Boston is likely one of the oldest and most well-known cities within the United States. There’s no scarcity of historic Boston sights to go to, making this an unimaginable journey vacation spot.

Should you’re planning a visit right here however are uncertain of what to do in Boston, learn on for a have a look at a number of the greatest issues to see and do.

Relationship again to 1630, Boston holds an vital place in American historical past. The town was based by Puritan colonists who have been fleeing spiritual persecution in England.

A lot of the American Revolution unfolded right here, together with essential occasions such because the Boston Bloodbath and the Boston Tea Get together. Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the most important metropolis within the space referred to as New England.

It has a number of nicknames, together with “The Metropolis on a Hill” and “Beantown.” Baked beans and bread have been a quite common dish again in colonial instances, and the identify caught — properly, with vacationers, not a lot with the locals!

Right here you’ll discover an abundance of historic sights, world-class museums, lovely parks, and far more. With a lot occurring in a single metropolis, it may be a bit difficult to determine what to do in Boston.

I actually loved my visits to the town and am excited to share my suggestions and all one of the best issues to do in Boston.

Up to date 2023: This put up has been reviewed and up to date with new Boston sights and locations of curiosity in Boston that guests can take pleasure in this 12 months. We’ve additionally eliminated these gadgets which were completely closed or are now not functioning.

Prime 15 Issues To Do in Boston

Right here’s my record of the highest issues to do in Boston. I’ve visited Boston numerous instances and spent weeks exploring the hidden corners of this lovely metropolis. After all, all through all the time I’ve spent touring round Boston, I’ve carried out much more than these 15 issues, however I’ve narrowed my record right down to the 15 absolute must-visit Boston sights.

1. Freedom Path – topping the record of issues to do in Boston!

One of many high outside actions in Boston is the Freedom Path — a 2.5-mile-long stroll that takes you to a number of the most well-known locations within the metropolis.

Alongside the way in which, you’ll cross by 16 completely different historic sights, from the Boston Frequent all the way in which to the USS Structure.

Should you’re new on the town and don’t actually know what to do in Boston, simply hop on the Freedom Path and absorb a number of the sights. There’s a lot to see and study alongside the path that you may simply spend all day or perhaps a few days taking all of it in. 

Going for a stroll on the Freedom Path in Boston is like being inside a historical past e-book. You’ll see the positioning of the Boston Bloodbath, the previous house of Paul Revere, and the ultimate resting place of such patriots as John Hancock. 

It’s fairly simple to do a self-guided tour of the Freedom Path. I like to recommend beginning on the Customer Heart in Boston Frequent and shifting alongside at a leisurely tempo. Simply click on right here for a PDF map you could comply with.

There are additionally many Freedom Path excursions you could be part of. This one is a personal tour together with a neighborhood historian for a information, whereas this one is a little more enjoyable — a historic pub crawl alongside the Freedom Path!

The Freedom Path tour can be included within the Go Boston Card. 

Tackle: 164 Prince St, Boston, MA 02113, USA (Get Instructions)

2. Boston Tea Get together Ships & Museum

Historical past buffs will certainly need to add a go to to the Tea Get together Ships & Museum to their record of issues to see in Boston. It’s an interactive museum that permits you to expertise this historic occasion as in the event you have been dwelling it.

The Boston Tea Get together is believed to be some of the vital occasions main as much as the American Revolution.

Colonists boarded British ships within the harbor and tossed chests filled with tea overboard in protest. They have been referred to as the Sons of Liberty and their well-known rallying cry was “No taxation with out illustration.”

On the museum, your information will lead you thru a colonial city assembly after which onto an authentically restored ship to really dump bins of tea into the harbor.

After that, you’ll be able to peruse their informative reveals and take a look at the spectacular multi-sensory documentary known as “Let it Start Right here.”

Yow will discover the Boston Tea Get together Ships & Museum at 306 Congress Avenue. It’s open day by day from 10-4 or 5 relying on the season. This can be a extremely rated attraction in Boston, and tickets are reasonably priced. Click on right here to study extra and e-book tickets on-line. 

