Old Market Square: The Heart of Nottingham's Historical Charm
Discover the bustling heart of Nottingham at Old Market Square, a historical landmark rich in culture, events, and captivating architecture.
Old Market Square stands as the vibrant heart of Nottingham, a historical landmark that encapsulates the city's rich heritage and lively atmosphere. This bustling square is surrounded by stunning architecture, shops, and eateries, making it a must-visit for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in local culture. The square often hosts events and markets, offering a unique glimpse into the community's spirit. Whether you're here for a leisurely stroll, to savor local delicacies, or to sit back and people-watch, Old Market Square promises a memorable experience for every visitor.
A brief summary to Old Market Square
- Nottingham, Nottingham, GB
- +441159155555
Local tips
- Visit during weekends to experience local markets and events.
- Try to catch the street performers for an entertaining experience.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture surrounding the square.
- Check the local event calendar for special activities happening during your visit.
- Enjoy a coffee at one of the nearby cafes while people-watching in the square.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are already in the City Centre, walk towards the corner of Long Row and South Parade. Old Market Square is just a short walk away. From Long Row, head towards the large open space in front of the Council House, which is the iconic building at the square's edge. The square is pedestrian-friendly and easily accessible.
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Tram
You can take the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram if you are a bit further away from the square. Head to the nearest tram stop, which is likely either 'Old Market Square' or 'Royal Centre'. Make sure to buy a ticket before boarding; a single adult fare is approximately £2.00. Once on the tram, it will take you directly to the 'Old Market Square' stop, which is right at the square itself.
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Bus
If you're near a bus station, you can catch a bus that goes to the City Centre. Look for routes that stop at 'Old Market Square' or 'Royal Centre'. Ensure you check the bus schedule for times. A single fare is around £2.00, and you can purchase tickets from the driver. Once you get off at either stop, Old Market Square will be within a short walking distance.
Discover more about Old Market Square
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Right Lion
0.1 km
Discover Nottingham’s iconic Right Lion, a historic stone sculpture and beloved meeting point near the Council House in Old Market Square.
The Left Lion
0.1 km
Meet Nottingham’s iconic Left Lion, a historic stone sentinel and beloved city landmark at the heart of Old Market Square.
Speakers' Corner
0.1 km
Nottingham’s vibrant Speakers' Corner offers a historic platform for free speech, lively debates, and community connection in the heart of the city.
St Peter's Church, Nottingham
0.2 km
A medieval sanctuary and historic gem in Nottingham’s city centre, blending centuries of architecture and community spirit.
The Tokenhouse
0.2 km
Explore The Tokenhouse in Nottingham for unique gifts and heartfelt treasures that capture the essence of the city.
King's Walk sign
0.2 km
A pedestrianised passage where Georgian elegance meets contemporary commerce in Nottingham's historic heart.
Citylife UK
0.3 km
Explore Nottingham with Citylife UK, your trusted travel agency for personalized experiences and local insights.
St Nic's Church
0.3 km
Medieval survivor rebuilt from Civil War ashes, standing as Nottingham's testament to faith and resilience.
Watson Fothergill's Office
0.3 km
Explore the vibrant Gothic Revival office of Watson Fothergill, Nottingham’s iconic Victorian architect, showcasing intricate brickwork and historic homage.
Weekday Cross Monument
0.3 km
Historic heart of Nottingham’s medieval market life, commemorating centuries of trade and community gatherings in the Lace Market district.
Scale Space Nottingham
0.4 km
Experience collaboration and innovation at Scale Space Nottingham, the premier co-working space in the heart of the city, perfect for entrepreneurs and remote workers.
The Hockley Arts Club
0.4 km
Discover Nottingham's vibrant cocktail culture at The Hockley Arts Club, where artistry meets exceptional mixology in a stylish bar setting.
The Belgrave Rooms
0.4 km
Discover The Belgrave Rooms, Nottingham's premier venue for conferences and weddings, blending elegance and modern amenities for unforgettable events.
16 Stoney Street
0.5 km
Discover 16 Stoney Street, a preserved Victorian lace warehouse in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, echoing the city’s rich industrial heritage.
