Thing to do
Freedom Trail
A 2.5-mile marked walking route linking 16 official historic sites, from Boston Common through downtown and the North End to Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
A historic marketplace of four buildings around Faneuil Hall, centred on Quincy Market's food hall, with more than 80 businesses and daily street performers.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic market and food hall
- Area
- Downtown, Boston, United States
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- faneuilhallmarketplace.com
Good to know
- Food hall with 25+ eateries
- Street performers
- Shopping carts
- On the Freedom Trail
Why we recommend it
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is the group of historic market buildings around Faneuil Hall in downtown Boston, and it is a popular stop on the Freedom Trail. Faneuil Hall itself has housed a marketplace since 1742. By the 1820s it was overcrowded, so Quincy Market was built next to it between 1824 and 1826 to designs by Alexander Parris, who also designed the two long North and South Market buildings on either side. Quincy Market celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2026.
The complex was renovated in the 1970s by the Rouse Company and reopened in stages from 1976 as Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the company's first festival marketplace. The same year saw the start of what the marketplace describes as America's first retail specialty carts programme.
Today there are more than 80 businesses across the site. Quincy Market is the food destination, with over 25 local eateries under one roof, which makes it a practical stop for a quick, inexpensive lunch where everyone can choose something different. More than 40 local vendors sell clothing, gifts and accessories from carts, and street performers appear daily from 11am to 9pm. In late November the marketplace hosts holiday markets and an annual tree lighting.
The marketplace is open from 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 7pm on Sunday, though restaurant, retail and holiday hours can vary. As a general tip, it is at its busiest at lunchtime and on summer weekends, so come in the morning or early evening if you want a calmer look around. Allow an hour, or longer if you are eating here or watching a show.
Quincy Market's food hall is easiest to enjoy if you walk the full length of the building once before choosing, since the stalls cover many styles of food. If you are travelling with children, agree on a meeting point before splitting up, as the buildings can be crowded at peak times.
It suits families, first-time visitors and anyone on the Freedom Trail who needs a break. The marketplace is a short walk from the State, Haymarket and Government Center MBTA stations, and parking information is on its website. Union Oyster House and the Bell in Hand Tavern are close by on Union Street, and the North End is a few minutes' walk away for dinner.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace FAQs
What are the opening hours?
10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 7pm on Sunday; restaurant, retail and holiday hours may vary.
What is Quincy Market?
The central building of the marketplace, built 1824 to 1826, now a food hall with more than 25 local eateries.
Are there street performers?
Yes. Performers appear daily from 11am to 9pm.
Is it on the Freedom Trail?
Yes. Faneuil Hall is one of the official Freedom Trail sites.
Which stations are closest?
State, Haymarket and Government Center are all a short walk away.
How many businesses are there?
More than 80, plus over 40 local vendors on shopping carts.
Is it good for a cheap lunch?
Yes. The Quincy Market food hall has many casual options in one place.
Are there holiday events?
Yes. Holiday markets and an annual tree lighting take place in late November.