☞ SEE ALSO: 10 Most cost-effective Cities within the USA for Digital Nomads 

Tackle: 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, United States (Get Instructions)

3. Go to Fenway Park

There’s little question that Boston is likely one of the greatest sports activities cities on the planet. Bostonians are very passionate about their groups, particularly the Crimson Sox. The Sox play at Fenway Park, which is the oldest ballpark within the nation. It dates all the way in which again to 1912 and is even on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.

Catching a sport at Fenway Park is certainly one of many high outside actions in Boston. That’s in the event you can handle to attain tickets!

It’s one of many smallest ballparks within the league and residential to the reigning World Collection champions. I like to recommend going for a day sport on a weekday for one of the best likelihood of getting respectable seats at an affordable value.

Even in the event you don’t get to see the Sox play, it’s properly value it to take a tour of Fenway Park. It’s referred to as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” and an enchanting place to go to.

You’ll get to see the well-known Inexperienced Monster and Pesky’s Pole and study all about this iconic sports activities venue. 

There are a number of completely different choices for excursions of Fenway Park, even on sport days. You should buy tickets on-line as much as 30 days prior, and they’re bought on a first-come, first-serve foundation.

Excursions final one hour and price round $21 for adults or $15 for kids. Click on right here to browse the choices and e-book your tour of Fenway.

Tackle: 4 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215, United States (Get Instructions)

4. Be a part of a Duck Tour

Should you’re questioning what to do in Boston that’s enjoyable for the entire household, you have to be positive to join a duck tour.

I’m not speaking in regards to the birds that quack, although. This “duck” is an amphibious automobile that may cruise on each land and sea. 

After boarding the duck, your group is whisked round Boston for a enjoyable and informative tour of the town and its many landmarks. From there, you get to splash into the Charles River to take pleasure in some improbable views of the skyline.

Duck excursions final round 80 minutes and depart from both the Museum of Science, Prudential Heart, or the New England Aquarium. Excursions depart each 20-Half-hour all through the day. Click on right here to e-book tickets.

This is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Boston, don’t miss it. The “Duck” can be included within the Go Boston Card. 

Tackle: Boston Duck Excursions – 53 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02199, United States (Get Instructions)

5. Boston Frequent and Public Backyard

I do know I discussed it within the blurb in regards to the Freedom Path, however Boston Frequent undoubtedly deserves its personal spot on this record of issues to see in Boston. Relationship all the way in which again to 1634, that is truly the oldest metropolis park within the nation!

Earlier than you get shifting alongside the Freedom Path, you should definitely spend a while strolling round Boston Frequent. Through the summer time, you’ll be able to cool off within the Frog Pond. Within the chilly winter months, it transforms into an ice-skating rink. 

Boston Frequent additionally hosts a number of completely different occasions and festivals all year long. You possibly can take a look at Shakespeare on the Frequent in the summertime for some outside theater, or see the ice sculptures and fireworks shows on New 12 months’s Eve. 

Stroll throughout Charles Avenue and also you’ll end up within the lovely Boston Public Backyard. Right here you’ll be able to take pleasure in a scenic stroll or soar in a swan boat for a spin across the lagoon. Click on right here to verify the situation on the map and get instructions.

Tackle: 115 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, United States (Get Instructions)

6. Faneuil Corridor – an excellent place to eat and store in Boston

After just a few hours of strolling the Freedom Path and taking within the sights, you’ll certainly be able to seize some lunch and sit down for some time. The right place to go is Faneuil Corridor, a market full of retailers, eating places, and bars.

Historic Faneuil Corridor is named the “Cradle of Liberty,” because it was as soon as house to the conferences that ultimately led to the American Revolution. It’s some of the well-known Boston sights and a must-visit whereas within the metropolis.

Along with all of the procuring and eating right here, you can too watch some fairly unimaginable avenue performers. Should you’re in search of issues to do in Boston without cost, right here you’ll discover health courses and dance nights. 

