visit boston activities

Boston   Travel Guide

30 Top-Rated Things to Do in Boston

As Massachusetts' capital and the birthplace of the American Revolution, there's no shortage of historical sites for travelers to explore within Boston's city limits (and beyond). There's even a Boston Tea Party Museum on the harbor

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Freedom Trail Freedom Trail free

Stretching 2½ miles, the Freedom Trail weaves past 16 of the city's most historic sites, including Faneuil Hall Marketplace , the Paul Revere House and Old North Church . Taking in all of the trail's attractions requires at least half a day (and some comfortable walking shoes), but you can easily plot points of interest before you begin your jaunt from Boston Common .

Though most visitors agree the trail is easy to navigate on your own, some recommend a guided tour or downloading an app to tell you about the sites. (You'll find a handful of apps available for Apple and Android devices.) If you have a Go Boston Card, standard guided tours given by the Freedom Trail Foundation are covered by your pass.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Every Friday and Saturday, Haymarket (one America's oldest open-air markets) pops up adjacent to Faneuil Hall. In order to navigate this often-chaotic scene successfully make sure to bring small bills, leave bulky bags at the hotel and keep it moving on the sidewalk. - Jill LeGrow

Four buildings – Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market – constitute Faneuil Hall Marketplace, with the oldest being Faneuil Hall. Built in 1742 and now a stop on the Freedom Trail , Faneuil Hall has had a long and important history in Massachusetts politics. Samuel Adams once stood here to push for resistance against the British, and abolitionists and suffragists have stood on their soapboxes here. In fact, this is where colonists famously challenged the Stamp Act of 1764 by proclaiming, "no taxation without representation." From those illustrious days, the marketplace has expanded to include more than 100 shops and restaurants.

Boston Public Garden Boston Public Garden free

Though the Boston Public Garden sits right next to Boston Common , the two are quite different. The public garden is newer (established in 1837) and holds the distinction of being America's first public botanical garden. Flowers and trees are beautifully organized and kept in quality condition throughout. You can see the colorful arrangements and exotic trees from the 6-acre pond as you glide along the water in a Swan Boat. Additionally, the park houses two of Boston's most iconic statues: Make Way for Ducklings (a bronze sculpture of a duck and her eight ducklings) and a sculpture of George Washington (which shows America's first president riding on a horse).

Visitors looking to relax after sightseeing will enjoy the Boston Public Garden. Parkgoers say you'll find plenty of shade beneath the park's trees, which comes in handy on hot summer days. Plus, you'll likely spot some ducks and geese swimming around the lagoon. And if you have a few dollars, visitors recommend taking a 15-minute ride on a Swan Boat. The large paddle boats cost $4.50 to ride (or $3 for kids ages 2 to 15 and $4 for seniors); travelers with Go Boston Cards ride for free. Swan Boats are usually available between mid-April and Labor Day.

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North End North End free

Chances are you'll end up in the North End at least once during your visit to Boston. It's steeped in the city's rich history as it holds the title of Boston's oldest neighborhood and houses three attractions on the Freedom Trail . What makes this neighborhood a top point of interest, however, is its Italian culture: The North End is considered Boston's Little Italy.

While Italians weren't the first to settle in this area (English settlers arrived first then European Jews, African Americans and Irish immigrants), their cultural influence on the North End withstood the test of time. Today, you'll find all kinds of Italian food from classic pizza pies served at the popular Regina Pizzeria to Sicilian-style seafood, such as black linguine (made with squid ink) and calamari meatballs at The Daily Catch . For dinner, try Mamma Maria for fine dining, Giacomo's for its affordable, made-in-house pasta or Bricco , which sources its meats and bread from its own meat and bread shop, located right next door. If you’re only interested in pizza, hit up Galleria Umberto for delectable solo slices or Antico Forno for its full-size, wood-fired pies. Prezza is known for its extensive wine list, boasting hundreds of wine labels to choose from. For dessert, make sure to pick up a cannoli at Mike's Pastry or Modern Pastry , or tiramisu at the 24-hour Bova's Bakery .

Museum of Fine Arts Museum of Fine Arts

If you want to make the most out of the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the most comprehensive art institutions in the country, then you'll need to spend a good chunk of your day here. The museum is home to one of the best art collections in the world, including the celebrated Art of the Americas wing. Inside this sprawling collection, you'll encounter galleries showcasing iconic pieces from indigenous cultures in North, South and Central America to works by contemporary artists like Edward Hopper.

You'll also find an impressive collection of Asian art here, plus works from Monet, Renoir, Manet and Rembrandt on display. And in special temporary exhibits, you can admire masterpieces from Black artists like Diedrick Brackens and Picasso, among others.

Boston Common Boston Common free

The grounds of Boston Common started as a cow pasture in the mid-1600s. It was also used for Puritan punishments, like whipping, and even for hangings. In 1768, the area was transformed into a British camp. After the Revolutionary War, the park became a popular locale for public speeches and rallies. Now, the Common is best known because of its status as the oldest public park in the country. You'll also find a variety of activities and events – including theater and musical performances and free fitness classes – hosted here throughout the year. If you plan to traverse the Freedom Trail , you'll start the walk here at Boston Common.

Though some visitors say you won't find much to do in this park, Boston Common is great for picnics or a leisurely stroll. Travelers also mention that this site is a wonderful spot to take young children. In addition to ample running room on the park's green space, kids can play at the Tadpole Playground or Frog Pond. Frog Pond offers a spray pool during the warmer months and an ice skating rink in the winter. Some visitors do note that the park tends to draw Boston's homeless population, particularly at night.

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Fenway Park Fenway Park

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you want to watch a Sox game without a ticket, head to the Bleacher Bar on Lansdowne Street. Located beneath the bleachers of Fenway, the best tables are positioned directly in front of the huge garage window that overlook centerfield. – Jill LeGrow

Fans of America's favorite pastime won't want to miss a game at Fenway Park. Home to the Boston Red Sox, this stadium has been the site of home runs, stolen bases and grounders since 1912. Regardless of whether or not you're a diehard Red Sox fan, you should try to catch a game and admire the ballpark's original architecture. Must-see features of the park include Pesky's Pole – the right field foul pole named after former Red Sox player Johnny Pesky – and the 37-foot-tall "Green Monster" wall in left field.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

After Isabella Stewart Gardner's husband died in 1898, the art enthusiast carried out their plan to buy land in Boston's Fenway area and open a museum to display her impressive collection of Italian art. The museum, which was fashioned after the Palazzo Barbaro in Venice , was completed in 1901, at which point Gardner moved in to the fourth floor and began installing her collection. Today, you can visit this Boston museum to get your fill of the Italian masters, such as Raphael and Titian. The building also showcases a cache of beautiful furniture, photographs, sculpture and rare books straight from Europe. The museum's New Wing, designed by Renzo Piano, includes a glass atrium, greenhouses and landscaped gardens.

The art isn't the only interesting thing here: the museum is also the site of the single largest property theft on Earth. In the wee hours of March 18, 1990, two thieves made their way into the museum disguised as police. The duo stole 13 works, including pieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Degas and Manet. Today, the museum has empty frames on the walls as placeholders until the art returns to the museum. As you may have guessed, the crime has not been solved and the works haven't been recovered. The museum is even offering a sizable reward ($10 million) for information leading to the art. 

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Boston Public Library Boston Public Library free

A library isn't always all about books. The main branch of the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, which opened in 1895, is so much more, according to recent visitors who call the architecture "beautiful" and a “must-see.” Walking into the Renaissance Revival building is akin to visiting a museum. On Dartmouth Street, two immense stone lions sculpted by Louis Saint-Gaudens stand guard by the main entrance. Inside, Bates Hall, the library's main reference reading room, is a 218-foot-long room with a barrel-arch ceiling soaring 50 feet high.

Visitors can take a free tour and learn all about the murals found throughout the library, including John Singer Sargent's series on the "Triumph of Religion." Other murals include works by French artist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, who depicted eight library-centric disciplines in "The Muses of Inspiration," and Edwin Austin Abbey's "The Quest and Achievement of the Holy Grail."

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

A must for any history buffs or fans of our nation's 35th president, this excellent library and museum details the life of President John F. Kennedy. Exhibits include his presidential papers; masses of Kennedy memorabilia, including re-creations of his desk in the Oval Office and of the television studio in which he debated Richard M. Nixon in the 1960 election; and artifacts from the U.S. space program. There's permanent display on the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis plus plenty of other artifacts and information about Kennedy's life and presidency. The building itself is quite striking and was designed by architect I. M. Pei.

Museumgoers say that while the museum is off the beaten path (it sits about 5 miles south of downtown on Columbia Point), it is well worth the trek thanks to the exhibits and staff. However, some wish the exhibits had a more detailed explanation of Kennedy and events during his life. The views from the museum are amazing, add some visitors.

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

If you want to get outdoors in the greater Boston area, consider hopping a ferry (which operates from mid-May through mid-October) to the Boston Harbor Islands. This collection of 34 islands located in the Massachusetts Bay boasts plenty of things to do and see including historic sites, hiking trails, beaches, wildlife and much more. Popular islands include Spectacle, Georges and Peddocks, though ferries also go to Lovells, Grape, Bumpkin and Thompson.

The 114-acre Spectacle Island is a great option for those looking to hike. Here, you'll find 5 miles of trails, including one which leads to the harbor's highest hill, offering incredible views of Boston's skyline. If you’re looking for a place where you can sink your toes into the sand, head to Lovells Island. Here, you’ll find secluded shorelines as well as tide pools (when it's low tide, a whopping 71 acres are added to the island's land mass). Meanwhile, history lovers will enjoy a trip to Georges Island. Georges Island is home to Fort Warren, which the U.S. government used for patrolling and training Union troops as well as housing Confederate prisoners during Civil War times. Peddocks Island, one of the largest of the Boston Harbor Islands, offers a little bit of everything. This island is considered a prime camping spot and features scenic hiking trails that pass through coastal forests, headlands connected by tombolos and the biggest beach of any island. You'll also find a little bit of history thanks to Fort Andrews and a restored chapel from World War II.

Newbury Street Newbury Street free

Located in the Back Bay along eight blocks between Massachusetts Avenue and Arlington Street, Newbury Street is home to gorgeous 19th century brownstones. It's also Boston's premiere destination for dining and shopping. Newbury Street has been called one of the most expensive streets in the world, thanks in large part to the significant cluster of expensive shops on the lower end (by numbered address) nearest Arlington Street.

Starting at the higher end, by Massachusetts Avenue, you'll find more budget-friendly retailers like TJ Maxx and Forever 21, as well longtime local favorites Newbury Comics and Trident Booksellers. In fact, Newbury Comics' opening in 1978 was the catalyst that began the transformation of Newbury Street from a heavily upper-class retail destination to a hipper, trendier spot for everyone.

Samuel Adams Brewery Samuel Adams Brewery

Despite its location outside of city center, visiting the Samuel Adams Brewery is a popular stop for beer lovers. This brewery location acts as Samuel Adams' testing facility for new and specialty brews, which patrons can try. You can also take a guided tour of the facility to learn more about the brewing process.

Whether you're a local or a tourist, odds are you'll enjoy a visit to this brewery. Visitors say the staff is knowledgeable, but note there can be long entry lines.

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Cambridge Cambridge free

Cambridge, which sits about 3 miles northwest of Boston's city center, is home to both Harvard University and MIT , but there's more to see in Cambridge than just the schools themselves. The city features an impressive array of cultural institutions that feature collections and exhibitions ranging from fine art to technological innovations.

The Harvard Art Museums , which include the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum and Arthur M. Sackler Museum, house a wide range of periods, styles and mediums within its walls. Here, you’ll find a mix of modern photography, 13th century sculpture, paintings from legends like Georgia O’Keeffe, Picasso and Jackson Pollock, and much more. If you prefer history, head to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology , which boasts exhibits exploring everything from ancient Latin American cultures to the evolution of American eating habits and tableware to the lives of Native Americans. If science is more your speed, head to the Harvard Museum of Natural History to view dinosaur fossils, rare minerals and animal specimens from New England to Asia.

Beacon Hill Beacon Hill free

Beacon Hill is arguably Boston's most beautiful neighborhood. Located north of Boston Common , Beacon Hill is awash with quaint, cobblestone-lined alleyways, corners dotted with gas street lamps, stately townhouses affixed with bay view windows and vibrant, flower-filled window boxes. It's Beacon Hill's incredible style, a stunning mix of Federal and Greek revival architecture, that make this neighborhood an attraction in and of itself. And recent visitors couldn't agree more.

Travelers who venture to Beacon Hill are charmed by its beauty and say that it's the perfect place to take a long stroll and wander around. While here, make sure to make your way to noteworthy spots including the picturesque Louisburg Square and Acorn Street, the latter of which is one of the most photographed places in Boston. After, head down Charles Street, where you'll find restaurants, shops and bars. Fans of the TV show "Cheers" will want to walk down Beacon Street to find the bar that inspired the program.

Old North Church Old North Church

Most people who know anything about American history have heard of Paul Revere's famous midnight ride, when he rode through town to warn people about the arrival of British troops. Before heading off to Lexington, Revere gave orders at Old North Church. Robert Newman – the church's sexton – and Captain John Pulling Jr. – the church's vestryman – then climbed the steeple and held two lanterns as a signal that the British were indeed coming, but by sea.

The church itself, which is officially named Christ Church, is filled with beautiful relics from the past, including North America's oldest set of change ringing bells and chandeliers brought in from England in the early 1700s. The pews have a long history as well; Pew No. 54 was reserved for Paul Revere's son.

Boston Children's Museum Boston Children's Museum

With a giant milk bottle structure at the front of the building, it's hard to miss the Boston Children's Museum. Here, hands-on exhibits present a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about various sciences, culture, art and health and wellness, among other subjects. Among the museum's standout exhibits are "Construction Zone," where little ones can learn about and play with kid-sized construction equipment, "The Common," where kids play with color, games and music, and "Japanese House" – a 100-year-old authentic Japanese house reconstructed in Boston by Japanese carpenters.

Museumgoers praise the variety of engaging exhibits tailored to kids within different age groups and can't recommend it enough. Others warn the museum gets crowded, especially in the summer.

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway free

Boston is packed with cool outdoor spaces, but this nearly 1½-mile-long series of parks and gardens offers more than most. The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway was established to link Boston's diverse neighborhoods through a series of lawns, parks and walkways that occupy a former highway tunnel. Since opening in 2008, visitors have flocked to this sprawling green space to enjoy temporary public art displays, bubbling fountains, numerous food vendors and a carousel. Plus, the park offers free weekly events, including food and art festivals, summer concert performances and seasonal fitness classes.

Many previous visitors said the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway not only offers a much-needed respite from the city, but also an easy way to explore Boston with kids during the warmer months. And, in many sections of the Greenway, you're never more than a few steps away from the Freedom Trail .

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Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

This hands-on museum offers an entertaining look at one of Boston's pivotal moments. You can toss (fake) tea overboard, climb around replica ships and converse with period actors about Colonial issues. Exhibits at the museum, which is located on Griffin's Wharf (close to where the actual Tea Party occurred on Dec. 16, 1773) include 3D holograms, talking portraits and the Robinson Tea Chest, an authentic tea chest from the Boston Tea Party. Two of the three ships have been recreated, the Beaver and the Eleanor, which are fun to explore. The film "Let It Begin Here" depicts the events that immediately preceded the American Revolution. You can also grab a cup of tea or a snack in Abigail's Tea Room, which has one of the best views of the harbor around.

Visitors love the interactive nature of the museum and tossing tea overboard, saying their time there was entertaining for all ages. They also add that the guides are informative and stay in character.

Museum of Science Museum of Science

If you're traveling with young ones in tow, be sure to swing by the Museum of Science. Here, kids can learn about astronomy, earth sciences and anatomy, not to mention participate in some fun interactive exhibits. Budding scientists can examine the Arctic in "Arctic Adventure: Exploring with Technology" exhibit or play on swings to learn about physics in "Science in the Park." The museum also features the Charles Hayden Planetarium, where you can indulge your inner astronaut during shows. Meanwhile, at the Mugar Omni Theater, you'll feel like you're actually in the IMAX film thanks to its cutting-edge sound technology and five-story-high projection screen.

Although the museum is very kid-focused, past visitors said that young-at-heart adults and even teens will get a kick out of the museum's engaging displays and shows. Though most travelers spend about half a day exploring the museum, you could easily allocate an entire day to this attraction. Also, remember that separate tickets (which cost extra) are needed for some museum features, such as IMAX films, planetarium shows and the Garden Walk and Insect Zoo.

Boston Duck Tours Boston Duck Tours

Wander Boston for a couple of hours and you're sure to see a Duck Tour quacking its way through the streets (and waterways). These "Truck Duck" vehicles recreate the look of a DUKW truck used by the U.S. military during World War II and transport tourists all over the city by land and water. The tours drive past a number of landmark sites including the Old State House, Newbury Street , Prudential Tower, Public Garden and the Swan Boats, and Copley Square (home to the Boston Public Library ). Once launched into the water, you'll cruise down the Charles River checking out MIT, the Longfellow Bridge, as well as the Esplanade and the Hatch Shell. 

Besides giving tours around the city, Boston Duck Tour boats have been used in all of the victory parades since 2002 for the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins (the city's major teams for football, baseball, basketball and hockey, respectively). What started off simply as a way to roll the Patriots through downtown Boston for a Superbowl celebration has turned into a much-loved tradition that continues today.

Boston Symphony Orchestra Boston Symphony Orchestra

Even if you're not a classical music aficionado, you can't miss attending one of the Boston Symphony Orchestra's world-renowned performances at Symphony Hall. The BSO began performing in 1881. Today, the symphony performs everything from family shows to traditional concerts and Boston Pops – a lively performance filled with singing and a variety of music. The BSO performs at Symphony Hall from September through April, then heads to Tanglewood (which is about 130 miles west of Boston) in the summer.

Past spectators not only praised the world-class talent, but also noted the impressive acoustics of Symphony Hall as a main selling point for attending future concerts. If you can't score tickets to an orchestra performance, consider taking a free tour of Symphony Hall. Tours, which are offered in the fall, winter and spring, provide information about the property, as well as insight into the orchestra's musicians and conductors.

New England Holocaust Memorial New England Holocaust Memorial free

Gaze up at the six 54-foot glass towers that comprise the New England Holocaust Memorial, and you're bound to be awestruck. Dedicated in 1995, each haunting tower is etched with numbers. The 6 million numbers represent the Holocaust's victims, while the towers represent the six major death camps. There is also a granite path covered in quotes from survivors that leads visitors inside the towers.

Recent visitors described walking through the columns as an emotionally charged and unforgettable experience. The monument's location next to Faneuil Hall Marketplace makes it very accessible while walking the Freedom Trail .

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Paul Revere House Paul Revere House

For a glimpse of what life was like in the late 1700s, head to Paul Revere's former residence in the North End . The house, which is situated on the Freedom Trail , offers insight into how homes looked in Revere's time (it's even filled with period pieces, including fine silver). Inside, history fans can admire the building's sweeping beams, spacious fireplaces and some original furnishings owned by the Revere family.

If you like American history, travelers say you'll enjoy seeing the Paul Revere House. This house is small, though, so don't allot more than an hour to tour the property. Docents are friendly and knowledgeable.

Massachusetts State House Massachusetts State House free

The golden-domed Massachusetts State House is an important building for many reasons and is one of the stops on the Freedom Trail . The land it sits on was originally used as John Hancock’s cow pasture. It was designed by Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1798 and the cornerstone was laid by Samuel Adams in 1795. A copper dome was installed by Paul Revere in 1802 (later covered in gold). Nowadays, senators, state representatives and the governor conduct the Commonwealth's business here.

Free tours are offered by docents who explain the building's history and discuss the important art and architecture within. Make sure to look for the Sacred Cod in the House of Representatives Chamber. The almost 5-foot wooden cod symbolizes the importance of the salt cod industry to the area.

New England Aquarium New England Aquarium

Your kids will find plenty to love at the New England Aquarium, starting with the Atlantic harbor seals that hang out just beyond the ticket booth. Inside, you'll find thousands of marine critters to study, and at the center: the Giant Ocean Tank. This four-story tank includes a coral reef habitat that houses more than 1,000 underwater creatures including green sea turtles, eels and barracuda. In other parts of the aquarium, you'll find exhibits dedicated to penguins, sea jellies and seadragons, plus a six-story high projection movie screen with digital surround sound, where you can watch films about sea creatures and more. And don't forget to check out the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, which allows visitors to graze sharks and rays as they swim by.

While some visitors bemoan the aquarium's compact size (which, in turn, made for thick crowds), many appreciate the attraction's variety of animals. Several travelers also recommend watching a penguin or seal feeding.

USS Constitution USS Constitution free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Every July 4th, the USS Constitution takes her annual "turnaround" sail in Boston Harbor. The particular sail is the only one open to the public and the US Navy holds a lottery with the lucky winners getting to board "Old Ironsides." – Jill LeGrow

History lovers, boat enthusiasts and military aficionados alike can't miss the chance to board the USS Constitution. Docked at the Boston National Historical Park in Charlestown, this historic vessel is the world's oldest commissioned warship still operational today. It is helmed by United States Navy sailors, who also serve as the ship's guides. The ship's accompanying museums displays nearly 2,000 artifacts related to the ship's history.

Bunker Hill Monument Bunker Hill Monument free

Bunker Hill Monument is part of the Boston National Historical Park and a stop on the Freedom Trail . The first major battle of the American Revolution took place on Breed's Hill in June 1775, though originally it was supposed to take place on nearby Bunker Hill. Names aside, the British won the battle but fared worse than their American foes. The British sacrificed about nearly half of their 2,400 men; American casualties were between 300 and 500 out of an army of 1,400 to 1,800 soldiers. Construction of the monument started in 1827 and was completed in 1842. The 221-foot granite obelisk offers fabulous views from its observatory, though you have to work for it by climbing 294 steps to the top.

Start your visit at the Bunker Hill Museum, located across the street. Exhibits explain the Battle of Bunker Hill, the construction of the monument, and the history of Charlestown. Free tickets are required to climb the monument and you can also pick them up at the museum. Visitors enjoy the museum and say the monument is awe-inspiring and the grounds beautiful.

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View Boston View Boston

U.S. News Insider Tip: To save some cash on your sightseeing, pick up a Boston CityPass which allows you to visit up to four attractions (such as the Museum of Science , New England Aquarium , Boston Harbor City Cruise and View Boston) for one discounted price. – Jill LeGrow

Replacing the iconic Top of the Hub restaurant and Skywalk Observatory that closed in 2020, View Boston opened in June 2023 to offer 360 panoramic views of Boston from atop the 52nd floor of the Prudential Center. Taking over the top three floors of the Prudential Center, View Boston includes an observatory, a wraparound roof deck and indoor/outdoor cocktail bar called Stratus, and a floor with interactive exhibits such as a projection-mapped 3D model of Boston. There's also Beacon, a bistro offering seasonal beverages and food.

The Mapparium The Mapparium

Located at the Mary Baker Eddy Library, this three-story, stained glass globe never fails to elicit wonder. Designed by the architect of the Christian Science Publishing Society building, Chester Lindsay Churchill, the globe depicts the world as it was in 1935.

The "How Do You See the World" experience includes the globe; the "Our World: Mapping Progress," which highlights humanity's achievements since 1935; and "Points of Progress," where you can learn about significant events in human rights, scientific advances, exploration, and other fields. A 10-minute audio narration features clips from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, Wangari Maathai (a Kenyan Nobel laureate) and others. One of the coolest features of the globe is that it is a "whispering gallery." Stand at one end of the gallery while a friend stands at the other. Whisper something to them and they will be the only one to hear it.

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These Are the 30 Best Things to See and Do in Boston

With historic sights, beloved hometown sports teams, a thriving arts scene, and local brews and bites, you'll never be bored in Boston.

Boston is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 most-visited cities in the United States — and for good reason. Home to a thriving food and drink scene, historic landmarks, and activities for all types of travelers, the city offers plenty to keep visitors occupied. So, whether you're on a solo adventure or traveling with the whole family, here are 30 of the best things to do in Boston.

Walk the Freedom Trail.

The two-and-a-half-mile, self-guided Freedom Trail tour takes visitors through the city, telling the story of the American Revolution with stops at museums, churches, meeting houses, and other historical markers along the way. Do it alone, or find tour options here .

Step back in time at the Paul Revere House.

Want even more Boston history? Head to the Paul Revere House . The home, which was once owned by Revere and sold in 1800, served as everything from a boarding house to a local shop to tenement apartments. Now, it's a museum offering guided tours of the restored home that will transport you back in time.

Stroll through the Boston Common.

The Boston Common is the very heart and soul of the city. First built in 1634, it is the oldest public park in the United States. On the park's 50 acres of land, guests will find the Frog Pond, a softball field, and monuments galore. Take your time strolling through the landscaped gardens and enjoying the sights.

See the animals at the New England Aquarium.

For more than 50 years, the New England Aquarium has invited guests to come and meet a few of the coolest sea creatures on Earth. From penguins to sharks, stingrays to seals, and everything in between, the aquarium has all kinds of animals for curious visitors. It's also a working research aquarium, meaning visits and donation dollars partially go toward ocean conservation and preserving these species for generations to come.

Take the kids to the Franklin Park Zoo.

For even more animal adventures, pay a visit to the Franklin Park Zoo . The 72-acre zoo is the place to be for a red panda, tiger, or zebra sighting right in the middle of the city. There are also plenty of expert-led chats to attend, as well as children's events, making it a place the entire family will love.

Or, see animals in their natural habitat with a whale-watching tour.

Take to the waters outside of Boston for a high-seas adventure like a whale-watching excursion . Hop aboard a tour with the New England Aquarium and Boston Harbor City Cruises to see whales, dolphins, and sea birds on their migration routes — all from a safe distance, of course.

Go for a walk around the Esplanade.

Another worthy place for a stroll is the Esplanade, a three-mile path that hugs the Charles River. It's an excellent spot for a walk or bike ride along the lovely green spaces on the banks of the river, where you can watch boaters. And if you're so inclined, you can donate to the Esplanade Association , a nonprofit working to preserve the space for more than two decades.

Violet Smirnova/Travel + Leisure

Take to the Charles River.

