Boston is without doubt one of the oldest and most well-known cities within the United States. There’s no scarcity of historic Boston points of interest to go to, making this an unimaginable journey vacation spot.
In the event you’re planning a visit right here however are not sure of what to do in Boston, learn on for a take a look at among the finest issues to see and do.
Courting again to 1630, Boston holds an necessary place in American historical past. Town was based by Puritan colonists who had been fleeing non secular persecution in England.
A lot of the American Revolution unfolded right here, together with essential occasions such because the Boston Bloodbath and the Boston Tea Celebration. Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the largest metropolis within the space often called New England.
It has a number of nicknames, together with “The Metropolis on a Hill” and “Beantown.” Baked beans and bread had been a quite common dish again in colonial occasions, and the identify caught — properly, with vacationers, not a lot with the locals!
Right here you’ll discover an abundance of historic sights, world-class museums, lovely parks, and way more. With a lot happening in a single metropolis, it may be a bit difficult to resolve what to do in Boston.
I actually loved my visits to town and am excited to share my ideas and all the most effective issues to do in Boston.
Up to date 2023: This put up has been reviewed and up to date with new Boston points of interest and locations of curiosity in Boston that guests can get pleasure from this yr. We’ve additionally eliminated these gadgets which have been completely closed or are now not functioning.
High 15 Issues To Do in Boston
Right here’s my listing of the highest issues to do in Boston. I’ve visited Boston numerous occasions and spent weeks exploring the hidden corners of this lovely metropolis. After all, all through all the time I’ve spent touring round Boston, I’ve carried out much more than these 15 issues, however I’ve narrowed my listing right down to the 15 absolute must-visit Boston points of interest.
1. Freedom Path – topping the listing of issues to do in Boston!
One of many prime outside actions in Boston is the Freedom Path — a 2.5-mile-long stroll that takes you to among the most well-known locations within the metropolis.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll cross by 16 totally different historic sights, from the Boston Widespread all the way in which to the USS Structure.
In the event you’re new on the town and don’t actually know what to do in Boston, simply hop on the Freedom Path and soak up among the sights. There’s a lot to see and be taught alongside the path that you possibly can simply spend all day or perhaps a few days taking all of it in.
Going for a stroll on the Freedom Path in Boston is like being inside a historical past ebook. You’ll see the location of the Boston Bloodbath, the previous dwelling of Paul Revere, and the ultimate resting place of such patriots as John Hancock.
It’s fairly simple to do a self-guided tour of the Freedom Path. I like to recommend beginning on the Customer Middle in Boston Widespread and shifting alongside at a leisurely tempo. Simply click on right here for a PDF map that you would be able to comply with.
There are additionally many Freedom Path excursions that you would be able to be a part of. This one is a non-public tour together with an area historian for a information, whereas this one is a little more enjoyable — a historic pub crawl alongside the Freedom Path!
The Freedom Path tour can be included within the Go Boston Card.
Handle: 164 Prince St, Boston, MA 02113, USA (Get Instructions)
2. Boston Tea Celebration Ships & Museum
Historical past buffs will certainly need to add a go to to the Tea Celebration Ships & Museum to their listing of issues to see in Boston. It’s an interactive museum that means that you can expertise this historic occasion as for those who had been dwelling it.
The Boston Tea Celebration is believed to be probably the most necessary occasions main as much as the American Revolution.
Colonists boarded British ships within the harbor and tossed chests stuffed with tea overboard in protest. They had been often called the Sons of Liberty and their well-known rallying cry was “No taxation with out illustration.”
On the museum, your information will lead you thru a colonial city assembly after which onto an authentically restored ship to truly dump bins of tea into the harbor.
After that, you’ll be able to peruse their informative reveals and take a look at the spectacular multi-sensory documentary known as “Let it Start Right here.”
You will discover the Boston Tea Celebration Ships & Museum at 306 Congress Road. It’s open each day from 10-4 or 5 relying on the season. This can be a extremely rated attraction in Boston, and tickets are inexpensive. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook tickets on-line.