Statue of Captain Albert Ball
0.5 km
A striking bronze tribute in Nottingham Castle Gardens honoring WWI flying ace Captain Albert Ball’s valor and legacy.
Unmissable attractions to see
Old Mkt Sq
0.0 km
Nottingham’s historic Old Market Square: a vibrant civic heart blending medieval roots with modern urban life and lively events.
Nottingham Council House
0.1 km
Historic Edwardian elegance in Nottingham's heart—where nine versatile rooms create unforgettable celebrations.
White Rose Nottingham Outlet
0.1 km
Leeds’ vibrant shopping and entertainment hub with over 120 stores, an IMAX cinema, and family-friendly outdoor play area.
Nottingham Tourism Centre
0.1 km
Your welcoming gateway to Nottingham’s attractions, events, and local insights in the heart of the city.
The Exchange (Exchange Arcade)
0.1 km
Discover Nottingham’s oldest shopping arcade with exclusive boutiques beneath a stunning 200ft glass dome in the city centre.
Inspired
0.1 km
Discover Nottingham’s historic boutique arcade blending timeless charm, independent shops, and elegant Georgian architecture in the city’s vibrant heart.
Bell Inn
0.1 km
Step into Nottingham’s oldest pub where 15th-century beams, historic caves, and traditional ales create an unforgettable medieval atmosphere in the city’s heart.
Flying Horse Walk
0.1 km
Discover Nottingham’s elegant boutique arcade blending historic charm with artisanal shops and cozy cafes in a tranquil city-centre setting.
The Turf Tavern
0.2 km
Experience the rich history and local flavors at The Turf Tavern, Nottingham's iconic pub steeped in tradition and charm.
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
0.2 km
Nottingham’s historic Theatre Royal and modern Royal Concert Hall host West End musicals, concerts, comedy and more in the heart of the city.
Axed Nottingham Axe Throwing
0.3 km
Experience the thrill of interactive axe throwing with expert coaching in Nottingham’s vibrant urban playground.
The Cornerhouse
0.3 km
A dynamic Nottingham hotspot blending cinema, dining, and unique leisure activities in a vibrant city center setting.
Cryptology Escape Rooms Nottingham
0.3 km
Immersive escape rooms with innovative puzzles and theatrical game masters in Nottingham's city centre.
Victoria Centre
0.3 km
Shop, dine, and unwind at Nottingham’s vibrant Victoria Centre, the city’s ultimate retail and leisure destination.
Trinity Square
0.4 km
Modern student living at Trinity Square, Nottingham’s vibrant city centre residence, steps from university and cultural hotspots.
Essential places to dine
Bill's Nottingham Restaurant
0.1 km
Cozy British dining with hearty classics and lively atmosphere in Nottingham’s vibrant city centre.
George's Great British Kitchen
0.1 km
A vibrant Nottingham eatery serving classic British fish and chips with a modern twist in a lively, nostalgic setting.
Restaurant Bar Gigi
0.1 km
Elegant Italian dining and cocktails in a historic Nottingham setting, perfect for intimate evenings and sharing inspired plates.
No.Twelve
0.1 km
Experience the best of vegan dining at No.Twelve in Nottingham - where creativity meets sustainability for unforgettable meals.
The Soulville Steakhouse
0.2 km
Experience Nottingham’s vibrant soul-themed steakhouse with expertly cooked steaks and a lively 60s Motown atmosphere.
French Living
0.2 km
Experience authentic French cuisine in a cozy, welcoming setting at Nottingham’s long-standing French Living restaurant.
Kushi-ya
0.2 km
Discover Nottingham’s hidden gem for authentic Japanese kushiyaki skewers and inventive small plates in a stylish, modern setting.
Gusto Italian
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and lively dining in Nottingham’s city centre with Gusto Italian’s open kitchen and private dining options.
Prezzo Italian Restaurant Nottingham
0.2 km
Authentic Italian dining in Nottingham’s city centre, offering classic pasta, pizza, and welcoming family-friendly atmosphere.
Chino Latino
0.2 km
Savor vibrant Pan-Asian and Latino fusion dishes in a sleek, metropolitan setting at Nottingham’s award-winning Chino Latino.