Faneuil Corridor is open from Monday to Saturday from 10-9 and on Sunday from 11-7. Click on right here to get instructions. For a full record of all the companies that function there and the occasion schedule, take a look at their web site.

Tackle: 1 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109, United States (Get Instructions)

7. Feast on Seafood

Ask any native what to do in Boston, and also you’re positive to get responses that embrace the phrases “chowdah” and “lobstah roll.”

Whether or not you’ll be able to perceive the accent or not, some of the enjoyable issues to do in Boston is making an attempt a number of the metropolis’s traditional seafood dishes. (If you end up in Canada’s east coast province of Nova Scotia, consuming lobster rolls is likely one of the greatest issues to do there as properly!)

Maybe essentially the most quintessential dish in Boston is New England clam chowder. This creamy seafood soup has been a staple of the Boston food plan for the reason that time of the Pilgrims. Nice locations for some chowdah embrace Authorized Sea Meals and B&G Oysters.

One other must-eat in Boston is a lobster roll. This delectable concoction is made by including lobster meat to a sizzling dog-style bun.

The lobster is normally soaked in both butter or mayo together with some salt and pepper. If that sounds superb, that’s as a result of it’s!

A number of the greatest locations to get this Boston traditional is Island Creek Oyster Bar (replace: sadly, this restaurant has completely closed) and the aptly named Lobstah on a Roll — among the best issues to do on Newbury Avenue is to eat certainly one of these lobster rolls!

Tackle: Authorized Seafoods – 255 State St, Boston, MA 02109, United States (Get Instructions)

8. Go to The North Finish (and eat Italian meals)

Whereas lobster is likely one of the hottest meals in Boston, so too is Italian meals. The North Finish has been inhabited for the reason that 1630s and is house to an Italian American inhabitants.

Should you love Italian meals (balsamic vinegar, cheese, pasta, pizza, olive oil…oh my!), you’ll need to take a look at the North Finish. Nonetheless, it’s not simply in regards to the meals right here, there are some nice websites to see as properly.

Don’t miss the sculptures and art work, the oldest church in Boston (Outdated North Church), the Paul Revere Home, the birthplace of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, and extra.

You possibly can wander across the North Finish sampling gelato as you go, however if you wish to study extra in regards to the neighbourhood and discover some nice eating places, take a look at this tour, which features a educated information, meals samplings, entrance charges, and extra. 

Tackle: North Finish Station – 186 Canal St, Boston, MA 02114, United States (Get Instructions)

9. JFK Presidential Library & Museum

John F. Kennedy was the thirty fifth President of the USA. He grew up simply outdoors of Boston in Brookline, MA and he attended faculty at Harvard College.

Tragically, JFK was assassinated in 1963. Historical past buffs will need to add a cease on the JFK Presidential Library & Museum to their record of issues to see in Boston.

The hanging constructing was designed by world-famous architect I.M. Pei on Boston’s waterfront. Earlier than his premature loss of life, Kennedy visited the world to discover a location for his future library, however he by no means received to see it accomplished.

Since he inspired his administration to avoid wasting each official and private paperwork, this complicated is taken into account each a library and a museum.

By way of the varied reveals, you’ll be able to study all in regards to the life and legacy of JFK. With interactive shows, high-definition projections, and numerous authentic artifacts, it’s a tremendous look into one of many nation’s most beloved public figures. 

The JFK Presidential Library is positioned at Columbia Level. It’s open day by day from 9-5 with the final introductory movie exhibiting simply earlier than 4 PM. Tickets value $14 for adults and $10 for kids. You should buy tickets on-line prematurely on their web site.

Tackle: Columbia Level, Boston, MA 02125, United States (Get Instructions)

10. See The Well-known Universities

Boston is likely one of the largest instructional facilities in the USA. The town is house to a number of prestigious universities, reminiscent of Harvard, MIT, and the College of Massachusets. 

Harvard constantly ranks at #1 on lists of the highest universities on the planet. As such, the campus of this Ivy League faculty is taken into account one of many high issues to see in Boston. 

You have got just a few completely different choices for seeing this world-famous college. Click on right here to obtain a map for a self-guided tour together with an accompanying audio tour.