☞ SEE ALSO: 10 Least expensive Cities within the USA for Digital Nomads
Handle: 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, United States (Get Instructions)
3. Go to Fenway Park
There’s little question that Boston is without doubt one of the finest sports activities cities on the planet. Bostonians are very passionate about their groups, particularly the Purple Sox. The Sox play at Fenway Park, which is the oldest ballpark within the nation. It dates all the way in which again to 1912 and is even on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.
Catching a recreation at Fenway Park is unquestionably one of many prime outside actions in Boston. That’s for those who can handle to attain tickets!
It’s one of many smallest ballparks within the league and residential to the reigning World Collection champions. I like to recommend going for a day recreation on a weekday for the most effective probability of getting first rate seats at an affordable value.
Even for those who don’t get to see the Sox play, it’s properly price it to take a tour of Fenway Park. It’s often called “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” and a captivating place to go to.
You’ll get to see the well-known Inexperienced Monster and Pesky’s Pole and be taught all about this iconic sports activities venue.
There are a number of totally different choices for excursions of Fenway Park, even on recreation days. You should buy tickets on-line as much as 30 days prior, and they’re bought on a first-come, first-serve foundation.
Excursions final one hour and price round $21 for adults or $15 for youngsters. Click on right here to browse the choices and ebook your tour of Fenway.
Handle: 4 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215, United States (Get Instructions)
4. Be part of a Duck Tour
In the event you’re questioning what to do in Boston that’s enjoyable for the entire household, you have to be positive to enroll in a duck tour.
I’m not speaking in regards to the birds that quack, although. This “duck” is an amphibious automobile that may cruise on each land and sea.
After boarding the duck, your group is whisked round Boston for a enjoyable and informative tour of town and its many landmarks. From there, you get to splash into the Charles River to get pleasure from some implausible views of the skyline.
Duck excursions final round 80 minutes and depart from both the Museum of Science, Prudential Middle, or the New England Aquarium. Excursions go away each 20-Half-hour all through the day. Click on right here to ebook tickets.
This is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Boston, don’t miss it. The “Duck” can be included within the Go Boston Card.
Handle: Boston Duck Excursions – 53 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02199, United States (Get Instructions)
5. Boston Widespread and Public Backyard
I do know I discussed it within the blurb in regards to the Freedom Path, however Boston Widespread positively deserves its personal spot on this listing of issues to see in Boston. Courting all the way in which again to 1634, that is truly the oldest metropolis park within the nation!
Earlier than you get shifting alongside the Freedom Path, be sure you spend a while strolling round Boston Widespread. Through the summer time, you’ll be able to cool off within the Frog Pond. Within the chilly winter months, it transforms into an ice-skating rink.
Boston Widespread additionally hosts a number of totally different occasions and festivals all year long. You’ll be able to take a look at Shakespeare on the Widespread in the summertime for some outside theater, or see the ice sculptures and fireworks shows on New Yr’s Eve.
Stroll throughout Charles Road and also you’ll end up within the lovely Boston Public Backyard. Right here you’ll be able to get pleasure from a scenic stroll or leap in a swan boat for a spin across the lagoon. Click on right here to examine the situation on the map and get instructions.
Handle: 115 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, United States (Get Instructions)
6. Faneuil Corridor – a terrific place to eat and store in Boston
After just a few hours of strolling the Freedom Path and taking within the sights, you’ll certainly be able to seize some lunch and sit down for some time. The right place to go is Faneuil Corridor, a market full of retailers, eating places, and bars.
Historic Faneuil Corridor is named the “Cradle of Liberty,” because it was as soon as dwelling to the conferences that finally led to the American Revolution. It’s probably the most well-known Boston points of interest and a must-visit whereas within the metropolis.
Along with all of the purchasing and eating right here, you can even watch some fairly unimaginable road performers. In the event you’re in search of issues to do in Boston without cost, right here you’ll discover health courses and dance nights.
Faneuil Corridor is open from Monday to Saturday from 10-9 and on Sunday from 11-7. Click on right here to get instructions. For a full listing of all the companies that function there and the occasion schedule, take a look at their web site.
Handle: 1 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109, United States (Get Instructions)
7. Feast on Seafood
Ask any native what to do in Boston, and also you’re positive to get responses that embrace the phrases “chowdah” and “lobstah roll.”
