Boston's Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market

Address:Boston, Massachusetts

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, in Boston Massachusetts, is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Boston, with 18-million visitors per year, making it a must-see for the curious sightseer! Faneuil Hall consists of fours parts, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market, which bring you indoors and outdoors within one central block. As you walk along the old cobblestone streets, you will find great shopping, dining, and entertainment. Faneuil Hall is a good place for a romantic date, a family outing or even just a rendezvous with friends.

The shopping in Faneuil Hall provides everything a tourist could need with more than 100 shops and carts, from Boston souvenirs, to home goods, to upscale clothing and shoe stores for men, women, and children. Various kiosks outside also sell hats, ethnic goods, arts and crafts and T-shirts. If you are a frequent visitor to Faneuil Hall, you should consider purchasing a visitor coupon pass, which offers savings at attractions, restaurants and shops.

Faneuil Hall is known for its top-notch seafood and steak eateries. Rustic Kitchen, Kingfish Hall, Plaza III, and McCormick & Schmick's are several local favorites. The most popular restaurant, especially among tourists, is Durgin Park, which serves homemade favorites like meatloaf and mashed potatoes in an old-Boston atmosphere. For dessert, the gelato at Joey's Gelateria tastes authentically Italian. In all, Faneuil Hall offers over 40 eateries with food from all over the world, as well as more choices at the food stands inside Quincy Market. Make sure to order a locally-made Sam Adams Beer with your meal.

Faneuil Hall is home to some of Boston's most popular nightlife attractions, including clubs, bars and comedy halls, where you will find many possibilities for after dinner entertainment. New England's largest Comedy Nightclub, The Comedy Connection, is located upstairs in Quincy Market. Hennessy's, Paddy O's, Purple Shamrock and Kitty O'Shea's are just a small list of the many Irish pubs which serve as a great place to get a drink, play pool, watch a sports game, sing karaoke, and dance to a local DJ. The Rack is particularly a popular place to go out after work-day hours, and several other clubs are up-and-coming. During the day, throughout Faneuil Hall you are sure to be entertained by the many jugglers, magicians, musicians and other entertainers that make a living off of the stream of tourists.

While you're in Faneuil Hall, stop by the BosTix ticket booth to pick up some tickets to a concert, Red Sox game or ballet performance, with discounts available on the same day of the performance.

The history of Faneuil Hall is rich, as is the history of any place in Boston. In 1742, a wealthy merchant built it as a gift to the city. Since then, it has been a central location for orators, rallies, protests and speeches, many which have helped shape American history. Faneuil Hall was expanded in 1826 to include Quincy Market. After years of wear and tear, the area was doomed for demolition until a group of Bostonians sought to preserve it in the 1970s, and in 1976 it was renovated to become what it is today.

Faneuil Hall is located in the heart of Boston, by the financial district, the waterfront, Government Center, the "Italian" North End, and Haymarket. It is near several other popular attractions such as the New England Aquarium, the Children's Museum, the Old State House and Paul Revere's House, and it is part of the "Freedom Trail," a historical path through Boston which traces the routes of the African-American slaves. It is easily accessible by foot from many popular Boston destinations, as the city is fairly small. By car, Faneuil Hall can be found off Route 3 or Interstate 93, however on-street parking is scarce, and the parking lots are expensive, even with a validation from one of the shops or restaurants. The best way to get to Faneuil Hall is by the T, Boston's subway system, by taking the Green line to Government Center or Haymarket, the Blue line to the Aquarium, or the Orange line to State Street. The T closes at 12:30 AM, so if you stay out late you will have to return to your hotel a taxi. Although there are plenty of hotels to choose from within Boston, there are only a few actually in Faneuil Hall. Namely, the Millennium Bostonian Hotel Boston and the Marriott Vacation Club Villa Boston Custom House are recommended according to their great location and their superior services.