It’s learn by present Harvard college students and gives an excellent introduction to the college. This is likely one of the greatest free issues to do in Boston for positive. 

Another choice is signing up for certainly one of Harvard’s reasonably priced strolling excursions led by college students. Click on right here to study extra and e-book this standard tour on-line. A strolling tour of Harvard College can be included within the Go Boston Card.

Addresses:
Harvard College (Cambridge, MA, United States – Instructions)
MIT (77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States – Instructions)
College of Massachusetts (100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, United States – Instructions)

11. Picnic at Greenway

Greenway Park is a mile-long stretch of inexperienced house that connects Zakim Bridge to the Chinatown Gate. Give your self a while to slowly meander alongside the paths right here, chill within the grass or take pleasure in a day picnic.

On any day of the week, you’ll see loads of individuals strolling, biking, jogging, and lounging the whole size of Greenway. Don’t miss the various fountains within the middle and in addition think about stopping at one of many close by meals vans to choose up a meal to take pleasure in on the grass.

There are additionally just a few festivals, parades, and occasions that occur at Greenway so verify their web site to see if there are any occasions throughout your go to.

Tackle: John F Fitzgerald Floor Rd, Boston, MA 02111, United States (Get Instructions)

12. Museum Hopping

Should you’re ever uncertain of what to do in Boston, simply pop into one of many metropolis’s many glorious museums. Along with the aforementioned JFK Library & Museum, you could have a number of different decisions to find out about artwork, historical past, and science.

All the museums listed under are included within the Go Boston Card.

Museum of High quality Arts

Boston’s Museum of High quality Arts has a formidable assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s not solely among the best museums in Boston however in the whole United States.

You would spend weeks right here and nonetheless not absorb all of the superb artwork that’s on show.

The museum is open day by day from 10-5 Sat-Tues and 10-10 Wed-Fri. Tickets value $25 for adults and $10 for kids, however children can go to without cost any day after 3 PM and on weekends. Discover the museum on the map, right here. 

Tackle: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States (Get Instructions)

Different Should-See Museums in Boston

Different nice decisions embrace the Boston Kids’s Museum, the Museum of Science, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Vacationers will love the Mapparium, which is house to a 3-story stained-glass globe that offers you a 3D perspective of the world. It’s positioned within the Mary Baker Eddy Library (click on right here for instructions) and prices simply $6 for adults and $4 for kids.

13. Newbury Avenue

For these occupied with discovering a number of the greatest procuring and eating choices on the town, a stroll alongside fashionable Newbury Avenue is a should. I personally hate procuring and even I’ll admit that this is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Boston!

This mile-long avenue is house to historic brownstones relationship again to the nineteenth century. Right here you’ll discover all kinds of boutiques, salons, cafes, eating places, galleries, bars, and extra. It truly is a one-stop store and an excellent place to spend just a few hours.

On the decrease finish close to Boston Public Backyard, you’ll discover largely upscale outlets. Due to this stretch, Newbury Avenue is taken into account some of the costly streets within the nation!

As you make your method up the road, although, it turns into extra of a bohemian vibe with extra budget-friendly choices. Should you’re in search of enjoyable, free issues to do in Boston, wandering round Newbury Avenue is a good choice.

One of the vital iconic outlets right here is Newbury Comics, which was opened again in 1978 and kicked off the road’s transformation right into a hip procuring space.

Come right here to peruse their huge assortment of popular culture merchandise, from comedian books to vinyl and far more. Click on right here to get instructions.

Tackle: Newbury St #212-214, Boston, MA 02116, United States (Get Instructions)

14. Go to Fortress Island

Fortress Island is likely one of the coolest issues to see in Boston is certainly Fortress Island. Right here you’ll discover the historic Fort Independence and Pleasure Bay Seaside.

It’s an attractive place to go to in the summertime months when you’ll be able to go for a stroll alongside the waterfront, go for a dip, and possibly have a picnic on the seashore.