Yamas Meze & Tapas
0.2 km
Authentic Greek and Cypriot mezze in Nottingham's vibrant city centre—sharing plates, Mediterranean flavors, exceptional value.
Zaap Thai Street Food
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant streets of Bangkok through authentic Thai street food, lively atmosphere, and quirky decor in the heart of Nottingham.
The Loxley
0.3 km
Discover Nottingham's vibrant pub culture at The Loxley – where great food meets friendly faces in a cozy atmosphere.
Cosy Club
0.3 km
Historic charm meets eclectic British dining and vibrant bar culture in the heart of Nottingham city centre.
Bistrot Pierre
0.3 km
Authentic French bistro dining with seasonal menus and a cozy private room in Nottingham’s vibrant city centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
White Rose Nottingham WR6
0.1 km
Discover thoughtfully curated vintage and recycled fashion at White Rose Nottingham WR6, where style meets sustainability in the city’s historic heart.
Tutu urban boutique
0.1 km
Discover Nottingham’s stylish independent ladieswear boutique offering unique, high-quality fashion from emerging designers in a charming city centre arcade.
The Bead Shop (Nottingham) Limited
0.1 km
A vibrant independent bead and craft shop in Nottingham’s historic Market Street, offering expert workshops and a vast range of jewellery-making supplies.
Primark
0.1 km
Explore vast, affordable fashion and home goods at Primark Nottingham, a lively city centre store with accessibility and style for all.
Vivienne Westwood
0.1 km
Discover bold British fashion and iconic accessories at Vivienne Westwood’s Nottingham boutique in historic Flying Horse Walk.
OH DUCK IT
0.2 km
Dive into duck-tastic humor and Nottingham dialect delights at this cheeky gift shop, where quirky souvenirs and local crafts quack up the city's shopping scene.
Bubble Vintage
0.2 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion treasures at Bubble Vintage, Nottingham’s vibrant vintage clothing shop in The Exchange.
Shop Zero
0.2 km
Nottingham’s zero-waste shop championing sustainable living with refillables, reusable goods, and community-driven eco-consciousness.
Relic x Hooked Nottingham
0.2 km
Discover eclectic vintage fashion and unique style treasures in Nottingham’s edgy and vibrant Relic x Hooked store.
18montrose
0.2 km
Discover premium streetwear and designer fashion at 18montrose, nestled in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate shopping district.
Handmade Nottingham
0.2 km
Discover unique handmade treasures from UK designers in Nottingham’s vibrant gift shop at 8 King's Walk.
White Stuff Nottingham
0.2 km
A cheerful, independent-feel clothing store on Nottingham’s main shopping street, offering relaxed British style for women, men and children.
Parallel Universe
0.2 km
Discover Nottingham’s vibrant retro collectibles shop filled with vintage games, toys, comics, and nostalgic treasures in a quirky, welcoming setting.
Garms Nottingham
0.3 km
Discover unique vintage streetwear and stylish outerwear at Garms Nottingham, a vibrant boutique nestled in the historic heart of Bridlesmith Gate.
Stick & Ribbon
0.3 km
Discover curated women’s fashion with a personal, sustainable touch in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
O'Neill's Market Square Nottingham
0.1 km
Lively Irish pub in Nottingham's Market Square: pub grub, live sports, DJ nights, and pints in a buzzing city-centre spot that parties till late.
Slug & Lettuce - Market Square Nottingham
0.1 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Nottingham’s Market Square, known for lively atmosphere, diverse menu, and all-day 2-4-1 cocktails.
The Alchemist Nottingham
0.1 km
Ignite your senses in Nottingham's alchemical lair, where molecular cocktails erupt in spectacle and inventive dishes fuel unforgettable nights on King Street.
The Bierkeller Nottingham
0.1 km
Experience lively Bavarian beer hall vibes with authentic brews, live Oompah bands, and festive fun in Nottingham’s city centre.
Revolución de Cuba Nottingham
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Havana with authentic Cuban cuisine, cocktails, and live Latin music in the heart of Nottingham.
Malt Cross
0.2 km
Historic Victorian music hall pub in Nottingham offering award-winning ales, live music, and a vibrant community atmosphere in a stunning heritage setting.
