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Boston Public Market is a well-beloved and centrally located indoor marketplace where farm stands, seafood and meat vendors, restaurants, and flower shops all call home. Its eclectic gathering of bites and artisanal goods appeal to many kinds of travelers, but everyone can agree that this small but mighty hall is a delightful place to be.

The best thing about Boston Public Market is that everything is highly localized, so every vendor you encounter will be local to Massachusetts. Stock up on your souvenirs and memories and come hungry! There are plenty of places to go walking close by so don't be afraid to sample the lot.

  • Hours: Monday-Wednesday from 8 am-10 pm, Thursday-Saturday from 8 am-11 pm, and Sundays from 10 am-10 pm.

Related: 10 Places in Boston to Find The Best (Authentic) Chowder

How To Get To Boston Public Market

Boston Public Market is probably one of the most accessible places to visit in Boston. It is physically attached to the Haymarket stop on Boston's subway (called the "T"), serviced by the Orange and Green lines. All you need to do is go out one set of doors and enter into another set located right next door. If you're coming in from the North Shore on the Commuter Rail, North Station is no more than a 5-minute walk away.

If you're on foot and following the iconic Freedom Trail, Boston Public Market is only a small deviation off of Blackstone Street. It'll only take you a minute or two to reunite with the iconic brick line to cross over into the North End. On weekend days, you may see a large, open-air produce market set up all along New Sudbury and Blackstone Streets; the Public Market will be nestled right at the northern border of this outdoor marketplace.

  • Address: 100 Hanover Street, Boston 02108

What You'll Experience Inside Boston Public Market

Once inside the Public Market, there is a wonderfully curated selection of location vendors. The space is set up as a food and vendor hall, so you order from a restaurant, grab your food and sit at communal tables meant for patrons of the restaurants. There are tables available both inside and outside, but it does get crowded during mealtimes so be prepared! Also, the Public Market has some of the best public restrooms near the Freedom Trail, a hot tip for the said well-prepared travelers.

For breakfasts, The Bagel Guild offers fresh, handmade sourdough bagels ranging from classic Everything bagels to more unique Rosemary bagels. They also carry a variety of spreads (plain and flavored) and toppings like goat cheese and no nut pesto. Some of their toppings are even vegan! You also have the option of making their bagels into a heartier breakfast sandwich.

You can wash your bagels down with some coffee from the iconic George Howell, largely regarded by locals as some of the best coffee in Boston. George Howell works directly with farms that focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Related: 10 Best Coffee Shops in Boston Sure to Pep You Up

If you enjoy sweet breakfasts, then don't miss out on Union Square Donuts' award-winning, beautifully crafted, donuts. Their famously creative flavors and delicious vegan options are both Instagram-worthy, and extremely tasty.

For lunches and dinners, local favorites include Bon Me, a food truck-turned restaurant serving Southeast Asian-inspired foods, and Perilla's, a Korean-inspired fast-casual restaurant. Both are reasonably priced, easy options for a quick bite.

The real crowd-pleaser, however, comes from a Boston institution, The Popover Lady, whose baked delights are a true stopper in the Public Market. You can get savory flavors, like asiago cheese, or sweet as chocolate covered, but either way, these pastries are sure to leave an impression. Sadly, there are no vegan options here, however, nearby Jennifer Lee's Bakery is a 100% vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, egg-free, and diary-free shop; it's allergen-free heaven for those with food intolerances.

If you're staying in a rental that has a kitchen, and you fancy cooking a meal with a New England flavor, then the Public Market is a one-stop-shop that offers local beers and wines, fresh produce from local farms like Red Apple Farm, and amazing fish, poultry, and meat from around the state of Massachusetts. Any option you go for in these categories is sure to please, and vendors working at the counters are friendly and extremely knowledgeable with good recommendations.

What You'll Experience Outside Boston Public Market

Once you've stuffed yourself with all the possible eats inside Boston Public Market, then take a stroll outside. On a nice summer day, you'll find locals enjoying the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a stretch of green park landmarking the location of the old elevated highway that was moved to underground tunnels in the early 2000s. Exiting the east doors of the Public Market, you'll see the Greenway across the street from you. Along the Greenway, you'll encounter bench swings, fountains, and beds of beautiful flowers.

Boston Public Market is adjacent to Boston's iconic Faneuil Hall, a stop on the Freedom Trail which is now a marketplace of touristy goods and even more touristy restaurants. Often, there are street performers outside of Fanueil Hall, so getting lunch at the Public Market and sitting at Fanueil Hall to watch free entertainment is a fun way to pass the time with food that is a little less touristy, but equally delicious.