Above Bar is a quarter in central Southampton, lying between the High Street and the Itchen estuary. The area stretches from the medieval town walls northward, encompassing historic streets and the commercial heart of the city. Transport links include Southampton Central railway station nearby and regular bus services along the main routes.
The quarter takes its name from the medieval gate that once stood on Bar Street, marking the boundary of the old walled town. Above Bar has evolved as Southampton’s primary retail and business district, with a mix of period buildings and modern development. The area contains historic churches, civic buildings and connecting passages that reflect centuries of urban growth, making it a focal point for both shopping and heritage interest within the city centre.