You may feel inclined to get on the water yourself — and you can do just that by joining Community Boating Boston on a sail. The organization offers sailboat, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals for those feeling adventurous.

Watch a midnight movie at Coolidge.

The Coolidge Corner Theater, which first opened its doors during the golden age of cinema in 1933, is already one of the most incredible places to see a movie in the city. But to up the ante, try and visit for one of its After Midnite showings. The late-night programming includes horror films and off-beat flicks, making it great for an after-dark fright.

Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Isabella Stewart Gardner was a woman who knew what she liked. She was a millionaire, a bohemian, and an intellectual, and the museum bearing her name is a gem of Boston's thriving art scene, with luxurious landscaped grounds. Perhaps some of the museum's most famous works aren't hanging on the walls, though, as eagle-eyed visitors can spot empty frames that once held priceless pieces, stolen from the space in a famed art heist in 1990.

Spend a day at the Institute of Contemporary Art.

The iconic Institute of Contemporary Art is housed in 65,000-square-feet of space, making it a spot where you can easily spend an entire day. The institute includes gallery exhibits, a theater, and a cafe, along with a gorgeous outdoor deck so you can get a breath of fresh air and reflect on all the works you've just seen. Plus, admission to the institute is free on Thursdays after 5 p.m., but make sure to snag your timed ticket in advance.

See the Arnold Arboretum.

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a living museum of trees and plant life, with a particular focus on flora and fauna from eastern North America and Asia. This National Historic Landmark is open every day and always free for visitors.

Scope out the treasures at The Museum of Fine Arts.

The Museum of Fine Arts is a crown jewel in Boston's museum scene. It includes American works of art and artifacts from around the globe, including pieces from across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The museum also holds collections in photography, musical instruments, textiles, and more.

Swing by Encore Boston Harbor.

Encore Boston Harbor is the place to go if you're looking for some good old-fashioned fun. The entertainment venue, which opened in 2019, includes a hotel, five-star dining options, shopping, and even a casino for those wanting to roll the dice and test their luck. Head out for a meal, stay for a game, and perhaps book an overnight stay so you can do it all again tomorrow.

Shop on Newbury Street.

Visitors to Boston could make an entire vacation out of just strolling down Newbury Street. The famed street is chock-full of boutique shops, restaurants, galleries, and more, so you may have to visit more than once to ensure you've seen and done it all. Keep track of pop-up events on the street's website here .

"Travel" the world at the Mapparium.

The Mapparium may just be the best way to "see" the world without ever leaving Boston. The three-story site is actually the world's largest walk-in globe. Guests can walk through the globe via a bridge dissecting its equator before leaving to check out "Our World: Mapping Progress," an exhibit highlighting "humanity's advancement since 1935."

Root for the Red Sox at Fenway.

There is arguably nothing more iconic in Boston than Fenway Park . If you visit during the regular baseball season, try to get tickets to a game. While inside, cheer for home runs over the Green Monster and get ready to sing "Sweet Caroline" at least once.

And cheer on the Celtics and the Bruins at TD Garden.

Visitors to Boston can continue to root for the hometown team by getting tickets to a Celtics or Bruins game, depending on the season. Luckily, both teams play under one roof at TD Garden , which also hosts plenty of concerts, so check the calendar to see what shows or games you can take part in next.

Grab a good book at the Boston Public Library.

When constructed in 1848, the Boston Public Library became the first large free public library in the nation. It remains a place where visitors can check out a good book or read in the public spaces. The library hosts both tours and regular events, so check its calendar and see what piques your interest.

Grab a bite at Boston Public Market.

The Boston Public Market , a year-round indoor marketplace, hosts nearly 30 New England-based food purveyors and artisans. It's also a place you can feel good about visiting, as it's a registered nonprofit with public impact goals to support "economic development, New England food system resilience, public health and education, affordability, and access."

Drink a local brew at Samuel Adams Boston Brewery.

Boston is home to a thriving craft beer scene, though the best-known spot for brews is popular brand Sam Adams. The company now sells its brews just about everywhere and even allows guests to come and taste its latest creations on a brewery tour. See all tour options here .

Devour dessert with a cannoli from Mike's Pastry.

There are plenty of excellent places to grab a cannoli in Boston's Italian mecca, the North End. Walk into any bakery in the neighborhood and you'll surely be delighted. But if you need a little guidance, we suggest heading to Mike's Pastry . It's the largest bakery in the neighborhood and wildly popular, but for good reason. Just be prepared to wait in line for your sweet treat.

Explore more city history on a walking tour of Chinatown.

In the 1880s, Chinese immigrants to Boston founded their own community, now known as Chinatown. The neighborhood has always played a significant role in the city's history and is a place where visitors can come to both learn and dine to their heart's delight. Hop on a Boston by Foot tour to ensure you see and dig in at all the right spots.

Watch a show at the Boston Ballet.

The Boston Ballet has delighted audiences since the 1960s, with performances ranging from classics like George Balanchine's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and Mikko Nissinen's "Swan Lake," as well as modern pieces by William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Wayne McGregor, and more.

Waddle around on a Boston Duck Tour.

The Duck Tour may not have started in Boston, but the city has certainly perfected it. We'd be remiss not to mention this as a perfect Boston attraction for out-of-town visitors, as it goes to all the best city locations and even right onto the Charles River thanks to the amphibious vehicles. See all tour options here .

Shop and dine at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

Want to pack as much Boston as you can into a single place? Simply head to Faneuil Hall . The famed marketplace is home to more than 70 retailers across its 200,000-square-foot space, including food, apparel, and specialty gift shops. It's a place to see and do it all, and it's especially magical if you can visit during the holiday season.

Learn something new at the Museum of Science.

Boston's Museum of Science may be one of the most fun spots in the city. It's filled with interactive exhibits that will surprise, delight, and leave you in awe. Head there to learn about the evolution of dinosaurs, see its exhibit on how vaccines work, and much more.

Stop by Trinity Church.

If you love architecture, design, and history, Trinity Church should be high on your list of things to see in Boston. A National Historic Landmark, the church is also considered by the American Institute of Architects to be one the country's top 10 buildings thanks to its Richardsonian Romanesque design and stained-glass windows. The church is open for both worship and tours throughout the week.

Get medieval at Castle Island.

Castle Island is a hidden gem that even locals tend to overlook. We're not quite sure how considering there is an entire castle-like fort hiding in plain sight. The 22-acre "island" isn't actually an island anymore after a small strip of land was added to connect it to shore, but that doesn't make it any less special. Visitors can come to tour the fort, walk the grounds, or head to its trails for a bit of rollerblading or biking.

Pick up new art at the SoWa studios.

Stroll through the SoWa studios and get a glimpse of the fantastic work from the city's artistic community. Visitors can swing by the first Friday of every month for open gallery tours or make an appointment with an artist to get up close to the works before buying.

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The 17 Best Things to Do in Boston

By Todd Plummer and Paul Rubio

Built on almost 400 years of history, Boston's character is as layered and distinct as a Kennedy accent. The city has reinvented itself countless times over, serving at different times and to different communities as the birthplace of the American Revolution, as an international academic capital, and as a biotech hub. Boston’s wharves whisper of tea parties, its libraries of literary greats, and its ballpark of curses broken. Each year, its famed universities keep this old city young with an ebb and flow of some 150,000 students from around the world—and these smarties keep the city lively round the clock.

All that, plus some of the finest  food and  drink make Boston one of America’s greatest and most enduring cities. Across its patchwork of squares, corners, and crossings, here are the best things to do in  Boston —including the occasional jaunt across the Charles River to neighboring  Cambridge —whether you're in town for Marathon Monday (better known as Patriot's Day around here), making a summer stop on your way to the Cape and islands , or on a fall foliage journey .

Read our complete Boston travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Arrow

This is one of  our favorite museums in Boston —and the country. At once intimate and unparalleled in its grandeur, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum draws on the vast art collection of its eponymous (and eccentric) founder, who had a thirst for travel, a bohemian lifestyle, and the fine luxuries of ancient cultures. Set within a Venetian-style palazzo, surrounding an elegant courtyard, masterpieces by the likes of Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, and John Singer Sargent share space with impressive architectural elements. Stewart Gardner herself delicately arranged the collection of more than 7,500 fine and decorative art objects, 2,700 books and manuscripts, and over 8,000 historic objects from around the world, including sculptures, furniture, textiles, metalworks, and ceramics, that she collected during her lifetime. A Renzo Piano–designed wing opened in 2012, and provides interdisciplinary, multipurpose space for contemporary artists, musicians and scholars.

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It all starts with the penguins—when you first enter, you're greeted by African Penguin and Rockhopper colonies that are by any measure an absolute delight to watch. Just past, the main attraction is the 40-foot wide, floor-to-ceiling, 200,000 gallon salt water Ocean Tank, home to about 1000 marine animals, including turtles, eels, and tropical fish. A cylindrical walkway makes it possible for guests to experience the tank from every depth and angle, and a number of smaller satellite rooms contain informational displays and touch tanks that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This is a popular field trip spot, so you're likely to be surrounded by schools of rambunctious kids on any given day, especially from the lunch hour onwards. The museum implemented timed ticketing during the pandemic and is likely to keep it moving forward, which acts as a good form of crowd control, but the quietest times to visit are still weekdays first thing in the morning.

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Food halls are complicated. Make them too pedestrian and they quickly fall into the “food court” category, recalling the sad shopping mall eateries of our youth. But throw in a James Beard finalist, and an eclectic mix of some of Boston’s most discerning foodie favorites from across the city, and you’ve got a worthwhile detour for locals and visitors alike. Highlights include: bagels and pastrami from Brookline favorite Mamaleh’s; artisanal doughnuts from Blackbird; and Bubble Bath, a Champagne bar complete with Moët & Chandon vending machine. There’s tons of seating, a sleek LED entertainment system playing multiple sports games at once, and an airy, atrium-type feel that never feels overly crowded or cramped. There are a number of excellent food halls serving downtown Boston’s office-dwelling population, but this one feels less like a corporate convenience stop and more like a proper microcosm of the city’s food scene.

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Bostonians may breeze through the Public Garden to get from one side of town to the other, but there's plenty to linger over in this city-center oasis. The lagoon, which wanders almost the entire length of the garden, is where the famed Swan Boats have been peddled for over a century; and the flowers are beyond vivid. The Commonwealth Avenue entrance serves as the park’s most enchanting introduction, where a statue of George Washington comes flanked by flowers at the gate. In this pleasurable moment, remember that Victorian Bostonians found this park to be offensively bright. My, how times have changed.

Jessica Chapel

Emily Pennington

Charlie Hobbs

Kaitlin Menza

Boston Public Library Arrow

There’s a lot to love about the Boston Public Library: It’s the oldest municipally-funded lending library in the country, its McKim Building is considered the masterwork of iconic Gilded Age architect Charles Follen McKim, and an ongoing calendar of free events all year-round means there is quite literally always a tour to go on, lecture to attend, or exhibit to peruse. Architecture nuts should reserve a spot on one of the thrice-weekly Art & Architecture Tours, which unlocks some of the premises’ lesser-known gems, including tile arches by famed Spanish builder Rafael Guastavino, and the first mural commission from John Singer Sargeant. The museum is home to all sorts of treasures beyond just books–including the lesser-known but entirely worthwhile Norman B. Leventhal Map Center, which houses over 250,000 geographic objects.

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University Arrow

A gorgeous 281-acre green space within Boston, Arnold Arboretum of  Harvard University is the oldest public arboretum in North America (c. 1872) and the highlight of Frederick Law Olmsted's famed  Emerald Necklace series of green space in the city. Prolific biking and walking trails zigzag past more than 16,000 accessioned plants, many meticulously marked with signs. The natural splendor is a feast for the eyes, which are able to spot the sheer diversity of trees and plants at every turn. QR-coded signs and the arboretum’s easy-to-use  Expeditions app make it possible to dig deep into the environment.

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The Freedom Trail starts at the  Boston Common , the oldest public park in the United States, following a red brick path lined with 16 historic landmarks, which paint a picture of Boston’s revolutionary history. Although tourists flock to the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, this pedestrian path also coincides with day-to-day rush of downtown Boston. You’ll see revolutionary sites in a modern setting and walk alongside commuters and after-school kids. If you’re short on time, prioritize the North End section of the trail, home to landmarks like the  Paul Revere House , Old North Church, and Copp’s Hill Burial Ground, in a historic neighborhood that’s known as Boston’s Little Italy. If you want to go deeper, find all the hidden Freedom Trail spots locals love to visit here.

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Beacon Hill, one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, is home to some of the finest examples of Federal-style brick row houses in the country, and Charles Street is the perfect launching point from which to explore it all. Tiny sidewalks, gaslit corners, and Instagrammable charm await on this busy thoroughfare, which starts by the Massachusetts General Hospital campus and concludes on the Boston Common. Charles Street has an independent bent that locals love to support. Come here for contemporary accessories at December Thieves, mouthwatering truffles at Beacon Hill Chocolates, custom stationery at Gus + Ruby Letterpress, and “this might have belonged to a Kennedy” antiques at Upstairs Downstairs Home. And if you’re a book lover (or bookstore lover), don’t leave town without visiting Beacon Hill Books & Cafe , a stunning townhome-turned-bookshop that’s restoring this city’s faith in the importance of independent booksellers.

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With a deserved reputation as Boston's premiere rooftop bar, Lookout often reaches capacity with the city's work-hard, play-hard young professional crowd (Reservations are required these days; no walk-ins). For most, Lookout isn't a novelty—it's a mainstay—though you may find the occasional bridge-and-tunnel-type folks later on weekends. The crowd definitely likes a solid cocktail but they're here for the views and highly social atmosphere. In a city that skews historic and can feel sometimes like a  college town, The Lookout Rooftop provides big-city appeal with a cool crowd, awesome skyline views, and strong drinks. It's a place to hang out with friends and just have some boozy fun.

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What’s Boston without Fenway Park? America’s “Most Beloved Ballpark” isn’t just a stadium–it’s a piece of living history. It’s the home of the Red Sox, who play there each year from late March through October, but it’s also known for its popular summer concert series, and its fascinating behind-the-scenes tours offered in the off-season. Sure, there are parts of Fenway’s history that aren’t exactly worth celebrating–the Red Sox remained segregated longer than any other MLB team, and it wasn’t until Lady Gaga’s Joanne World Tour came in 2017 that a woman headlined a concert there–but at the end of the day, it’s one of the most enjoyable places to visit in Boston. When you’re in the cheap seats, having paid way too much for a beer and a hot dog and the crowd starts singing “Sweet Caroline,” it’s clear there’s a sense of history here that even non-sports lovers can get excited about.

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If you’re exploring Boston for the day, take a walk up through Back Bay from Massachusetts Avenue and loop back down along the Esplanade or head over the Harvard Bridge to Cambridge (Ironically, the Harvard Bridge ends at M.I.T.). It's a narrow paradise along both sides of the Charles River, stretching for several miles between the Longfellow Bridge to the west and the Boston University bridge to the east. More than 1,500 trees line the walkway (or runway, if it's marathon-training season), while playgrounds, ponds, and gardens bring a lyrical quality to this meandering landscape. It's best viewed in autumn, when the Esplanade shows its true colors. The Hatch Shell is a performance space that serves as home base for all things at the Esplanade including the famous performance by the  Boston Pops on the Fourth of July.

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This neighborhood has the kind of charm that'll make you move to Boston. There are so many historic plaques that show off the neighborhood's rich past and an abundance of hidden art galleries and boutiques that will keep you searching for more. Design aficionados should definitely come here on Sundays, when you can visit SoWa Open Market (short for South of Washington Street) for food trucks and entertainment as well as SoWa Vintage Market and the SoWa Farmer's Market, and a number of one-of-a-kind boutiques and design showrooms. Plus, a foodie's trip to Boston isn't complete without a stop here casual bistros and oyster-slinging wine bars: Don't miss Black Lamb , an elevated American brasserie that impresses with a sensational raw options and sublime lobster rolls. Late night, stop by Beehive or Wally's Cafe for lively local jazz sets in casual bar settings. And for one of Boston's best dive bars (and best burgers) where everybody knows your name, hit cozy wood-paneled DeLux Cafe on cobblestoned Chandler Street.

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The MFA’s vast collection of art and artifacts is exceptional by any standard. The museum houses one of the best collections of Korean art outside the Korean peninsula, the only permanent exhibition space for ancient coins in the United States, one of the world’s largest holdings of ancient Egyptian treasures, and a comprehensive collection of work by John Singer Sargent. The museum’s claims to fame are so varied, in fact, you could spend weeks documenting its exceptionality. Whatever you take in during your visit, don’t miss the Claude Monet gallery in the European Wing, with one of the greatest caches of the Impressionist’s work outside of France, or the impressive Arts of Islamic Cultures Gallery, whose 2019 reinstallation was developed in collaboration with local Muslim groups. All said and done, the MFA is the crown jewel of  Boston's art scene .

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Boston Seaport is one of the city's most talked-about neighborhoods—and for good reason. The former no-man's land, just over the bridge from Downtown, has quickly evolved into a center of innovation, mixed-use development, and modern culture, attracting prominent companies like Amazon, big names in biotech, and major developers competing to erect Boston’s priciest, sky-scraping condos. A young, ambitious work force has followed, as have some great businesses—including the  Institute of Contemporary Art ,  Legal Harborside 's rooftop bar, Wood Hills Pier 4 for farm-to-table cuisine, darts bar Flight Club, the Lookout Rooftop, and Mediterranean hotspot  Committee.

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The last vestige of the old Seaport—a once rough-around-the edges neighborhood that’s now filled with glass skyscrapers, corporate types, and Lululemon stores—this indoor-outdoor seafood institution fills with diners and happy hour revelers of all stripes, from construction workers to management consultants. The waterfront destination feels like a coastal summer clam shack with its tented roof and picnic tables, and, indeed, it got its start as a seasonal restaurant back in 1994. Now, it includes a more permanent wing with an old time-y tavern feel, but the seaside, atmosphere persists throughout. That vibe pairs perfectly with the menu of seafood platters; raw bar favorites; fried scallops, shrimp, and clams; fish sandwiches; entrees; and lobster in all forms, including boiled, grilled, roasted, and rolled.

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In the heart of Boston’s downtown, carts and shelves of $1, $3, and $5 books fill an alley off of West Street. The seller: Brattle Bookshop, a store that encompasses three floors of used books, the top one filled with rare collectibles. Its purveyor, Ken Gloss, is a regular appraiser on the PBS’ Antiques Roadshow and has gained modest fame among antiquers and public-television addicts.  Independent bookshops attract an eclectic mix of characters, and that’s as much a part of the experience as the books themselves. Curmudgeonly regulars, bespectacled students, and travelers who value a good read all make Brattle Bookshop an institution. Even the famously reclusive J.D. Salinger stopped here once.

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Take an afternoon and evening to sink into this corner of Cambridge, and you’ll have discovered a city unto itself. You certainly don’t have to be a student to savor this neighborhood. There are  art and  natural history museums on Harvard’s campus, quirky boutiques for souvenirs like Black Ink, Grolier Poetry Book Shop (the oldest in the country, c. 1927), and local-loved, world-class restaurants like  Alden & Harlow . Tourists turn out in droves to walk the famous Harvard Yard, and despite the crowds it's worth taking a genuine wander.

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23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Boston

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 19, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Perhaps no other city in America holds as much history of the colonial and Revolutionary War era as Boston. It's not surprising then that its main sites have become a pilgrimage trail for Americans and for others who hope to get a sense of that history.

But more than that, the Freedom Trail is a good introduction to today's city, connecting or passing close to some of its best loved tourist attractions. Boston is easy to navigate on foot, as its major sights are relatively close, and America's first subway system, the T, connects its important neighborhoods.

Across the Charles River, a watery summer recreation area whose Boston shore is reserved as the Esplanade park, is Cambridge. Although a separate and independent city, for tourist purposes, Cambridge is part of Boston and connected by the same transit system.

Here, you'll find two of America's most prestigious and important universities, Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) . These and the many other universities and colleges in the area help keep Boston a youthful and vibrant place to be, with a lively cultural scene. With all the music, theater, and entertainment options, plus its abundance of restaurants, you'll never be at a loss for things to do in Boston at night.

Maybe because I've lived there and know its sometimes puzzling web of downtown streets, I find Boston a thoroughly comfortable city to visit; despite its tall buildings, its compact neighborhoods make it seem more like a cluster of small towns. Join me in a tour of my favorite city, and discover the best things to do, with this handy guide to the top attractions in Boston.

1. Walk the Freedom Trail

2. see a game or take a tour of fenway park, 3. faneuil hall, 4. boston common and public garden: ride the swan boats, 5. museum of fine arts boston, 6. isabella stewart gardner museum, 7. uss constitution and bunker hill (boston national historic park), 8. museum of science, 9. harvard square and harvard art museums, 10. old north church and boston's north end, 11. boston tea party ships & museum, 12. new england aquarium, 13. harvard museums and the glass flowers, 14. newbury street & back bay, 15. boston public library and copley square, 16. boston harbor and whale watching cruises, 17. john f. kennedy presidential library and museum, 18. beacon hill and the black heritage trail, 19. boston harborwalk and christopher columbus waterfront park, 20. rose fitzgerald kennedy greenway, 21. boston pops and boston symphony orchestra, 22. arnold arboretum, 23. massachusetts institute of technology, where to stay in boston for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to boston, best time to visit boston, ma.

The three-mile Freedom Trail leads you past – and into – 16 of the city's principal historic monuments and sites. It's easy to follow, by the line of red bricks in the sidewalk and by footprints at street crossings. Begin by picking up brochures on the attractions at the Visitor Center in the Boston Common before heading to the State House .

The trail will take you to Old Granary Burying Ground (where Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock are buried), King's Chapel Burying Ground (Boston's oldest cemetery with the graves of Governor John Winthrop and two Mayflower passengers), Old South Meeting House (where the ringing speeches of patriots spawned the Boston Tea Party), and the Old State House . This is Boston's oldest public building and the site of the Boston Massacre .

The Freedom Trail continues through Boston's North End, past the Paul Revere House and Old North Church , and ends across the bridge in Charlestown with the 54-gun frigate USS Constitution and the 220-foot granite Bunker Hill Monument. With all these attractions and places to see, it's no wonder the Freedom Trail is one of the best walking trails around Boston .

Known as "America's Most Beloved Ballpark," Fenway Park is one of the most fabled sports complexes in the country, and even if, like me, you're not a sports fan, a tour of it is both fun and interesting. And sitting inside, surrounded by cheering fans and singing "Sweet Caroline" is a quintessential Boston experience.

The home of the Boston Red Sox looks much the same as it did when it opened on April 20, 1912. One of its most recognizable features is the Green Monster , the 37-foot green wall in left field, and the park still maintains some of the remnants of "old time" baseball such as the hand-operated scoreboard.

Fenway Park also has the lowest seating capacity in the Major Leagues holding only 33,871 spectators (a fact that makes tickets exceedingly scarce).

Author's Tip: If you manage to get tickets, don't even think about driving to a game. Park outside the center and take any MBTA Green Line train (except one labeled Heath St.) to Kenmore Square and follow the crowd on the short walk to the stadium.

Address: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, Massachusetts

Known as the "cradle of liberty," Faneuil Hall was built in 1740-42 by Huguenot merchant Peter Faneuil as a market hall and presented to the city on condition that it should always be open to the public.

The ground floor is still occupied by market stalls; on the upper floor is a council chamber, which in the 18th and 19th centuries was the meeting place of revolutionaries and later, of abolitionists. On its fourth floor is the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Museum , with weaponry, uniforms, and paintings of significant battles.

The adjoining Faneuil Hall Marketplace includes three long halls (Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market), dating from the early 19th century, now occupied by a lively assortment of shops, restaurants, and exhibitions.

In good weather, I love the block-party atmosphere here, with street performers and buskers putting on shows in the square around the market, and in any weather I never tire of browsing through the shops selling jewelry, clothing, gifts, and souvenirs. You can never have too many Red Sox caps, or you can get a coffee mug inscribed with a Boston/English dictionary. It might come in wicked handy talking with locals.

The food stalls in Quincy Market are some of the most popular places to eat lunch in Boston. My favorites are Fisherman's Net and the family-run Boston Chowdah for seafood, and West End Srollers for panini sandwiches I can walk around with as I browse. Ethnicities from Hispanic to Asian Fusion are represented, and Boston Halal is opening in 2023.

Address: Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, Massachusetts

In the heart of the city is Boston Common, America's oldest park and the start of the Freedom Trail . In this large green space, which is much used by locals year-round, are various monuments and the Central Burying Ground of 1756.

You can rent skates to use on the Frog Pond from November through mid-March, enjoy the spring blossoms and fall foliage colors reflecting in its surface, and in summer, watch youngsters splash about in the wading pool.

Adjoining it on the west side of Charles Street, is the 24-acre Public Garden, America's oldest botanical garden. Along with the Victorian-style monuments and statues, including an equestrian statue of George Washington, are the popular modern bronzes of a family of ducks immortalized in Robert McCloskey's children's book Make Way for the Ducklings .

Joining the ducklings to give the Public Garden its whimsical air is one of Boston's most iconic experiences for all ages: riding around the lake in the garden's center on the famous Swan Boats , first launched in the 1870s.

Generations of children have ridden these and returned with their own children and grandchildren (I know this because I'm in one of those families). If you're in Boston with kids, take them for a ride here, and start your own multi-generational tradition.

Address: Public Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

One of the leading art museums in the country, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts excels in its collections of Impressionist paintings, ancient Egyptian treasures, Asian and Persian fine arts, and works from ancient Greece and the Middle East.

Its crowning achievement is the construction of an entire American Wing to house, integrated in chronological order, outstanding collections of American paintings, furniture, decorative arts, folk art, silver, glassware, and design dating from pre-Columbian arts to the Art Deco and Modernist eras. To see all these works of art shown in context with other creative accomplishments of their time is an exciting journey through the world of American creativity, one I never tire of taking.

Highlights elsewhere include a 12th-century lacquered-wood sculpture of a Buddhist Bodhisattva and Korean painted screens, the ivory and gold statue of the Minoan Snake Goddess from 1500 BC, and a statue of the Egyptian pharaoh Mycerinus and his queen from 2548-2530 BC.

