Established as a marketplace and meeting hall in 1742, Faneuil Hall has become a lively hub for Boston tourists, with attractions to please history buffs and shoppers alike. This family-friendly epicenter of Revolutionary history is now host to a variety of local and chain stores, as well as restaurants to suit every palate and, on the weekends, colorful shows by street performers, local dance troupes, and more.
Parking and public transportation at Faneuil Hall
Though there is parking in a nearby garage (5 Broad Street), the easiest way to get to Faneuil Hall is by public transportation. There are several nearby stations but the closest are Haymarket (green and orange lines), State Street (orange), and Aquarium (blue line).
Best and worst time to go to Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall is at its most vibrant during the summer months. However, Christmastime is beautiful, too; the area boasts spectacular light shows and music from shortly after Thanksgiving through the beginning of the new year. Faneuil is at its least attractive from mid-January through March, when the winter weather keeps Bostonians indoors.
Admission to Faneuil Hall
Admission to Faneuil hall is free, though keep in mind the plentiful shopping and dining opportunities!
Must see/do at Faneuil Hall
Established in 1827, Durgin Park is Faneuil's oldest restaurant, and serves delicious steak and fresh seafood in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Watch incredible performances every weekend on the cobblestone colonnades, then wander into the north and south canopies to peruse pushcarts selling everything from college gear, to jewelry, to refrigerator magnets.
Other places to visit near Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall is one of 16 stops Boston's Freedom Trail, which guides tourists through the city's rich Revolutionary history. But if you're looking for a moment to relax, head just a block east to the waterfront and visit Christopher Columbus Park. From there, it's a five-minute walk to the New England Aquarium, where families can while away an afternoon.
Insider tip for visitors to Faneuil Hall
Many Boston tourists are eager to see "The Cheers Bar," where the popular '80s sitcom was filmed. But beware! Faneuil's Cheers is a replica. The original is the Bull and Finch Pub in nearby Beacon Hill.
Author's Bio: Sarah Weber is a 20-something publishing professional and freelance writer in the Boston area. In her spare time she plays tourist in her own city and blogs about books at sarahmweber715.wordpress.com.