Faneuil Hall Marketplace
The Basics
To experience this bustling restaurant and shopping complex—housed in a refurbished 19th-century building—stop by on a hop-on hop-off bus tour and watch street performers execute jaw-dropping acrobatic and musical feats. Grab a bite to eat at Quincy Market or one of Faneuil Hall’s many restaurants, park at a streetside café or bar, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Let a guide show you the best hidden spots on a city bike tour or, for a taste of history, visit on a guided Freedom Trail walking tour. Because of its central location, Faneuil Hall is an excellent jumping-off point for visiting other Boston attractions such as the New England Aquarium, the Children’s Museum, Boston Public Garden, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Things to Know Before You Go
Bring some change and a few dollar bills if you want to tip the street performers.
If you have questions about the square, need directions, or are curious about nearby attractions, visit the information kiosk located in the plaza between the South Canopy and South Market building.
Faneuil Hall is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
The marketplace is centrally located next to Boston’s financial district, the waterfront, and the North End. Limited parking is available nearby and some marketplace vendors offer validation coupons. The easiest way to get to Faneuil Hall is via the subway, also known as “the T.”
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is open year-round. Summer, fall, and springtime visitors can enjoy outdoor seating at bars and restaurants, and the weather can be ideal for walking and bike tours. Winter visitors can cozy up indoors and see seasonal events such as ice sculpture contests and holiday light shows.
The Freedom Trail
Boston is rife with historic sights and remnants from America’s revolutionary past. Highlights include Old North Church, where the famous “one if by land, two if by sea” signal was sent to warn minutemen of approaching British forces; the colonial home of patriot Paul Revere; the site of the Boston Tea Party; and the Old State House—the oldest surviving public building in the city.