For me, in addition to the American Wing, the museum's highlight is the group of 35 paintings by Claude Monet , one of the largest collections outside of France. These are exhibited in good company, alongside works of Gaugin, Renoir, and Degas.

To see and appreciate all the museum's galleries and collections could take a full day, but the mind can only absorb as much as the feet can endure. So unless you are a devoted art enthusiast, plan from two hours to half a day here and concentrate on those sections that interest you most.

The museum is about a 1½-mile walk from Copley Square and other neighborhoods for sightseeing; an easier way to get there is on the MBTA Green Line. Take a car marked Heath St. from Copley or Park St. stations.

Address: 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts

Set in a building its eccentric creator modeled after a 15th-century Venetian palace, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum displays its collections in rooms surrounding a four-story central courtyard filled with flowering plants and fountains.

The priceless 2,500-piece collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, tapestries, decorative arts, books, and manuscripts reflect the personal tastes and considerable expertise of Mrs. Gardner herself, whose own flamboyance further adds to the charm of the museum.

Behind the palazzo, a 70,000-square-foot glass-clad building designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano creates new viewpoints for the original palazzo and stunning spaces for music and visual arts, allowing the museum to showcase exceptional contemporary works and artists. Rather than clash or compete with the original building, Piano's wing simply provides a new glass through which to view Mrs. Gardner's palazzo.

From almost anywhere in the new building are uninterrupted prospects of the palace and gardens through transparent walls. After you tour the museum, stroll through the Fens , a long green space, where you'll find a beautiful rose garden in bloom from June through October.

Author's Tip: The Gardner is only a few steps from the Museum of Fine Arts, making it tempting to combine them in one day. But unless art is your passion, it's best to see them on different days, so you can appreciate each. Visiting the Gardner is to immerse yourself not just in art, but in the 15th- and 16th-century artistic world of Renaissance Italy.

Address: 280 The Fenway, Boston, Massachusetts

Nicknamed Old Ironsides , USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy, and is still commanded and crewed by Navy personnel. The ship is open to visitors, who can go below desks and hear about the ship's construction and action at sea.

Across the pier, the USS Constitution Museum provides historical context through interactive exhibits that illustrate life aboard a naval vessel two centuries ago. Another ship you can tour here is the Cassin Young , a World War II destroyer.

Charlestown Navy Yard is part of the Boston National Historical Park, and it's a short walk to the Bunker Hill Monument and Museum, also in the park. The 221-foot-tall granite monument marks the hilltop site of the earthen fort built by New England soldiers prior to the Battle of Bunker Hill, the first pitched battle of the American Revolution.

Address: Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, Massachusetts

Exhibits in the extensive Museum of Science encourage learning through hands-on exploration of science and technology, but the museum is not just for children. Physics, biology, chemistry, ecology, zoology, astronomy, computers, and more are explored in more than 700 permanent, hands-on exhibits that are enhanced by stage presentations and interpreters. I find it every bit as engaging as my children do, and can easily spend a whole day here.

Highlights are a 65-million-year-old fossil discovered in the Dakota Badlands, an electricity dome with continuing programs, the Butterfly Garden where you can walk among free-flying butterflies in a conservatory filled with exotic plants, a live animal center, a chance to join local meteorologists to learn weather forecasting, and ComputerPlace , where you can operate a robot and explore how your computer stores information. The planetarium presents daily laser and star shows, and the Mugar Omni Theater has a five-story domed screen.

Author's Tip: Save money on a family day at the museum by bringing your own lunch. You are welcome to enjoy it in the Atrium, on the front plaza, or at picnic tables behind the museum. No snacking in the exhibit areas, though.

Address: Science Park, Boston, Massachusetts

Harvard University , founded in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and is widely considered one of the world's leading academic centers. Go to the Harvard Information Center to take a spirited and entertaining free walking tour of the campus guided by a student who will share history, Harvard lore, and personal perspective. Or you can download a tour from their website.

Harvard Yard sits right in Harvard Square , a lively hub for students, "townies," and visitors, filled with shops, bookstores, and allegedly more places to buy ice cream than any other U.S. city.

Adjoining Harvard Yard is the Renzo Piano-designed home of the Harvard Art Museums , including three formerly separate collections, each of which ranked high as major U.S. art museums. Few universities have such enviable collections. Fogg Art Museum concentrates on Italian early-Renaissance art, the Busch-Reisinger on Expressionist art of central and northern Europe, with Bauhaus objects and paintings by Kandinsky and Klee.

Another important feature of the museums is one of the world's best collections of Chinese jade, as well as Chinese bronzes, Japanese prints, Indian art, and Greco-Roman antiquities, especially vases and sculptures.

If you're as bookish as I am, don't miss browsing in The Harvard Bookstore , just across Massachusetts Ave. from The Yard. Not associated with the University, this indy store has been a fixture in this same spot since 1932.

If you're looking for Harvard insignia souvenirs, the place to go is the Harvard Coop , across the square.

Address: 32 Quincy Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Boston's lively Italian neighborhood, known as the North End, is one of Boston's oldest, where the silversmith and activist leader Paul Revere lived at the time of the American Revolution. The Paul Revere House, which he bought in 1770 and lived in when he made his famous ride, is the only patriot's home on the Freedom Trail, and is open to tour.

You can climb to the tower of Old North Church , where lanterns were hung in April 1775 to alert Paul Revere that British troops were headed to Lexington to arrest the patriot leaders and confiscate the munitions supplies. The beautiful white interior of the church still retains its historic box pews.

The North End is a favorite spot for tourists for reasons that go well beyond its important historic sights. Although it has changed a bit over the years since it was filled with newly arrived immigrants from Italy, it retains its Italian character and lively flair.

You'll find Italian restaurants; cafes; bakeries; and shops fragrant with aromas of cured olives, fresh-roasted coffee, and Italian cheeses. For my family, Modern Pastry on Hanover St. is a required stop, for cannoli and pignoli cookies.

You'll also find the North Bennet Street School , where skills such as bookbinding, cabinet and furniture making, carpentry, silver and gold work, and violin making are taught. Their gallery shop is like a museum of fine craftsmanship and a good place to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.

On the night of December 16, 1773, more than a year before the first battle of the American Revolution, angry Bostonians protesting a tax on goods shipped to the colonies, stormed ships from England and threw the tea into the harbor at this site. With full-scale replicas of the original ships from which the Sons of Liberty dumped tea overboard, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum offers tours with a participatory reenactment of that event.

Costumed historical interpreters lead visitors through that historic night, through interactive exhibits, films, and multi-sensory experiences. Of course, everyone gets to dump tea into the harbor. In the museum, you'll see the only known tea chest from that ill-fated cargo.

This is more a history-as-entertainment attraction than a living history museum. But kids are drawn into the fun as they learn about shipboard life and American history, so it's no wonder this is one of the favorite things to do for families in Boston.

Address: 306 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts

Overlooking the waterfront, the New England Aquarium features more than 20,000 fish and aquatic animals representing over 550 species. A man-made Caribbean coral reef houses a large variety of tropical fish and underwater life including sharks, turtles, and moray eels. The Edge of the Sea touch tank allows visitors to handle small invertebrates like crabs, starfish, and urchins.

Outside the aquarium, visitors can watch harbor seals play, perform, and live in their enclosed habitat. The New England Aquarium also sponsors educational programs and whale-watching tours outside of Boston Harbor, and the adjacent IMAX Theater shows 40-minute films on nature subjects.

To be sure of admission at this popular family attraction, reserve timed entry tickets in advance. Nearby parking is expensive, but it's easy to get here by public transit; the aquarium has its own stop on the MBTA's Blue Line.

Address: Central Wharf, Boston, Massachusetts

Although the four Harvard Museums that make up this complex contain treasures such as the artifacts brought back by Lewis and Clark, for most people, the highlight is the more than 3,000 models of 830 species of flowers and plants, some with insects, and all so realistic that you will have trouble believing they are made of glass. I marvel at these anew, each time I see them.

Created between 1887 and 1936 by German artisans Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, the flowers are unique in the world, and their secret process has never been replicated. These are part of Harvard's massive research collections, shown under one roof in the Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology , the Mineralogical Museum , the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and the Botanical Museum .

Particularly strong in Native American exhibits , the Peabody shows artifacts and art interpreted as part of a living culture, even when that culture has vanished. You can admire some of the finest examples of Native American arts from many periods and tribes, and also see how these changed as Europeans provided a new market for their goods.

Those who like the Victorian "Cabinet of Curiosities" feel of old traditional museums will love the Pacific Islands balcony - it's like stepping back a century. The Museum of Comparative Zoology , founded by Louis Agassiz in 1859, contains an extensive collection of fossils, including a 25,000-year-old mastodon . The mineralogy collections include a dazzling display of rough and cut gemstones , a world-renowned meteorite collection, rocks, ores, and minerals from around the world.

Address: 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Both atmospheric and fashionable, Boston's Back Bay (it was once under water, before a hill was leveled to fill it in) is the heart of the 19 th -century city, home of the "Proper Bostonian" of legend. Streets of sedate Brownstone and brick townhouses line the grid of streets between the Public Garden and the Fenway, bounded on the north by Storrow Drive and the Charles River Esplanade.

Stroll its tree-lined streets, especially Newbury Street, to find an almost European atmosphere of small (mostly trendy) shops and boutiques, art galleries, and cafés and restaurants that spill out into sidewalk terraces. Architecture throughout the neighborhood is eclectic, with some fine examples of ornamental terra-cotta and brickwork.

I love walking through Back Bay residential streets at any time of year – in the spring when Magnolias bloom in the tiny front yards, in the winter when the wrought-iron fences sketch patterns against the snow, and in the fall when fallen leaves crunch underfoot.

The main square of the Back Bay area is surrounded by both old and ultra-modern buildings. One side is formed by the Boston Public Library , founded in 1848 as the first publicly funded lending library in the country. Architect Charles Follen McKim designed the present building in 1895.

Go inside to see the library's Renaissance Revival architecture and murals by John Singer Sargent and Edwin Abbey. Granite medallions over the entrance arches are the work of the pre-eminent American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The three sets of bronze doors in the vestibule were created by Daniel Chester French. Regular Art and Architecture Tours are among the several free things to do in Boston.

Author's Tip: Boston's best-kept secret may be the elegant afternoon teas served in the tearoom overlooking the beautiful Italianate Courtyard of the Boston Public Library. Crisp white linens and silver-edged crystal set the stage for proper tea sandwiches, scones, and trays of dainty sweets.

Facing the library, across a grassy lawn, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch with neighborhood office workers, is Trinity Church , a red sandstone building designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson in his distinctive style, known as Richardson Romanesque. Trinity is widely considered to be his finest work. The murals, frescoes, and painted decorations inside are by John La Farge and much of the fine stained glass is by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris.

On a third side of the square is the venerable Boston institution, the Fairmont Copley Plaza ; these three buildings, backed by the sheer glass wall of a skyscraper, create a stunning cityscape. A block down Boylston Street, look for the finish line of the Boston Marathon , run each April on Patriot's Day.

Just beyond is the Prudential Center , a 32-acre complex of apartments, shops, restaurants, and a 52-story tower. On its 50th floor, you can visit the Skywalk observation deck for 360-degree views of Boston and its surroundings.

Address: 700 Boylston Street, At Copley Square, Boston, Massachusetts

At Rowes Wharf, you can board the Odyssey to cruise through Boston Harbor, from Castle Island to George's Island, then east to the Boston Light on Little Brewster Island, and back north to Charlestown Naval Yard before returning to the wharf.

You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch as you savor the views of the Boston skyline from the water. The skyline is especially beautiful at night when you can take a starlight or full moon cruise.

You can travel outside the confines of Boston Harbor on Boston Whale Watching Cruises , for a chance to see humpback and fin whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises, in the wild. This three-hour, naturalist-led tours are very popular and claim to have whale sightings on every trip.

Dedicated to the memory of the 35th U.S. President, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is the official national memorial to JFK, designed by noted architect I.M. Pei and opened in 1979. The museum, which stands on the shore south of the city, features three theaters, personal memorabilia, photographs, and historical exhibits that document the life of JFK and his presidency.

Exhibits cover the presidential campaign trail, the Oval Office, First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, and the Kennedy family. Interactive experiences here include the free and family-friendly Highlights tours and the Hands-on Cart programs, which include the PT-109 story and a closer look at the Race for Space.

Address: Columbia Point, Boston

One of Boston's most beautiful neighborhoods and right in the center of the city, the south side of Beacon Hill has traditionally been the home of Boston's "old money" families, known locally as "Brahmins." Well-kept brick homes in Federal and Greek Revival styles line its tree-shaded streets, and at its heart is Louisburg Square, where homes face onto a leafy private park. Author Louisa May Alcott lived here from 1880 to 1888.

The Nichols House Museum , a Federal-style home by Boston architect Charles Bulfinch, shows how Beacon Hill's upper-class residents lived and is filled with collections of 16th- to 19th-century furnishings and decorative arts. At the western foot of Beacon Hill, Charles Street is lined with boutiques and shops that have traditionally catered to the neighborhood and are popular with visitors as well. Beyond Charles Street, facing the Public Garden, The Bull and Finch , established in 1969, inspired the popular television program, Cheers .

Restaurants and cafes come and go quickly along classy Charles St, but one that has maintained its elegant ambiance and traditional Tuscan country menu is Toscano , where you can dine on melt-in-the-mouth veal scaloppini or a simple four-cheese pizza.

The north side of Beacon Hill is far more modest and has been home to immigrants, including a sizable African American community, since the early 19th century. National Park Service Rangers offer free guided tours of the Black Heritage Trail from April through November and you can follow the trail on a self-guided tour year-round.

The Boston African American National Historic Site includes 15 pre-Civil War homes, businesses, schools, and churches that give a picture of Boston's 19th-century African American community. The Museum of Afro-American History operates the African Meeting House , the country's oldest (1806) church built by and for Black Americans and now restored to its 1854 appearance.

The 1834 Abiel Smith School was the first public grammar school for African American children. Displays at both include artifacts, films, art, and sculpture related to the black experience in Boston and New England.

The Boston waterfront has seen many changes since its early beginnings as a colonial shipping port. After a period of decline for much of the 20th century, new life was breathed into the area in the mid-1970s with an ambitious redevelopment plan.

Today, this interesting mix of residential and commercial space is connected by HarborWalk , an attractive walkway along the waterfront, with parks, public art, benches, cafés, interpretive signs, and access to several means of exploring the harbor by cruise boat, ferry, or water taxi. A shuttle boat also runs to the Charlestown Navy Yard .

Although it extends from Charlestown to South Boston – and will expand considerably farther – the part you won't want to miss goes from the North End through the wisteria-draped pergola of Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park , past Commercial Wharf, India Wharf, and Long Wharf , and by Rowes Wharf before curving along the harbor into the vibrant Seaport District to the Institute of Contemporary Art , an art museum dramatically cantilevered above the water.

One of the newest of Boston's many public parks and green spaces, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway fills the swath of downtown Boston left bare by the removal of the elevated Central Artery.

Nearly 1.5 miles of parks and gardens connect several diverse neighborhoods, including the financial district, the North End, Chinatown and Faneuil Hall Market, all just a few steps from the linear park.

Public art, gardens, benches, a farmers' market, food trucks, and playgrounds enliven the park, along with a fanciful carousel of whimsical animals, where children can ride on rabbits, a butterfly, turtle, lobster, or a grasshopper. All 36 creatures on the Greenway Carousel were inspired by drawings made by Boston school children. The carousel is specially designed to be accessible to adults and youth with disabilities.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra gave its inaugural concert in 1881, and its first at Symphony Hall , one of the world's most acoustically perfect concert halls, when it opened in 1900. Over more than a century of history, its conductors have included greats such as Pierre Monteux, Serge Koussevitzky, Charles Munch, Seiji Ozawa, and James Levine.

In addition to its regular symphony season, the hall is home to the Boston Pops Orchestra , which sets an international standard for performances of lighter music. For many visitors, the highlight of a trip is a Pops concert, either in Symphony Hall or at the Hatch Memorial Shell , an Art Deco outdoor music shell on the riverside Esplanade that has become a Boston landmark.

The shell hosts a regular program of concerts and other special events, and is especially famous for the Boston Pop's yearly performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture on July 4th. Audiences sit on the lawn in front of the shell with views of Cambridge, Back Bay, and Beacon Hill, and the Pops orchestra is accompanied by real cannon fire and ringing Boston church bells.

Following the concert is a spectacular fireworks display over the river; both are televised all over New England. When I lived on River St, a block from the Esplanade, I took my lawn chair and a book to a grassy spot near the Shell at 10 am to get the best spot; now you'll have to wait until noon to stake your claim.

You can go behind the scenes on a tour of Symphony Hall where you'll hear the history and traditions of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, its musicians and conductors.

Address: 301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts

A "museum of trees," the Arnold Arboretum is especially colorful in the fall, when the maples are ablaze in reds and yellows, and in the spring, when cherry trees, lilacs, or magnolias are in full bloom. But the Arnold Arboretum is beautiful all 12 months of the year. When the trails through its 281 acres are covered in snow, they are popular places to snowshoe and cross-country ski.

A National Historic Landmark , designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, the Arboretum is maintained by Harvard University , which uses it as a teaching laboratory. Along with a wide variety of trees, shrubs, vines, and perennial flowering plants, are exceptional collections of lilacs, azaleas, and rhododendrons; the Bonsai & Penjing Collection is also a highlight.

The Explorers Garden , occupying a small microclimate within the grounds, is home to two of the world's largest Franklin trees, a species now extinct in the wild. Docent-led tours range from quarter-mile introductions suitable for all abilities to a 90-minute Keeper's Tour.

Address: 125 Arborway, Boston, Massachusetts

The 150-acre MIT campus is of special interest to fans of modern and postmodern architecture , a living museum of works by noted architects including Alvar Aalto, Eduardo Catalano, I. M. Pei, Frank Gehry, and Eero Saarinen.

In addition, the campus displays hundreds of sculptures and art installations that you can see with the help of a self-guided walking tour map, by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Jacques Lipchitz, and Auguste Rodin. In the Hart Nautical Gallery are ship models, and the Compton Gallery shows contemporary art.

Address: 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Official site: www.mit.edu

Most of Boston's major tourist attractions are relatively close to the downtown area and Boston Common, where the Freedom Trail begins. Beacon Hill, Copley Square, and the Waterfront/North End are all within easy reach of these highly-rated hotels in Boston.

Luxury Hotels :

• These hotels are in Boston's most prestigious - and convenient - locations: Copley Square and Beacon Hill. Fairmont Copley Plaza is the Grand Dame of Boston hotels, an elegant and gracious landmark property overlooking Copley Square and minutes from the Public Garden's Swan Boats.
• The intimate Lenox Hotel is known for personal attention in the heart of Back Bay, adjacent to Prudential Center and Copley Square, close to museums and Newbury Street shopping.
• XV Beacon crowns historic and fashionable Beacon Hill, next to the State House and overlooking Boston Common.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Boston's waterfront extends from the North End Italian neighborhood to the newly blossoming Seaport area, handy to harbor cruises, seafood dining, museums, and historic sites. Boston Marriott Long Wharf overlooks Boston Harbor, close to the New England Aquarium and North End attractions.
• Seaport Boston Hotel guests enjoy sweeping views across Boston Harbor and the downtown skyline, excellent service, and a no-tipping policy in the hotel and its restaurants.
• In a skillfully repurposed brick factory building, Residence Inn Boston Downtown Seaport is steps from the Boston Children's Museum and downtown attractions.

Budget Hotels:

• Even Boston's budget-friendly options are conveniently close to the center. The Revolution Hotel , in the chic South End restaurant and arts neighborhood, has double, triple, and quad rooms, some with shared dorm-style bathrooms.
• Especially handy to sports and entertainment events at TD Garden, Hotel Indigo Boston Garden is an easy walk to the North End and Quincy Market.
• Across the street from the TD Boston Garden, and within walking distance of the North End, citizenM Boston North Station has tech-savvy, soundproof rooms.

Sightseeing:

• For first-time visitors to Boston, the best way to see the attractions and get acquainted with the city layout is to take a Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour . This tour stops at all the major tourist attractions and gives you the freedom to stop where you want and see the city at your own pace.

Day Trip to Martha's Vineyard:

• Explore more of the Bay State with a 12-hour Day Trip to Martha's Vineyard , traveling by bus through Cape Cod to Falmouth, before boarding the scenic cruise to the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard. Here, you'll have six hours to explore the island on your own, or you can add a guided bus tour to see Gay Head Light and the historic village of Edgartown.

Day Trip to Newport:

• See the famous summer palaces of Belle Epoch society on the Boston to Newport Small-Group Day Trip with Breakers & Marble House Admission . On an 11-hour small group tour of "America's First Resort" you'll visit the two most famous mansions, as well as Cliff Walk, Ocean Drive, and St. Mary's Church, where Jack and Jacky Kennedy were married.

If you're looking for a seamless vacation packed with fun adventures and ideal weather conditions, the best time of year to go to Boston is during the late spring and early fall . This is technically Boston's high season.

From May through the end of June , things are starting to warm up nicely. You're looking at highs in the upper 60s to high 70s and more comfortable lows in the 50s. Not too hot nor too cold, these temps are perfect for wandering the streets all day. Still, you'll want to pack layers to be sure you're prepared for the fluctuating temperatures.

The months of September and October also present visitors with optimal highs in the mid-60s (October) to high 70s (September). Lows range between high 40s to high 50s. Again, you'll likely need layers. At this time, you'll witness an impressive sight: vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues envelop the city in the form of fall foliage, especially towards the end of October, rewarding photographers with picture-perfect backdrops.

Boston hotels will be more expensive during this time, and you can expect to see larger crowds of tourists, but overall, late spring and early fall are the best times to visit Boston . Since many of the city's best attractions are outside (i.e. the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park ), you're guaranteed an enjoyable visit that allows you to visit the city's most popular points of interest with ease. Plus, you'll be able to ride a Swan Boat in Boston Common . This "ride" is closed during the cold winter months.

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Boston, Massachusetts is an essential New England destination. In fact, it’s the first stop on my epic New England road trip itinerary . You won’t be at all surprised to hear that there are tons of fun things to do in Boston.

As New England’s biggest and most famous city, Boston is where old meets new. The convergence of historical sites and modern attractions can be seen within every cobblestone street and modern shopping center. You can start your day at Paul Revere’s House and end your night on a downtown rooftop bar. The possibilities are endless.

If you’re planning to spend some time in Boston, there’s no shortage of amazing activities, experiences, and food to be had here. From the world-class museums and trolley rides to seaside restaurants and quirky ghost tours , Beantown checks all the boxes. To make sure you do and see all the best this city has to offer, here is my ultimate things to do in Boston bucket list: 50 fabulous things to do in the city!  

Table of Contents

Wander the Museum of Fine Arts.

This behemoth of an art museum, located on Huntington Ave, has over 100 galleries that display only a fraction of its massive 450,000-piece collection. Over 1 million visitors wander the MFA each year to view artifacts from the Americas, Folk and Contemporary, Egyptian mummies, famous impressionist painters, and special traveling exhibitions. Tickets sell out fast, so purchase them in advance to ensure you get in.

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Make friends with penguins at the New England Aquarium.

For the aquatically inclined, the New England Aquarium is not to be missed. This massive public aquarium, found right in Boston’s lively seaport neighborhood, is home to an incredible collection of over 600 aquatic species. Visit any day of the week to see its giant squid, turtles, or penguins during feeding (one of our favorites!). Challenge yourself – can you catch a glimpse of every single one of the 20,000 types of animals living here?

Admire the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 

I think that the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of Boston’s hidden gems. Although, it’s becoming more well known as people learn about the art heist that took place there. In 1990, a legendary art heist unfolded (history’s biggest art heist, in fact) during which 13 famous works of art were stolen without a trace. Over 20 years later, there are still no real leads on the theft or missing art, although there are some fascinating podcasts and documentaries out there.

But the heist aside, this fine art museum is well worth the visit, and the building is a work of art itself. You could spend hours perusing the glorious collection that Mrs. Isabella Stewart Gardner amassed and loved. 

I adored my visit to this museum. It is stunning throughout, from the iconic courtyard to the gorgeous works of art. And what is especially fascinating is that the frames of the stolen pieces still hang, an eerie reminder of what was lost.

Shop and dine at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

Dubbed by America’s Founding Fathers in 1742 as “The Cradle of Liberty,” Faneuil Hall Marketplace has cobblestone promenades, impressive sweeping architecture, and over 70 retailers of specialty carts, locally owned shops, and restaurants. As Boston’s most popular shopping and dining spot, you can stay entertained here for hours on end.

Catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park.

Home to the MLB’s Boston Red Sox since 1912, Fenway Park is beloved by locals and visiting fans alike. See the Green Monster for yourself (both the green right field wall, and Wally the mascot!), cheer on Boston’s team, and indulge in overpriced snacks. What a wholesome all-American pastime!

Stroll the grounds of Boston Common. 

Boston Common , a 50-acre park at the center of the city, is often considered the heart and soul of Boston. It’s also the oldest public park in America, established in 1634 (before our nation’s founding!). Today, people love to jog, lounge, converse, and attend fun events here. In the winter, ice skating on Boston Common Frog Pond is a must-do activity.

Explore the first botanical garden in America.

Right next to Boston Common is the Boston Public Garden , the first botanical garden in America. With a gorgeous Victorian design, vibrant floral patterns, fountains, monuments and the Lagoon, the Public Garden is simply delightful. It’s a romantic spot, so don’t be shocked if you accidentally stumble upon a wedding!

Travel tip: Find the ‘Make Way for Ducklings’ sculpture near the corner of Charles and Beacon Street, it’s totally adorable. 

Have fun with your kids at the Boston Children’s Museum.

Bringing the whole family to Boston? Your kids will have an amazing time playing at the Boston Children’s Museum . Created for educating and bringing joy to children, this museum has various exhibits that teaches kids to be curious, investigate using their senses, build, and use their creativity. Plus, you don’t have to be young to enjoy bubbles!

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Learn about our 35th president at the JFK Library & Museum.

Interested in the life of John F. Kennedy? Well, Boston has the JFK Library & Museum , a building entirely dedicated to his life and legacy. You can explore permanent exhibits about his childhood, inauguration, the space program, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, and much more.

