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.
When you’re planning a visit right here however are not sure of what to do in Boston, learn on for a have a look at a few of the greatest issues to see and do.
Courting again to 1630, Boston holds an vital place in American historical past. Town was based by Puritan colonists who had been fleeing spiritual 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 Social gathering. Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the largest metropolis within the space referred to as 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 title caught — effectively, with vacationers, not a lot with the locals!
Right here you’ll discover an abundance of historic sights, world-class museums, stunning parks, and far more. With a lot happening in a single metropolis, it may be a bit tough to resolve what to do in Boston.
I actually loved my visits to town and am excited to share my ideas and all the very best issues to do in Boston.
Up to date 2023: This publish has been reviewed and up to date with new Boston points of interest and locations of curiosity in Boston that guests can take pleasure in this yr. We’ve additionally eliminated these objects which have been completely closed or are not functioning.
High 15 Issues To Do in Boston
Right here’s my checklist of the highest issues to do in Boston. I’ve visited Boston numerous occasions and spent weeks exploring the hidden corners of this stunning metropolis. After all, all through all the time I’ve spent touring round Boston, I’ve executed much more than these 15 issues, however I’ve narrowed my checklist right down to the 15 absolute must-visit Boston points of interest.
1. Freedom Path – topping the checklist 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 a few of the most well-known locations within the metropolis.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll go by 16 completely different historic sights, from the Boston Widespread all the way in which to the USS Structure.
When 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 a few of the sights. There’s a lot to see and be taught alongside the path that you could possibly 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 e book. You’ll see the location of the Boston Bloodbath, the previous residence 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 Heart in Boston Widespread and shifting alongside at a leisurely tempo. Simply click on right here for a PDF map which you could comply with.
There are additionally many Freedom Path excursions which you could be 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 also be included within the Go Boston Card.
Tackle: 164 Prince St, Boston, MA 02113, USA (Get Instructions)
2. Boston Tea Social gathering Ships & Museum
Historical past buffs will certainly need to add a go to to the Tea Social gathering Ships & Museum to their checklist of issues to see in Boston. It’s an interactive museum that lets you expertise this historic occasion as in the event you had been dwelling it.
The Boston Tea Social gathering is believed to be some of the vital 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 referred to as 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 may peruse their informative displays and take a look at the spectacular multi-sensory documentary referred to as “Let it Start Right here.”
You’ll find the Boston Tea Social gathering Ships & Museum at 306 Congress Avenue. 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 e book tickets on-line.
☞ SEE ALSO: 10 Most cost-effective Cities within the USA for Digital Nomads
Tackle: 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 greatest sports activities cities on the earth. Bostonians are very passionate about their groups, particularly the Crimson 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 certainly one of many prime outside actions in Boston. That’s in the event you 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 very best likelihood of getting first rate seats at an affordable value.
Even in the event you don’t get to see the Sox play, it’s effectively price it to take a tour of Fenway Park. It’s referred to as “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 completely 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 kids. Click on right here to browse the choices and e book your tour of Fenway.
Tackle: 4 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215, United States (Get Instructions)
4. Be part of a Duck Tour
When you’re questioning what to do in Boston that’s enjoyable for the entire household, you have to be positive to join a duck tour.
I’m not speaking concerning 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 take pleasure in some incredible views of the skyline.
Duck excursions final round 80 minutes and depart from both the Museum of Science, Prudential Heart, or the New England Aquarium. Excursions depart each 20-Half-hour all through the day. Click on right here to e book tickets.
This is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Boston, don’t miss it. The “Duck” can also be included within the Go Boston Card.
Tackle: 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 concerning the Freedom Path, however Boston Widespread undoubtedly deserves its personal spot on this checklist of issues to see in Boston. Courting all the way in which again to 1634, that is really the oldest metropolis park within the nation!
Earlier than you get shifting alongside the Freedom Path, you should definitely spend a while strolling round Boston Widespread. Throughout the summer season, you may 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 completely different occasions and festivals all year long. You possibly can try 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 Avenue and also you’ll end up within the stunning Boston Public Backyard. Right here you may take pleasure in a scenic stroll or soar in a swan boat for a spin across the lagoon. Click on right here to verify the placement on the map and get instructions.
Tackle: 115 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, United States (Get Instructions)
6. Faneuil Corridor – an incredible place to eat and store in Boston
After a number of 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 outlets, eating places, and bars.
