Way, Princeton, NJ
Holiday Inn Princeton by IHG
MHO Inn & Suites

MHO Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
4191 Us Highway 1, Monmouth Junction, NJ
MHO Inn & Suites
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
WoodSpring Suites South Brunswick - Princeton

WoodSpring Suites South Brunswick - Princeton

2.5 out of 5
3962 US 1, Monmouth Junction, NJ
WoodSpring Suites South Brunswick - Princeton
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
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 in Princeton offers a variety of enjoyable activities for visitors. You can catch a live music performance, engage in sports, or cheer on local football games. The area is vibrant, featuring charming boutiques and delicious dining options that enhance your experience. Whether you're looking for entertainment or relaxation, Palmer Square has something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

For shopping in Palmer Square, visit the University Square Shopping Center, just 2 miles away, offering family-friendly and entertainment options. The Princeton North Shopping Center is also nearby at 4 miles. If you're up for a drive, check out Blue Moon Acres, located 7 miles away, for unique finds.

Recreation

Princeton University Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just 0.6 miles from Palmer Square. Enjoy the outdoors at Princeton Country Club, a scenic golf course located 3 miles away. For relaxation, visit Cadwalader Park, a peaceful retreat 10 miles away, perfect for unwinding in nature.

Adventure

Explore the Delaware River Heritage Trail Lake Carnegie Trailhead, a scenic hiking trail 2 miles from Palmer Square, offering stunning views and outdoor adventure. For tennis enthusiasts, the Lenz Tennis Center, located 0.8 miles away, provides thrilling matches amidst vibrant adventure vibes. Discover more at the Delaware River Heritage Trail Rocky Hill Trailhead, 4 miles away, for exciting outdoor exploration.

Nightlife

In Palmer Square, experience vibrant nightlife at McCarter Theatre for captivating performances, or catch a film at AMC MarketFair 10 for a cozy movie date. Don't miss Princeton Garden Theatre, where you can immerse yourself in culture and entertainment, all within walking distance.

Find the best attractions near Palmer Square

Palmer Square in downtown Princeton offers a delightful blend of modern colleges, historic government buildings, and urban parks. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture, enjoy family-friendly activities, and explore the beautiful outdoor spaces. Whether you're strolling through the square or discovering nearby attractions, there's something for everyone in this vibrant area.

  • Princeton University: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of one of the Ivy League's most prestigious institutions. Stroll through its beautiful campus, characterized by stunning architecture and lush greenery, while soaking in the lively student energy and city vibes.
  • Princeton University Art Museum: Discover a diverse collection of art spanning centuries and cultures. This museum offers a rich cultural experience with its engaging exhibitions, making it a perfect spot for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
  • Albert Einstein's House: Step into history at the residence of the legendary physicist. This charming historic house reflects Einstein's life and contributions, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into the personal life of one of the greatest minds in science.

Best time to go to Palmer Square

Visitor numbers around Palmer Square is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Palmer Square is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May61.9°F (16.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly 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 SunnySlightly HighAverage
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

When visiting Palmer Square in Princeton, New Jersey, take advantage of free public access and explore during the cheaper months from January to March, avoiding the pricier May to July period. Booking on a Monday generally offers better rates compared to Saturday. Use Expedia to compare room rates, filter for eco-friendly hotels, and save by bundling flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and future savings through OneKeyCash. Always check for peak season information to optimize your travel budget.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Palmer Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.