Tour the Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge is not your average burial ground. This expansive cemetery, where 100,000 people are buried, is also a National Historical Landmark, a botanical garden , and the resting place of many renowned individuals. From artists and poets like Winslow Homer and Henry Longfellow, to activists, inventors, and Supreme Court Justices, there are so many memorable lives to commemorate here. 

Jam out at Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club.

Curious about delving into the world of jazz, or just a lover of live music? Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club is the place to beat. This classy, old-school jazz club hosts local student performers 365 days a year. Get cozy in this historical building and unwind to some top-notch jazz and blues, performed by musicians mastering their craft.

Watch an art-house film at Brattle Theatre.

Brattle Theatre in Cambridge is a rare establishment. This repertory movie theater located in the charming Brattle Hall has only one screen, featuring just one movie at a time. It was established with the purpose of highlighting indie, art-house films, as well as foreign films and first-run films. You’ll find some cutting-edge cinema here, so stop by Brattle Theatre and watch something you can’t find in normal theaters.

Ride glow-in-the-dark swings at the Lawn on D.

Ever swung on a glow-in-the-dark swing? Well, a nighttime visit to the Lawn on D is your chance. This innovative outdoor event space has a big lawn and concessions, and it frequently hosts live concerts and other lawn game events. But most people know it for its O-shaped hanging swings that glow at night. They make for awesome photo ops (and just a generally fun time!). 

Learn about dinosaurs at the Museum of Science.

Located in Science Park, the Museum of Science is nothing short of a house of wonders. This part-science museum, part-indoor zoo has imagination-sparking educational exhibits, interactive installations, and life-sized dinosaur models! You’ll leave knowing significantly more about human anatomy, technology, and natural history, and have a great time in the process. 

My toddler son loved our recent visit to the Museum of Science Boston, and he especially enjoyed the massive planet of Mars suspended in the atrium area.

As for my husband and I, we couldn’t get enough of the robot dog from Boston Dynamics. Amazing stuff. The photo above shows one of the robotic dog models up close, but you could watch one in action behind the window to the right. Of course, after it does one pass around the space, you have to wait for it to lay down again and charge up a bit!

Witness American history at the Boston Tea Party Museum.

History buffs will get totally swept away in the legendary Boston Tea Party story at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. This amazing floating history museum is the definition of living history. Climb abroad replicas of the very ships docked at harbor in the 1700s, watch live reenactments, and stop by the tearoom for a taste. The thrilling 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party was just celebrated in December 2023 and hundreds of people turned out to join the occasion.

Visit Bunker Hill Monument.

Bunker Hill Monument in Boston, a 221-foot granite obelisk reminiscent of the Washington Monument in Washington D.C., commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill. This famous battle was one of the first significant engagements between Patriots and British soldiers in the Revolutionary War. There is a spiral staircase that will take you to the top of the monument as well, making for spectacular 360-degree aerial views. 

Find unique architecture at Trinity Church.

If you enjoy spotting unique church architecture when visiting a new city, Trinity Church is a beautiful one. This historical church was founded in the 1700s and was an important site during the American Revolution. Its original building actually burned down in 1776 but was subsequently rebuilt and now serves as an important pillar of the Boston community. 

Get your car fix at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum.

Do you love cars? Located in Brookline at the Anderson Carriage House is the oldest collection of motorcars in the United States. Larz Anderson Auto Museum houses a fantastic array of historical motorcars from the 1800s through the 20th century. And even the manicured museum grounds themselves are worth seeing!

Walk in Paul Revere’s footsteps at Old North Church.

Ever hear of Paul Revere’s famous ‘Midnight Ride’ through Boston? In 1775, Old North Church was his first stop on the ride, where he instructed two Patriots to climb to the steeple and hang lanterns to warn of British troops approaching. Aside from this fascinating piece of history, Old North is also the oldest church in the city and a National Historic Landmark. 

Visit the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy.

The USS Constitution is in the Charlestown Naval Yard, located next door to the USS Constitution Museum . This ship has a fascinating story – it was commissioned as a warship in the early years of America’s independence to defend it from invaders and pirates. Learn all about it at this commemorative and interactive museum. 

Take a sunset cruise around Boston Harbor.

There’s nothing quite like seeing Boston from the water. Boston Harbor Cruises offers a 90-minute sunset cruise around the harbor. Embarking from the Wharf at 7pm, you’ll learn interesting facts about the Boston cityscape. And there’s nothing better than taking in the views at golden hour, it’s very romantic !

You can check out the best Boston boat tours here!

Visit the site of the Boston Massacre. 

In 1770, five people were shot and killed by British soldiers who opened fire in front of the Old State House . Today, you can visit this stop on the Freedom Trail . Take a guided tour of the Old State House to learn about Revolutionary history, and this building’s role in the Declaration of Independence.

 Explore the Museum of African American History.

A significant historical and cultural institute showcasing the lives and contributions of African Americans is found right in Boston: the Museum of African American History . With two preserved historic sites, two Black Heritage Trails, and permanent exhibits, you will learn all about black individuals and communities from the Colonial era through the 19th century.  

Go shopping on Newbury Street.

Boston has a lot of charming, quaint history, but it also has very fashionable and modern districts. If you love to shop, not many strips are better than Newbury Street in the upscale Back Bay neighborhood. From Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters to Ralph Lauren and Nordstrom, you will be surrounded by the latest apparel and beauty trends .

And Newbury Street is extra charming with shops set inside these historic brownstones. It’s especially cute decorated for the holidays!

Hang out with gorillas at the Franklin Park Zoo.

This 72-acre zoo in Boston is home to hundreds of exotic animals from around the planet. Franklin Park Zoo is the place to go if you want to encounter majestic creatures, such as a family of gorillas, ancient tortoises, and crocodiles. You will be supporting an institution that conserves, protects, and promotes better care of the natural world.

Visit the home of Paul Revere.

Interested in the history of the American Revolution? You can visit the home of one of America’s most significant Revolutionary figures, Paul Revere. This 1680 house still stands today, preserved and open for tours in Boston’s North End. Go learn about the cultural heritage of Paul Revere and his importance to the early days of Boston and America as a nation.

Read Next:  Top 20 Historic Sites in Massachusetts

Enjoy recreation and Revolutionary history at Castle Island.

Castle Island is one of Boston’s most valuable outdoor gems. This peninsula off the Harbor of Boston is connected to the Harborwalk, and has beautiful parks and paths for walking, biking, and picnicking along the beautiful beach.

This is also the site of Fort Independence, a granite bastion that defended Boston’s harbor as early as the American Revolution.

Discover booktopia at the Boston Public Library.

There’s something so satisfying about a good city library, and Boston definitely has a killer one. Boston Public Library in Copley Square is the oldest public library in America and has gorgeous Beaux-Arts and Renaissance style architecture. It feels like a Hogwarts-esque dream come true (plus free books!).

Stroll along the Charles River Esplanade.

Located right in downtown Boston is the beloved Charles River Esplanade . This beautiful 3-mile stretch of green space along the Charles River is rich in recreational opportunities. Along this pedestrian pathway made for strolling and biking, you’ll see fascinating monuments, great city views, boat launches, and grassy picnic areas.

Crack open a cold one at Samuel Adams Brewery. 

Bostonians love their beer, period. Samuel Adams reigns king in the city (Harpoon is a close second), so it’s only natural you stop by the Samuel Adams Statue and then try a brew at Samuel Adams Taproom . These light and refreshing beers are served on tap, with offerings of light fare to go with your drink. You will also be right near Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, and other fascinating sites. 

Take a stroll along the Harborwalk.

Boston Harborwalk is a public pathway that extends for 43 miles along the shore of Boston. Not only is the Harborwalk amazing for recreational activities, social gatherings, and picnic lunches, but it’ll give you amazing views of the city and ocean. Access it from multiple locations in the North End or Downtown to enjoy the wharves, beaches, piers, and benches as you stroll along. 

Read Next:  13 Best Walking Tours in Boston to Take

Take a Harvard University campus tour.

Want to explore America’s oldest college (established before America was even America)? Harvard University in Cambridge has an incredible campus for you to enjoy. With free public tours offered at the university, you can learn about Harvard’s history and wander the sprawling quads, historical buildings, multiple libraries, and museums. 

Visit the picturesque Beacon Hill neighborhood.

Dreaming of walking through a quaint, cobblestoned European town? Well, Boston has its very own neighborhood to make your dreams come true. Beacon Hill, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, is famous for its narrow cobblestone streets lined with federal style houses and lanterns. It feels like a magical fairytale, especially in autumn.

Don’t miss out on Acorn street, one of the best and most iconic photo spots in Boston. And be sure to step with care; those cobblestones are no joke!

Take a Boston beer tour.

Have people told you your eyes are bigger than your stomach? Well, you won’t be judged like that on a Boston Brew Tour . Embark on this 5-hour adventure to taste up to 16 different local brews at four different breweries. Enjoy entertainment, Boston beer history, transportation, and a deliciously paired meal at the end. Make sure to book your tickets in advance!

Hit the nightlife scene at Central Square.

Central Square in East Boston is an unsuspectingly happening neighborhood for nightlife. With everything from basement bars to clubs to fine dining and great music venues, this spot draws a youthful and lively crowd. Grab a pint at The Plough and Stars , then a gelato dessert at Toscanini’s , and when you’re finished catch a live show at The Middle East . 

Go ice skating at Canal District Kendall.

Formerly known as Kendall Square, Canal District Kendall in Cambridge is an innovative community with so much to do. There are green spaces, frequent outdoor live music events, and quality restaurants. But a local favorite is the large public ice rink that’s open for skating mid-December through mid-March. Bring your own skates or rent a pair. 

Read Next:  25 Ideas for a Wonderful Winter in Boston

Get spooked on a haunted ghost tour.

Because it is one of America’s first cities, Boston has some of the oldest cemeteries, buildings, and monuments in the nation. This makes for some captivating ghost stories; legends, haunts, mysteries, and myths are imbued in the very fabric of Beantown. If you love all things ghostly, why not take the Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour ? Your costumed guides will share spooky stories as you roll through the creepiest locations. 

Chow down on Asian cuisine in Chinatown. 

Chinatown is a great neighborhood for foodies. This area of Boston is densely packed with a delectable variety of Asian cuisines. You can’t really go wrong no matter where you stop for dinner, but a few great selections include The Q for Chinese, Gourmet Dumpling House for dumplings, Pho Pasteur for Vietnamese, and RUKA for sushi.

Discover a secret store within a store. 

I bet you’ve never been to a store like Bodega ! This shoe and streetwear boutique is hidden behind a secret entrance that looks like a convenience store from the front. Upon closer inspection, you’ll find a backdoor that leads to the real Bodega, where the latest trends in sneakers, sportswear, and caps are waiting for you. 

Browse three floors of used books at Brattle Book Shop.

Boston is full of old things, and bookstores are no exception. Brattle Book Shop on West Street is one of the oldest and largest used book shops in the nation. This store has three whole floors of literary wonders. You’ll also find an excellent selection of magazines and some rare first editions.

Read Next:  10 Literary Sites in Boston All Book-Lovers Should Visit

Step inside a three-story globe.

Want something totally off the beaten path, and totally cool enough to land a spot in the Atlas Obscura? Located within the Mary Baker Eddy Library, the Mapparium is a three-story globe you can walk through! This map is a beautiful glowing orb that provides a unique experience for visitors, and the library that houses it is also worth a look.

Indulge in Cannoli at Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry.

Boston’s #1 Cannoli war rages on in the North End, the city’s “Little Italy.” Is it Mike’s Pastry , or Modern Pastry? Well, we don’t see why we have to choose one or the other, so let’s just eat both! Mike’s typically has longer lines but heftier portion sizes and a greater flavor variety. Modern Pastry is less mobbed and has a richer cream filling, but a smaller cannoli.

Read Next:  Where to Find the Best Cannoli in Boston

Drink a cappuccino at Caffe Vittoria, the first Italian cafe in Boston.

Andiamo! Caffe Vittoria in the North End was established in 1929, making it Boston’s first Italian cafe. This beloved local coffee shop has four floors filled with vintage Italian decor, a coffee bar, and all the best drinks that you could find in Italy.  I adore this place!

Read Next:  13 Best North End Restaurants in Boston

Shop local at Boston Public Market.

Found at Haymarket Station is Boston Public Market , an expansive year-round indoor marketplace. This community space consists of over 30 New England artisans, farmers, and shop owners selling fresh foods, crafts, and locally sourced meals. Shopping here not only allows you to experience the tastes and creations of New Englanders, but it helps uplift small businesses. 

Kayak on the Charles River.

Love that dirty water! Charles River is a local favorite for recreational adventures. This river extends for 80 miles and cuts right through the city. You can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards from Charles River Canoe and Kayak and either take a guided tour along the Charles River or embark on your own solo adventure. 

Witness oddities at the Warren Anatomical Museum.

If you like museums but also want to see something out-of-the-box, visit the Warren Anatomical Museum at Harvard. This anatomy and pathology museum was started in the 1800s by a Harvard anatomist to preserve specimens for student education. You will find oddities like an old plastic surgery kit, eagle skeletons, and the actual skull of Phineas Gage. 

Read Next:  50 Wicked Awesome Quotes About Boston

Visit a skinny house built out of spite .

Skinny House, or “Spite House,” is a 10-foot-wide, four-story home at 44 Hull Street. Squeezed between two brick facades, this is known as the narrowest in Boston. Legend has it that during the Civil War, it was built out of spite by a soldier to get revenge on his brother. Being left with only a small piece of their land inheritance after his brother built a massive home on it, the skinny house was built to block his brother’s views and sunlight.

Read Next:  15 Unique Boutique Hotels in Boston to Book in 2023

Go island hopping at Boston Harbor Islands State Park.

Boston Harbor Islands State Park is a New England coastal gem. Just one mile from the city center, this oceanic park is a collection of 34 islands and peninsulas that can be accessed by a park ferry. But the ocean isn’t the only thing you’ll see amongst these islands; you can also visit one of the historical forts, mainland parks, or the Boston Lighthouse.

Have breakfast at Trident Booksellers & Cafe.

Books are even more wonderful when paired with good coffee and a meal. Trident Booksellers & Cafe offers this match made in heaven. Part-bookstore, part-coffee shop, a visit to Trident will come complete with the latest bestsellers and classics. Not only is it a fantastic independent book store, but the breakfast is fantastic. My monte cristo sandwich and French toast latte were one of the best meals I’ve had in Boston.

Join the community fun at Harvard Square.

Want to see what locals are doing for fun in Cambridge? Harvard Square is where it all comes to life. There are events taking place in and around this large triangular plaza almost every day of the week. Listen to live music, attend author readings at Harvard Bookstore, go on a chocolate tour, or even join in on a beginner’s Tai Chi class. This is one hopping corner of Boston. 

You might also like:

• The 10 Best Things to Do in Boston for First Timers
• Things to Do for Christmas in Boston
• 10+ Best Day Trips from Boston
• The Ultimate Guide to St Patrick’s Day in Boston
• Where to Go for the Best Breakfast in Boston
• Boston Slang: 30 Wicked Cool Boston Sayings You Should Know!
• Spring in Boston: 12 Best Things to Do for Spring Fun

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21 best things to do in the summer in Boston

We've earned some fun in the sun, so don't miss out on these summer activities.

Summer in Boston is in full swing. While the warm weather will only be here for a brief period of time, that time is sure sweet. So, whether you enjoy nature, taking in some historical sites, getting out on the water, attending an outdoor concert or having a picnic, there is still time to enjoy these quintessential summer activities in Boston. There is so much to do for the whole family so be sure to also check out the best things to do with kids in Boston  and the  best beaches in the Boston area . 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the  best things to do in Boston RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Boston

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Time Out Market Boston

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• Fenway/Kenmore

There is plenty of seating—both indoors and on a roomy, sun-splashed patio—and some of the biggest culinary names in Boston are delivering a varied assortment of delicious dishes and 'Gram-worthy bites . Stop by Time Out Market Boston this summer!

Best summer activities in Boston

1.  Catch a Red Sox game or a concert at Fenway Park

• Things to do
• Sport events

Seeing a game at Fenway Park has been a rite of passage amongst locals since the stadium opened in 1912. Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in the Major League, in America—and also one the smallest, so there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Tickets can be hard to come by for big games, but you can also experience the park by going on a public tour or scoring seats to one of the big-name concerts held here in the summer. And remember to check out  Time Out Market Boston  before or after your next Fenway visit.

2.  Take a cruise on the water

One of the most pleasant ways to take in the city in all of its glory, especially in the summer, is by getting out on the water. From a sunset dinner voyage to a whale watching adventure, check out this list of the best Boston cruises. 

3.  Picnic at the Public Garden

• Attractions
• Parks and gardens
• Boston Common

The Public Garden is America's first botanical garden. A beautifully designed park with pathways meant for strutting your stuff. Stroll alongside the formal flower beds and willow-fringed lagoon, and pause for a photo opp at its wrought-iron bridge and graceful swan boats. It's a great spot for summer picnicking and whiling away the day. The Boston Public Garden is a place all visitors and locals need to visit each summer. 

4.  Get cool and cultured at a museum

Seek shelter from the heat while becoming more interesting at the same time when you visit one of Boston’s top museums. Our city is teaming with world-renowned universities and intellectuals, and we have ample institutions to show for it. Whether you’re looking to admire art at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, explore natural history at Harvard or feel presidential at the JFK Library, there are plenty of options for getting your culture fix. Another reason to spend a sweltering summer day in one of our local museums: AC is a must when keeping exhibits in pristine condition, so you can reap all of those cooling benefits, too.

5.  Down some oysters and drinks on ice

In the summer heat, there are few things more refreshing than slurping down some cold, fresh oysters alongside a nice chilled glass of rosé. New England is renowned for its spectacular seafood, and our oysters are no exception. It’s rare to find a restaurant in Boston that doesn’t offer local oysters on the halfshell, but we also have a number of eateries and raw bars that specialize in these briney delicacies. Look out for deals on these bivalves during the week, when you can have a drink and a dozen oysters for a cheap(er) evening out.

6.  See a show at the Leader Bank Pavilion

• Music venues
• Seaport District

This major outdoor venue, which seems to change names every couple of years (Formerly known as the Bank of America Pavilion and the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, as well as many other names), is located on the waterfront in the ever-buzzing Seaport District. From May to October, shows feature mainstream rock, pop and R&B acts, with a sprinkling of contemporary newcomers. Summer is a great time to see a show because the warm weather and balmy breeze make the experience just perfect.

7.  Have a dinner at one of the best patios in Boston

Capitalize on our few months of warm weather and head out to one of these outdoor bars for fun, sun and a refreshing cocktail. Enjoy our beautiful city during the few warm months of the year and book a table at one of the amazing patios in town.

8.  Paddle the Charles River

Join the hordes of water-happy adventurers on The Charles during the summer months. You can rent a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board to wind your way along the river. There are a few different rental and launch locations, so read more for additional info.

9.  Stroll the Arnold Arboretum

• Jamaica Plain

This living collection, which boasts thousands of trees, shrubs and woody vines, is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and well documented of its kind in the world. Take a summertime stroll and see bursts of green, blooming flowers and plenty of birds. Free guided tours are available on designated days throughout the year.

10.  Go on a whale watch

Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary is one of the best spots for whale watching in the world. Each summer, around 50 humpback whales, identified by researchers, return to this hotbed of biological activity. Female whales bring their calves to teach them how to hunt for food in the plentiful waters. Take a whale watching cruise to learn more about these maritime mammals and their habitat. You might spot seals, porpoises and dolphins, too. Check out the Massachusetts Whale Trail site for more info.

11.  Stroll the Rose Kennedy Greenway

The Greenway is one of the most celebrated results of the now-infamous Big Dig, formed when I-93 was taken underground. The mile-long ribbon of parkways is the perfect place to get a dose of the outdoors and some art, as it's always peppered with public exhibits and installations. Fair-weather food and drink pop-ups also make it a great spot for picnics. Look out for periodic festivals, events and parades that take place here.

12.  Cool down with a scoop of delicious ice cream

Much like our affinity for year-round iced coffee, we tough Bostonians love a good ice cream cone regardless of the weather. But in summertime, when those typical scorchers and high levels of humidity have us sweating, snagging a scoop of the frozen stuff is nearly essential. Fortunately, there are plenty of local ice cream shops that serve primo flavors—both classic and innovative—as well as other deliciously cold options like sundaes, frappes and floats.

13.  Visit one of Boston's many parks

From the Emerald Necklace — the nation’s oldest string of parks — to the Rose Kennedy Greenway (a gift courtesy of the Big Dig), Boston offers a whole slew of beautiful greenspaces. Take a stroll, sit back and relax, have a picnic and enjoy a little bit of nature at one of the best parks in Boston.

14.  Walk the Freedom Trail

For the first-time visitor to Boston, the Freedom Trail provides a useful starting point for diving into the best attractions in Boston. For locals, it's a chance to brush up on everything you should know about your city's history. The two-and-a-half-mile-long trail is easy to follow for a self-guided stroll, or join one of the organized tours on offer.

15.  Take a walking tour

• Walks and tours

Boston is known for being a charmingly walkable city, with a wealth of historic landmarks that are easy to explore. Guided tours of the Freedom Trail and the unique neighborhoods that make up the Hub are a great way to take in local history and culture. A photo tour will show you some of the most Insta-worthy spots, and food tours will steer you towards the best of Boston's rich culinary scene.

16.  Have drinks at a rooftop bar

Sunshine and rising temps are basically begging you to sip on some cocktails outside. Even better: Have those outdoor drinks with a side of city views from up above. From the bustling Back Bay to the scholarly Harvard Square, Boston's best rooftop bars provide a sky-high oasis for you to escape from the hectic streets and feel like you're on cloud nine. 

17.  Stroll the North End

Explore Boston's famously Italian neighborhood. The North End is filled with restaurants, cafes and bars and in the summer it comes alive wiht festivals and lots more! Grab a few friends and pick up a cannoli to enjoy by the water. 

18.  Devour some of Boston's best lobster dishes

Summer in New England means getting your hands on some lobster, whether it's steamed or stuffed in a roll. The city isn't short on options when it comes to restaurants that offer delicious lobster preparations—from seafood shacks that crank out the classics to upscale eateries that serve this crustacean in creative ways. To get your fill of this summer favorite, work your way through the best lobster dishes in Boston.

19.  Explore the Seaport patios

We are so fortunate to have lots of trendy patios in the Seaport these days. From the newly opened Serafina Seaport, to  Lola 42 , to Para Maria at the  Envoy  to the good-old  Woods Hill Pier 4  the Seaport is spoilt for choice. Dress to impress and head to a few of the hotspots in this waterfront neighborhood. Perhaps start with drinks at Para Maria, have dinner at Serafina or Woods Hill and finish with dessert at Lola 42.  

20.  Visit the Boston Public Library

• Libraries, archives and foundations

Most days you can join an informal art and architecture tour conducted by volunteers (call for times), but the labyrinthine structure is a joy to get lost in as well. At the center of the building is the cloistered courtyard, with its central fountain—a tranquil place to linger. Another highlight is John Singer Sargent's recently restored epic mural, the Triumph of Religion, which dominates the third floor gallery. 

21.  See the city on land and sea with a Duck Tour

• price 3 of 4

The city’s most iconic tour combines Boston’s rich history and architecture with plenty of humor—all while traveling through land and water. Riding inside one of its revamped, World War II-era amphibious vehicle, you'll see landmarks such as the State House, Bunker Hill, Boston Common and Quincy Market before plunging into the Charles River for views of both the Boston and Cambridge skylines. Added perk: You get to quack at people on the streets in a somewhat socially acceptable manner.

Unique Airbnbs to rent in and around Boston

From a Victorian townhouse to - yes - an actual lighthouse, these Airbnb properties make a trip to Boston all the more special

The 18 best hotels in Boston

Our guide to the best hotels in Boston includes top picks for vacations and staycations

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55 Best Things to Do in Boston (+ Travel Tips!)

When we moved to Boston for the summer, we never expected to fall in love with it–but between the beauty of the city, the amazing food scene, and all fun things to do in Boston, we ended up leaving at the end of the summer swearing to come back soon.

As soon as we touched down in Boston, we both loved it. It just felt good. The city was homey and exciting and relaxing and new and familiar all at the same time, in the very best ways.

Immediately, we were head over heels for Boston.

We quickly set to work making an aspirational list of all the best things to do in Boston that we hoped to accomplish over our nearly 3 months in the city.

By the end of the summer, we had complied a huge list of all the best things to do in Boston MA.

Looking to plan a trip to one of the USA’s most historic and fascinating cities? Start here.

Table of Contents

Iconic Things to Do in Boston

Cool museums to visit in boston, neighborhoods to explore in boston, where to get outside in boston, best foodie things to do in boston, more fun things to do in boston, getting around boston.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Walk the Freedom Trail.

First things first: Boston’s 2.5 mile long Freedom Trail covers 16 incredible historical sites, primarily centering around the American Revolution.

Check out Paul Revere’s House, stand at the site of the Boston Massacre, climb aboard the USS Constitution, and visit the Old North Church–just to start.

There’s a reason this is at the top of everyone’s lists of things to do in Boston!

Some of the sites require a small entrance fee, but outside of that, the Freedom Trail is completely free, though you can book an affordable tour of the trail if you’d like more historical context behind the sights.

Sure, the idea of being led around by a tour guide in 18th-century garb is a bit cheesy, but it’s also lots of fun (and an easy way to learn tons of American history).

You can easily walk the Freedom Trail independently, but a guided tour is relatively inexpensive and can add lots of context to the sights–especially if you’re not from the USA or haven’t cracked open a US History book since high school.

Wander through the Boston Public Garden.

The Boston Public Garden is one of our favorite spots in the city: it’s gorgeous, it’s peaceful, and it’s the perfect place for either a walk or a picnic.

If you’d like to check out the view from the water, the swan paddle boats are an amazing deal in the heart of Boston: $3.00/ride.

Spend an afternoon in the Boston Common.

Boston Common is impossible to miss on a list of things to do in Boston, if only because of what surrounds it: Beacon Hill, the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, and the Boston Public Garden are all visible from it, and Downtown Crossing, the Theater District, Back Bay, and more are all just a short walk away.

