Quincy Market
Quincy Market is a Greek Revival market hall in Downtown Boston, built in 1826 beside Faneuil Hall and now the centerpiece of Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Today the long granite building holds a food hall, shops and street performers, and the North and South Market buildings on either side add more restaurants and stores. It is a National Historic Landmark, a short walk from the Freedom Trail, Boston Harbor and the North End, and it works well as a half-day stop or a lunch break in a longer day. This page covers where Quincy Market is, its hours, its history, what to see, where to eat, restrooms, and how to reach it with Boston Sightseeing, since the tour map lists it near Stop 1.
Location
Quincy Market sits between Faneuil Hall and the waterfront in Downtown Boston, close to Government Center. Reference sources describe the complex as having no street number, on the west side of Commercial Street between Clinton and Chatham Streets, while visitor listings often give the address as 4 South Market Street, so use "Faneuil Hall Marketplace" in your map app if one address does not work. Together with the North Market and South Market buildings, it forms one of Boston's busiest public spaces.
From here, many of the city's best-known sights are within a short walk: the Freedom Trail, Boston Harbor, the New England Aquarium, the Rose Kennedy Greenway and the North End. Visitors using public transportation can reach the marketplace from the Government Center, State Street, Aquarium or Haymarket MBTA stations, and the MBTA trip planner shows the best route on the day you travel. If you ride with Boston Sightseeing, the tour map lists Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market near Stop 1.
Quincy Market Hours And Admission
There is no admission fee to walk through Quincy Market, browse the shops or watch performers. You only pay for food, shopping and any paid activities.
One visitor listing gives marketplace hours of Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM. Individual vendors and restaurants set their own hours, so some stalls open earlier or close sooner, and hours can change on holidays and for events. Confirm current hours with the marketplace before you plan a meal around them.
The History
Quincy Market was built to solve a crowding problem. By the early 1820s the market inside Faneuil Hall could not handle the number of vendors and shoppers, and Boston's mayor, Josiah Quincy, pushed for a new market building next door. The market is named for him, although he reportedly disliked the name.
Alexander Parris And The 1826 Building
Architect Alexander Parris designed the central building in the Greek Revival style, with columns and pediments at each end and a central copper dome. It measures roughly 535 feet long. Construction ran from 1824 to 1826, and the complex formally opened on August 26, 1826. Parris also designed the two flanking brick-and-granite buildings that became the North Market and South Market.
From Wholesale Market To Marketplace
Through the 19th century the marketplace served as a hub for produce, meat, fish and other goods for Boston and the surrounding region. As the city's food trade moved elsewhere, the buildings declined, and a major restoration by the Rouse Company brought them back. The central building reopened on August 26, 1976, with the South Market and North Market following in 1977 and 1978. Sources differ on exactly when the work began, but the project is often cited as a pioneering example of reusing historic market buildings as a shopping and dining destination. The complex was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966. By its fifth anniversary after the restoration, it was reported to draw more than 14 million visitors a year.
What To See In Quincy Market
Quincy Market offers more than food. The historic architecture, the open pedestrian space and the street performers are part of the visit, whether you stay for an hour or an afternoon.
The Great Hall
The central building holds the food hall that many visitors call the Colonnade. Long rows of vendors sell everything from New England clam chowder and lobster rolls to pizza, sandwiches, pastries and international dishes, and bench seating runs through the hall. Musicians and street performers often play inside and around the building.
The North And South Market Buildings
The North Market and South Market stand on either side of the central hall. They are 4.5-story brick-and-granite buildings, plainer in design than the center building, and they hold additional shops and restaurants. Paved walkways with granite seating run between the three buildings, and outdoor vendors set up here, which makes the space easy to wander through without a plan.
Beyond Quincy Market
Quincy Market is surrounded by Downtown Boston's best-known landmarks, which is why many visitors treat it as a starting point rather than a stand-alone stop.
Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall stands directly beside the market and is often called the "Cradle of Liberty" for the speeches and public meetings held there. It is a Freedom Trail site, so a walk from the food hall to the old meeting hall is a short step into Boston's Revolutionary era.
Boston Harbor
The waterfront is a short walk from Quincy Market, with harbor views and a place to rest after the crowds. The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum sits farther along the waterfront near Fort Point Channel, so reach it by bus rather than on foot from here.
Best Time To Visit Quincy Market
Spring and fall are generally the most comfortable seasons for walking around Downtown Boston. Summer brings the largest crowds and the most street entertainment, and winter is quieter, though the buildings give you somewhere warm to shop and eat.
Visitor tip: Arriving before the lunch rush, or in the mid to late afternoon, helps you avoid the longest lines in the food hall.
