Activity Overview
The Haymarket is a living, breathing historical tradition right in the heart of Boston's historical center. The market's roots can be traced back to the first half of the 1700's when vendors first began to sell their goods here. Now it is an excellent place to get great quality fresh produce at cheap prices. It is also conveniently located to explore other attractions of Boston's past and present.
Things to Do
- There is a mouth-watering range of fresh fruit and vegetables on offer. Amongst the various wooden stands you will also find fish, dairy products, Halal meats, spices and much more. All of this is available at remarkably low prices which is one reason why Haymarket is a genuine part of many locals' day to day life and not just some gaudy tourist attraction.
- There are some other great attractions around the Haymarket for visitors to go and see. You can stop into Boston's Italian North End or take a look at the TD Garden, Boston's premier sports arena. Or if you want to take the weight off your feet find an historic pub or restaurant where you can have a beer or a nice meal.
Haymarket Insider Tips
- The market is only open on Fridays and Saturdays. It has no official hours per sé, sellers gather from dawn till dusk though between 6 am and 6 pm is when most vendors are around. Things can close up a bit earlier depending on the weather.
- If you want the freshest produce then get in early when the vendors have just set out their stalls. Of course if you don't really want to buy anything the Haymarket is a good place to just stroll through and soak up authentic Boston life. You can maybe find something small to nibble on as you do so!
- There is a popular misconception that the Haymarket is a farmer's market however for the majority of the stalls this is not true. The vendors in fact buy the produce from wholesalers. Sometimes the wholesalers are trying to get rid of their ripe food before it goes off and this is one reason why some vendors at the Haymarket can offer such low prices.