Should you don’t really feel like bringing your individual lunch, cease by native favourite Sullivan’s for fried clams and ice cream.

The Fort is just open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, and there are free excursions given by volunteers.

The excursions all the time run from midday to three:30 on Sunday, and there are additionally Saturday excursions in the course of the summer time. In June and July, they add further skyline viewing excursions on Thursday evenings at 7. 

Fortress Island is positioned in South Boston on the shore of Boston Harbor. For extra data, you should definitely take a look at their web site.

Tackle: Boston, MA 02127, USA (Get Instructions)

15. Be a part of a Brewery Tour

It’s no secret that Boston is a metropolis that enjoys a chilly one once in a while!

Taking a brewery tour is certainly some of the enjoyable issues to do in Boston for adults, and you’ve got loads of choices. In actual fact, there are over 100 craft breweries within the state of Massachusetts.

Samuel Adams Beer Tour

Boston could be very a lot a revolutionary metropolis, and the craft beer revolution received going right here as properly. Brewer Jim Koch made his first batch of Boston Lager in his kitchen within the 80s.

Many years later, Samuel Adams is likely one of the most well-known beers within the nation. 

Excursions of their Boston Brewery run Monday to Saturday from 11-5. You possibly can learn in regards to the varied tour choices on their web site. Yow will discover the Sam Adams Boston Brewery at 30 Germania Avenue.

Craft Beer Excursions

Should you desire to depart the planning to another person and focus extra on the ingesting, join one of many Metropolis Brew Excursions. You’ll go to 4 breweries/cider homes and luxuriate in tastings at every one, plus, a light-weight lunch and spherical journey transportation are included. 

This tour with Boston Brew Excursions presents 12 tastings at 3 completely different breweries/cider homes, spherical journey transportation, a information, and snacks.

Lastly, this strolling tour consists of stops on the historic taverns in Boston. Included within the tour are a educated information, a go to to 2 historic taverns (with a drink at each), snacks, and a round-trip ferry trip throughout the Boston harbour. Study extra right here. 

Different standard choices for brewery excursions in Boston embrace Harpoon, Somerville Brewing Co., and Night time Shift Brewing. Should you’re in search of issues to do in Boston at evening, hitting up a brewery is an efficient guess.

Bonus! Meals Tour

After all, you’ll be able to eat your method round Boston, however if you wish to discover one of the best locations to eat, and study in regards to the metropolis whereas doing so, becoming a member of a meals tour is a good choice. 

There are just a few glorious decisions — relying on what you’re feeling like.

Italian Meals Tour: Pizza, Meat, Cheese, Bread

Should you love the above meals, you’ll need to take a look at this Italian Tour! Situated within the North Finish, you’ll take pleasure in studying in regards to the historical past of the town out of your information. Plus, samplings of pizza, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and occasional are included. Study extra right here. 

Boston North Finish Pizza Tour

This can be a nice tour for pizza lovers. You’ll go to 5 completely different websites on the Freedom Path and luxuriate in a slice of pizza and the highest 3 pizzerias within the metropolis — together with the oldest. Plus, you’ll attempt cannoli and study in regards to the metropolis out of your information. Discover out extra right here.

Boston’s North Finish: Secret Meals Tour

Sticking within the North Finish of Boston, this non-public tour (as much as 2 individuals) features a 3-hour strolling tour, with 6 stops to style native specialties — together with seafood and the traditional baked beans and bread. You may also improve this tour to incorporate craft beer. Discover out extra right here.

FAQs About Boston

Solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting Boston.

Plan Your Journey To Boston Now

Hopefully, after studying this information you received’t have a tough time determining issues to do in Boston. As you’ll be able to see, you’ve received loads of superb choices!

It truly is an enchanting metropolis to go to, whether or not you’re occupied with historical past, sports activities, artwork, or simply having fun with the culinary and nightlife scenes. With just a few days in Boston, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a pleasant combine of all of them.

Have you ever been to Boston and have an excellent advice on issues to do, locations to eat, or cool spots to seize a drink? Tell us within the feedback under!

Some pictures on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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