Faneuil Hall Marketplace

The original festival market hall is both wildly popular and widely imitated, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace changes constantly to appeal to visitors as well as locals wary of its touristy reputation. The original part of Faneuil Hall itself dates to 1742 (the first floor was under renovation as of this writing; check ahead to see whether it's reopened). The Quincy Market Colonnade, in the central building, houses a gargantuan selection of food and confections. The bars and restaurants always seem to be crowded, and the shopping is terrific if generic.

In and around the five buildings, the shops tend less toward "only in Boston" than toward "only at every mall in the country." Marketplace Center and the ground floors of the North Market and South Market buildings have lots of chain outlets. Most of the unique offerings are under the Quincy Market canopies, where crafts and gifts cram dozens of pushcarts, and upstairs and downstairs in the market buildings.

Shop hours are Monday through Saturday from 10am to 9pm and Sunday from noon to 6pm. The Colonnade opens earlier, and most bars and restaurants close later. If you must drive, many businesses offer a discount at the 75 State St. Garage; there's also parking in the Government Center garage off Congress Street and the marketplace's crowded garage off Atlantic Avenue.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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