Faneuil Hall Marketplace is one of Boston’s most popular destinations and stop #11 on the Freedom Trail. It’s lively atmosphere makes it a great place to grab a bite to eat, do a little shopping or spend some time watching the talented street performers you’re bound to see.
While it may have a touristy flair, it’s quaint cobblestone walkways and historic buildings give it a unique charm which makes it worth a visit. It is definitely one of our go-to places when we want to take a trip into the city because there is so much to do and it is always entertaining.
Besides that, it’s located right in the heart of the city which makes it so easy to visit other popular areas. Boston’s Historic Waterfront is right across the street and it’s a quick walk to Boston Common, City Hall Plaza and the North End.
So what’s there to do at this happening place? Check out our Top 10 Things to Do at this bustling historic marketplace.
1. Check out the Visitor Center and Museum
The Faneuil Hall Visitor center offers more than just information. The center is run by the National Park Service and you can take a ranger-led seasonal tour of the Freedom Trail and they host other programs year-round.
On the marketplace level, there are retail shops where you can pick up some great souvenirs and visit the free museum.
The Great Hall is located on the second floor and is open to visitors when not in use by the city. Most days you can tour the Great Hall or listen to a talk which runs every half hour.
On the fourth floor, there is another museum operated by the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. If you like military history, you’ll love to see all the uniforms, medals, and weaponry on display.
The Visitor Center is a great stop to get some information, do some shopping and learn more about Boston’s history. Best of all, there is free admission on every floor!
Insider Tip: Restrooms are located at the Visitor Center, as well as downstairs in the Quincy Market building.
2. Pay Tribute to Samuel Adams
A bronze statue of Samuel Adams stands tall in front of Faneuil Hall to commemorate his pivotal role in organizing the Sons of Liberty’s resistance leading up to the Revolutionary War.
After you grab a few pictures, head next door to the Sam Adams Tap Room to have a cold one in memory of one of our most influential founding fathers. With 3 floors, including a rooftop bar and extensive beer menu, you’re sure to have a great time. Want to learn how Boston’s favorite beer is brewed? Take a tour at the Sam Adams Boston Brewery located about 5 miles away.
3. Stroll through the Food Colonnade
If you’re looking for quick eats or some dessert, check out the food colonnade in the Quincy Market building. There are over 30 eateries where you can find some of Boston’s most iconic foods like Clam Chowder, Lobster Rolls, Boston Baked Beans and Indian Pudding.
Insider Tip: Make sure you do a walk-through first to scope out all your options before making your choice.
This place can get quite crowded at peak visit times and in the summer, pretty hot. Limited seating is available inside and on the second floor. Can’t find a seat? Head over to Columbus Park at the waterfront to relax, eat and do some people watching.
4. Shop til you Drop
If you’re looking to do some shopping, Faneuil Hall Marketplace will not disappoint. With over 100 shops and push cart vendors, you’re sure to find some unique gifts to bring home to remember your Boston visit.
Stroll the cobblestone promenade, and you’ll see all sorts of push cart vendors selling specialty goods and souvenirs all around Quincy Market.
Faneuil Hall has been operating it’s push cart program since 1976 and it was the first of its kind in America.
There are also plenty of local shops where you can find some unique finds as well as popular retail stores.
Don’t miss “The Best of Boston”, the perfect place to get everything Boston or head downstairs to “Quincy’s Place” for a treat.
5. Take a Photo with Red Auerbach
Sports fans will love to join Red Auerbach on the bench to take a quick photo. Red was Boston’s legendary Celtics coach from 1950-2006 and can be found holding his signature cigar in between the South and Quincy Market buildings.
Don’t miss the plague commemorating legendary Larry Bird with a bronzed pair of size 13 Converse shoes.
6. Dine and Drink at one of Boston’s historic restaurants
There are lots of great restaurants in and around the Marketplace where you can get some delicious food.
Located on the corner of the North Marketplace you can’t miss the Salty Dog Seafood Grille and Bar. This popular restaurant serves fresh seafood, including oysters, seafood baskets and lobster dinners. In the summer, the outside cafe is the perfect place to enjoy some of Boston’s best seafood.
The legendary Black Rose has been serving up perfect pints of Guinness and traditional Irish food since 1976. Each night you can find live Irish music.
