Skip to main content
← Back to Blog
New Hope Main Street along the Delaware River
Things To Do

Best Restaurants, Shops, and Things to Do in New Hope

Last updated: August 25, 2026 · AI-Certified Agent Guide

Key Takeaways

  • +New Hope's dining scene is extraordinary, from the riverfront fare at The Dubliner to the refined menus at Karla's, Havana, and The Salt House.
  • +Shopping in New Hope is a destination experience with art galleries, antique shops, boutiques, and the landmark Peddler's Village nearby.
  • +The Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope Railroad, and seasonal events like Ghost Tours make this a year-round cultural hotspot.
  • +Just across the bridge, Lambertville NJ offers even more dining, antiques, and the Lambertville Station restaurant.

New Hope is one of Pennsylvania's most beloved destinations. Perched along the Delaware River in Bucks County, this historic river town has been drawing artists, writers, and visitors for over a century. With its Victorian architecture, vibrant arts scene, and riverside charm, New Hope offers an experience unlike any other town in the region. Here is your complete guide.

Best Restaurants in New Hope

New Hope's dining scene is arguably the best of any small town in Pennsylvania. With options ranging from riverfront gastropubs to intimate wine bars and global cuisine, every meal here is an event.

Riverfront and Fine Dining

  • 1
    The Dubliner on the Delaware — At 34 N Main St, this iconic Irish pub offers stunning views of the Delaware River from its outdoor deck. The fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and Guinness-braised beef stew are authentic and delicious. Live music on weekends makes this a lively spot any night of the week.
  • 2
    Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn — Just across the bridge at 11 Bridge St in Lambertville NJ, this beautifully restored train station offers fine dining with river views. The crab cakes, prime rib, and seasonal tasting menus draw over 1,100 reviews and a 4.1-star rating.
  • 3
    Oldestone Steakhouse — At 15 S Main St, Oldestone is New Hope's premier steakhouse, offering dry-aged cuts, an extensive wine list, and an elegant dining room. The bone-in ribeye and the lobster bisque are standouts.

Bistros, Bars, and Global Cuisine

  • 4
    Karla's Restaurant & Bar — At 5 W Mechanic St, Karla's offers creative American cuisine with international influences in a warm, candlelit setting. The roasted duck and the Chilean sea bass are menu highlights.
  • 5
    Havana — At 105 S Main St, Havana has been a New Hope institution for decades. Part restaurant, part live music venue, it serves American and Latin-inspired dishes in a lively atmosphere. The bar is a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors.
  • 6
    The Salt House — At 7 E Ferry St, The Salt House offers a refined dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The menu changes frequently, but the hand-cut pasta dishes and wood-grilled meats are consistent highlights.
  • 7
    Zoubi Restaurant & Bar — At 7 W Mechanic St, Zoubi serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with an emphasis on small plates and craft cocktails. The lamb meatballs, hummus, and grilled octopus are favorites.
  • 8
    Triumph Restaurant & Brewery — At 400 Union Square Dr, Triumph offers house-brewed beers paired with a menu of elevated pub fare. Their IPA and seasonal stouts are brewed on-site, and the pretzel bites with beer cheese are the perfect starter.
  • 9
    Martine's RiverHouse Restaurant — At 14 E Ferry St, Martine's offers a unique dining experience in a historic building with seasonal river views. Known for creative cocktails and a menu that blends American and European influences.
  • 10
    Maddy Rose at The Landing — At 22 N Main St, this riverfront restaurant offers New American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. The outdoor seating area is one of the best spots in town for a summer dinner.

Casual Eats and Cafes

  • ✓
    New Hope Ferry Market — At 32 S Main St, this food hall features multiple vendors serving everything from tacos to sushi to gourmet grilled cheese.
  • ✓
    The Burgerly — At 137 S Main St, The Burgerly serves creative burger combinations with fresh, never frozen patties.
  • ✓
    Nektar Wine Bar — At 8 W Mechanic St, Nektar offers an extensive wine list with small plates perfect for an evening out. The cheese boards and charcuterie are excellent.

Shopping in New Hope

New Hope is a shopper's paradise. Main Street is lined with art galleries, antique shops, boutique clothing stores, and specialty shops selling everything from handmade candles to fine art.

