main square

Meaning

The main square is the most important, largest, or most central open public plaza in a city or town. It is usually the primary hub for tourism, commerce, and major city events, often surrounded by historic landmarks.

Examples

• The city's main square was crowded with tourists taking pictures of the cathedral.

  The city's main square was crowded with tourists taking pictures of the cathedral.

• Our hotel is just a five-minute walk from the main square.

  Our hotel is just a five-minute walk from the main square.

• All the major bus lines stop near the main square.

  All the major bus lines stop near the main square.

• They are setting up a giant Christmas tree in the main square today.

  They are setting up a giant Christmas tree in the main square today.

• Many street performers entertain the crowds in the main square.

  Many street performers entertain the crowds in the main square.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We visited the principal square of the city.

  ✓ We visited the main square of the city.

  Although 'principal' means primary, native English speakers almost always use the collocation 'main square' for the primary central plaza.

• ✗ The main square is very closed to our hotel.

  ✓ The main square is very close to our hotel.

  Do not confuse 'closed' (not open) with 'close' (near in distance).

Related Expressions

Practice

• The tourist information office is located right in the ___.

  💡 The primary, most central public plaza in the city.

  Show answer

  main square

• We walked around the ___ to admire the old architecture.

  💡 The largest and most important open area in the city center.

  Show answer

  main square