Whether or not you’ll be able to perceive the accent or not, probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Boston is attempting among the metropolis’s traditional seafood dishes. (If you end up in Canada’s east coast province of Nova Scotia, consuming lobster rolls is without doubt one of the finest issues to do there as properly!)
Maybe essentially the most quintessential dish in Boston is New England clam chowder. This creamy seafood soup has been a staple of the Boston food regimen for the reason that time of the Pilgrims. Nice locations for some chowdah embrace Authorized Sea Meals and B&G Oysters.
One other must-eat in Boston is a lobster roll. This delectable concoction is made by including lobster meat to a sizzling dog-style bun.
The lobster is often soaked in both butter or mayo together with some salt and pepper. If that sounds wonderful, that’s as a result of it’s!
A number of the finest locations to get this Boston traditional is Island Creek Oyster Bar (replace: sadly, this restaurant has completely closed) and the aptly named Lobstah on a Roll — top-of-the-line issues to do on Newbury Road is to eat certainly one of these lobster rolls!
Handle: Authorized Seafoods – 255 State St, Boston, MA 02109, United States (Get Instructions)
8. Go to The North Finish (and eat Italian meals)
Whereas lobster is without doubt one of the hottest meals in Boston, so too is Italian meals. The North Finish has been inhabited for the reason that 1630s and is dwelling to an Italian American inhabitants.
In the event you love Italian meals (balsamic vinegar, cheese, pasta, pizza, olive oil…oh my!), you’ll need to take a look at the North Finish. Nevertheless, it’s not simply in regards to the meals right here, there are some nice websites to see as properly.
Don’t miss the sculptures and art work, the oldest church in Boston (Outdated North Church), the Paul Revere Home, the birthplace of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, and extra.
You’ll be able to wander across the North Finish sampling gelato as you go, however if you wish to be taught extra in regards to the neighbourhood and discover some nice eating places, take a look at this tour, which features a educated information, meals samplings, entrance charges, and extra.
Handle: North Finish Station – 186 Canal St, Boston, MA 02114, United States (Get Instructions)
9. JFK Presidential Library & Museum
John F. Kennedy was the thirty fifth President of the US. He grew up simply outdoors of Boston in Brookline, MA and he attended faculty at Harvard College.
Tragically, JFK was assassinated in 1963. Historical past buffs will need to add a cease on the JFK Presidential Library & Museum to their listing of issues to see in Boston.
The hanging constructing was designed by world-famous architect I.M. Pei on Boston’s waterfront. Earlier than his premature demise, Kennedy visited the realm to discover a location for his future library, however he by no means acquired to see it accomplished.
Since he inspired his administration to save lots of each official and private paperwork, this advanced is taken into account each a library and a museum.
By way of the assorted reveals, you’ll be able to be taught all in regards to the life and legacy of JFK. With interactive shows, high-definition projections, and numerous authentic artifacts, it’s an incredible look into one of many nation’s most beloved public figures.
The JFK Presidential Library is positioned at Columbia Level. It’s open each day from 9-5 with the final introductory movie displaying simply earlier than 4 PM. Tickets price $14 for adults and $10 for youngsters. You should buy tickets on-line upfront on their web site.
Handle: Columbia Level, Boston, MA 02125, United States (Get Instructions)
10. See The Well-known Universities
Boston is without doubt one of the greatest academic facilities in the US. Town is dwelling to a number of prestigious universities, resembling Harvard, MIT, and the College of Massachusets.
Harvard persistently ranks at #1 on lists of the highest universities on the planet. As such, the campus of this Ivy League faculty is taken into account one of many prime issues to see in Boston.
You’ve got just a few totally different choices for seeing this world-famous college. Click on right here to obtain a map for a self-guided tour together with an accompanying audio tour.
It’s learn by present Harvard college students and supplies a terrific introduction to the college. This is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Boston for positive.
Another choice is signing up for certainly one of Harvard’s inexpensive strolling excursions led by college students. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook this standard tour on-line. A strolling tour of Harvard College can be included within the Go Boston Card.
Addresses:
Harvard College (Cambridge, MA, United States – Instructions)
MIT (77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States – Instructions)
College of Massachusetts (100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, United States – Instructions)
11. Picnic at Greenway
Greenway Park is a mile-long stretch of inexperienced house that connects Zakim Bridge to the Chinatown Gate. Give your self a while to slowly meander alongside the paths right here, chill within the grass or get pleasure from a day picnic.