Even better, Boston Common is a destination in its own right: the green lawns are perfect for flopping, the food stalls sell (admittedly overpriced) snacks, and you can almost always find a performance going on during the weekends, whether it’s as elaborate as Shakespeare in the Park or as simple as one person with an instrument.

Be sure to check out the Frog Pond!

This shallow (less than a foot deep) pool is a splash pool for children in the summer, but in the winter, it turns into an ice skating rink–that will be our first stop if we ever return to Boston in the winter!

Visit the crypt under the Old North Church.

Underneath the famous Old North Church lie 37 tombs that were built between 1732 and 1860, and the crypt that houses them is open for visitors.

Climb down the cramped staircases to learn about how and why this crypt was used–definitely a different atmosphere than walking into the Old North Church sanctuary above it!

Tour the Massachusetts State House.

Massachusetts’ beautiful gold-domed State House is free to tour on weekdays from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, though you will need to make reservations in advance!

If you’re interested in the history of the building, be sure to put this on your list of things to do in Boston.

Get great skyline views.

There is no shortage of opportunities to get great views of Boston’s skyline!

Most popular is the top of the Prudential Center (or “the Pru”).

Also making the list are the 14th floor of the Atlantic Wharf Building (it’s free, but be sure to bring ID!), the view from the Longfellow Bridge, and the view from the top of the Bunker Hill Monument, which is where the below photo was taken from.

Whatever view you pick, make sure you add a skyline view to your list of the best things to do in Boston!

Take a tour of Harvard.

Whether you choose a student-led tour or you download Harvard’s free walking tour from their website to add to your list of things to do in Boston, don’t miss a chance to walk around one of the most famous educational institutions in the world!

While you’re over there, make the time to spend the day in Cambridge –even off-campus, Cambridge has plenty to offer!

Tours of Harvard are surprisingly inexpensive –if you want a guide, this is a great place to have one!

Wander through the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a beautiful place that is home to remarkable art… and an interesting story.

In 1990, 13 works of art were stolen from this museum in a heist that sounds like something out of a movie: two thieves posed as Boston Police Officers, outwitted the guards, locked them in the basement, and made off with their bounty.

To this day, empty frames hang symbolizing where the stolen art should be displayed, and the museum is offering a $10 million dollar reward for the return of the art.

Dump tea in the river at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

We love quirky museum ideas, and this one definitely fits that bill: in the Boston Harbor sits a ship designed to look like one from the 18th century.

Take a tour of the ship and adjoining museum to learn all about the history and implications of the Boston Tea Party, and end the occasion by channeling your inner colonist and participating in one of the most famous things to do in Boston (at least historically speaking): dumping tea into the harbor!

There is also a cafe on site serving, what else, the types of tea tossed into the harbor all those years ago, so stop in if you feel like tasting some!

Visit the Boston Science Museum.

In a city home to legendary educational institutions such as MIT and Harvard, it makes perfect sense that the Boston Science Museum would be top-notch, and it definitely is.

From robotics to space to fossils to the Hall of Human Life and beyond, the Boston Science Museum covers a vast array of topics and is sure to have something to interest anyone with an even slightly curious mind.

Visit the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

The MFA is one of the biggest art collections in the USA: home to nearly 500,000 works of art, it’s a must-see for any art lover passing through Boston.

Go see the Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library.

If you’re a travel nerd, a map nerd, a history nerd, a geography nerd, or all of the above, definitely make time to visit the Mapparium when you’re sightseeing in Boston.

The Mapparium is an odd exhibit: it’s a gorgeous (and giant) stained glass globe, designed to show all of the continents in their true proportions, unlike typical maps… and you view this globe by standing on a bridge inside of it.

The geographical map is frozen in time to when the Mapparium was created in 1935: the number of countries that have changed names and/or borders in that time is incredible, and Jeremy and I had a blast picking out places we had been that had changed in that last 80+ years.

Truthfully, we weren’t sure whether or not this visit would be worth the time, but it far exceeded expectations.

Sadly, they don’t allow photos inside–all the more reason to visit and see it for yourself!

Pay a visit to MIT and the MIT Museum.

If you’re inspired by scientific discovery, it’s hard to imagine a better place to explore in Boston than MIT and the MIT Museum.

Start with walking through the famous campus, either on a guided or self-led tour (information for self-led tours is available for free on MIT’s website), and then follow it up with a visit to the MIT Museum for incredible exhibitions on cutting-edge scientific research, as well as the history of science!

Visit the Bunker Hill Monument & Museum.

Located a bit further away from the center of Boston than most of the sights along the Freedom Trail, the Bunker Hill Monument was built in honor of the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War.

If you’re willing to handle a bit of a climb, there are some amazing views of Boston from the top, as well!

Explore Back Bay.

Beautiful mansions, plenty of trees, and trendy restaurants: what more could you want?

Back Bay is one of Boston’s trendiest neighborhoods and absolutely worth adding to your list of what to do in Boston. 

For brunch, we ate at Buttermilk & Bourbon and absolutely loved it–if you go, you must order the biscuits.

Here are a few of the best things to see in Back Bay!

Boston Public Library

The reading room of the Boston Public Library is both incredibly beautiful and free to visit–be sure to stop by when looking for all the best things to do in Boston!

Trinity Church

Founded in 1733, Trinity Church is one of Boston’s most historic churches and important churches–though the original building has long since burned down.

The current stunning structure dates to the 19th century.

Commonwealth Ave.

This gorgeous tree-lined avenue is home to some of the most beautiful homes in Boston, and is definitely worth a peek.

Newbury Street

Newbury Street is one of Boston’s most premier shopping streets, chock full of boutiques, restaurants, and small shops (including a Harry Potter-themed one!). 

Bibliophiles, be sure to duck into Trident Booksellers & Cafe while you’re there.

Copley Square

As one of the most important public squares in Boston and home to a tasty farmer’s market, Copley Square is located right next door to the Boston Public Library.

Explore the North End.

The North End is Boston’s most famous neighborhood, known for its Italian charm.

Though the tourist trap restaurants outnumber those serving genuine Italian food these days, the neighborhood itself is still incredibly beautiful and charming to walk through.

Be sure to stop into one of the Italian grocery stores, grab some sweets (we can attest to how tasty Modern Pastry is), and visit Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church while here!

Wander through Beacon Hill.

Beacon Hill is one of the USA’s oldest and prettiest neighborhoods.

Be sure to check out Louisburg Square for some idyllic homes, and Acorn Street for oodles of photo opportunities

Popular Acorn Street is located in Beacon Hill, and it just may be the prettiest of all the places to visit in Boston for photos. It’s also one of the most iconic streets in the country .

Charles Street in Beacon Hill is also home to plenty of boutiques and restaurants, making this a great place to stop for a meal.

Visit the USA’s first public beach at Revere Beach.

Growing up in suburbs in the USA, we still occasionally get excited by all the different things that can be accessed by public transportation around the world–and we get even more excited when that variety happens at home in the United States.

In Boston, you can take the T directly to the United State’s first public beach–you can’t ask for an easier way to access Revere Beach!

Stroll along the Harborwalk.

No visit to Boston could be complete without seeing a piece of its gorgeous Harborwalk. Enjoy both views of the city and views of the harbor itself while walking along the coastline.

Though the Harborwalk is a whopping 47 miles long, you certainly don’t need to visit more than a small section of it to appreciate its beauty.

Check out the Arnold Arboretum.

Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit?

Head to the Arnold Arboretum: belonging to Harvard University and acting as the second largest “link” in the Emerald Necklace that surrounds downtown Boston, this is a beautiful place to unwind.

Take sailing lessons on the Charles River.

Sadly, we didn’t get a chance to cross sailing lessons off of our things to do in Boston list this summer–with how much traveling we wanted to do on the weekends, we knew it would be too ambitious to try to fit it in.

Whenever we pass by the small student boats bobbing on the water, though, we feel a pull toward them!

If the weather is right, be sure to try your hand at sailing while in Boston. Sailing packages of all sizes are available right on the Charles River.

Walk along the Charles River Esplanade.

The Charles River Esplanade stretches along the southern bank of the Charles River, near Back Bay.

It’s the perfect place for a jog, a picnic, a long walk, or–on the Fourth of July–to watch the fireworks from.

We opted to watch the fireworks in Cambridge rather than fight the crowds on the Esplanade, but there’s no doubt that if you’re willing to secure a place early, you’ll have a great time watching the Boston fireworks from the Charles River Esplanade.

Take a day trip to the Boston Harbor Islands.

Boston’s Harbor Islands are a great place to go to feel away from the city (but not so far away, as you can see the skyline from some islands!).

Enjoy a trail, hang out on a beach, or climb to the top of the lighthouse–whatever island and activity you choose to add to your list of things to do in Boston, the Boston Harbor Islands are sure to make a great, quick escape from the bustle of the city.

Take a day trip to Salem.

From the history of the Salem Witch Trials to the slightly-less-macabre history of Salem as a port city to plenty of fun restaurants and shopping, Salem is an easy and fun day trip from Boston.

Located less than an hour away by train, Salem is an incredibly simple day trip and well worth adding to your list of things to do in Boston!

Check out the Boston Public Market.

Don’t make the mistake of going to the Boston Public Market with anything but a completely empty stomach: this is a place that you eat your way through.

Whether you’re craving a bagel, a pastrami sandwich, a Union Square Donut, ice cream, gourmet popcorn, or something else entirely, there will be plenty to eat here.

If you’re headed home afterward, feel free to pick up some meat, cheese, fresh produce, or any number of other products to take home as well.

Visit Haymarket.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the outdoor Haymarket opens for business next to the Boston Public Market.

Piles and piles of fresh fruits and vegetables are sold at competitive prices–just as they have been since 1830.

If your trip to Boston coincides with Haymarket, be sure to add this to your list of what to see in Boston!

Grab a drink at the Bell in Hand Tavern.

The Bell in Hand Tavern holds the distinction of being America’s Oldest Tavern, having poured its first drink in 1795.

The Tavern is famous for its ale, and the burgers and Boston Creme Pie aren’t bad, either!

Grab afternoon tea at the Boston Public Library.

The Boston Public Library (including its awe-inspiring reading room, intricate architecture, and delightful courtyard) is indisputably gorgeous and worth a visit. Less well known is the fact that The Courtyard Restaurant, located on-site, serves a beautiful afternoon tea!

Make reservations for Monday-Saturday, 11:30-3:30, for an unusual library experience.

Try the original Boston Creme Pie & original Parker House rolls at the Omni Parker House.

In the heart of downtown Boston lies the oldest continuously operating hotel in the United States, which is dripping with opulence and worth stepping inside just to see it.

The Omni Parker House has played host to guests such as Charles Dickens and Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Its carbs, however, are the real highlight: Parker’s Restaurant is the birthplace of both Parker House Rolls and the Boston Creme Pie, both of which were delicious when we tried them in their original home.

Go see Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market.

… But you’re probably not going to want to buy anything.

These historic markets and their surrounding area are about as touristy as you can get: high prices, gimmicky items for sale, questionable quality of food.

However, the buildings are beautiful and the history neat–since they are located right on the Freedom Trail, be sure to stop in and have a look!

Tour the Samuel Adam’s Brewery.

Want to try free beer?

Add the Samuel Adam’s brewery tour to your list of fun things to do in Boston!

True, there is a suggested $2.00 donation (which you should definitely give, as it benefits Boston charities), but that’s still not bad for a tour of what the company calls its “research and development hub” and the chance to try a few beers!

For obvious reasons, make sure you bring your ID with you to this tour.

Ride the oldest subway in the USA.

The Green Line on “the T” (Boston’s subway and tram system) is the oldest in the country: specifically, the area between the Boylston and Park Street stops.

Luckily, this is right in the middle of Boston’s tourism center, so you’ll almost certainly end up here without trying while exploring the many things to do in Boston.

Drive past the best things to see in Boston on a Duck Tour.

Cheesy and touristy beyond belief, if you’re looking for a fast and easy way to get around the city and see some of Boston’s historical attractions quickly, a Duck Tour is worth considering.

Why is it called a Duck Tour? Because the truck you ride in… is also a boat. Part of the tour takes place throughout Boston’s roads, and the rest of it takes place from the harbor itself.

Shop tickets for Boston’s Duck Tour now!

Pause to reflect at the Holocaust Memorial.

The New England Holocaust Memorial is not only incredibly beautiful, somber, and well put together, it is right in the heart of the city–the memorial is across the street from the famous Bell in Hand Tavern, and if you’re hitting major tourism hot spots along the Freedom Trail, you’ll undoubtedly be very close by.

Take a Harbor Cruise.

Boston’s skyline is beautiful from the water, and taking a cruise on the harbor is a perfect way to appreciate it! Go on a basic group cruise to experience the sites, opt for a luxurious private, catered cruise at sunset, or anything in between!

For a less expensive harbor cruise, this sunset cruise is a great option!

Visit the New England Aquarium.

The New England Aquarium is now arguably our favorite aquarium in the world, and visiting it is one of our favorite things to do in Boston. It’s also an unmissable experience if you’re visiting Boston with kids !

Not only does it use water from the harbor in some of its exhibits and have an enormous focus on conservation, it’s also home to our favorite marine animal of all time: penguins.

The New England Aquarium is home to 3 different species of penguins, and they are all absolutely adorable. Be sure to stop by at penguin feeding time (11:00 AM and 2:30 PM) to see these guys get really excited!

After, be sure to head up to the top of the 4 story Ocean Life tank–see if you can spot Myrtle the sea turtle while you do!

Want to avoid waiting? Purchase a skip the line aquarium ticket before you get there!

See a show.

From elaborate theater productions to the ballet, to the symphony, Boston has no shortage of shows to see. Check what’s in season when you’re coming to Boston and set aside one night to enjoy a show!

During our summer in Boston, we saw Wicked at the Boston Opera House. The Boston Opera House is incredibly gorgeous, more than I would have even imagined–it would not look out of place in any European capital city.

We also hit the park one night for Shakespeare in the Park and saw (for free!) a wonderful production of Romeo & Juliet in the Boston Common . If Shakespeare in the Park is going on during your visit, don’t miss this awesome free show in Boston!

Stargaze at the Coit Observatory.

Most Wednesday nights (weather permitting), the Coit Observatory at Boston University opens to the public to let people learn about astronomy and observe the night sky using telescopes and binoculars available on location.

Even better? This is a free event–providing you can get tickets. The events do “sell” out, so be sure to book in advance through the observatory’s website when you’re planning what to do in Boston!

Visit the Brattle Book Shop.

Brattle Book Shop is a fantastic stop for anyone who loves independent bookstores: on nice days, their bargain books are all set up outside in an empty lot next to their building, with a simple pricing structure: $1, $3, or $5 per book, depending on the color of the sticker.

If you head inside, you’ll not only find even more books, you can check out the posters for the rare books that are for sale as part of their collection.

Ever considered spending $150,000 on a book? Me either, but apparently someone did: that book’s poster had a “sold” sticker on it.

Check out the Spite House.

Also known as the “Skinny House”, the Spite House is not only a fun site to see, it has a great story to go with it.

As the story goes, during the American Civil War, two brothers inherited some property. One brother was away serving in the military, and the other brother took the opportunity to take over the inheritance, building a house big enough that he was certain his brother wouldn’t have room for a home of his own.

When the second brother returned from the war, he built the narrow “Spite House” on what was left of the property, blocking light and views from reaching his brother’s house.

The Spite House is located directly across the street from the Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, so if you’re walking the Freedom Trail, you won’t miss it!

Want to learn some of Boston’s darker secrets? Check out this ghosts & graveyards tour –Boston is easily one of the best cities in the USA to take a ghost tour in!

Eat all the Boston Creme Pie.

Boston’s most famous dessert lives up to the hype: even if you don’t make it to Omni Parker House for the original one, be sure to order at least a couple of these around town during your trip to Boston!

Catch a ball game at Fenway Park.

Boston’s Red Sox are famous: loved by some, hated by others, they remain one of the most famous baseball teams in the United States.

Head to Fenway Park for one of the most classic things to do in Boston: catch a game and eat a Fenway Frank. Be sure to check the game schedule and buy tickets before the day you plan to visit!

Boston is a walking city at heart–expect to be on your feet a lot when you are exploring things to do in Boston. Its walkability is one of our favorite aspects of the city!

When you’re not walking, you’ll likely be on a train (or perhaps a bus): pick up single tickets, a one-day link pass, or a seven-day link pass at any T station. Charliecards (which are what the locals use) are available only at some stations–you need to get them directly from an MBTA employee.

For a short trip, however, I wouldn’t worry about it: just pick up a pass. Single rides are $2.25 one way, so if you’re going to be hopping around sightseeing, a one day pass ($12.50) or seven-day pass ($21.25) will almost certainly be a better deal.

Uber and Lyft both have a presence in the city, though Uber is much more prevalent and has many more drivers. Cabs, of course, are available as well.

One thing we would not recommend in Boston? Driving. The streets are not laid out in a typical grid pattern, making it confusing to get around. Traffic is congested. Parking is incredibly expensive. Just… don’t drive, unless you’re heading out of Boston to some of the small towns in Massachusetts . It’s not necessary!

We have grown incredibly passionate about Boston over the summer: it is a beautiful city, it’s packed with more US history than arguably anywhere else in the world, it is home to delicious food, and is overall an inviting and fascinating place.

True, we’re not in a hurry to move here and contend with the prices and the winter on a full-time basis, but Boston is now ranked among our favorite cities in the world, and we will definitely be back.

After all, there’s no chance of us running out of incredible things to do in Boston!

Even this very long rundown of things to do in Boston doesn’t cover it all–no one post possibly could–but there’s more than enough here to fill up a first trip, second trip, and beyond.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

27 thoughts on “55 Best Things to Do in Boston (+ Travel Tips!)”

Such a detailed description!! USA is on my list to visit soon. I’ve heard nice things about Boston from my friends, would love to cross all the things you mentioned in the post!!

I think Boston is a great city for a first-time visit to the USA! So much of our Revolutionary War history is here, and Boston is a great jumping off point for the rest of New England, NYC, Niagara Falls, and more.

I’ve wanted to go to Boston for a while. That skyline is pretty spectacular and I would love to tour Harvard. I’m a huge baseball fan and grew up going to games, so I’d be down for a trip to Fenway to see the Green Monster in person, and hopefully catch a game while I’m there, even though I’m no Red Sox fan. Plus, I’m a huge history buff, so taking a historical tour would be super awesome as well!

Sounds like Boston would definitely be right up your alley! Hope you get the chance to visit soon. 🙂

Wow. 39 things to do in Boston. I’m sure you were fulfilled exploring these sites

We definitely had an even bigger list than we could handle! 🙂

Huge list of things to do in Boston. For me it was only for Harvard and MIT, but your post throws light on many other places which I did not went in my last month’s tour to Boston. Walking around the Beacon Hill might be my first choice to get a glimpse of oldest neighbourhood of US.

You would definitely enjoy a visit to Beacon Hill! It’s a gorgeous place.

My friend lives here and although I was never really partial to the New England States, I can say Boston is pretty amazing. I will say one thing you missed that you would totally love is the Mapparium in the Mary Baker Eddy Library! It’s a huge stained glass globe! Pretty neat actually. I want to go back and explore more of Boston though because I’m usually on there for a long layover. Great ideas!

It never would have occurred to me to plan a trip here, either, but I’m sure happy to sing its praises now! The Mapparium is one of my favorite under-the-radar exhibits I’ve seen in a long time.

We missed Boston on our last trip to America and reading this I am so gutted we did! I will definitely head back and visit this gorgeous city next time we are there ! Thanks for sharing!

All the more reason to plan another visit to the USA, right?!

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The top of my list for Boston would be to try a Wahlburger, I’ve seen Wahlburgers on TV and would love to try one. I visited Boston about 20 years ago and it didn’t exist then. The image you took of the Boston fireworks is spot on! I’m sure I’ve seen Arnold Arboretum is movies, maybe Legally Blonde?

There’s never a bad time for a burger!

Wow there is soo much to do! I think personally for me though I would want to do the freedom walk trail! Not only are you seeing amazing sites but learning about soo much history! Awesome write up!

Thanks, David! You definitely can’t go wrong with walking the Freedom Trail.

Oh my word, I had no idea there was so much to do in Boston! I’d only really heard of the big players such as MIT & Harvard and wanted to visit for those alone. It’s great to know there is so many other things to do there when I finally visit!

You definitely won’t run out of things to do, Vicki! 🙂

I live in the Boston area and I loved this list. Sometimes I forget all the fun things there are to do here. Thanks! Glad you enjoyed our city!

It’s definitely easy to overlook our hometowns, right? You live in an amazing place!

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Hi Kate. We are driving into Boston for the day. Want to see as much as we can in one day. Where should be park our car for the day and do you recommend the hop on and off tour?? Thank you

For convenience, you can’t beat the Boston Common Garage–it’s located right under the park, and you’ll be in the heart of the city right after exiting the garage if you park there (the Common, Public Gardens, Downtown Crossing, several stops on the Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill, etc, are all right there).

I’d say the Hop On/Hop Off tour depends on your needs–we love to walk the city and don’t mind using the T (Boston’s subway system) to get around, so wouldn’t choose to use it with one day in Boston. However, if your goal is to see the most stops in the shortest amount of time it can be helpful. I’d recommend mapping out your top 5-10 things that you want to see in Boston and seeing how much walking that would be. If it looks untenable, consider the tour. 🙂

I moved to Boston 5 years ago and have done everything on your list except two things. I just added those to my to-do list. Your list is spot on. Next time you visit, add walking the Rose Kennedy Greenway. It has a self guided tour . See the Seaport area too. Great views of the water, and lots of great restaurants. Lastly, for those who enjoy beer, there’s 4 breweries within walking distance. Night Shift, Harpoon, Trillium, and Commonwealth Brewery.

Great list, even for those of us who live in the Boston area. One of the best things about Boston is how well situated it is in the compact area of New England. Within an hour or two you can be in the mountains of NH, ME, or VT, the beaches of Cape Cod and the Islands, the splendor of Newport, RI, and its mansions and cliff walk, the rolling hills of the Berkshires in western Mass. with Tanglewood and other cultural attractions. There is so much to see and do – and easy to do a lot of it in a relatively short amount of time. And nobody beats our region of the country for breathtaking fall foliage!

Mt. Auburn Cemetery is a spectacularly pretty peaceful spot all year round. Great mix of history, great landscaping and even a fave with birders.

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11 top experiences in Boston in 2024

Mar 2, 2024 • 8 min read

Make the most of beautiful Boston with these 11 top experiences © Anthony Tulliani/Lonely Planet

As one of the oldest cities founded in the USA and considered by many to be the cradle of the American Revolution, Boston is a gift to history buffs.

But there's more to this northeastern metropolis than American history. Renowned sports teams that contend for national titles, museums and galleries around every corner, diverse and welcoming communities, breathtaking natural beauty and a thriving dining scene – Boston has a lot to offer, and it can be difficult to know where to begin.

The key is not trying to pack everything into one trip – that's the fun of returning! Savor Boston and let these 11 incredible experiences create lifelong memories.

1. Walk the Freedom Trail 

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walk through the city that leads past 16 colonial and revolutionary historical sites, and it's one of the city's most popular visitor attractions. Stops include the Boston Common (the city's main green space), the golden-domed Massachusetts State House , Faneuil Hall , Paul Revere House , the warship USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument . 

There are group tours that lead you along the Freedom Trail, with guides in 18th-century costumes. You can also do it yourself – just download a map from the Freedom Trail website and follow the bricks on the sidewalk.

A self-guided tour allows you to go at your own pace, giving you the flexibility to stop at Faneuil Hall to munch through a few of the local food stalls, or to book a supplementary tour aboard the USS Constitution .

Planning tip:  Spread the trail out over several days to make the most out of each of the Boston neighborhoods it winds through. 

2. Surround yourself with culture at Boston's museums

There's a museum for just about every taste in Boston. If fine arts is your jam, there are paintings, sculptures and tapestries at the Isabella Stewart Gardener , while the sprawling MFA  features more than 450,000 works of art. For more targeted collections, there's the Institute of Contemporary Art , the Museum of Science , the Boston Children's Museum and the ever-popular fish-filled  New England Aquarium .

3. Explore Boston's distinct neighborhoods 

Each of Boston's various neighborhoods has its own personality and unique allure. There are technically 23 designated neighborhoods, but a few of the most noteworthy include the South End, known for its brownstones and multitude of restaurants; Back Bay, where the long Commonwealth Avenue Mall is a year-round highlight of trees, park benches and statues; the newly developed Seaport where highrises are juxtaposed against the harborfront walk; and the North End, otherwise known as "Little Italy."

There's also South Boston, which used to be known for its Irish-American culture but is now a young professional's playground with lots of bars and restaurants; not to mention Fenway-Kenmore, Chinatown, the downtown financial and theater district, and charming Beacon Hill.

Planning tip: Dedicate a few mealtimes to the North End – there's simply too much to eat and drink here for one visit. Hanover Street can be touristy, but being part of the crowd is part of the experience to fully enjoy the authentic pizzerias, salumerias , coffeehouses and pastry shops (try the cannoli at both Mike's Pastry and Modern's to weigh in on the longstanding local debate of who makes them better).

4. Drink a craft beer (or two)

In 1984, Samuel Adams revived the craft beer scene when it released its Boston Lager – "the full-flavored beer they deserved," says the brand. Today, the local brewery still pours its iconic beer at two taprooms in the city, while also offering rotating seasonal brews and tasting flights. Use Samuel Adams as a starting point in a craft beer tour, then try some of the other local craft brands that have followed, like Night Shift, Trillium, Harpoon, Jack's Abby and Cisco. 

Local tip: If you're visiting in the late spring, summer or early fall, look for popup beer gardens from the aforementioned brands that take advantage of Boston's riverside, public gardens and harborfront. The scenery complements the signature and seasonal beers – sipping a fruity roast under the summer sun or enjoying an Oktoberfest among crunchy autumn leaves.

5. Catch a game at Boston's famed stadiums and parks

Boston is a sports city, and whether or not you're a sports fan, the city's commitment to its home teams is contagious. Fenway is a great place to start; opened in 1912, it's the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. There's also TD Garden , home to the Celtics, Bruins and mainstream concerts. Gillette Stadium is about 27 miles away, but worth the trip for a Sunday tailgate before watching the Patriots play. 