Boutiques and Galleries

  • ✓
    Main Street Galleries — New Hope's Main Street is home to dozens of art galleries showcasing works by local and national artists. The New Hope Art League and galleries like the A Mano Galleries in nearby Lambertville represent the area's rich artistic tradition.
  • ✓
    Antique Shopping — New Hope and its sister city Lambertville across the bridge form one of the best antique shopping destinations in the Northeast. The Lambertville Antique Center on Bridge Street and multiple shops along Main Street offer everything from vintage furniture to collectible glassware.
  • ✓
    Peddler's Village — Just a few miles from New Hope in Lahaska, this 70-store colonial-style shopping village offers everything from fashion boutiques to home decor to gourmet food shops. The beautiful grounds, with flower gardens and a carousel, make it a destination unto itself.

Specialty Shopping

  • ✓
    Buckingham Green — At 4950 York Road in Buckingham, this shopping center offers grocery stores, pharmacies, and national retailers.
  • ✓
    Rice's Market — At 6326 Greenhill Road, this legendary flea market has been operating for over a century, offering antiques, fresh produce, and unique finds every Tuesday and Saturday.

Things to Do in New Hope

Cultural Attractions

  • +
    Bucks County Playhouse — At 70 S Main St, this historic theater has been a cornerstone of American regional theater since 1939. It has launched Broadway shows and hosted countless famous actors. The Playhouse Deck Restaurant offers pre-show dining with river views.
  • +
    New Hope Railroad — At 32 W Bridge St, this heritage railroad offers scenic train rides through Bucks County countryside. The 45-minute round trip to Lahaska is a favorite for families, and seasonal themed rides like the North Pole Express at Christmas are magical.
  • +
    Bucks County Children's Museum — At 500 Union Square Dr, this hands-on museum offers interactive exhibits for children, including a kid-sized grocery store, construction zone, and art studio.

Outdoor Recreation and Events

  • +
    Delaware Canal State Park — The canal towpath runs right through New Hope, offering miles of flat, scenic walking and biking trails along the river.
  • +
    Ghost Tours of New Hope — Explore the town's haunted history with guided walking tours that depart from South Main Street. New Hope's historic buildings are said to house plenty of paranormal activity.
  • +
    Annual Events — The New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival, the New Hope Wine Festival, and the outdoor Shakespeare performances at the Playhouse draw visitors year-round. The town's holiday celebrations with carriage rides and lights along Main Street are magical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best restaurants in New Hope?

For river views, The Dubliner on the Delaware and Lambertville Station are top choices. For fine dining, try Oldestone Steakhouse or The Salt House. For a lively meal, Havana offers great food and live music.

Is New Hope good for shopping?

New Hope is one of the best shopping towns in Pennsylvania. Main Street is packed with art galleries, antique shops, boutiques, and specialty stores. Peddler's Village in nearby Lahaska adds 70 more shops in a beautiful setting.

What is there to do in New Hope for families?

The New Hope Railroad, Bucks County Children's Museum, Giggleberry Fair at Peddler's Village, and the Delaware Canal towpath are all family-friendly activities.

Is New Hope walkable?

Very. Most of New Hope's restaurants, shops, and attractions are clustered along Main Street within a few blocks. Parking is available in municipal lots. See our New Hope walkability guide for more detail.

What is the best time to visit New Hope?

Fall is spectacular when the Delaware River valley foliage peaks. Spring and summer bring outdoor dining and river activities. Winter has holiday train rides and cozy fireside dining. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

Is Lambertville worth visiting too?

Absolutely. Lambertville NJ is right across the bridge and offers more antique shopping, excellent dining at Lambertville Station, and a charming historic district. Our New Hope vs. Lambertville comparison covers both towns.

Thinking of Living in New Hope?

New Hope offers a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in Bucks County — walkable streets, world-class dining, a thriving arts scene, and stunning natural beauty along the Delaware River. Whether you are looking for a historic Victorian townhouse on Mechanic Street, a riverfront property with views, or a countryside home just outside the borough, New Hope real estate is some of the most desirable in Pennsylvania.

For a deeper look, read our pros and cons of living in New Hope and our New Hope buying guide.

Ready to find your dream home in New Hope or sell your current property in this sought-after market? Contact Smarty Home Solutions today. With AI-certified expertise and deep local knowledge, we help you make smarter moves with better options.

Schedule a Consultation with Smarty