Old Market Square, Roseau

MODERATE December-April DOM - Melville Hall Airport Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Trip Profile
Budget Category MODERATE $80-150 per person
Perfect For
Culture Cruise Port Budget Friendly Family Outdoors Foodie
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
8.0/10
Romance
6.0/10
Adventure
5.0/10
Relaxation
6.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
Loading weather...
Best Months to Visit
December-April
Hurricane Season
June-November
Peak: December-March | Shoulder: April-May, November
Airport
DOM - Melville Hall Airport
Passport Required | No Visa Required
Eastern Caribbean Dollar
English

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When to visit Old Market Square

Best months
December-April
Peak season
December-March
Shoulder season
April-May, November
Off season
June-October
Hurricane season
June-November

Old Market Square quick facts

Main airport
DOM - Melville Hall Airport
Language
English
Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Typical daily cost
$80-150 per person
Budget category
Moderate

Getting around Old Market Square

Roseau is compact and very walkable, with most attractions within a few blocks of Old Market Square. Local buses and minivans connect to other parts of the island for day trips.

Rental car

Not necessary for exploring Roseau itself, but useful if you plan to visit other parts of Dominica like waterfalls or national parks.

Public transit

Local buses and shared minivans are available but primarily serve island-wide routes rather than city transportation.

Rideshare & taxis

Taxis are readily available near the cruise port and can be arranged through hotels, but Uber and Lyft are not available on the island.

Local tips for Old Market Square

Insider tips

  • Visit the market early in the morning when vendors are setting up for the best selection and cooler temperatures.
  • Bargaining is expected at craft stalls, but be respectful and reasonable in your negotiations.
  • Carry small denomination Eastern Caribbean dollars for easier transactions with local vendors.
  • Try the local fruit juices and fresh coconut water from street vendors for an authentic taste.
  • The square is busiest when cruise ships are in port, so visit on non-cruise days for a more relaxed experience.
  • Many vendors close during the midday heat, so plan your visit for morning or late afternoon.
  • Look for the historic buildings surrounding the square for great photo opportunities.
  • Local restaurants often have daily specials featuring fresh fish and traditional dishes.

What to pack

  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • Sun hat and sunglasses
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Small backpack or crossbody bag
  • Light rain jacket or umbrella
  • Cash in small denominations
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Camera for colonial architecture photos

Sample itinerary: 2 days in Old Market Square

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1 — Historic Center Exploration
Morning: Start at Old Market Square and browse the craft vendors and local market stalls. Visit the nearby Dominica Museum to learn about the island's history and culture.
Afternoon: Walk to the Roseau Cathedral and explore the surrounding historic streets with their colorful colonial architecture. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Dominican cuisine.
Evening: Return to the waterfront area for dinner and enjoy views of the harbor as cruise ships and local boats come and go.
Day 2 — Culture and Nature
Morning: Revisit the market square for any missed shopping opportunities and interact with local artisans. Take a guided walking tour of historic Roseau if available.
Afternoon: Take a short taxi ride to the nearby Botanical Gardens to see tropical plants and learn about local flora. Return to the city center for more exploration.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and sample traditional dishes like callaloo soup or fresh grilled fish with local vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Old Market Square

The best time to visit Old Market Square is December-April. Peak season runs December-March, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (April-May, November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Old Market Square is $80-150 per person per person. Old Market Square is generally considered a moderate destination.

Yes, US citizens need a valid passport to visit Old Market Square. No visa is required for US citizens for short stays.

The main airport serving Old Market Square is DOM - Melville Hall Airport. The primary language spoken is English. The currency used is Eastern Caribbean Dollar.

Essential items to pack for Old Market Square include: Comfortable walking shoes with good grip, Lightweight, breathable clothing, Sun hat and sunglasses, Reef-safe sunscreen, Small backpack or crossbody bag, Light rain jacket or umbrella, Cash in small denominations, Reusable water bottle. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Old Market Square: Visit the market early in the morning when vendors are setting up for the best selection and cooler temperatures.. Bargaining is expected at craft stalls, but be respectful and reasonable in your negotiations.. Carry small denomination Eastern Caribbean dollars for easier transactions with local vendors.. Try the local fruit juices and fresh coconut water from street vendors for an authentic taste.. The square is busiest when cruise ships are in port, so visit on non-cruise days for a more relaxed experience..