Local tip: If you missed out on tickets, don't sweat it! Pull up a bar seat at one of the many sports bars throughout the city – Bleacher Bar , Cask'  n Flagon , Stats Bar & Grille , The Greatest Bar , Banners Kitchen and Tap or The Sporting Club will all provide a taste of the dedication to local sports on game day.

6. Indulge in New England's culinary traditions

Positioned at the heart of New England , Boston has premier access to some of the best seafood in the nation. Whether you're at a casual waterside venue like James Hook & Co. or The Barking Crab , or settling into a settee at a more formal restaurant like Row 34 or B&G Oysters , pescatarians will be in heaven. The most popular orders include oysters on the half shell, New England clam chowder, lobster rolls (both buttered and with mayonnaise) and steamed clams. 

7. But also seek out regional rising stars of global cuisine

Though seafood is traditional in Boston, we'd be remiss not to mention some exciting spots for global eats. Xenia Greek Hospitality has Krasi and Bar Vlaha , while Yunnan Kitchen serves delicious Dian cuisine from southwest China. Borrachito Taqueria brings tacos to Boston via the original NYC outpost for Mexican eats.

8. Shop and gallery hop along Newbury Street

Multi-level brownstones line Newbury Street, Boston's charming one-mile stretch of boutique shops, art galleries, established restaurants and cozy cafes. Of Newbury's eight blocks, the first (between Arlington and Berkeley) is unofficially dedicated to high-end fashion, hosting designers such as Tiffany's, Chanel, Loro Piana and Cartier.

The sidewalks get crowded on the weekends, especially in summer – on summer Sundays, the street is closed to vehicular traffic for a pedestrianized-only experience. In winter, storefronts sparkle with holiday displays and in spring, restaurants open their patios, which overflow with patrons sipping spritzers through summer and well into autumn, of which the season is extended by standing heaters and warm drinks.

Local tip: Some of the best shops and bars are not at street level, so look up to find places like Bar á vin 1855 , a wine bar above popular French restaurant  La Voile , and also down to restaurants like Puro Ceviche Bar .

9. Walk or cycle along the Esplanade 

This three-mile path of green along the Charles River stretches from the Museum of Science to the Boston University Bridge. It's a popular exercise route for locals but also a leisurely way for visitors to enjoy Boston's natural beauty. Rent a bike and cycle your way along, or opt for a stroll.

10. Get out on the water 

Whether you're interested in a sailing lesson on the Charles River or entrusting a local captain to do the work on a boat trip in the Harbor, there are plenty of opportunities to experience Boston by water. In addition to sailing lessons, there are outfitters along the Charles for kayaking, canoeing, rowing and stand-up paddleboarding. On the harbor, operators offer everything from hour-long tours, boats for day charter and leisurely sunset cruises. There are also Duck Boat Tours that traverse both land and water.

Planning tip: If you're booking a harbor cruise at sunset, reserve a table at one of the Seaport's popular restaurants to beat the crowds coming off your boat. Favorites include  Woods Hill Pier 4 , Nautilus , LoLa 42 and Strega . 

11. Tack on a day trip to one of Boston's coastal escapes

If you're visiting during the summer and can add on some extra time to your vacation, consider a day trip to one of Boston's coastal towns. Take a half-day trip to the North Shore to explore the quaint port towns of Gloucester and Newburyport, or venture down to the South Shore to beach towns like Duxbury and Cohasset.

For a longer excursion, drive to Cape Cod ("the Cape," as locals refer to it). Chatham, Dennis and Orleans are all within a two-hour drive and have one-street towns with bakeries and boutiques to spend the morning at before an afternoon lazing on the sands of the many nearby beaches.

Further afield is Provincetown, which can be a long drive, but there's also a fast ferry that runs throughout the summer. It can pick you up from Long Wharf in the morning and whisk you to Ptown in 45 minutes for a day of eating and perusing its artsy streets. 

Planning tip: If you opt for the mid-Cape on a summer weekend, leave extra time for traffic as back-up times on Friday evenings, Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons can teeter on doubling your drive time. Opt for a weekday if possible.

This article was first published May 27, 2021 and updated Mar 2, 2024.

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The Only Boston Bucket List You Need: 65+ Best Uniquely Boston Experiences (w/ Pro Tips!)

Last Updated: January 12, 2024 //  by  Ashley Smith 14 Comments

Having lived in Boston for over a decade, I’ve been working on my own Boston bucket list for quite some time now. I can tell you firsthand there are so many unique Boston experiences you shouldn’t miss while you’re here!

Now, I live here but I’m not from here, which means I’m still able to see the city through the eyes of a tourist like yourself . But, I also have the lowdown on all the most unique Boston experiences you don’t hear about every day. ( And great tips on easy ways to save money on your trip to Boston !)

I often have friends and family visit me so I’m constantly checking off, adding onto, and refining my own Boston bucket list. So, from the blog of a local with the eyes of a tourist, I’ve created this Boston bucket list for you with 65+ of the best things to do and see in Beantown!* (in no particular order)

*No one calls it “Beantown.” Ever.

Table of Contents

1. Tour the Sam Adams Brewery

Something I’ve found to be on everyone’s Boston bucket list is a visit to the Sam Adams Brewery . Arguably the most famous beer out of Boston, Sam Adams offers free tours of its original Boston brewery that include free beer ! Plus, you get to keep the tasting glass as a souvenir! After your tour, hang out in their on-site taproom and beer garden. (Yes, they serve big Bavarian pretzels too.)

I’ve done this with every single person who has visited me over the past decade. I’m drowning in tasting glasses at this point, like most other Bostonians. Need to know: The tours are “free” but they do ask for a $2 donation to their selected local charity.

Boston bucket list pro tip:

If you’re not able to make it out to the original brewery in Jamaica Plain, stop by the shiny new Sam Adams Boston Taproom at Faneuil Hall. You can enjoy a long list of Sam Adams beers here, many of which are exclusive to this particular location! (No tours at this location though.)

2. Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

One of the most beautiful and unique museums on your Boston bucket list is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum . Modeled after a 15th-century Venetian palace, this museum houses European, Asian, and American paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and much more.

The museum is a masterpiece in itself—all designed around a central courtyard filled with mosaics, flowers, greenery, fountains, and such. You’ll feel like you’re in Europe rather than Massachusetts.

The most interesting part about this museum though? Its role in one of the biggest mysteries in Boston history—the 1990 art heist that has yet to be solved. (You can still see the empty frames where the stolen paintings used to be.)

Want to learn more about the museum and this incredible mystery? Watch the 2021 Netflix series This Is a Robbery . It’s such a good primer for your visit.

Admission to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is FREE if your name is “Isabella” or if it’s your birthday!

3. Visit the New England Aquarium

The massive New England Aquarium is one of the best in the country and definitely worthy of your Boston bucket list. The aquarium consists of tons of exhibits, all surrounding their Giant Ocean Tank—a four-story coral reef with hundreds of animals including the famous Myrtle the sea turtle. My favorite exhibit? The penguins and harbor seals, without a doubt!

Need to know:

Admission to the New England Aquarium is included in the Boston CityPASS . I am such a big fan of the CityPASS and I use them in every city they’re offered. They save you money, let you skip the line, and include other discounts. Definitely pick up a Boston CityPASS to save money and time on your Boston bucket list!

Pick up your Boston CityPASS here.

Also, the NEAQ is incredibly committed to marine animal conservation, education, scientific research, and more. I wouldn’t recommend this place if they weren’t one of the good guys. Follow this link to learn more about what you need to know about wildlife tourism .

If you can’t fit an aquarium visit into your schedule, you can still stop by and see the adorable harbor seals showing off in their outdoor habitat totally free.

4. Go whale watching

One of the great activities the New England Aquarium offers are fantastic whale watching tours —a must for any Boston bucket list. There is nothing cooler than watching humpback whales leaping out of the water right next to your boat.

Whale sightings are totally guaranteed since Boston is located near one of the world’s most active marine sanctuaries. They have marine biologists on board to teach you all kinds of cool stuff during the trip.

Plus, your trip on the whale watching boat will get you views of the beautiful Boston skyline you can’t get anywhere but from the water.

The Aquarium’s on-board naturalists not only teach you about marine life, they also photograph it as a means of documentation. As a bonus, they post their incredible photos and notes online after every tour so you can see “your” whales up close in ways you couldn’t capture on your phone.

Book your NEAQ whale watching trip here.

Many items on your Boston bucket list likely take place on the water. If you suffer from motion sickness as I once did, take a look at my post on the permanent motion sickness cure I found that cured me for good!

5. Throw tea into the harbor at the Boston Tea Party Museum

One of the most fun attractions on your Boston bucket list will be the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum . I’ll admit I thought this was going to be a lame tourist trap when my out-of-town friends wanted to visit. However, I was more than impressed by this museum!

You’ll learn all about the events of the Boston Tea Party from live reenactors, get to tour the full-scale replica ship, take part in interactive exhibits, and… wait for it… throw chests of tea into Boston Harbor! High treason is so. much. fun.

Then , you get to visit the museum which is so cool but we have the potential for many spoilers here so I’ll just leave it at that. If you visit one historical museum in Boston, make it this one. Huzzah!

Get your Tea Party Museum tickets here.

The Boston Tea Party Museum and ship are ADA accessible. Wheelchairs and ASL interpreters are available upon request.

If you’re brave enough to visit Boston in December you can witness a full-on reenactment of the Boston Tea Party each year on December 16th. Complete with angry mobs of colonial women in the streets, a meeting at the Old South Meeting House to protest the tea tax, a fife & drum corps march through the city, and tons of tea being dumped into the harbor, all for your viewing pleasure. (Don’t miss it!)

6. Have a beer at Cheers

Yes, that Cheers! But also, not quite.

The hit 80s/90s sitcom Cheers was set at a bar in Boston that was inspired by a real Boston bar called the Bull & Finch Pub. Today, the bar is officially called Cheers and is open for food and drinks and for all your Cheers souvenir needs.

Cheers looks exactly like it does in the TV show… on the outside. The inside? Not so much. Having a beer at Cheers is a must on any Boston bucket list, but do know that the inside looks nothing like the bar you see on TV. This shocks everyone.

7. Take the Boston Old Town Trolley Tour

The Old Town Trolley tour of Boston is another one of those “touristy” things to do in Boston that totally surprised me.

I ended up on the Boston trolley tour when our July 4th Red Sox game got rained out. Soaking wet we jumped onto an Old Town Trolley tour and had the best time. Even as a resident I learned so many Boston fun facts and laughed my ass off.

The Trolley tour guides are so fun and you get to see so much of Boston in such a unique way. (I took the Old Town Trolley tour during my day in St. Augustine as well but it wasn’t nearly as fun and entertaining as the one in Boston.) I highly recommend adding this to your Boston bucket list!

You can take the full Boston tour, or enjoy the Boston Old Town Trolley’s hop-on hop-off capabilities ! Use the trolley as your transportation around town to many of the sites on this Boston bucket list, all with one affordable pass.

Book your Old Town Trolley tour here.

8. Explore the Boston Public Gardens

Just across the street from Cheers is the Boston Public Garden , established in 1837 as America’s first public botanical garden. If it’s a nice day out, this is a perfect place to spend it.

At the Boston Public Gardens you’ll find:

• Boston’s famous swan boats
• the bench from Good Will Hunting
• the Victorian bridge and lagoon
• monuments and fountains
• the also famous Make Way For Ducklings sculpture
• tons of floral arrangements and over 80 species of plants
• a large, beautiful park that’s perfect for picnics (I can say that because I’ve done that)
• and most likely a wedding party photo shoot or two happening. Actually, I can pretty much guarantee that.

9. Hang out in Boston Common

Just next door to the Public Garden is Boston Common and yes they’re different. While both are sprawling public parks, Boston Common (America’s first public park) is actually much older having been created in 1634.

The Common was once a grazing ground for cattle and the location of many-a public hanging and militia formation. Now, it’s mostly for people looking to hang out, play sports, run/walk/skate, and much more.

If you’re driving into Boston and need a decent place to park, the Boston Common Garage is where I always park because it’s clean, well-lit, and doesn’t cost a month’s salary to use.

10. Find famous graves at Granary Burying Ground

A block from Boston Common you’ll find Granary Burying Ground and the gravesites of many famous Bostonians like:

• John Hancock
• Paul Revere
• Samuel Adams
• Benjamin Franklin…’s parents
• the victims of the Boston Massacre
• Robert Treat Paine, also a signer of the Declaration of Independence, unfortunately not a doctor
• and many more.

Granary Burying Ground is a perfect example of the kind of interesting, centuries-old cemeteries you’ll find here in Boston. Be sure to read the headstones and check out the designs and artwork on them. It’s… unique.

On the weekends, volunteer history enthusiast Jimmy Cole will offer you an informational folder on the cemetery and those buried within. Insert a couple dollars into the folder (if you feel so inclined) and return it upon exiting.

11. Have a beer at the Beantown Pub

The Beantown Pub * is right across the street from Granary Burying Ground. Besides being a typical Boston pub, this is one of the few places you can find Sam Adams Brick Red on tap.

Brick Red is an Irish red ale that you can only find at a handful of bars in Boston… and nowhere else. So if you want to try an exclusive Boston beer, stop in here. Also, the food is pretty good.

*OK this is the only time you’ll see or hear the term ‘Beantown.’

However, the reason I’ve added it to your Boston bucket list is because of a special tradition. Because of this bar’s location, you can see the graves across the street. Therefore, the Beantown Pub is known for being the only place where you can “drink a cold Sam Adams while looking at a cold Sam Adams.” Callous, I know, but it’s tradition.

12. Get Boston Cream Pie from the place it originated

One block from the Beantown Pub is the Omni Parker House, a historic luxury hotel known for being the birthplace of Boston Cream Pie . If that’s not Boston bucket list worthy, I don’t know what is.

You can reserve yourself a fancy dinner here in Parker’s Restaurant (FYI: dress code) or you can simply stop into Parker’s Bar any time of day and order yourself a Boston cream pie.

The Omni Parker House Boston cream pie is smothered in shaved almonds. (Therefore, I, with my hostile almond allergy, merely watch as my friends and family consume them.) However, they did tell me that if you call ahead at least 24 hours, they’ll make you one without almonds.

13. Look for Charles Dickens’ ghost

The Omni Parker House Hotel is beautiful and old and… said to be one of the most haunted places in America. Back in the late 1800s, Charles Dickens actually called this hotel ‘home’ for a time. In his suite was a large mirror in front of which he would practice his readings for hours on end. That mirror now hangs in the hallway of the Omni Parker House Hotel.

They say if you look hard enough, you just might see Dickens as he practiced a ‘Christmas Carol;’ or that if you take your picture in the mirror you might see something eerie. Try it out for yourself. Read more about the Charles Dickens mirror here.

14. Take a ghost tour of haunted Boston

In a city as old as Boston, you know we’ve got some great ghost stories! Ghost tours of Boston are some of the most popular tours in town.

You get to explore some of the city’s hidden alleyways and burial grounds and learn the creepiest stories from Boston’s past. #truecrime Come to the dark side, we’ve got lobster rolls.

Book the Ghosts & Gravestones tour here. (It’s very popular!)

15. Visit the Boston Massacre Site

In front of the Old State House you’ll find a large round memorial plaque marking the location of the Boston Massacre. Remember hearing about that in school? Take this opportunity to actually learn what happened. (I personally didn’t know until I went there either.)

Fun fact : The Old State House was once the tallest building in the city. I mean, WOW. Look at her now.

16. Grab lunch at Quincy Market

If you should find yourself hungry anywhere in the vicinity of Faneuil Hall while checking off your Boston bucket list, head to Quincy Market . Opened as a public market back in 1826, Quincy Market now houses hundreds of food stalls of all varieties.

Quincy Market can get crowded and seating is limited. Instead, take your food down the street to the Greenway and enjoy it in a breezy, beautiful, uncrowded spot.

17. Visit Paul Revere’s House

Tucked back into Boston’s North End you’ll find Paul Revere’s House , built in 1680, now a small museum. This is where Paul Revere was living when he set out for his “midnight ride” to let everyone know “the British are coming!” (though he never actually said those words)

The Paul Revere House is now the oldest building in downtown Boston.  A few bucks will get you inside where you can visit a couple of the rooms and learn a lot about this super interesting historical figure.

18. Tour the Old North Church

Naturally, next up on the Boston bucket list is a tour of the Old North Church . Well, that really only makes sense if you know a thing or two about Paul Revere already.

Long story short, Paul Revere was alerted to how the British were coming by the lanterns atop the Old North Church. “One if by land, two if by sea”—one lantern was to be lit if they were arriving by land, two lanterns if they were rowing over from across the Charles River.

The Old North Church today is a perfect example of a Colonial-era church, with its private boxes and lack of décor.

You can now visit the Church’s underground crypt on a guided tour on Fridays and Saturdays for $5. (Over 1,100 people were buried down there.)

19. Pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial

The New England Holocaust Memorial is a big beautiful tribute to the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust. It’s located just off the Freedom Trail near Faneuil Hall and is bursting with symbolism.

The NEHM has just released new technology for your visit. At the memorial you can scan a QR code to activate a free nine-stop guided tour of the memorial that’s full of interesting information.

Discover more Boston World War II sites here. (Psst… I’m also a WWII historian!)

20. Hop aboard the USS Constitution

The USS Constitution (also known as Old Ironsides ) is a wooden-hulled, three-masted US Navy ship first launched in 1797. Today it’s the world’s oldest ship still afloat as it has never lost a battle.

You can climb aboard the ship and visit the USS Constitution Museum in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Hanging out on an 18th-century tall ship in Boston Harbor? Such a Boston bucket list item. (There’s also a World War II destroyer too if that’s more your speed.)

The USS Constitution fires its cannons every morning and every night as it has done for over 200 years. If you get the chance to experience this, get yourself to the ship! The boom is LOUD and definitely gives you an idea of what an 18th-century battle must have sounded like.

21. Climb to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument

The Battle of Bunker Hill was one of the first major battles of the Revolutionary War. It was also one of the most important because, even though the British won, it showed how strong the American militia was against such a powerful enemy.

Just five years later the construction of Bunker Hill Monument began. Today, you can climb to the top of the monument for awesome views of Boston, to learn about the battle from National Park rangers, and visit the Bunker Hill Museum, all for free.

The only way to the top of Bunker Hill Monument is via 294 stairs. There are no elevators. However, there are multiple 360° live cameras at the top so you can see the views.

Reward yourself for the climb with an ale at the nearby Warren Tavern . This historic tavern was built in 1780, has served George Washington, and was a favorite of Paul Revere. George Washington’s funeral speech was given here. You’ll really feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

22. Walk the Freedom Trail

Probably the most well-known “thing to do in Boston” for visitors is the Freedom Trail . The Freedom Trail, a literal marked path through the city, starts at Boston Common and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument, stopping at notable historical sites along the way, including (but not limited to) the last 12 items on this Boston bucket list.

If you have only one day in Boston and want to see the historical sites, walk the Freedom Trail. It’s totally free to do on your own though they do offer guided tours with period reenactors . (It is not uncommon to see a Minuteman just walking around Boston or a Redcoat sitting at a bar.)

I love the Freedom Trail and it’s another thing I’ve done about 20 times, with everyone who comes to visit. It’s a great introduction to Boston’s history and neighborhoods and it’s FREE.

Book your guided Freedom Trail tour here, or opt for this VIP version which includes a visit to the Old North Church steeple and Paul Revere’s home.

23. Check out the Boston Bricks

In a small alleyway not far off the Freedom Trail you’ll find the Boston Bricks, a unique art installation that also showcases Boston’s character and some of its biggest historical contributions. They are a total secret you’d never find if you weren’t looking for them!

Find the Boston Bricks: Winthrop Lane, between Arch and Otis Streets

24. Have dinner in the North End

If you have only one meal in Boston, make it a dinner in the North End, Boston’s Italian district. Often called “Little Italy” (by people who don’t live here), Boston’s North End is about as close to being in Italy as you can get here in the US.

Dinner in the North End should be high on your Boston bucket list and you really can’t go wrong at any restaurant here. My last dinner here was at Bacco and it was fabulous (and my last lunch was at Ristorante Lucia ). Other favorites include:

• La Famiglia Giorgio’s
• Antico Forno
• or just wander through the North End and browse menus as you go. Don’t be afraid to wander off Hanover Street.

Dinner in the North End can be expensive – check out this post on visiting Boston on a budget to see where you can shave some cash!

25. Pick a Pastry Shop

Now comes the hard part: picking your North End pastry shop. In the ongoing cannoli wars of the North End there are two major contenders:

• Mike’s Pastry
• Modern Pastry

…and the topic can be quite polarizing. Each is equally popular, though Mike’s is the most well-known. Both offer similar treats, but with their own take. Both will have lines down the block.

Personally, I’m on #TeamMike’s. But, I should mention that cannoli aren’t my go-to order. Many say the cannoli at Modern Pastry are better, and I can’t argue with that.

However, my go-to order and the one I absolutely recommend to you is a lobster tail—large, flaky pastry filled with delicious fluffy cream, all covered in powdered sugar. Following up a lobster roll with a lobster tail = big time Boston bucket list experience.

The lobster tail at Mike’s outperforms the one at Modern, no question. (The filling is fluffier. The filling at Modern is more custard-y.) But again, much of this is personal opinion–bring on the hate mail.

Both Mike’s and Modern are cash-only establishments. Do not wait in those long lines and try to pay with a credit card.

The pace at Mike’s is fast and frenetic and single file lines are virtually nonexistent once you enter the shop. It can be quite chaotic. Modern has a relatively more “orderly” system and you can even grab one of the few tables inside for table service.

Also, Modern Pastry is unique in that it also has a speakeasy-type bar hidden underneath it. Inside, to the right of the counters you’ll find a staircase that takes you to the Modern Underground (where you’ll also find the restrooms).

26. Take a North End food tour

Ok, so maybe you want to try a little bit of everything while here? In that case, take a small-group walking food tour of the North End.

You’ll get to explore this historic neighborhood while sampling fabulous Italian staples. Plus, you get to tour the Old North Church, see the Harbor, and all with a dedicated local guide. Get more details here:

Book your North End food tour here … or opt for the Ultimate Boston Food Tour : Freedom Trail & North End.

27. Attend St. Anthony’s Feast

If you visit at the end of August, check out St. Anthony’s Feast in the North End–New England’s largest Italian festival. This annual festival is such a fun way to explore Boston’s North End and enjoy all things Italian.

There’s music, parades, and parties, but perhaps the best part is the amazing food from the 100 street vendors. I even had the best lobster roll of my life here.

28. Stroll along the Boston Harborwalk

Winding its way from the North End to the Seaport district is the most popular strip of the Boston Harborwalk , a delightful trail along the harbor.

You’ll get to see all the beautiful yachts and sailboats and marine birds, visit the harbor seals at the aquarium, hang out in beautiful parks, have drinks and snacks at the fun harbor-side restaurants, and more. Prepare for fabulous Boston photo ops.

29. Fill up at Haymarket

The Haymarket is one of America’s oldest open air markets—nestled in between the North End and Faneuil Hall. You can find fresh, local fruits, vegetables, and seafood—both for taking home or enjoying right there.

It’s hustle, it’s bustle, and it’s a unique Boston experience worth checking out. Do not miss the oyster vendors—great oysters at a killer deal and much entertainment to boot! Need to know: The Haymarket only operates on Fridays and Saturdays. The earlier you go, the better. (But the later you go, the cheaper.)

30. Try your hand at candlepin bowling

Did you know bowling is different here in New England? Yes, the same bowling you’ve played your entire life. Here in Boston we have candlepin bowling and it’s quite different from what you’re used to!

• Small, coconut-sized balls with no holes
• Tall skinny pins
• You get three rolls per turn instead of two
• The pins don’t reset in between; you just roll again with all the pins you knocked down laying around

Now that I’ve lived here so long, I’ll totally fight you that candlepin is better. (It’s definitely more challenging though.) Try out candlepin bowling for yourself at Boston Bowl and see how you like it! They have “regular” bowling too and they’re open 24 hours. (Here are all the other places you can go candlepin bowling in Massachusetts .)

31. Check out the Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library is one of the most beautiful spaces in equally beautiful Copley Square. You’re welcome to enter and walk through the space, no actual reading required.

The architecture alone is worth a visit, as well as the incredible frescos and artwork; the famous Bates Hall; the courtyard garden; and the café and tea room.

If the Boston Public Library is high up on your Boston bucket list, you might be interested in one of their free guided tours where you can learn about the library’s history and architecture, its famous artworks, and interesting details you wouldn’t learn otherwise.  

32. Attend a Red Sox game

No Boston bucket list would be complete without a game at historic Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox.

Whether you’re a big sports fan or not, a Red Sox game is such a great way to experience so much of what Boston is about. It’s loud and fast, exciting from start to finish, the outside vendors are non-stop entertaining, and you’ll have such a great time.

33. Tour Fenway Park

If the Sox are out of town or you visit off-season, don’t worry! Another popular Boston Bucket List activity are the guided Fenway Park tours , which you can do all year long, in every kind of weather. My friends have all loved their Fenway tours!

Book your guided Fenway Park tour here.

34. Check out all the other Boston sports

Being the ridiculously serious sports town Boston is, your Boston bucket list shouldn’t stop at baseball. Depending on when you visit, you can also take in a:

• Boston Celtics NBA basketball game
• Boston Bruins NHL hockey game
• New England Patriots NFL football game (about 45 minutes outside the city but accessible from downtown via the Commuter Rail)
• New England Revolution MLS soccer game (also at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro)

35. Go kayaking on the Charles River

The Charles River is such a huge piece of Boston—you’ll have your eyes on it almost everywhere you go—and seeing the city from the water is such a cool Boston bucket list experience.

On warm summer days the river is one of the most popular places to be in Boston. You can kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, see Harvard and the Boston skyline from the water, all in an easy-to-paddle section of the river.

You can even take guided kayaking tours with different areas of focus: Boston Harbor, skyline and sunset tours, and more! Check out Paddle Boston for more information.

36. Tour the Harvard campus

Many visitors to Boston have a visit to the Harvard campus on their Boston bucket list. The Harvard area is both beautiful and world famous and well worth a tour of your own. (Yes, you’ll get to visit Hahvahd Yahd.)