On any day of the week, you’ll see loads of folks strolling, biking, jogging, and lounging the complete size of Greenway. Don’t miss the numerous fountains within the heart and in addition think about stopping at one of many close by meals vans to choose up a meal to get pleasure from on the grass.
There are additionally just a few festivals, parades, and occasions that occur at Greenway so examine their web site to see if there are any occasions throughout your go to.
Handle: John F Fitzgerald Floor Rd, Boston, MA 02111, United States (Get Instructions)
12. Museum Hopping
In the event you’re ever not sure of what to do in Boston, simply pop into one of many metropolis’s many wonderful museums. Along with the aforementioned JFK Library & Museum, you’ve got a number of different selections to study artwork, historical past, and science.
The entire museums listed beneath are included within the Go Boston Card.
Museum of Superb Arts
Boston’s Museum of Superb Arts has a powerful assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s not solely top-of-the-line museums in Boston however in the complete United States.
You could possibly spend weeks right here and nonetheless not soak up all of the wonderful artwork that’s on show.
The museum is open each day from 10-5 Sat-Tues and 10-10 Wed-Fri. Tickets price $25 for adults and $10 for youngsters, however youngsters can go to without cost any day after 3 PM and on weekends. Discover the museum on the map, right here.
Handle: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States (Get Instructions)
Different Should-See Museums in Boston
Different nice selections embrace the Boston Youngsters’s Museum, the Museum of Science, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Vacationers will love the Mapparium, which is dwelling to a 3-story stained-glass globe that provides you a 3D perspective of the world. It’s positioned within the Mary Baker Eddy Library (click on right here for instructions) and prices simply $6 for adults and $4 for youngsters.
13. Newbury Road
For these concerned with discovering among the finest purchasing and eating choices on the town, a stroll alongside stylish Newbury Road is a should. I personally hate purchasing and even I’ll admit that this is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Boston!
This mile-long road is dwelling to historic brownstones courting again to the nineteenth century. Right here you’ll discover all kinds of boutiques, salons, cafes, eating places, galleries, bars, and extra. It truly is a one-stop store and a terrific place to spend just a few hours.
On the decrease finish close to Boston Public Backyard, you’ll discover principally upscale outlets. Due to this stretch, Newbury Road is taken into account probably the most costly streets within the nation!
As you make your manner up the road, although, it turns into extra of a bohemian vibe with extra budget-friendly choices. In the event you’re in search of enjoyable, free issues to do in Boston, wandering round Newbury Road is a superb possibility.
One of the vital iconic outlets right here is Newbury Comics, which was opened again in 1978 and kicked off the road’s transformation right into a hip purchasing space.
Come right here to peruse their huge assortment of popular culture merchandise, from comedian books to vinyl and way more. Click on right here to get instructions.
Handle: Newbury St #212-214, Boston, MA 02116, United States (Get Instructions)
14. Go to Fortress Island
Fortress Island is without doubt one of the coolest issues to see in Boston is unquestionably Fortress Island. Right here you’ll discover the historic Fort Independence and Pleasure Bay Seashore.
It’s an exquisite place to go to in the summertime months when you’ll be able to go for a stroll alongside the waterfront, go for a dip, and possibly have a picnic on the seaside.
In the event you don’t really feel like bringing your individual lunch, cease by native favourite Sullivan’s for fried clams and ice cream.
The Fort is just open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, and there are free excursions given by volunteers.
The excursions all the time run from midday to three:30 on Sunday, and there are additionally Saturday excursions throughout the summer time. In June and July, they add extra skyline viewing excursions on Thursday evenings at 7.
Fortress Island is positioned in South Boston on the shore of Boston Harbor. For extra info, be sure you take a look at their web site.
Handle: Boston, MA 02127, USA (Get Instructions)
15. Be part of a Brewery Tour
It’s no secret that Boston is a metropolis that enjoys a chilly one every now and then!
Taking a brewery tour is unquestionably probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Boston for adults, and you’ve got loads of choices. In truth, there are over 100 craft breweries within the state of Massachusetts.
