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.”

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.

Ways to explore

There are plenty of ways to get to this bustling restaurant and shopping complex. Stop by on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, a city bike tour, or during a guided Freedom Trail walking tour. Make sure you set aside time to watch street performers execute acrobatic and musical feats, and grab a bite at Quincy Market, home to dozens of dining options.

Because of its central location, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is an excellent jumping-off point for visiting other Boston attractions, such as the New England Aquarium, the Boston Children’s Museum, Boston Public Garden, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Accessibility

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is broadly accessible to wheelchair users, and it is equipped with ramps and elevators.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, credit cards, handheld bag

What to wear

Wear weather-appropriate layers and comfortable walking shoes, especially if visiting as part of a city sightseeing tour.

Not allowed

Consuming outside alcohol, bringing pets to some areas

Amenities

Restrooms, food and drink concessions, souvenir shops

Address 

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is located in the heart of Downtown Boston. The area is easy to get to on foot or by bike, though Downtown Boston is also well-served by public transportation.

Driving

Traffic in Downtown Boston can be notoriously congested and complex to navigate; to avoid stressful traffic and parking situations, you’re better off hailing a taxi or using local rideshare services instead.

Public transportation

Take the Blue Line of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA, or “the T”) to Aquarium or State stations, the Orange Line to Haymarket or State, or the Green Line to Haymarket.

Best times to visit

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is typically open from midmorning until evening. Note that hours vary depending on the day of the week, and individual shops and restaurants have their own hours.

Best days to visit

As Faneuil Hall Marketplace is open daily, there’s rarely a bad time to visit. However, expect weekends and holidays to be particularly busy; aim for a weekday for fewer crowds.

Best months to visit

If you can, avoid the peak summer season—which brings crowds and heat—or the chilly winter months. The shoulder seasons are a great time to explore.

Special events

Faneuil Hall Marketplace hosts a range of holiday-season events, from live performances to the installation of a large Christmas tree and more.