These super popular informational and entertaining Harvard campus tours are led by current Harvard students and will take you to many of the school’s most notable and historic sites. Pick up a sweatshirt while you’re there then feel free to explore the area on your own afterwards.

Book your Harvard campus tour here.

37. Have a drink at the Miracle of Science

Looking for more nerdtastic ways to spend some time in Cambridge? Leave Harvard and hit up MIT! Stop by the Miracle of Science for food, drinks, and geeks.

Order from their periodic table menu, sit at bona fide lab benches on lab stools, and take shots out of graduated cylinders.

38. Walk the Black Heritage Trail

The Black Heritage Trail is a 1.6-mile walking tour through Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood that explores the most important sites of the area’s African American history. The National Park Service offers free, 90-minute guided tours.

You’ll visit 14 sites that include: former homes, schools, businesses, churches, the African Meeting House, several stations of the Underground Railroad, and the Museum of African American History.

39. Check out Acorn Street

Historic Acorn Street is just one small alleyway in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood but it’s known as one of the most photographed streets in America.

Paved with river stones, lined with million-dollar red brick townhouses, and accented by American flags and green ivy, Acorn Street is iconic Boston. It sits right in the center of downtown Boston but feels a world (and centuries) away.

Residents are fine with you stopping by to take a quick photo or two, but do not by any means set up a full-on Instagram photo shoot. Don’t sit on their stoops, invade their privacy, or touch anything . Please always Instagram respectfully!

40. Stroll Newbury Street

Located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, Newbury Street is the area’s popular shopping district. You’ll find high-end shops, restaurants and wine bars, beautiful historic brownstones, and more.

Whether or not you’re into shopping when you travel, Newbury Street is still a great place to stroll on a nice day in Boston. Grab a drink at one of the outdoor patios, marvel at the historic architecture, or just wander. (I personally love checking out what all the residents have done with their tiny little garden plots.)

41. Have a drink at one of the USA’s oldest taverns

The Bell in Hand Tavern opened in 1795 and has been one of the most famous Boston alehouses ever since. Conveniently located just off the Freedom Trail and Faneuil Hall, you can pop in for a drink and some chowder and feel like you’re back in the 18 th century (as you will many times while checking off your Boston bucket list).

42. Take a sunset dinner cruise

I’m a big fan of harbor cruises, and getting out on the water is a must for your Boston bucket list. You get to enjoy great food, see the city’s skyline from the water, dance, drink, play games, and more!

I’ve been on a couple of these Boston dinner cruises and they are such a unique, fun time. (They also have lunch cruises !)

Book your sunset dinner cruise here.

43. Ferry out to the Boston Harbor Islands

Boston’s waterfront location means there are endless opportunities to get out on the water—and one of the coolest ways to spend a summer day here is by taking the ferry out to the Boston Harbor Islands .

Choose an island and you can explore miles of walking trails, check out old forts, spend the day on the beach or in the many parks, go camping, explore tide pools, and much more. All within view of the Boston skyline.

44. Take a day trip to Salem

Arguably one of the most popular day trips from Boston is up to Salem, Massachusetts. Known for its witches and other spooky things, Salem is such a fun addition to your Boston bucket list.

There are tons of witch-centric things to see here like the Salem Witch Museum (great for learning about the Salem Witch Trials), the haunted history tour , the Salem Witch House, and the chance to visit to all the Hocus Pocus filming locations .

But there’s much more to Salem like the House of the Seven Gables, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and my favorite, Notch Brewery.

Don’t miss the Salem in a Day from Boston tour : The Legacy of Witches, which includes roundtrip transportation to and from Boston.

Salem is about 45 minutes north of Boston but you don’t need a car to get there–you can take the high-speed ferry from Boston to Salem in the same amount of time. Many of my visiting friends have done this and they all loved it. Plus, as I’ve said tons of times, getting out on the water in Boston is a must!

Get your Salem ferry tickets here.

45. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts

If you love art museums, definitely put the Museum of Fine Arts on your Boston bucket list—it’s one of the top 50 most visited museums in the whole world.

Here in this huge, beautiful museum you can check out paintings from such famous names Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Goya, Renoir, and more. You can see Egyptian artifacts and artworks from Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the Ancient World.

46. Check out the Mapparium

One of the more unusual spots on this Boston bucket list is the Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library. Step inside a 3-story, stained glass globe and enjoy a 3D perspective of the world in 1935. The experience also involves narration, music, and LED lights.

47. Check out the awesome downtown beer gardens

Boston only has a short window of great weather so in the summer the city absolutely comes alive—and that includes the appearance of summer pop-up beer gardens and those at the downtown taprooms. Get your drink on in some beautiful locations, hear live music, and more!

The best downtown Boston beer gardens:

• Trillium Fort Point with rooftop terrace
• Night Shift Brewing at Lovejoy Wharf , also with great food and views!
• Harpoon Brewery in the Seaport
• Sam Adam Boston Taproom at Faneuil Hall
• Trillium Garden on the Greenway – summer pop-up
• Cisco in the Seaport – summer pop-up
• Night Shift Owl’s Nest on the Esplanade – summer pop-up

48. Eat a lobster roll

One of the most popular meal items in Boston and a must for your Boston bucket list—the lobster roll. But don’t get your lobster roll just anywhere.

My 3 favorite spots to get a lobster roll in Boston: (All located in the Seaport)

• James Hook & Co.
• Yankee Lobster
• Barking Crab

There are two ways to get your lobster roll:

• Cold with mayo (kind of a lobster salad deal, all mixed together, served cold)
• Hot with butter (just lobster meat on a roll, with a side of hot butter for dunking or dumping)

Make sure to specify which one you want when you order or you might be surprised by what you get. Major pro tip here: get it hot w/butter.

49. Have dinner at Legal Sea Foods

Legal Sea Foods is a locally-based restaurant chain popular with visitors and locals alike. The food here is always great and they have locations all over Boston.

Legal Harborside in the Seaport has a roof deck for seafood + sunsets. There are even locations in the Boston airport if you missed one during your visit!

50. Get yourself a lobster at the Barking Crab

Have eating lobster the old fashioned way on your Boston bucket list? In that case, stop by the Barking Crab , also in the Seaport (notice a theme here?). This iconic Boston eatery is such a fun place to spend a night—floating on the harbor enjoying some fantastic food in open-air.

The menu here is exactly what you have in mind when you think of New England seafood. You will not be disappointed. Don’t forget to wear the bib!

51. Have drinks on a rooftop

The city of Boston is not short on fabulous rooftops (some of my favorite places to hang out!). Enjoy a brew with a view at many sky-high locations around the city including:

• Lookout Rooftop and Bar (Seaport)
• Rooftop@Revere (Back Bay)
• Over the Charles (Cambridge)
• Deck12 at Yotel Boston (Seaport)
• The Lexington (Cambridge)
• Sam Adams Boston Taproom so you can people watch in Faneuil Hall

52. Ride the Codzilla

The Codzilla is a high-speed thrill ride on a boat around Boston Harbor that I have never done because it sounds terrifying. However, the Codzilla is pretty popular and I know at a least a few people who would totally be into it. If speed + getting wet is your jam, check out the Codzilla!

Get your Codzilla tickets here.

53. Attend the St. Patrick’s Day parade

I think it goes without saying that if you visit Boston over St. Patrick’s Day, attending this wild parade is a must for your Boston bucket list!

Boston’s Irish culture is world famous and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Southie is unlike any other you’ll ever experience. Be sure to pack lots of green and get ready to partayyy.

54. Cheer on the runners at the Boston Marathon

Another world famous event, the Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon. It takes place in April and is a legit state holiday here. People get work off to come and cheer on the runners… and so should you.

The best part? You’ve got a whole 26 miles of options when it comes to where to watch it! The closer you get to the finish line, the more crowded it gets.

If you’re not visiting on Marathon Monday you can still check out the painted finish line and the two memorials to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013.

55. Spend July 4 th in the city where it all began

It shouldn’t surprise you that July 4 th in Boston is HUGE, and kinda has been for, like, centuries. There are massive parties, music performances (notably the Boston Pops), fireworks displays, and the whole city vibe is electric.

The biggest party of the summer typically takes place on the Esplanade, right on the Charles River. (In 2021 it was elsewhere because, well, you know why.)

56. Take a day trip to Lexington & Concord

So yes, the Revolutionary War started right here in Eastern Massachusetts. The first battle—and the shot heard ‘round the world —happened 16 miles northwest of the city in the towns of Concord and Lexington. Here, you can visit Minute Man National Historic Park and see where it all started.

Better yet, visit on July 4 th weekend to participate in fun reenactments and the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. Or, visit on Patriot’s Day (also known as Marathon Monday) to watch a reenactment of the first battle of the Revolution in real time. (Costumed reenactors on horseback, this is not a drill!)

Also located in Concord: Walden Pond, from Henry David Thoreau’s Walden .

57. Ride the T – America’s oldest subway system

Throughout the city and beyond we have our local subway system called the T . You can get just about anywhere on this Boston bucket list via the T.

But the reason I’ve included it in this list is because the T is actually the oldest subway system in the United States that’s still in use. (Opened in 1897) So that’s something!

58. Stay at the Liberty Hotel

The Liberty Hotel is a higher-end hotel located in historic Beacon Hill… that used to be the Charles Street jail. It’s what I call “prison posh.” If you’re looking for a unique place to stay for your Boston bucket list, book a stay at the Liberty Hotel .

This place is so interesting and offers some of the best hotel views of the skyline and the Charles River. Plus, they have six on-theme restaurants and bars (all with authentic prison-ish detail) like:

• Clink. – fancy seafood restaurant
• Alibi – cocktail bar set in the jail’s former “drunk tank”
• Liberty Bar – popular bar scene
• Catwalk – hangout spot on the original jail catwalk (for hotel guests only)

Book your Liberty Hotel stay here. And check out my guide to picking the perfect hotel every time !

59. Enjoy dim sum in Chinatown

Boston’s Chinatown is bursting with amazing food, but the one Boston bucket list experience you need to have here is Sunday dim sum at Hei La Moon .

Try an endless number of delicious items here in this massive, fast-paced venue. If you’ve never tried dim sum at all, you’re in for one hell of an experience. If you’re a seasoned dim-sum-er, you’ll absolutely love the eats here!

Follow your meal with a walk around this cool neighborhood, pick up some bubble tea and some goodies from one of the local bakeries. Here in late January or early February? Definitely don’t miss the Chinatown Lunar New Year celebration!

60. Hang out at Castle Island

On Castle Island in South Boston you can walk the 2-mile Harborwalk, hang out on the beaches, explore historic Fort Independence, and watch airplanes take off and land at nearby Logan airport.

Castle Island is actually a peninsula, so checking out the area won’t actually require a boat. It’s a nice break from the busier city scene and not too far from the Seaport.

61. Eat fried clams and ice cream

I get it—if you’re not from here, combining fried clams and ice cream may sound seriously weird. But I’m telling you, it works!

You’ll see fried clams all over the Boston area and you should definitely try them. Follow that up with a local scoop and you have yourself a quintessential Boston bucket list summer meal. If you’re out at Castle Island, stop by Sullivan’s , a local favorite, for both (and more).

When ordering fried clams, always go with clam bellies, not clam strips. (Clam strips are so thin you’re basically just eating breading.)

62. Visit your favorite Boston filming locations

One of my favorite things to do when I travel is find myself in the same spots that I’ve seen on TV and in movies. And if you’re the same, you’re going to love Boston!

So many shows and movies have been made here in Boston—you can’t swing a cannoli without hitting a recognizable location. You can even take a guided Boston movie tour of such filming locations.

• Good Hill Hunting
• The Departed
• The Social Network
• Legally Blonde
• Mystic River
• And so, so, so many others.

See how many you can find or seek out your favorites! There’s a good chance anywhere you go in the city was featured on film.

Book your Boston movie tour here.

63. Spend a day in Provincetown on the Cape

Let me be clear here: there is no such thing as a “day trip to Cape Cod”… with a couple of exceptions, like this one. The Cape is far and long and traffic to head down the Cape in the summer is the stuff of nightmares. A day trip to the Cape is absolutely not feasible, so get that out of your head now. (Unless you book this Cape Cod day trip by boat !)

HOWEVER, there is one exception—a day trip to Provincetown via the high-speed ferry from Boston. You can go from downtown Boston to Provincetown in just 90 minutes (rather than the 2-5 hours it would take by car, depending on the day and time of year you visit.)

Provincetown is on the very tip of the Cape (the knuckles of the fist, if you will) and is every bit the quaint little Cape beach town you’re hoping for. If you’re looking to add a “day trip to Cape Cod” to your Boston bucket list, check out the Provincetown Fast Ferry for schedules and rates.

And when you’re there, take the Historic Provincetown Walking Tour : Harbor Tales & Heritage

64. Explore Plymouth

Plymouth, famous for Pilgrims and the Mayflower, makes a great day trip from Boston. If you’ve got a car , Plymouth is just a short drive, but if you don’t you can take an easy tour for the day!

In Plymouth you can visit the historic sites of the Plimoth Patuxet Museums (formerly Plymouth Plantation), see Plymouth Rock, tour the Mayflower ship, and more.

This Plymouth day tour includes your own personal guide, admission to all the sites, a stop in Quincy, free hotel pick up and drop off, and complimentary snacks and water. Check out the details below!

Book your Plymouth day trip here.

65. Pick and choose from Boston’s long list of museums

I listed my favorites in this post and the few I feel really deserve space on your Boston bucket list, but I don’t really know your personal preferences, now do I?

In fact, Boston has a long list of incredible museums of all types–art, history, culture, science, and even the JFK Presidential Library. If you find yourself in the city on an especially cold or rainy day, check out this list of Boston museums .

More resources for your Boston bucket list

• Hotels : Find great places to stay in Boston here on Booking.com (but Hotels.com and Expedia usually have good deals too).
• Rental cars : Check out the best Boston rental car deals here.
• Travel planning : Pick up a Boston or New England guidebook for the rest of your visit. And this USA customs and culture guide if you’re coming from across the Pond.
• Like this post? Have questions? Reach out on Instagram .

What are the main things on your Boston bucket list? Let me know in the comments below! Have fun in Beantown! (Just never call it Beantown.)

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 39 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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Things to Do in Boston, MA - Boston Attractions

Things to do in boston.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Financial District
• Fenway / Kenmore
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Fenway Park

2. Freedom Trail

3. Museum of Fine Arts

4. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

5. Boston Public Garden

6. North End

7. Boston Public Library

8. John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library

9. Boston Common

10. Samuel Adams Brewery

11. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

12. USS Constitution

13. Beacon Hill

14. Newbury Street

15. Faneuil Hall Marketplace

16. New England Holocaust Memorial

17. Old North Church & Historic Site

18. USS Constitution Museum

19. Museum of Science

20. Waterfront

21. Quincy Market

22. New England Aquarium

23. TD Garden

24. Granary Burying Ground

25. The Mapparium

26. Old State House

27. Bunker Hill Monument

28. Prudential Center

29. Charles River Esplanade

30. Arnold Arboretum

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Top Things to Do

Top 21 Things to Do in Boston, Massachusetts

TripSavvy / Violet Smirnova 

Boston is a one-of-a-kind American city that offers visitors opportunities to relive history, immerse themselves in the arts, cheer for hometown sports teams, explore museums, discover "hidden" harbor islands, and imbibe at local breweries. If you're visiting Boston for the first time or if you've never spent an extended period in Massachusetts' capital city, here are our picks for Boston's 21 must-see places and attractions.

Feel Scholarly at Harvard

Most college campus tours are designed for incoming students, but Harvard University in Cambridge is a tourist attraction in and of itself. It's not only the oldest university in the U.S., but one of the most prestigious schools in the world, counting among its alumni eight U.S. presidents, over 150 Nobel Prize laureates, and hundreds of Rhodes Scholars and Marshall Scholars. Harvard Yard is the center of campus and the oldest part of the school, surrounded by the iconic red-brick buildings that the university is known for. Campus tours are free to attend and led by current students, with options of a historical tour or an arts walk.

Indulge in Oyster Happy Hour

Oysters are a New England staple, and no trip to Boston is complete without slurping down at least a few of these bivalve delicacies. Although they may seem like a lavish snack, many local bars and seafood restaurants include a daily "oyster happy hour" where you can get a few oysters and a drink for a reasonable price. Fresh oysters are practically ubiquitous throughout the city—and New England—but some of the best places to try them include the Union Oyster House , which is America's oldest continuously operated restaurant, or Lincoln . However, feel free to ask a local for their favorite spot and you won't be steered wrong.

Take a Trip to a Venetian Palace

Corbis / Getty Images

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum isn't just an art museum, but an art museum housed inside a replica of a real-life Venetian Palace. Isabella collected works from celebrated painters like Vermeer and Rembrandt and promised to keep them on display to the public. Apart from the expansive art collection, one of the most impressive parts of the museum is the inner courtyard, styled after the Palazzo Barbaro in Venice with its distinctive Renaissance architecture and year-round garden. Isabella was known as an eccentric socialite in her day and that legacy lives on in her museum. For example, anyone with the name "Isabella" has lifetime membership and can enter for free.

Step Inside the World's Largest Walk-in Globe

The Mary Baker Eddy Library

If you're a geography nerd, you can't miss taking a stroll through the Mapparium, the world's largest walk-in... world. Located inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library, this three-story globe offers a perspective of the Earth in a way you've never seen it before. Built in 1935, the Mapparium still shows the world as it was then and includes former countries and bygone borders. The exhibit also includes a special presentation called "A World Of Ideas" of orchestrated music, lights, and narration to enhance your experience.

Walk Along the Freedom Trail

Violet Smirnova / TripSavvy

A walk along the two-and-a-half-mile Freedom Trail is one of the best ways to get acquainted with Boston and to efficiently visit the city's bounty of historic landmarks . If you're in a hurry and in pretty good shape, you can cover the length of the trail in as little as an hour, but that won't really allow you time to stop and visit any of the sites along the way. Your best bet is to allow three hours or more to walk the trail at a leisurely pace and see all of its Revolutionary landmarks. Boston also has an Irish Heritage Trail you may want to explore.

Visit the Boston Public Garden and the Swan Boats

Boston Public Garden, located along Charles Street adjacent to Boston Common, is the nation's oldest botanical garden. The famous Swan Boats return to Boston Public Garden each spring and have done so since they were first invented in 1877 by Robert Paget. The rental business, which operates from mid-April through Labor Day, is still run by descendants of the boats' inventor.

Shop (and Eat) at Quincy Market

 TripSavvy / Taylor Nealand 

Quincy Market is actually just one part of Faneuil Hall Marketplace, but many locals refer to the whole complex as "Quincy Market." The famous indoor-outdoor market is a great place for both shopping and dining, and a perfect place to try local specialties (like the lobster rolls). Quincy Market colonnade houses more than thirty food merchants, so definitely arrive hungry in order to fully take advantage of this culinary attraction.

See a Reenactment of the Boston Tea Party

TripSavvy / Violet Smirnova

The Boston Tea Party is reenacted daily, and you can participate. Really! Steep yourself in history at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum . Rebuilt and reimagined following a devastating 2001 fire and another in 2007, the attraction reopened in 2012, and it's now one of the city's most engaging experiences.

Watch the Red Sox Play at Fenway Park

On a sunshine-filled summer afternoon, there is perhaps no better place to be in all of New England than Fenway Park, the historic home of Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox. Baseball fans have been energized and agonized by the exploits of some of baseball's greatest players at Fenway since 1912. If you can't score tickets to a Red Sox game , look into behind-the-scenes tours of Fenway Park .

Visit the Museum of Science

Boston's museums are as good as any you'll find in the world, and one of the most visited is the Museum of Science at Science Park. It has more than 700 interactive exhibits including A Bird's World, a 4-D theater, Thrill Ride 360°, a butterfly garden, and a planetarium. Take the kids for a full day of easy entertainment.

Taste Beer at Sam Adams Brewery

Violet Smirnov / TripSavvy

These days, Samuel Adams is known as much for being a brewer as a patriot. Tour the Sam Adams Brewery in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston—which is also home to the Boston Beer Museum—for a glimpse of the beer-making process and a sample of the finished product. The brewery itself is on the outer edges of the city, but you can always visit the Sam Adams Tap Room right in the city center for a more conveniently located taste of this all American beer.

Visit the New England Aquarium

Want to see sea lions smile and penguins play? Head to the New England Aquarium , one of Boston's perpetually popular family attractions . Once inside, you'll find yourself immersed in a watery world, where you can wave your flippers at cavorting sea lions and press your nose right up against the glass of the poisonous fish tank—if you dare!

Take a Day-Trip to a Boston Harbor Island

Kim Knox Beckius

Want to swim, hike , explore the ruins of an old fort, and camp out under the stars at a National Park? Believe it or not, you can do all of these things without leaving the city of Boston. The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area consists of 34 narrow isles scattered in New England's most historic harbor, and you can visit these "hidden" outdoor spaces by boarding seasonal ferries from Quincy and Boston's Long Wharf .

Take a Walking Tour of Back Bay

Back Bay is one of Boston's oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods—especially if you time your trip with the fall foliage . Start with a walk along the Charles River to take in the beauty of this historic neighborhood near downtown Boston. Enjoy a quiet stroll down Commonwealth Avenue, admiring the brownstones that dot this tree-lined street modeled after Paris’ Haussmann renovation. Continue south to shop along trendy Newbury and Boylston streets. If you prefer a bit of guidance, ​ free walking tours are available almost year-round.

Relax at Boston Common

 TripSavvy / Violet Smirnova

The oldest city park in the United States—established 1634—the Boston Common consists of 50 acres between Charles Street and Downtown Boston. Originally used to graze cattle, the Common is now the place for Bostonians to come to graze during a lunch break or a weekend picnic. The Common is also the beginning of the Freedom Trail, making it the perfect place to sit for a while after walking it. When winter arrives, ice skating is available at the Boston Common Frog Pond.

Take in the History of the Boston Public Library

 TripSavvy / Taylor Nealand

While a trip to a public library may not rank highly on everyone’s vacation to-do list, the Boston Public Library is a must-see for visitors thanks to its many prominent murals, huge reading rooms, and Italian Renaissance-inspired interior courtyard complete with fountains and arched pathways. The library also hosts unique, free events throughout the year, ranging from readings to theater performances. 

Relive the 1960s at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

President John F. Kennedy's library and museum offers a glimpse into the 1960s and a chance to experience the life of the president firsthand. While Kennedy only spent a thousand days in office, the museum is home to more than 20 multimedia exhibits and period settings from the White House. I.M. Pei designed the memorial, which sits on a 10-acre waterfront site on Columbia Point. From there, you can see Boston's skyline and nearby Harbor Islands. 

See Ballet at the Boston Opera House

 Getty Images

Initially built in 1928 as a movie palace, the Citizens Bank Opera House lay empty from 1991 to 2004. Following a massive restoration and refurbishment, the Boston Opera House became home to the Boston Ballet. The ornate theatre is also the place to catch touring Broadway shows as well as their annual production of The Nutcracker each holiday season. 

Hover Over Boston Harbor at the Institute for Contemporary Art

One of the best pieces at the Institute of Contemporary Art? The building itself. This South Boston museum is housed in a modern piece of glass architecture that contrasts the rest of Boston’s historic buildings. A highlight is the rear of the museum, a cantilevered glass expanse that hovers over Boston Harbor.

Support Local Productions at Huntington Theatre

Boston’s leading professional theatre since 1982, the Huntington theatre has won the Tony award for "Best Regional Theater" and more than 150 Elliot Norton and Independent Reviewers of New England Awards. Since its opening, the Huntington has played to over 3.5 million people, and presented more than 200 plays—18 of which went on to Broadway or off-Broadway.

Have a Toast at "Cheers"

Famous as the inspiration for the television show Cheers , the former Bull & Finch Pub, now officially known as Cheers Boston, is located in Boston's Beacon Hill District. It's definitely a tourist trap with souvenirs galore for sale and overpriced pub food, but it's still one of those places that fans of the show make a beeline for when they're in Boston. There's a second replica of TV's most famous bar now, too, at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

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Boston Travel Guide

Are you searching for some activities to enjoy in Boston, Massachusetts? Find your next great experience on our Calendar of Events . It provides the most popular Boston events , concerts , theater shows , musicals , sports events , festivals, holiday happenings, family events, unique tours, and more. Let us help you plan your vacation and discover everything Boston, MA has to offer. From tours and restaurants to things to do , get the most from your trip!

Best Events

Upcoming Events & Tickets

Best Boston Tours

5 Top-Rated Tours from Boston, MA

Discover the best Boston tours. Explore 100+ points of interest. Hop on and hop off at all popular Boston tours and attractions. We’ve got several options to choose from to help you maximize your time in Boston and still see the best first. See our most recommended things to do in Boston, MA.

Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

Explore the best that Boston has to offer on this hop-on hop-off tour of the city. See Boston’s top attractions—like the USS‘Constitution’ and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, to name a few—on the loop. Enjoy discounted admission to attractions like the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum with the purchase of your tour. If you upgrade to the Gold or Platinum Pass, you will be given your (seasonal) Harbor Cruise ticket when you check in for the Trolley Tour. These seasonal cruises depart periodically throughout the day close to Stop 1.

• Discover Boston at your leisure with a hop-on hop-off trolley tour.
• See the most popular sights of Boston at your own pace.
• Hop on and off at any of the stops as often as you wish.

Martha's Vineyard Daytrip from Boston with Round-Trip Ferry & Island Tour Option

Overview Join Boston’s only award-winning, original, Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip! Leave the trouble of driving to someone else and enjoy a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard from Boston. Then, take a short cruise to Martha’s Vineyard then enjoy free time to explore or upgrade to add an island tour. Complimentary snacks, bottled water, island guidebooks, and a discount card with island perks are provided during the drive.

• Hassle-free ride from Boston to Cape Cod aboard an air-conditioned Mini Coach Bus
• Panoramic ocean views on a cruise between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard
• Spend hours exploring Martha’s Vineyard at your leisure – beaches, shopping, and dining available.
• Narrated Island Tour upgrade available with stops in Edgartown and Gay Head Cliffs

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission

Relive the most important event leading up to the American Revolution on this self-guided tour of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Take a journey back in time to the famous Boston Tea Party, an incident that changed the course of American history. It’s more than a stroll through historic artifacts, though. It’s truly one of the top-rated museums in the city of Boston. Explore authentically restored tea ships and throw the fated tea into Boston Harbor.

