Quincy Market
4.5(14K)google
4.0(963)yelp
Historic BuildingwalkingfoodshoppingLocal LifeMust-See
Overview
Quincy Market (originally Faneuil Hall Market) is a historic marketplace complex next to Faneuil Hall in Downtown Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It consists of three buildings constructed in 1826 and designed by Alexander Parris. The central two-story building (sometimes known as Quincy Market) is flanked by the 4+1⁄2-story North and South Markets, each containing multiple storefront units.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sun12:00 – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeBest visited during the warmer months (May to October) on weekdays before 11:30 AM or after 2:00 PM to dodge the rush of local financial district workers. Late afternoon is fantastic for catching vibrant street performances on the cobblestone West Plaza.
Getting ThereTake the MBTA Blue Line to Aquarium station, or the Green Line to Government Center station—both are a brief 3 to 5-minute walk away. Orange Line riders can exit at Haymarket. Driving is strongly discouraged due to parking rates often exceeding $30/hour.
Travel Tips
- The central food hall is intensely congested from 11:30 to 13:30 due to corporate office crowds and tour buses; escape the rush by arriving right at 10:00 when food vendors first open.
- While most food stalls accept credit cards, some unique vendors are cash-only; central seating inside is scarce, so head immediately to the outdoor benches on the North and South plazas.
- The outdoor street performer circles are prime targets for pickpocketing; secure all mobile devices and wallets inside zippered front pockets, and never hang cameras loosely on your back.
Reviews
Positive
- The grand, long Greek Revival historic hall is visually magnificent, packed with food stalls along both sides, making it the premier spot for bustling local food energy.
- The overhead directory signs inside the market are clear; the basement restrooms have been expanded, and the janitorial staff are highly efficient at clearing trash.
- The food stall vendors are incredibly fast-moving and dexterous, dishing out orders rapidly even during peak long-line rush hours with highly seasoned efficiency.
- Located at a central transit hub near multiple subway stations; though food is slightly marked up, sampling all iconic Boston snacks under one roof saves tons of time.
Heads up
- The interior has been completely overtaken by highly commercialized fast-food franchises and generic snack counters, smelling of heavy grease and losing its cultural soul.
- Seating is practically nonexistent in the public dining zones; the central rotunda has only a few standing tables, forcing crowds to dodge passersby while balancing hot soup.
- On packed weekends, the ordering lanes are loud and intensely congested, with intersecting queues occasionally leading to mixed-up orders or food handoff confusion.
- The prices for lobster rolls and clam chowder here are marked up nearly 30% compared to local neighborhood seafood spots nearby, targeting tourists with low value.