Readers Say

8 changes Boston.com readers would like to see at Faneuil Hall Marketplace

It needs "world-class food options and unique stores that showcase New England's local businesses," wrote one reader.

By Kristi Palma

February 8, 2024

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Boston’s iconic Faneuil Hall Marketplace is under new management, so we asked Boston.com readers if changes should be made and the resounding answer was “yes.”

Seventy-one percent of more than 100 Boston.com readers polled said there should be changes at Faneuil Hall Marketplace now that new landlord J. Safra Real Estate has taken over from Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation, the landlord since 2011.

The marketplace, located on the historic Freedom Trail, is known for its cobblestone streets, retailers, restaurants, and street performers.

Under the old management, there were concerns about the upkeep of the area and the shift from local to national retailers, according to The Boston Globe.

Ahead, find out what changes Boston.com readers want to see at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

1. Modernize the marketplace

“It’s tired and old. Its needs new life…the Seaport is much better, so is the North End. It needs more life, cleaning up, lively places with plants, lighting, dining. Its needs a rejuvenation…think Seaport. Fun restaurants with outdoor dining, bars, retail stores etc. It has been declining for years…just tired and old.” — Ryan H. of Hingham

“Faneuil Hall is a truly depressing experience. The caliber of retailers is horrendous and the ambiance feels massively dated. It is in urgent need of a refresh to modernize and to offer both a better retail and food experience (the food offerings are generally poor and poorly presented) and more upscale brands to make it a more interesting place to visit. Architecturally it is also desperately in need of a refresh, with a total disconnect between the buildings — everyone ends up walking through the food court and avoiding the shopping building. Access to the different levels is also poorly planned.” — Mike H. of the South End

“Attract merchants to fill the empty shops, add an entertainment stage and an outdoor beer garden.” — N. Sullivan from North Attleboro

“Improvements in food and restaurants. The place is so run down. This is the heart of Boston and it’s such a dump. The Seaport has completely taken over as a thriving place, exciting place to go in Boston.” — Melissa from Belmont

2. Focus on clean-up and repairs

“Clean it up, [it] always seems so dirty.” — Pamela M. from Boston

“I was appalled at the decline when the former company ran it. There are parts that are in dire need of repair, and I was told the stores complained to no avail.” — Anonymous reader from East Boston

3. Increase accessibility

“Poor handicapped accessibility!!!!!” — JSW from unknown hometown

4. Showcase local businesses

“Need to have world-class food options and unique stores that showcase New England’s local businesses.” — Yevgeniy from the North End

“Get rid of all national chain businesses. Require all to be local. I voted this way because the place became ‘Suburban Mall Anywhere USA.'” — Joseph Z. of Boston

“It’s just a glorified mall at this point with mainstream stores and an overpriced food court. Either turn it into 100% historical sites/reenactments for the tourists, or turn all of the empty stores into local places selling things from New England and made in New England (art, pottery, foods, wines, etc) for out of state tourists, and include a few late night bars and restaurants for people leaving the offices nearby. It’s kitsch at this point.” — Leanne S. of Allston

“There’s nothing Boston or New England about it right now. It’s a glorified strip mall. Local dining, entertainment and art should be featured in collaboration with small businesses. etc. Use it as a stage to show what’s going on in the arts, education, sciences, technology, etc. It would be cool to tease some MFA art, some Boston Dynamics robotics, educational opportunities like Moderna sponsored DNA 101, etc.” — Dan from Jamaica Plain

“It should look more like Downtown Crossing — local establishments, locally run. Don’t become the Seaport.” — Jeff from Cambridge

“Less national retailers more local businesses and also popular large local restaurant groups that will draw locals and tourists.” — Alex W. of Boston

“We have many mom & pop ethnic restaurants in places like Dorchester & Roxbury that should be SHOWCASED @ Quincy Market.” — David P. from Quincy

“I would love to see more little shops with less typical tourists trap items for sale and more unique items that reflect the culture of Boston and New England. Also a variety of restaurants and bars that are more a face of Boston, which is a melting pot of race and culture. Birthplace of America should look and feel like America.” — Jim S. of Chicopee

5. Feature pop-up markets, art, holiday events

“It would be cool for pop-up markets to happen in the cobblestone areas such as vintage and artists. I love the street performers they have there. Also a holiday event would be wonderful with a Santa visit and tree lighting.” — Emmy E. from Allston/Brighton

“I’m a sucker for interactive art exhibits. Should consider incorporating that into the space. It’ll bring a nice fun element to the area.” — Annel of Boston

“Bring back the large Christmas tree with the Blink show in front of Marketplace Center.” — Harry J. of Woburn

“More fun events and pop-ups like I’ve seen on the Greenway. Maybe even a working space like District Hall so there are more workers staying in the area after work.” — Jess

6. Offer more nightlife

“It needs something to bring in night time business like a comedy club, night club, etc. to compete with surrounding areas.” — Anonymous reader from Boston

7. Install more seating

“More seating.” — Sasha B. from Carrabassett Valley in Maine

“Would like to see increased indoor seating to eat food from the vendors. The seagulls are way too aggressive outside. The last time I was there, a gull swooped down and stole my daughter’s sandwich out of her hand. We would have eaten inside, but there was no space.” — Anonymous reader from Arlington

8. More affordable rent and parking

“Need reasonable rent and reasonable parking.” — Karen T. of Somerville

“They should offer a reasonable rent for local small businesses.” — Emmy E. from Allston/Brighton

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

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