Haymarket Boston
Historic outdoor market offering incredibly cheap fruits, vegetables, and seafood on Fridays and Saturdays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest produce & seafood
Haymarket Boston
Best Time
Freshest produce & seafood
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic outdoor market offering incredibly cheap fruits, vegetables, and seafood on Fridays and Saturdays.
"Score amazing deals on fresh produce and seafood at Boston's historic Haymarket!"
🎯 Bring Cash & Small Bills
Most vendors are cash-only. Come prepared with small bills to make transactions smoother.
🗣️ Don't Be Afraid to Haggle
Haggling is part of the experience, especially on Saturdays. Be polite but firm to get the best deals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Produce Paradise
Throughout the market
Score incredible deals on fruits and vegetables. Think 99-cent pineapples and $1 bags of produce!
Seafood Steals
Throughout the market
Find surprisingly affordable fresh seafood, with some vendors offering scallops and fish at bargain prices.
Historic Atmosphere
Hanover Street
Experience one of America's oldest open-air markets, a vibrant slice of Boston's rich history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Cash is King & Haggling is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Cash & Small Bills
Most vendors are cash-only. Come prepared with small bills to make transactions smoother.
🗣️ Don't Be Afraid to Haggle
Haggling is part of the experience, especially on Saturdays. Be polite but firm to get the best deals.
⏰ Go Early for Freshest Goods
For the best selection of fresh produce and seafood, aim for Friday mornings.
🛒 Prep for Produce Lifespan
Much of the produce is near its end-of-life. Plan to use or preserve it quickly to avoid spoilage.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Cash & Small Bills
Most vendors are cash-only. Come prepared with small bills to make transactions smoother.
🗣️ Don't Be Afraid to Haggle
Haggling is part of the experience, especially on Saturdays. Be polite but firm to get the best deals.
⏰ Go Early for Freshest Goods
For the best selection of fresh produce and seafood, aim for Friday mornings.
🛒 Prep for Produce Lifespan
Much of the produce is near its end-of-life. Plan to use or preserve it quickly to avoid spoilage.
🚶♀️ Navigate the Crowds
Haymarket gets very busy, especially on Saturdays. Be patient and aware of your surroundings.
🥑 Avoid Certain Produce
Redditors suggest avoiding avocados and leafy greens as they tend to spoil quickly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Haymarket is a beloved Boston institution known for its incredibly low prices on fresh produce and seafood. Visitors rave about the amazing deals and the vibrant, historic atmosphere. However, be prepared for crowds, cash-only transactions, and the understanding that much of the produce is best consumed quickly due to its near-expiration status.
"Haymarket, Boston!
Go early. Fresh fish , fresh produce. But the key is to go early. If you go later in the day most of the items are not as fresh.
Fun place to people watch or of course grab some food for a meal later in the day.
Convenient location. Gets hectic at times!"
d
"Very busy and crowded though rather calm. Commerce and transactions were going on though I do not know if people were "haggling" like the movie 🎥"Life of Brian" .
An interesting aspect of city 🌆 life at a Summer 🌞 sunset 🌇."
Stephen Priest
"Great place to shop fruits and veggies! With good prices and good quality. Definitely much better than buying at any supermarket."
Elias Ruiz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Haymarket is conveniently located near Faneuil Hall and the North End. The Haymarket T station (Green and Orange Lines) is right at the market. Several parking garages are also nearby, though they can be pricey.
Yes, the Haymarket T station is directly served by the Green and Orange Lines, making it very accessible via public transportation.
There are several parking garages in the vicinity of Haymarket, though parking can be expensive. Consider public transport for a more budget-friendly option.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting on Friday mornings. Saturday afternoons are the busiest as vendors offer deep discounts before closing.
Absolutely! Haymarket offers a unique, bustling market experience and a glimpse into local Boston life. It's a great spot for photos and finding budget-friendly groceries.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Haymarket is an open-air market and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to wander and browse.
Haymarket is open on Fridays and Saturdays. On Fridays, vendors typically open around 3 AM, and on Saturdays, they open around 4 AM. They usually close around 7 PM. 
Yes, the outdoor market operates year-round on Fridays and Saturdays in the same location.
There is no admission fee to enter Haymarket. You only pay for the produce and goods you choose to purchase.
Most vendors at Haymarket are cash-only. It's highly recommended to bring plenty of cash, preferably in small bills.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Deals
Haymarket is famous for its incredibly low prices on fresh produce and seafood. You can find items like pineapples for 99 cents and strawberries for $1 a box.
To snag the best deals, visit on Saturday afternoons before closing when vendors are eager to sell off remaining stock. Haggling is also encouraged.
The produce is generally good quality but often near its peak ripeness or end-of-life. It's best for immediate consumption or preservation. +1
Yes, Haymarket offers a variety of fresh seafood at competitive prices. Some Redditors have found great deals on fish and scallops.
Some shoppers advise avoiding delicate items like leafy greens and avocados, as they tend to spoil very quickly.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Yes, Haymarket's vibrant atmosphere, colorful produce displays, and bustling crowds make it a fantastic spot for photography.
Haymarket is a lively, sometimes chaotic, and very authentic market experience. It's a sensory overload in the best way, with vendors calling out prices and shoppers navigating the busy aisles.
No, Haymarket is not a traditional farmer's market. It primarily sells surplus produce from wholesale warehouses, making it distinct from farms selling directly.
Its long history, the sheer volume of produce available at low prices, and the energetic, sometimes gruff, vendor interactions are unique to Haymarket.
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Dress in layers, as it's an outdoor market and can be chilly or warm depending on the season.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the produce is cheap, it's important to manage expectations regarding its shelf life. Plan to use your purchases quickly or involve kids in simple food prep like washing fruits or making smoothies.
💰 Budget Travelers
Haggling is your friend; don't hesitate to negotiate prices, particularly on Saturdays. Consider visiting on Saturday afternoons for the deepest discounts.
While the atmosphere can be hectic, the savings are substantial. You can significantly reduce your food budget by stocking up on essentials here. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Economics of Haymarket: Why So Cheap?
It's important to understand that Haymarket is not a farmer's market where produce is sold directly from the farm. Instead, it's a marketplace for goods that might otherwise be thrown away. This is why the lifespan of the produce can be shorter.
Despite the short shelf-life potential, many shoppers find the quality to be comparable to or even better than what they find at regular supermarkets, especially considering the price difference.
Navigating the Haymarket Experience: Tips from the Pros
Secondly, haggling is expected, especially on Saturdays. Don't be shy about negotiating prices, but always remain polite. When it comes to selecting produce, look for firmness and vibrant color. Avoid anything that appears wilted, bruised, or moldy.
Be prepared for a crowded and energetic atmosphere. Haymarket is a bustling place, and navigating the narrow aisles can be challenging.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit