Boston's Faneuil Hall Marketplace
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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 Boston's best things to do.
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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
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.
THINGS TO DO
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.
Eating
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.
Drinking
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.
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.
GETTING THERE
The Marketplace is generally open Monday – Saturday 10am – 9 pm and Sunday 11 am to 7pm. Access the Faneuil Hall Marketplace page for directions and information of parking.
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Happy hot dogs and baked beans from two New England kids, Laura and Randy