Historic Faneuil Corridor is named the “Cradle of Liberty,” because it was as soon as residence to the conferences that ultimately led to the American Revolution. It’s some of the 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 too can watch some fairly unimaginable avenue performers. When you’re on the lookout for 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 checklist of all the companies that function there and the occasion schedule, try their web site.
Tackle: 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 may perceive the accent or not, some of the enjoyable issues to do in Boston is making an attempt a few of the metropolis’s basic seafood dishes. (If you end up in Canada’s east coast province of Nova Scotia, consuming lobster rolls is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do there as effectively!)
Maybe probably the most quintessential dish in Boston is New England clam chowder. This creamy seafood soup has been a staple of the Boston weight loss program because the 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 normally soaked in both butter or mayo together with some salt and pepper. If that sounds wonderful, that’s as a result of it’s!
Among the greatest locations to get this Boston basic is Island Creek Oyster Bar (replace: sadly, this restaurant has completely closed) and the aptly named Lobstah on a Roll — among the best issues to do on Newbury Avenue is to eat considered one of these lobster rolls!
Tackle: 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 because the 1630s and is residence to an Italian American inhabitants.
When you love Italian meals (balsamic vinegar, cheese, pasta, pizza, olive oil…oh my!), you’ll need to try the North Finish. Nonetheless, it’s not simply concerning the meals right here, there are some nice websites to see as effectively.
Don’t miss the sculptures and paintings, the oldest church in Boston (Outdated North Church), the Paul Revere Home, the birthplace of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, and extra.
You possibly can wander across the North Finish sampling gelato as you go, however if you wish to be taught extra concerning the neighbourhood and discover some nice eating places, try this tour, which features a educated information, meals samplings, entrance charges, and extra.
Tackle: 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 USA. He grew up simply exterior 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 checklist of issues to see in Boston.
The placing constructing was designed by world-famous architect I.M. Pei on Boston’s waterfront. Earlier than his premature dying, Kennedy visited the world 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.
Via the varied displays, you may be taught all concerning 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 exhibiting simply earlier than 4 PM. Tickets price $14 for adults and $10 for kids. You should buy tickets on-line prematurely on their web site.
Tackle: Columbia Level, Boston, MA 02125, United States (Get Instructions)
10. See The Well-known Universities
Boston is without doubt one of the largest instructional facilities in the USA. Town is residence to a number of prestigious universities, comparable to Harvard, MIT, and the College of Massachusets.
Harvard constantly ranks at #1 on lists of the highest universities on the earth. As such, the campus of this Ivy League faculty is taken into account one of many prime issues to see in Boston.
You’ve a number of completely 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 an incredible introduction to the varsity. This is without doubt one of the greatest free issues to do in Boston for positive.
An alternative choice is signing up for considered one of Harvard’s inexpensive strolling excursions led by college students. Click on right here to be taught extra and e book this fashionable tour on-line. A strolling tour of Harvard College can also 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 take pleasure in a day picnic.
On any day of the week, you’ll see loads of folks strolling, biking, jogging, and lounging your entire size of Greenway. Don’t miss the numerous fountains within the middle and likewise take into account stopping at one of many close by meals vehicles to choose up a meal to take pleasure in on the grass.
There are additionally a number of festivals, parades, and occasions that occur at Greenway so verify their web site to see if there are any occasions throughout your go to.
Tackle: John F Fitzgerald Floor Rd, Boston, MA 02111, United States (Get Instructions)
12. Museum Hopping
When you’re ever not sure of what to do in Boston, simply pop into one of many metropolis’s many glorious museums. Along with the aforementioned JFK Library & Museum, you may have a number of different decisions to study artwork, historical past, and science.
The entire museums listed under are included within the Go Boston Card.
Museum of Positive Arts
Boston’s Museum of Positive Arts has a powerful assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s not solely among the best museums in Boston however in your entire United States.
You might 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 kids, however children can go to without cost any day after 3 PM and on weekends. Discover the museum on the map, right here.
Tackle: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States (Get Instructions)
Different Should-See Museums in Boston
Different nice decisions embrace the Boston Youngsters’s Museum, the Museum of Science, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Vacationers will love the Mapparium, which is residence to a 3-story stained-glass globe that offers 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 kids.