400 Rabbits
0.2 km
Intimate Hurts Yard cocktail bar specialising in tequila and mezcal cocktails with a theatrical, cosy atmosphere.
Cucamara
0.2 km
Lively late-night cocktail bar in Nottingham’s Hurts Yard, blending vibrant atmosphere with creative drinks and social energy.
Six Richmond House
0.2 km
Elegant cocktails and modern British dining blend seamlessly in Nottingham’s intimate and stylish Six Richmond House.
Tilt
0.2 km
Discover Nottingham’s cozy cocktail retreat, where expertly crafted drinks meet intimate candle-lit ambiance and soulful blues.
Pepper Rocks
0.2 km
A lively Nottingham cocktail bar blending quirky charm, great value drinks, and a vibrant two-floor atmosphere for memorable nights out.
BOX Nottingham
0.2 km
Experience Nottingham’s premier sports bar in a stunning historic building with live sport, games, music, and great food under one roof.
The Stage Pub Nottingham
0.2 km
Traditional Nottingham pub with live music, cosy nooks, and late-night vibes near Theatre Royal – perfect for drinks, dancing, and city-centre camaraderie.
Nottingham Secret Garden
0.2 km
Discover Nottingham's lush cocktail hideaway: tropical vibes, craft drinks, and electric nights in a secret beer garden oasis.
MOJO
0.3 km
MOJO Bar Nottingham: Where rock ’n’ roll meets expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, no-pretence late-night hotspot.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Popworld - Nottingham
0.1 km
A neon-soaked, singalong pop-club in Nottingham city centre — colourful cocktails, nostalgic anthems and compact dancefloor energy.
ICON
0.2 km
A compact, DJ-driven late-night club on St James’s Street — small footprint, high-energy nights and a tight city-centre atmosphere.
Tunnel Club
0.2 km
Loud. Intimate. Disruptive. Dive into Nottingham's raw underground beats at this city-center nightclub powerhouse.
VIBES NIGHTLIFE
0.2 km
Dive into Nottingham's pulsating party hub where weekend beats, neon lights, and vibrant crowds fuel epic nights until 2am—pure vibes unleashed.
Tantra Night Clubs
0.3 km
Dive into Nottingham's electric nightlife at Tantra Night Clubs, where pulsating beats, dazzling lights, and stylish vibes create unforgettable nights of dance and discovery in the city center.
The Bodega Nottingham
0.3 km
Intimate two-level live-music bar and late-night club on Pelham Street — gritty, affordable and centred on close-up gigs and local sounds.
The Cell
0.3 km
Dive into Nottingham's pulsing heart at The Cell, where affordable drinks, diverse beats, and Hockley's electric vibe fuel unforgettable nights of dance and discovery.
Unit 13
0.3 km
Dive into Nottingham's underground bassline haven at Unit 13, where industrial beats and stellar DJs fuel unforgettable warehouse raves.
Love zoo
0.3 km
Dive into Nottingham's electrifying beats at Love Zoo, where house rhythms, dazzling lights, and cocktail-fueled nights create pure nightlife magic on Weekday Cross.
Stealth
0.4 km
Nottingham's drum and bass dynamo: world-ranked beats, epic nights, and unrelenting energy since 2004 in the heart of Goldsmith Street.
Rescue Rooms
0.4 km
Nottingham's intimate live music powerhouse: raw gigs, electric crowds, and beats till 3am in a historic nook.
Rock City
0.4 km
Experience Nottingham’s iconic live music and nightclub venue, where legendary acts and vibrant club nights come alive in an intimate, energetic setting.
CRISIS
0.4 km
Experience Nottingham’s legendary live music and nightlife at Rock City, a vibrant venue with a rich history and dynamic club nights.
Ocean Nightclub
0.5 km
Unpretentious beats and dazzling lights fuel all-night dances at Nottingham's go-to multi-room nightclub on Greyfriar Gate.
Eleven
0.5 km
A lively, multi-bar nightclub in Nottingham’s Hockley district, famed for great cocktails, student nights, and an intimate yet energetic party vibe.
