Boston's Faneuil Hall Marketplace
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
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The Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a fun, pedestrian-friendly gathering spot in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. The marketplace consists of four main buildings (historic Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market) positioned around a large, cobblestone plaza. The historic hall and its markets are full of lively pubs, shops, and eateries to explore.
The Faneuil Hall area is a stop on Boston’s Freedom Trail. Throughout the year, its walkways are filled with musicians and street performers. The food, shops, entertainment, and plentiful parking make the marketplace a popular destination, and one of best things to do in Boston.
BOSTON TOURS & EXCURSIONS
FANEUIL HALL MARKETPLACE HISTORY
In 1724, Peter Faneuil financed the building of the marketplace to give the city’s growing population a place to buy food. Soon, a second floor gathering space was added. The “Great Hall” quickly became a location for pro-revolutionary speakers, such as the fiery Sam Adams, to spread their ideas. The meeting spot quickly earned the nickname, “The Cradle of Liberty.” George Washington, Susan B. Anthony, and John F. Kennedy all spoke from this famous location.
LOCATION FANEUIL HALL & QUINCY MARKET
The Marketplace is located in the Downtown area within walking distance of the Waterfront and North End. It is also close to many museums and historic sites. Faneuil Hall is within a 3-minute walk from nearby Government Center bus and “T” (subway) stops. It is about a 5-minute drive from I-93.
HOTELS IN BOSTON
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THINGS TO DO AT FANEUIL HALL MARKETPLACE
Faneuil Hall Shopping
On site there are five main shopping areas interconnected by pedestrian malls (see map). Though the architecture is of a colonial era, this is a modern shopping experience with popular national retailers neighboring local one-of-a-kind shops.
There are stores carrying apparel, shoes, jewelry, housewares, and specialty items. An especially fun feature of the Quincy Market is the wooden pushcarts that fill the spaces outside of the bars and shops. These kiosks sell many artisan wares and sporting goods that are unique to Boston. A nice aspect of this market is that there is a wide variety of price points, making shopping fun for everyone.
Faneuil Hall Restaurants
At the Faneuil Hall Marketplace you can opt for a sit-down meal at a full-sized restaurant (Ned Devine’s Irish Pub, Wagamama, Mija, and the Salty Dog). Or, pick and choose at the scrumptious Quincy Market Food Colonnade.
At the stalls along the colonnade, you will find New England favorites (baked beans, lobster, and clam chowder) as well as fresh bakery items and international favorites. Get a main course at one stall, and dessert at another. Then, climb to the second level to enjoy your meal with your friends.
Faneuil Hall Pubs & Taverns
Faneuil Hall is home to several taverns and pubs. At the front of Faneuil Hall there is a statue of Sam Adams. Nearly as famous, a short distance away is the Sam Adams Taproom. On site there is also Ned Devine Irish Pub, Mija Cantina, and the Salty Dog Pub.
NEW ENGLAND EXCURSIONS
Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market Entertainment
The Faneuil and Quincy Markets are home to many events throughout the year as well as temporary attractions such as the recent Dino Safari Adventure. Arts Boston has a permanent Bostix Booth on the mall.
The area is well-known for its vibrant street performances. There are often musicians, acrobats, jugglers, and magicians performing on site. For history buffs there are tours of the Faneuil Hall building (including Great Hall) and the Quincy market.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY
Faneuil and Quincy Markets are about a 5-minute walk to the Boston Aquarium, Rose Kennedy Greenway Carousel, and the North End. The area is within walking distance of the Museum of Science. It is about the halfway point of the Boston Freedom Trail making it a great place to stop and refresh.
FANEUIL HALL MARKETPLACE OPENING HOURS
The Marketplace is generally open every day Monday – Saturday 10am – 9 pm and Sunday 11 am to 7pm. .
Happy hot dogs and baked beans from two New England kids, Laura and Randy
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