Things To Do At Quincy Market
Visitors of all ages can enjoy a range of activities at the marketplace.
- Walk through the central hall and see the architecture up close.
- Sample New England seafood and other local specialties.
- Browse souvenir shops and small independent vendors.
- Watch street performers and musicians.
- Photograph the granite colonnade and the dome.
- Visit Faneuil Hall next door.
- Walk to Boston Harbor and the North End.
A typical visit runs from one to three hours, depending on how long you spend eating and shopping. That is our estimate, not an official figure.
Where To Eat At Quincy Market
Food is the biggest reason people come. The central hall is a large food hall, and the surrounding buildings add sit-down restaurants and food carts. Popular choices include:
- Lobster rolls and New England clam chowder
- Seafood platters
- Boston cream pie and other desserts
- Sandwiches and pizza
- International dishes
- Fresh pastries and coffee
Because the range is so wide, Quincy Market suits families, couples and groups with different tastes.
Visitor Tips For First-Time Visitors
A little planning makes a visit easier.
- Visit in the morning or mid to late afternoon to avoid the busiest crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since you will probably walk to nearby attractions.
- Bring a camera for the architecture and the street performances.
- Allow extra time if you plan to eat in the food hall.
- Pair your visit with nearby sights such as the Freedom Trail, Boston Harbor and the North End.
- Check for seasonal events or live performances before you go.
Restrooms At Quincy Market
Visitors often ask whether Quincy Market has restrooms. Visitor reports point to public restrooms in the marketplace area, including near the central building and at Faneuil Hall, but this page could not confirm exact locations, hours or fees from the marketplace itself. Ask staff or check the marketplace directory when you arrive, and plan a stop before you queue for food.
Nearby Attractions
Quincy Market's central location makes it easy to continue into other Boston landmarks.
Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail links 16 historic sites that tell the story of the American Revolution, and Faneuil Hall is one of them. Walking even a short section gives visitors a clearer sense of Boston's early history.
Rose Kennedy Greenway
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is a landscaped park with gardens, fountains and public art, a short walk from the marketplace. It is a good place to sit and rest after the busy hall.
New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is an easy walk from Quincy Market and is a popular stop for families. It is also close to Stop 1 on the Boston Sightseeing route.
North End
The North End is a short walk away and is known for Italian restaurants, narrow streets, historic churches and bakeries. Many visitors combine Quincy Market and the North End in one outing.
Suggested Itinerary
For a day in Downtown Boston, one possible route is:
- Start your morning at Boston Common.
- Follow part of the Freedom Trail.
- Visit Faneuil Hall.
- Have lunch at Quincy Market.
- Walk to the harbor for waterfront views.
- Continue to the North End for dinner and dessert.
Accessibility
The marketplace is a public space with wide walkways and a mix of indoor and outdoor areas. The historic buildings and cobblestone areas can be harder to move through for some visitors, so contact the marketplace in advance if you need specific accessibility information.
Why Choose Boston Sightseeing?
Quincy Market is one of Boston's most popular attractions, but a good day does not have to stop there. The hop-on hop-off tour lets you connect it with other landmarks without worrying about parking or transit routes.
- Flexible hop-on hop-off tours: get off at a stop, look around, and rejoin the bus later.
- Convenient stops across Boston: the route links historic sites, neighborhoods and waterfront areas.
- Multiple tour options: choose from single ride, All Day, Boston and Charlestown, and Cruise Terminal tickets, or a guided Boston and Cambridge tour.
- Good for first-time visitors: ride past the main sights before deciding where to get off.
- Double-decker buses: see the city from the upper deck with live commentary.
- Online tickets: see the ticket cards below for current options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quincy Market?
Quincy Market is a Greek Revival market building in Downtown Boston, designed by Alexander Parris and opened in 1826 beside Faneuil Hall. Today it is known for its food hall, shops and street performers.
Where is Quincy Market in Boston?
Quincy Market is in Downtown Boston between Faneuil Hall and the waterfront, within Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Visitor listings often give the address as 4 South Market Street.
What is Quincy Market famous for?
Quincy Market is famous for its historic market hall, its food hall, local shops, street performers and Greek Revival architecture. It has been one of Boston's most popular attractions since the 1976 restoration.
What are the Quincy Market hours?
One visitor listing gives Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM. Vendors set their own hours, so confirm before you go.
Does Quincy Market have bathrooms?
Visitor reports point to public restrooms in the marketplace area, but this page could not confirm exact locations, hours or fees. Check the marketplace directory or ask staff when you arrive.
Is Quincy Market free to visit?
Yes. There is no admission fee to walk through the marketplace, enjoy the entertainment or browse the shops. You pay only for food, shopping and optional activities.
Is Quincy Market worth visiting?