• Admission to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.
• Get an in-depth look at the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party.
• Learn how the Boston Tea Party kick-started the American Revolution.
• See one of the two remaining tea chests from the Boston Tea Party.

Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise with Up-Close View of USS Constitution

See some of the top attractions in Boston from the waterfront on this narrated sightseeing cruise. Explore Boston Harbor and see the city’s historic sites while listening to live commentary on board. Pass landmarks like the Boston Tea Party ships, USS Constitution, and Boston Light—the oldest continuously manned lighthouse in the United States.

• Historic sightseeing cruise of Boston Harbor.
• Narrated tour with tales of the Revolutionary War, Legends of the Sea, and Boston’s Historical Figures
• See America’s oldest continuously manned lighthouse
• Sail through the Harbor Islands National Park Area and Boston’s working Port.

Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran

Experience the best of New England’s marine wildlife on this guided whale-watching cruise around the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Hop on a high-speed catamaran that gets to and from the whales in the least amount of time possible. See humpback and fin whales, plus Atlantic white-sided dolphins with the help of a naturalist guide. The onboard galley offers food and beverages for purchase during the trip.

• Boston Whale Watch Cruise aboard a high-speed catamaran.
• See Humpbacks, Finbacks, and the critically endangered Right Whales during your sail.
• Enjoy a scenic whale-watching cruise around Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
• Narrated by a New England Aquarium Naturalist as your Guide.

Boston Day Trips

5 Top-Rated Day Trips from Boston, MA

Blessed with beautiful natural areas, Massachusetts contains an array of unique attractions for all types of travelers. In cities and towns, visitors will find museums, unique attractions, and great restaurants. In the more remote parts of Massachusetts, there are waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, and tranquil beaches. Classic New England towns and quiet fishing villages line the Massachusetts coast. Massachusetts enjoys a unique history that lives on in full force through its special attractions and well-preserved historic places.

Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston

Visit Martha’s Vineyard on a day trip from Boston to experience the island beauty without the hassle of booking ground and ferry transport. From hotel pickup and drop-off to included ferry tickets, snacks, water, and sightseeing maps, this Martha’s Vineyard excursion is designed for maximum time exploring, with the option to upgrade and include a guided tour of the entire island aboard a high-top, small-group van and explore all six towns on the island, indulge in lunch, and spend more time learning about scenic New England.

• Ground and boat transport get you to the Vineyard with one booking.
• Customizable tour: choose between independent and guided options.
• Early departure for more time on Martha’s Vineyard.
• Ferry trip is a great chance to see the coast and marine wildlife.

Boston to Salem One-Way or Round-Trip High Speed Ferry

Don’t let time determine whether to see Boston or Salem. Visit both towns with the help of a quick and comfortable catamaran. This high-speed ferry service travels from Boston to Salem (or vice versa). Enjoy the scenic adventure from the upper or lower deck of the boat—or just relax at the lounge inside. An onboard galley offers food and beverages for purchase. Upon arrival, many top attractions are within walking distance. One-way or round-trip tickets are available with a variety of convenient departure times.

• Fast, efficient transportation between Boston and Salem.
• Onboard galley offers food and beverages for purchase.
• See top Salem and Boston attractions within walking distance of the ports.
• One-way or round-trip ferry service available.

Boston to Plymouth Day-Trip including Quincy, Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower II

Discover historic New England as you explore two iconic Massachusetts destinations on this full-day tour from Boston. Travel through Quincy, MA, the birthplace of two U.S. Presidents, and journey along the state’s South Shore coastal area on route to Plymouth. Explore the 400-year-old town’s harbor, enjoy lunch (own expense), view Plymouth Rock, and tour Plimoth Plantation. You’ll also board the Mayflower II and learn the fascinating history of the Pilgrim’s.

• Explore multiple historic New England sites in just one day—ideal for travelers short on time.
• Bypass lengthy queues with skip-the-line entrance to Plimoth Plantation.
• Admission to the Mayflower II included as an added convenience.
• Round-trip transport by mini-coach ensures a stress-free excursion.

Boston to Newport Small-Group Day Trip with Breakers & Marble House Admission

Escape the hustle of the city and get away to the tranquility of Newport, Rhode Island, on a guided, small-group day tour from Boston. This quaint coastal town, known as America’s First Resort, is the perfect getaway and just 70 miles south of Beantown.

Explore the Breakers mansion, the most grandiose of Newport’s summer mansions. Visit attractions like the Ocean Drive Historic District, the St Mary’s Church complex, and the U.S. Naval War College, among others. Hotel pickup and drop-off plus a snack, guidebook, and discount offer card are included.

Boston Freedom Trail Day Trip from New York City

Swap the Big Apple for a day in history-steeped Boston undistracted by transportation worries. Travel to the city by comfortable vehicle, and enjoy a comprehensive tour of its highlights with the benefit of a guide for commentary. Stroll around Cambridge’s Harvard Yard, admire the city’s Revolutionary-era landmarks along the Freedom Trail, and enjoy free time for a lunch of local favorites such as clam chowder at Quincy Market.

• Explore historical Boston on a day trip from New York City.
• No planning needed: go by luxe vehicle and hear about the sites via a guide.
• Tour Harvard, walk the Freedom Trail, and see the Boston Tea Party site.
• Time for local seafood meal (own cost) such as lobster roll at Quincy Market.

Welcome to Boston, MA

Boston , officially the City of Boston , is the capital and most populous city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States and the 24th-most populous city in the country. Whether you’re a local, new in town, or just cruising through we’ve got loads of great tips and events. Boston is perfect for family fun and romantic getaways. Start planning your Boston trip. Explore the complete list of Entertainment Venues in Boston , MA. Check out our events calendar for concerts , theater shows , musicals , sporting events , and more.

Entertainment Venues

Things to do around Boston this weekend and beyond

Pop & Rock

KNOCKED LOOSE “You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To,” the latest album from these Kentucky metallers, is brutal and catchy, its jagged riffs and bludgeoning drums bringing full catharsis. May 31, 7 p.m. Roadrunner Boston. roadrunnerboston.com

SHABOOZEY This Virginia-born singer’s sturdy voice and everyperson charm made him a valuable presence on Beyoncé's country-fried “COWBOY CARTER” and are key to his top-five single “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which transforms J-Kwon’s 2004 hip-hop hit “Tipsy” into the fulcrum for a breezy, fiddle-aided drinking anthem. His debut full-length, “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going,” is out Friday, and he’s the clear highlight of this year’s Kiss Concert lineup, which is headlined by hip-hop provocateur Doja Cat and also includes nu-metal stalwarts Shinedown and TikTok-beloved pop-R&B smoothie Jason Derulo. June 1, 6:30 p.m. Xfinity Center, Mansfield. 800-745-3000, livenation.com

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G FLIP Australian drummer, singer, and songwriter Georgia Flipo pairs her strummy, percussion-minded music with open lyrics; check out her dreamy yet chugging take on Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer,” which is a perfect fit for her rhythm-forward vocal style. June 4, 7 p.m., Big Night Live. bignight.com

MAURA JOHNSTON

Folk, World & Country

HUBBY JENKINS The wheelhouse for one-time Carolina Chocolate Drops member and multi-instrumentalist Hubby Jenkins — banjo, guitar, mandolin, and bones are all within his ken — is old-time American string band music, more specifically the various threads of African American history that manifest themselves in country blues, traditional jazz, and elsewhere. May 31, 9 p.m. $20. The Porch Southern, 175 Rivers Edge Drive, Medford. 781-874-9357, www.theporchsouthern.com

MARISA ANDERSON American fingerstyle guitar titan Marisa Anderson takes what would seem to be disparate musical styles (from folk and blues to drone and classical) and welds them into something wholly her own. Her latest is a relatively unalloyed (for her), utterly gorgeous foray into soundtrack, for the movie “A Perfect Day for Caribou.” June 2, 8 p.m. $12. Deep Cuts, 21 Main St., Medford. 781-219-3815, deepcuts.rocks

MIDWOOD This Brooklyn band, which brings together stellar practitioners in the klezmer world, offers a cross-pollination of klezmer and other forms and ends up with what it describes as Yiddish psych rock. June 2, 4 p.m. $20. The Burren, 247 Elm St., Somerville. 617-776-6896, www.burren.com

STUART MUNRO

Jazz & Blues

LEO BLANCO TRIO The brilliant Venezuelan pianist and band play a program entitled “Latinious Monk: A Tribute to Thelonious Monk,” where they tease out the Latin implications of the master’s seminal compositions. June 1, noon. Free. Roxbury Branch, Boston Public Library, Fellowes Hall, 149 Dudley St., Roxbury. celebrityseries.org/productions/leo-blanco-trio

TARBOX RAMBLERS The acclaimed Boston-based band, featuring Michael Tarbox’s gravelly voice and barbed-wire guitar, melds blues, gospel, and Appalachian folk for a visceral take on American roots music. Among others, Robert Plant is a big fan! June 1, 8 p.m. $30-$33. Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River. narrowscenter.org

THE AARDVARK JAZZ ORCHESTRA: SALUTE TO DUKE ELLINGTON Boston’s own venerable, vibrant big band, led by trumpeter/composer Mark Harvey, performs compositions by the greatest of them all, the Shakespeare of Jazz, the supreme Edward Kennedy Ellington and his magnificent collaborator, Billy Strayhorn. With wonderful pianist Tim Ray. June 6, 7:15 p.m. $50 (can be streamed for free with advance RSVP). WGBH Studios, 1 Guest St., Brighton. wgbh.org/events

KEVIN LOWENTHAL

DINOSAUR ANNEX The local new music ensemble puts a bow on its 49th season with “Coast to Coast,” a program of contemporary American chamber pieces by composers from the east, west, and southern coasts. Featured composers include Boston-based Curtis Hughes and Kathryn Salfelder, as well as Richard Festinger, Dwight Banks, and Andre Myers. June 1, 7:30 p.m. Goethe-Institut Boston. www.dinosaurannex.org

EMMANUEL MUSIC The Emmanuel crew is heading to Leipzig for the city’s famed annual Bachfest, but before they get on the plane, they’re warming up with a concert featuring four Bach cantatas and new motets inspired by those cantatas from composers Errolyn Wallen, John Harbison, Marti Epstein, and Elena Ruehr. June 5, 7 p.m. Emmanuel Church. 617-536-3356, www.emmanuelmusic.org

GARRICK OHLSSON The annual Rockport Chamber Music Festival kicks off with a solo recital by the towering pianist Garrick Ohlsson, featuring music by Beethoven, Schubert, and Ohlsson’s specialty, Chopin. June 7, 7:30 p.m. Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport. 978-546-7391, www.rockportmusic.org

A.Z. MADONNA

TONI STONE Playwright Lydia R. Diamond (“Stick Fly,” “Smart People”) structures her drama of the first woman to play professional baseball as a memory play told in the first person. As Stone, who played for the Indianapolis Clowns in the Negro Leagues, Jennifer Mogbock is a force of nature, describing her single-minded quest to play ball with expressive reactions and physical prowess. Award-winning choreographer Ebony Williams creates jaw-droppingly good production numbers — including juggling, gymnastics, and balancing acts — for the game-time moments when the team performs their minstrel-meets-vaudeville routines. Through June 16. Presented by the Huntington. At the Huntington Theatre. www.huntingtontheatre.org

GATSBY This world premiere of this pre-Broadway musical, which is spending the summer at the American Repertory Theater, has already achieved supergroup status, thanks to the bevy of award-winning creatives involved. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s poignant tale of the illusory American Dream includes songs by Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine and Thomas Bartlett (a.k.a. Doveman), and a book by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Martyna Majok (“The Cost of Living”). The production also boasts a couple of Tony Award winners in director Rachel Chavkin (“Hadestown,” “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812″) and choreographer Sonya Tayeh (”Moulin Rouge!”). Through Aug. 3. Presented by the American Repertory Theater. At Loeb Drama Center, Cambridge. 617-547-8300, americanrepertorytheater.org

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF One family’s struggle to hold onto traditional values in a fast-changing world mixes laughter and love amid heartbreak and separation. With songs that include “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Tradition,” and “If I Were a Rich Man,” the story, set in a Jewish shtetl around 1905, holds a universal message about prejudice, generational clashes, and the resilience of the human spirit. And it offers the chance to see Boston favorites Kathy St. George and Mary Callanan. June 4-16. Presented by North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly. nsmt.org

TERRY BYRNE

MIXED NUTS The fledgling dance/music collective Pistachio Groove presents its first full evening of new work. The concert features tap dance unfolding in the context of live music by a four-piece band. Each work explores the possibilities within a central groove or time step and emphasizes the connection and improvisatory interplay between dancers and musicians. June 1-2. $25 (Sunday performance also live streamed.) Dance Complex, Cambridge. www.dancecomplex.org

BOSTON DANCE THEATER If you missed the Global Arts Live presentation of the company several weeks ago, you have another chance to catch the talented contemporary troupe’s “Pinnacle Works: Galili, Goecke, and Pereira” in New Hampshire. The program includes two recent premieres by the Denmark-based Brazilian choreographer Alessandro Sousa Pereira, as well as Goecke’s “Peekaboo,” “Firebird,” and “Äffi,” along with company co-director Itzik Galili’s “If As If.” May 31-June 1. $25. 3S Artspace, Portsmouth, N.H. www.3sarts.org/events

KHELNA IN CONCERT Boston-based kathak artist Anjali Nath culminates her Khelna (Play) series of community workshops and festivities with this evening performance that weaves together the ancient traditions of kathak dance with the joyful spirit of play. The concert also features international master musician from India Jayanta Banerjee (sitar) and Satyaprakash Mishra (tabla). June 1. $15-$151. Boston University Dance Theater. www.anjali-nath.com

DANCES IN PROGRESS A showcase and feedback session for local choreographers, this event gives dancemakers a venue for performing fledgling works while seeing how audiences respond to new ideas. This incarnation features pieces in progress by Ananth Udupa, Andrea Muñiz, Charles Murrell III, Miranda Lawson, Nicole Zizzi, and Nko Fallou Small. May 31. Free or by donation. Jackson Dance Lab at Tufts University, Medford. https://givebutter.com/dip

KAREN CAMPBELL

IMAGINE ME AND YOU: DUTCH AND FLEMISH ENCOUNTERS WITH THE ISLAMIC WORLD, 1450-1750 An elucidation of the underexplored cultural exchange that took place between an ascendant Netherlandish world of the Northern Renaissance and the ancient societies of the Islamic world, this exhibition gathers more than 100 objects to explore how these rising powers of Western Europe both influenced and absorbed the rich cultural legacies of empires like the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal that concurrently controlled much of Central and Southeast Europe, North Africa, and South, West, and Central Asia. Through Aug. 18. Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., Cambridge. 617-495-9400, www.harvardartmuseums.org

ETHIOPIA AT THE CROSSROADS Exploring 2,000 years of cultural heritage right up to the present day, this exhibition brings together more than 200 pieces including painted religious icons, illuminated manuscripts, gospel books, coins, metalwork, and carvings from a region that has served as a significant cultural crossroads between east and west for millenia. The exhibition also includes works by contemporary Ethiopian artists including Julie Mehretu, Helina Metaferia, Aïda Muluneh, and Elias Sime. Through July 7. Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., Salem. 978-745-9500, PEM.org

LORRAINE O’GRADY: BOTH/AND Last chance: Boston-born O’Grady, a child of Jamaican immigrants, made her name in the New York art world of the 1970s and ‘80s for her provocative public performances as her alter-ego, Madamoislle Bourgeoise Noire, a Black debutante in long white gown and gloves critical of both the lack of Black artists in museums, and of Black artists themselves for making work she deemed to be safe and placating. Decades later, O’Grady has become an icon for artists that have come after her; this career survey unfurls a life’s work of unflinching critical work that engages feminism, racial justice, and the complex intertwining of those things with her immigrant background. Through June 2. The Davis Museum at Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley. 781-283-2051, www.wellesley.edu/davismuseum

MURRAY WHYTE

INNER WORKINGS When painter Diana Zipeto was a child, her father collected bits and bobs of hardware to use for home repair. Some of those metal pieces, along with strips of canvas, are now fastened to the artist’s large-scale paintings depicting the MRIs of her father’s brain that led to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. She made them as a way to grapple with his experience and her grief. On Saturday, June 1, Zipeto will give an artist’s talk at 2 p.m., during the closing reception. But don’t worry, the show is open for another week. Through June 8. 2nd Floor Mini Gallery, Western Avenue Studios, 122 Western Ave., Lowell. www.dianazipeto.com/exhibitsshows/2024/4/27/inner-workings-gallery-at-western-avenue-studios

CATE McQUAID

WILL NOONAN A longtime Boston headliner, Noonan tops the bill at Giggles for the first time. Featuring Andrew Della Volpe and Matt Misci on Friday and Carolyn Plummer and Greg Howell on Saturday. May 31-June 1, 8:30 p.m. $30. Giggles Comedy Club at Prince Restaurant, 517 Broadway (Route 1), Saugus. 978-395-9060, .princerestaurant.com/giggles-events/

BRIEANA WOODWARD Whirling dervish Woodward plays her first full headlining weekend at Nick’s, fresh off of her “2 Clowns 1 Car” tour with “Clown People” podcast cohost Al Christakis, who’s the featured comic here. Hosted by Kathy Lynch. May 31-June 1, 8 p.m. $15.40-$22. Nick’s Comedy Stop, 100 Warrenton St. nickscomedystop.com

MEN IN COMEDY PRESENT: RECRUIT INITIATION Amma Marfo headlines this stand-up showcase that also features five newbie recruit comics — Sky Nickels, Nora Bauso, Adine DeLeon, Kathleen Meditz, and Melissa Moscoco — competing to win a scented candle. Bini Oyi, Laith Alsasah, and Viv Martin from the all-femme Men In Comedy troupe will also perform. June 1, 8:30 p.m. Free. GrandTen Distilling, 383 Dorchester Ave. eventbrite.com

NICK A. ZAINO III

POND EXPLORATION IN FRANKLIN PARK Children of all ages are invited to Scarboro Pond for a hands-on event exploring its ecosystem and inhabitants. The Emerald Necklace Conservatory and Mass Audubon will lead kids through an exploration of pond life and water quality. Registration required. June 1, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Franklin Park, Franklin Park Road. emeraldnecklace.org

SOMERSTREETS: CARNAVAL SomerStreets: Carnaval returns to the city on Sunday to kick off the 2024 SomerStreets season. This weekend, celebrate the East Broadway Business District with food, music, and activities. Programming extends from Kensington Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue, and begins at 2 p.m. with a parade starting at Garfield and Broadway. June 2, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Free. East Somerville on Broadway, 151 Broadway, Somerville. somervilleartscouncil.org

POWWOW AND THE PEOPLE WHO BRING IT TO LIFE Join Indigenous Peoples Day Newton to experience “Powwow and the People Who Bring It to Life,” a display of photographs shot by locals Scott Strong Hawk Foster and Rob Adelman depicting Native American powwows. A reception on Saturday invites attendees to mingle with the photographers and other community members and explore powwow culture. June 6-8, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Free. New Art Center at TRIO, 245 Walnut St., Newtonville. calendar.artsboston.org

19 Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids June 2024

June is going to be wicked fun with so many things to do for kids and the whole family! Check out all the festivals, celebrations, and more things to do with kids.

Summer festivals bring some of the top things to do in Boston for June 2024. Satisfy your sweet tooth with some healthy fun at the Strawberry Festival at Cider Hill Farm . Give your land-lubber side the heave-ho at the Cape Cod Pirate Festival in Yarmouth. June also brings some really cool-looking boats racing down the Charles at the Boston Dragon Boat Festival.  And the month wraps up with the opening of the Frog Pond Spray Fountain!

More fun awaits at Duxbury's Liberty Pole Day and the North End's  Boston Music Project Annual Block Party . And don't forget Father's Day , which rolls in on June 18th. And the MFA's Juneteenth observance is free for all Massachusetts residents.

This June is packed with more festivals, shows, and other events for the kiddos, so keep an eye on our events calendar . And keep tabs on all the summer fun with our guide to Summer Fairs and Festivals in Boston .

Editor's note: Check with businesses before heading out to events to confirm details.

Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival photo by Kyle Klein Photography, courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.

Best Things To Do in Boston - June 2024

Cape cod pirate festival.

Saturday, June 1-9, 2024

The Pirates return to kick off the summer season in Yarmouth at the Fourth Annual Cape Cod Pirate Festival! The event will offer two swashbuckling weekends, with more entertainment, and more all-around piratical fun. read more

Newburyport Pride Parade and Festival

Saturday, June 1, 2024

This year the Newburyport Pride Parade is followed by a joyous PRIDE FESTIVAL following the Parade in Brown Square, featuring a DJ, Children’s Area, Teen hang-out area, vendors, LGBTQ+ booths, non-profit booths, food trucks and more! read more

Quincy Pride Festival 2024

Sunday, June 2 2024

Quincy Pride 2024 will feature local and LGBTQ+ vendors, kids activities, food and beverage trucks as well as crowd favorite drag queens! read more

Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl

Tuesday, June 4-6, 2024

Sensory-Friendly Hour — Wednesday, June 5, 11 –12

The annual Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl returns to City Hall Plaza for the nation's largest all-you-can-eat ice cream festival, serving up ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet from some of the nation's leading ice cream companies.  read more

Fairy Festival at the Wenham Museum

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Start the summer in magical fashion at this year’s Fairy Festival, full of family-friendly activities inspired by Neverland. read more

Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series

Bring the family to town to watch elite divers from around the world jump from a platform atop Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art into Boston Harbor! read more

4th Annual Road of Rainbows

2024 will mark the 4th annual running of Boston Theater Company's Road of Rainbows - the first athletic event of its kind in Massachusetts, where gender has no bounds. At RoR, participants can be themselves, run for themselves, with love, support, and a cheering crowd! read more

Boston Music Project Annual Block Party

Join the Boston Music Project for the annual BMP Block Party at the Rowes Wharf Plaza on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. read more

Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Stunningly decorated boats race down the Charles River all day long, while arts and crafts, Asian food vendors, and Asian cultural performances line the riverbank. read more

International Day of Play

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Join the City of Boston and friends to celebrate and experience the power of play on Tuesday, June 11th, the first International Day of Play! The day will be filled with sports, biking, board games, bubbles, face painting, arts and crafts, dance and music, and many more fun powerful play opportunities.  read more

Waltham Riverfest

Saturday, June 14 - 15, 2024

The 15th Annual Riverfest events include a pet parade, children's activities, live music at two venues, guided nature walks, craft vendors, food trucks, and more! read more

Father's Day Pizza & BBQ Bash

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Bring Dad to Appleton Farms on the Saturday of Father’s Day weekend for seasonal wood-fired pizza, local beer, local BBQ, and live music! Appleton will be slinging their famous pies which are not to be missed! read more

Greater Lowell PRIDE

Greater Lowell PRIDE is back with a parade and festival featuring kid-friendly activities, music, food and more. read more

Strawberry Festival at Cider Hill Farm

Saturday, June 15-16, 2024

It's all things strawberries! Take in free live music, hard cider, family-friendly activities, hayrides, homemade strawberries treats and pick-your-own strawberries. Admission to the festival is free. read more

Free Father’s Day at Zoo New England

Sunday, June 16, 2024

Celebrate all Dads with free admission for fathers at the Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo. read more

Bunker Hill Day Parade

The Bunker Hill Day Parade returns to Charlestown with historical reenactors, fife and drum bands, and sweet treats for the kids.  read more

Boston Pizza Festival

Saturday, June 22-23, 2024

Interested in "all-you-can-eat" pizza, sampling, live entertainment, games, and more? Vendors from all over will be serving up Gluten-Free, Vegan, Neapolitan, Sicilian, New York Style, and much more at City Hall Plaza in Boston. read more

Frog Pond Spray Fountain 2024 Opening Day Celebration

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

The Boston Common Frog Pond spray pool reopens on Tuesday, June 25. The day will include a fun and exciting celebration at 11 a.m. followed by the opening of the spray pool. read more

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Boston Public Library Announces 2024 Concerts in the Courtyard series

BOSTON, MA - June 4, 2024 - The Boston Public Library today announced the 2024 Concerts in the Courtyard series , offered in partnership with Berklee College of Music and sponsored by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

What: Concerts performed by local musicians and Berklee College of Music musicians. 

Why:  By showcasing a diverse range of musical talents from the local community, the BPL continues to support its patrons and visitors with programs that enrich their cultural experiences, entertain and educate, and are free to all.

When : Every   Friday and Wednesday from June 5 through August 30 . Performances will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Fridays and 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Where: The Courtyard of the Central Library in Copley Square (inclement weather location: Rabb Hall at Central Library).

Who: Scheduled performers are listed below.

• Mia Walz , June 5 - Alternative Pop/Soul/Funk
• Mel Starr , June 7 - Folk 
• Christian Inman , June 12 - Dance, House, and Electronic Pop
• Lee Zangari , June 14 - Folk
• Reggie Hue , June 21 - Hip-Hop
• Jessie Starnes , June 26 - Indie/Folk
• Pearl Scott , June 28 - R&B/Jazz
• Patten Street Duo , July 5 - Jazz and Blues
• LEX , July 10 - R&B and Pop
• Ming Yang , July 12 - Percussion
• Eli Yacinthe , July 17 - R&B/Soul
• En Root Ensemble , July 19 - Classical
• Henry Patterson , July 24 - Pop
• Sonar Immigration , July 26 - Folk and World
• Marley Striem , July 31 - Bass Guitar and Vocals
• Unheard Sounds , August 2 - Chinese Dulcimer Improvisation
• Mar Giménez , August 7 - Latin Pop
• Savin Hillbillies , August 9 - Country, Western, and Irish Folk
• Tiril Jackson , August 14 - Modern Jazz, R&B, and Neo-Soul
• Memoried Quartet , August 16 - Contemporary Jazz and Traditional Persian Music
• Soulboi , August 21 - Jazz
• Feltheart , August 23 - Jazz and Folk
• Sofi Lira , August 28 - Latin Pop, Soul, and R&B
• Boston Lyric Opera , August 30 - Opera

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