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Faneuil Hall's Vibrant Bostonian Charm

Published by Veronica Litt, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

If there is one word to describe Faneuil Hall, then “alive” would have to be it. The marketplace is renowned as an inviting, vibrant destination. If you make it to Boston, you just have to see Faneuil Hall. The atmosphere around the 1742 building is distinctly Bostonian: bright, friendly and fun. One reason for this could be the rich history that occurred at Faneuil Hall.

Faneuil Hall was built by Peter Faneuil, a wealthy Bostonian merchant, and given as a gift to the city. Highlights of the Hall’s history include Samuel Adams’s rally against dependence on the commonwealth, George Washington’s celebration of America's first birthday, and the Sugar Act protests, where the famous phrase "No taxation without representation" was coined.

This "Cradle of Liberty" as Faneuil Hall is called, owes its glowing atmosphere to more than just history. The Hall you see today is as vibrant as ever, playing host to a series of fun activities for tourists to enjoy. First, there's the shopping. Commercial stores like Ann Taylor, Urban Outfitters and Coach grace the North and South Markets, while distinctly Bostonian stores like Best of Boston offer tourists keepsakes for home such as coffee mugs, t-shirts, and delicious salt water taffy.

Taffy is a segway to the wonderful food that can be found in Faneuil Hall: pina colada smoothies made before your eyes, fresh oysters, and even fried dough. Of course, any mention of food at Faneuil Hall is incomplete without including the famous Cheers bar replica. When you're all shopped out and full of delicious food, feel free to head outside and see the street performers display acrobatic artistry, comedic acts, and sleight of hand for the eager crowd.

After your experience of Faneuil Hall, go forth and enjoy the rest of Boston’s attractions, all conveniently located in walking distance from the Hall in the centre of town. A visit to Paul Revere’s House, the Science Museum, the Boston Common, the New England Aquarium, and the several beautiful Quays that line the city, will make for a perfect Bostonian visit.

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When to Go to Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall is a great visit any time of year, but the summer is the best for seeing the street performers without getting too cold. The Faneuil Hall has a list of special events occurring year round, including the Annual Lighting Ceremony, the Holiday Tuba Concert, Boston Pride Day, the Street Performer Auditions and Street Performer Festival in the summer, and the New Year's Eve Celebration in the winter.

Odds n' Ends

Faneuil Hall has a political history as a venue for prominent presidential speeches. It was the site of Edward Kennedy's speech declaring his candidacy for president on November 7, 1979. It was also the site of Senator John Kerry's concession speech in the 2004 presidential election against George W. Bush.

Want a Guide?

Old Town Trolley Tours
This trolley tour will take you to seventeen attractions around the city and provide insightful and amusing commentary on the way. Faneuil Hall, the Old State House and the Freedom Trail are included on the comprehensive list. It's a great and relatively inexpensive way to get a feel for Boston.

Places to Eat

Cheers
A fun, friendly, warm bar and restaurant to relax your feet in. Enjoy their classic pub food and cheery atmosphere! (Sorry for that pun...)

More Experiences Nearby

Walk in the Footsteps of American Revolutionaries on the Freedom Trail in Boston
Few events in the history of the United States have more prominence in the collective memory of Americans than the American Revolution. Paul Revere's midnight ride through rural Massachusetts on April 18, 1775 (sounding the bell that the “British are coming!”), and the infamous Boston Tea Party—fill the history books read by every American child. Boston is probably the best place in the U.S. to explore American revolutionary history, primarily because most of the events took place in and around Massachusetts. The first shots between British troops and American militia were fired at Lexington and Concord, two towns just outside ...0 miles away.

Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!

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Boston Walking Tour: Footsteps to Freedom
As you walk the Freedom Trail, you'll discover many of the sites that played an important role in the American Revolution. You'll be at the ...
Starting from $29.99 per person.

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Faneuil Hall Marketplace

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