Yes, for most first-time visitors, because it combines Boston history, a large food hall and easy access to the Freedom Trail and waterfront. If you dislike crowds, go in the morning or mid to late afternoon.
How much time should I spend at Quincy Market?
Plan for one to three hours, depending on how long you eat and shop. That is our estimate, not an official figure.
Are there Quincy Market tours?
A marketplace listing mentions free history tours, but this page could not confirm a current schedule, so check with the marketplace. Boston Sightseeing's Boston and Cambridge City Tour includes a 45-minute lunch break at Quincy Market.
What are the best things to do at Quincy Market?
Popular activities include walking through the central hall, trying New England seafood, shopping for souvenirs, watching street performers, photographing the granite building and walking to Faneuil Hall and the Freedom Trail.
What is the best time to visit Quincy Market?
Morning and mid to late afternoon are usually less crowded. Spring and fall offer comfortable weather for walking around Downtown Boston.
Is Quincy Market part of the Freedom Trail?
Quincy Market sits next to Faneuil Hall, which is a Freedom Trail site, so most Freedom Trail walks pass right beside it. Many visitors add a lunch stop here.
Are there restaurants inside Quincy Market?
Yes. The food hall has many vendors selling seafood, lobster rolls, clam chowder, international dishes, desserts and coffee, and the surrounding buildings add sit-down restaurants.
Is Quincy Market family-friendly?
Yes. It has plenty of open space, casual dining and shops, and it is an easy walk to the New England Aquarium.
What attractions are near Quincy Market?
Nearby sights include Faneuil Hall, the Freedom Trail, Boston Harbor, the Rose Kennedy Greenway, the New England Aquarium, the North End and the Old State House. Most are a short walk away.
Plan Your Boston Tour with Boston Sightseeing
Boston Sightseeing runs a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tour with live commentary. The tour map lists Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market near Stop 1, so Stop 1 is the natural place to start a visit here. The bus runs daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and departures start at 206 Atlantic Avenue.
The All Day ticket covers Stops 1 to 8, which includes Stop 1. The Boston and Charlestown ticket covers Stops 1 to 11, and the Cruise Terminal ticket covers Stops 1 to 8 and 12 to 15. The Boston and Cambridge City Tour is a guided shuttle tour rather than a hop-on hop-off ride, and its ticket card lists a 45-minute lunch break at Quincy Market. See the ticket cards below for current options, and use the hop-on hop-off tour map to see every stop. The complete guide to hop-on hop-off tours in Boston explains how the tickets compare.
Our Tour Packages
Single Ride Pass
$33.25
Explore Boston in 90 Minutes
Ride above the crowd and enjoy the panoramic view of Boston
- Boston City Tour Single Ride Pass
- Stop-1 to Stop-8
- Blue Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- 90 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- Charlestown Sightseeing Tour
Hop-On Hop-Off All Day
$41.55
Boston City Sightseeing Tour
Experience historic Boston with unlimited hop-on hop-off at your own pace.
- Stop-1 to Stop-8
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Blue Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- 90 Minutes tour
- 1 Day Validity
- Shuttle Bus Service
- Charlestown Tour
Hop-on Hop-off Boston & Charlestown Tour
$48.65
Boston & Charlestown Tour
Experience the charm of Boston & Charlestown with Boston Sightseeing at your own pace.
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Stop-1 to Stop-11
- Hop-on Hop-off Charlestown Tour
- Blue & Orange Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- Shuttle Bus Tour
- 120 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
2 Days Boston & Charlestown Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
$70.40
2 Days Boston & Charlestown Tour
Explore Boston & Charlestown with Boston's first double-decker bus at your own pace.
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Stop-1 to Stop-11
- Hop-on Hop-off Charlestown Tour
- Blue & Orange Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- Shuttle Bus Tour
- 120 Minutes Tour
- 2 Days Validity
Cruise Terminal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
$52.00
200 Minutes Hop-on Hop-off
Get onboard from Boston Cruise terminal and explore the historic beantown with Boston Sightseeing double-decker bus.
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Stop 1-8, 12-15
- Blue & Purple Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- Shuttle Bus Tour
- 200 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
- Charlestown Tour
Boston & Cambridge City Tour
$63.00
Guided Photo & City Tour
A 3.5-hour guided shuttle tour featuring Boston’s most iconic neighborhoods, Cambridge highlights, waterfront views, and curated photo opportunities.
- Guided Boston & Cambridge sightseeing tour
- Approximately 3.5 hours
- Curated stops and photo opportunities
- Climate-controlled shuttle bus transportation
- Live local tour guide
- 45-minutes Quincy Market lunch break
- Same-day tour experience
- Double-Decker Bus Service
- Hop-on, hop-off service
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