There is nothing quite like the Haymarket or the Quincy Market. It’s hard to describe the chaos, the smells, and the people which is why everyone in my opinion should make the trip if they happen to be in the city on a Saturday.
The first time I got to shop there was when I was around five years old and my sister was seven. My dad handed us each a dollar and said “Go get as much fruit as you can, whoever has more wins.” I did have an advantage being two years younger but I still was determined to come out on top. I immediately went up to the first stand and told the man I was looking for some cherries and a few peaches but I only had a dollar. At that point the man handed me exactly what I asked for and a few plums to top it off. I was sold on going back.
I don’t recommend trying my tactic now as that was over 20 years ago but I will say you can find some good cheap produce for the night to whip something up. The market is not farm to table or sourcing from organic, natural farms and tends to specialize in produce that is no longer good for the shelf. That being said, if you’re not looking to cook something that day I would go for the experience and not the food. Spending 15-30 minutes is really all you need and then you can head to one of my family’s favorites - The Union Oyster House for some oysters, clam chowder, and cornbread.