If you’re looking for a casual atmosphere where you can grab some classic pub food and good drinks, Clarke’s is a great option. Just a few steps away from Faneuil Hall, this classic bar is a local favorite because it serves up delicious food and is the perfect place to watch a game.
Just a quick 3 minute walk to Union Street and you’ll find a whole line-up of some of Boston’s most historic restaurants.
The Union Oyster House, a historic landmark and Boston’s oldest restaurant (and oldest continually operating in the US), has been serving chowder and seafood since 1826.
The Bell in Hand Tavern has been around since 1795 and is the oldest continuously operating tavern. This was the city’s favorite alehouse back in colonial times and still is today. Most nights this historic bar morphs into one of the liveliest dance clubs with 2 floors and 5 bars. It’s also a great place to watch some Boston sports.
The Green Dragon Tavern is a historic Irish pub which was established in 1654. It was here where plans for the invasion of Lexington and Concord were overheard, sparking Paul Revere’s famous ride. Today, the restaurant serves up great Irish-American options which becomes a hot spot for the college crowd at night.
Up for some great Italian food? Be sure to head over to the North End, Boston’s Little Italy, to experience classic Italian cuisine and old-world charm.
7. Watch the Talented Street Performers
If you happen to see a bunch of people huddled in a circle, you’re likely to find world-class street performers on the other side entertaining the crowd. You never know what great talent you may find here. I’ve seen some incredible performances ranging from knife throwers, acrobats, and amazing musicians.
8. Treat Yourself to some Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies
Started in 1976 by 2 California teenagers who couldn’t find a summer job, The Chipyard offers 7 variations of cookies, all of which are ooey gooey delicious!
Try their traditional fresh out of the oven chocolate chip cookie and you’re sure to be hooked. But don’t worry, you can order cookies online and have them shipped to your house!
9. Take a Horse and Carriage Tour
For a unique tour of Boston, take a horse and carriage ride through the quiet streets of Boston.
Along the edge of Faneuil Hall’s South Market, horse and carriages are commonly lined up on Chatham Street ready to take you on a romantic ride through the city streets surrounding Quincy Market.
These rides run seasonally with several companies running tours lasting from 15 minutes and up to an hour. A typical 15 minute route takes you from Faneuil Hall through the quiet streets of the Financial District for approximately $40-$50. Longer rides may travel to the Boston Common and Public Garden and of course are more expensive. Be sure to check with your carriage operator for current routes and costs.
10 . Travel through the “Walkway to the Sea” to Boston’s Waterfront
Head to the far end of Faneuil Hall toward the waterfront and you will see the Marketplace Center with its signature steel framed and glass canopied walkway.
This architectural structure was designed to be a path from Faneuil Hall to Boston’s Waterfront, earning its name “Walkway to the Sea”.
How much time will it take to explore Faneuil Hall?
If you just plan to stroll through to do a little window shopping and grab a bite to eat at the food colonnade, you’ll probably need just an hour to two. If you are looking to sit down to eat, explore the shops and hang out to watch some street performers or visit the museums plan to spend at least 3-4 hours.
Getting to Faneuil Hall
Located in the heart of Boston, Faneuil Hall is easy to get to and accessible from many T stops.
- Red Line to Park Street
- Orange Line to State Street or Haymarket stops
- Blue Line to Aquarium or State Street stops
- Green Line to Haymarket or Government Center stops
- Commuter Rail to North Station
Faneuil Hall Parking
There are several parking options for parking around Faneuil Hall.
Insider Tip: On Sunday, street parking is free so you may be able to snag a metered spot! I usually have good luck around the Financial District, just a short walk from Faneuil Hall. On weekends and evenings, parking fees are typically reduced. We frequently park at the Post Office Square garage for $9 all day on weekends or at 75 State Street after 5pm is $18.
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The Bottom Line
If you’re visiting Boston, Faneuil Hall should definitely be on your bucket list. It’s fun to stroll through the promenade no matter what time of year to take in the sights, do a little shopping and grab a bite to eat. The Visitor Center and museums are also open year-round and you can still see some amazing street performers, even in the off-season.
Have you been to Faneuil Hall? What is your favorite thing to do at this bustling Marketplace?
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