Samuel Adams Beer Tour
Boston may be very a lot a revolutionary metropolis, and the craft beer revolution acquired going right here as properly. Brewer Jim Koch made his first batch of Boston Lager in his kitchen within the 80s.
A long time later, Samuel Adams is without doubt one of the most well-known beers within the nation.
Excursions of their Boston Brewery run Monday to Saturday from 11-5. You’ll be able to learn in regards to the numerous tour choices on their web site. You will discover the Sam Adams Boston Brewery at 30 Germania Road.
Craft Beer Excursions
In the event you want to depart the planning to another person and focus extra on the consuming, join one of many Metropolis Brew Excursions. You’ll go to 4 breweries/cider homes and luxuriate in tastings at each, plus, a lightweight lunch and spherical journey transportation are included.
This tour with Boston Brew Excursions gives 12 tastings at 3 totally different breweries/cider homes, spherical journey transportation, a information, and snacks.
Lastly, this strolling tour consists of stops on the historic taverns in Boston. Included within the tour are a educated information, a go to to 2 historic taverns (with a drink at each), snacks, and a round-trip ferry journey throughout the Boston harbour. Be taught extra right here.
Different standard choices for brewery excursions in Boston embrace Harpoon, Somerville Brewing Co., and Evening Shift Brewing. In the event you’re in search of issues to do in Boston at night time, hitting up a brewery is an effective guess.
Bonus! Meals Tour
After all, you’ll be able to eat your manner round Boston, however if you wish to discover the most effective locations to eat, and be taught in regards to the metropolis whereas doing so, becoming a member of a meals tour is a superb possibility.
There are just a few wonderful selections — relying on what you are feeling like.
Italian Meals Tour: Pizza, Meat, Cheese, Bread
In the event you love the above meals, you’ll need to take a look at this Italian Tour! Situated within the North Finish, you’ll get pleasure from studying in regards to the historical past of town out of your information. Plus, samplings of pizza, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and occasional are included. Be taught extra right here.
Boston North Finish Pizza Tour
This can be a nice tour for pizza lovers. You’ll go to 5 totally different websites on the Freedom Path and luxuriate in a slice of pizza and the highest 3 pizzerias within the metropolis — together with the oldest. Plus, you’ll strive cannoli and be taught in regards to the metropolis out of your information. Discover out extra right here.
Boston’s North Finish: Secret Meals Tour
Sticking within the North Finish of Boston, this non-public tour (as much as 2 folks) features a 3-hour strolling tour, with 6 stops to style native specialties — together with seafood and the traditional baked beans and bread. You can too improve this tour to incorporate craft beer. Discover out extra right here.
FAQs About Boston
Solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting Boston.
After all! There are numerous enjoyable issues to see and do in Boston to maintain you busy. Whether or not you’re into museums, historical past, sports activities, mountain climbing, meals, purchasing, or consuming, you’ll discover it right here.
No less than 2 days in Boston, longer when you’ve got the time. Take a look at our article which units out the easiest way to spend a weekend in Boston.
June to October are the most effective months to go to Boston. The climate will likely be good and heat, numerous actions will likely be taking place, and the general vibe will likely be nice. There are many festivals and live shows in the summertime months, which may be numerous enjoyable, however with numerous vacationers, remember that resort costs soar.
No, Boston isn’t thought of an affordable metropolis — like most main cities within the USA. Nevertheless, there are some methods to economize in your journey. Ebook accommodations upfront, get the Go Boston card for sightseeing, discover low cost eats at meals courts, and keep in a neighborhood outdoors of the middle.
With 3 full days in Boston, you possibly can positively see lots of the major points of interest and experiences and get an actual really feel for town. Attempt to plan your days so that you just received’t waste time getting misplaced or attempting to resolve what to do subsequent.
Plan Your Journey To Boston Now
Hopefully, after studying this information you received’t have a tough time determining issues to do in Boston. As you’ll be able to see, you’ve acquired loads of wonderful choices!
It truly is a captivating metropolis to go to, whether or not you’re concerned with historical past, sports activities, artwork, or simply having fun with the culinary and nightlife scenes. With just a few days in Boston, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a pleasant combine of all of them.
Have you ever been to Boston and have a terrific suggestion on issues to do, locations to eat, or cool spots to seize a drink? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
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