13. Newbury Avenue
For these eager about discovering a few of the greatest purchasing and eating choices on the town, a stroll alongside stylish Newbury Avenue 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 avenue is residence 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 an incredible place to spend a number of hours.
On the decrease finish close to Boston Public Backyard, you’ll discover principally upscale outlets. Due to this stretch, Newbury Avenue is taken into account some of the costly streets within the nation!
As you make your means up the road, although, it turns into extra of a bohemian vibe with extra budget-friendly choices. When you’re on the lookout for enjoyable, free issues to do in Boston, wandering round Newbury Avenue is a good choice.
One of the crucial 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 far more. Click on right here to get instructions.
Tackle: Newbury St #212-214, Boston, MA 02116, United States (Get Instructions)
14. Go to Citadel Island
Citadel Island is without doubt one of the coolest issues to see in Boston is certainly Citadel Island. Right here you’ll discover the historic Fort Independence and Pleasure Bay Seaside.
It’s a wonderful place to go to in the summertime months when you may go for a stroll alongside the waterfront, go for a dip, and possibly have a picnic on the seashore.
When 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 simply open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, and there are free excursions given by volunteers.
The excursions at all times run from midday to three:30 on Sunday, and there are additionally Saturday excursions through the summer season. In June and July, they add extra skyline viewing excursions on Thursday evenings at 7.
Citadel Island is positioned in South Boston on the shore of Boston Harbor. For extra data, you should definitely try their web site.
Tackle: 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 so often!
Taking a brewery tour is certainly some of the enjoyable issues to do in Boston for adults, and you’ve got loads of choices. In actual fact, 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 effectively. 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 possibly can learn concerning the varied tour choices on their web site. You’ll find the Sam Adams Boston Brewery at 30 Germania Avenue.
Craft Beer Excursions
When you desire 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 provides 12 tastings at 3 completely different breweries/cider homes, spherical journey transportation, a information, and snacks.
Lastly, this strolling tour contains 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. Study extra right here.
Different fashionable choices for brewery excursions in Boston embrace Harpoon, Somerville Brewing Co., and Evening Shift Brewing. When you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Boston at night time, hitting up a brewery is an effective wager.
Bonus! Meals Tour
After all, you may eat your means round Boston, however if you wish to discover the very best locations to eat, and be taught concerning the metropolis whereas doing so, becoming a member of a meals tour is a good choice.
There are a number of glorious decisions — relying on what you are feeling like.
Italian Meals Tour: Pizza, Meat, Cheese, Bread
When you love the above meals, you’ll need to try this Italian Tour! Positioned within the North Finish, you’ll take pleasure in studying concerning the historical past of town out of your information. Plus, samplings of pizza, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and occasional are included. Study extra right here.
Boston North Finish Pizza Tour
This can be a nice tour for pizza lovers. You’ll go to 5 completely 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 concerning 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 basic baked beans and bread. You too can 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.
A minimum of 2 days in Boston, longer if in case you have the time. Take a look at our article which units out one of the best ways to spend a weekend in Boston.
June to October are the very best months to go to Boston. The climate can be good and heat, a lot of actions can be occurring, and the general vibe can be nice. There are many festivals and live shows in the summertime months, which might be loads of enjoyable, however with a lot of vacationers, remember the fact that lodge costs soar.
No, Boston isn’t thought-about an affordable metropolis — like most main cities within the USA. Nonetheless, there are some methods to economize in your journey. E-book resorts prematurely, get the Go Boston card for sightseeing, discover low-cost eats at meals courts, and keep in a neighborhood exterior of the middle.
With 3 full days in Boston, you could possibly undoubtedly see lots of the predominant points of interest and experiences and get an actual really feel for town. Attempt to plan your days so that you simply gained’t waste time getting misplaced or making an attempt to resolve what to do subsequent.
Plan Your Journey To Boston Now
Hopefully, after studying this information you gained’t have a tough time determining issues to do in Boston. As you may see, you’ve acquired loads of wonderful choices!
It truly is a captivating metropolis to go to, whether or not you’re eager about historical past, sports activities, artwork, or simply having fun with the culinary and nightlife scenes. With a number of days in Boston, you may take pleasure in a pleasant combine of all of them.
Have you ever been to Boston and have an incredible suggestion on issues to do, locations to eat, or cool spots to seize a drink? Tell us within the feedback under!
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