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.

Things to Do in Boston: Boston Common

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Iconic Things to Do in Boston

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.

Steeple of Park Street Church in Boston MA, one of the best things to see in Boston MA

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. Be sure to check out the Make Way for Ducklings statue, put in place for the famous children’s book.

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.

Pond in the Boston Public Garden with skyscrapers in the distance, one of the fun things to do in Boston MA

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!

Things to Do in Boston: Boston Common

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!

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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.

Things to Do in Boston: Massachusetts State House

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!

Things to Do in Boston: Bunker Hill Monument View

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!

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Cool Museums to Visit in Boston

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.

Street in Beacon HIll with red brick mansions, one of the best things to see in Boston MA

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!

Kate Storm with a friend standing next to the Paul Revere statue in the North End in Boston MA

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.

Things to Do in Boston: Boston Public Garden

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.

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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!

Things to Do in Boston: Christian Science Monitor Publishing House

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!

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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!
Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm in Boston MA

Neighborhoods to Explore in Boston

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!

Reading Room at Boston Public Library--don't miss this when deciding what to do in Boston MA

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.

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Commonwealth Ave.

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

Commonwealth Avenue in Back, one of the prettiest places to see in Boston

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.2 Days in Boston Itinerary: Selfie in the Park

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!

Things to Do in Boston: Boston North End

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.

Things to Do in Boston: Acorn Street

Where to Get Outside in Boston

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!

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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.

Things to Do in Boston: Harborwalk

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.

Duck Pond in Boston Public Garden, one of the best places to visit in Boston

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.

Boston 4th of July fireworks with a cell phone camera being held in front of them, one of the best things to do in Boston MA

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.

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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!

Salem, Massachusetts house--one of the best places to visit in New England.

Best Foodie 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.

Disply of berries and tomatoes at Boston Public Market, one of the best things to do in Boston MA

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!

Things to Do in Boston: Bell in Hand Tavern

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.

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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.

Boston Creme Pie shot from above, one of the best things to eat in Boston

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!

Things to Do in Boston: Quincy Market

More Fun Things to Do in Boston

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.

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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.

Kate Storm in a blue dress walking down a cobblestone street in Boston MA with skyscrapers ahead

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.

Things to Do in Boston: New England Holocaust Memorial

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!

Things to Do in Boston: Boston Harbor

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!

Things to Do in Boston: New England Aquarium

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!

Things to Do in Boston: Theater

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!

Things to Do in Boston: Faneuil Hall

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.

Exterior section of Brattle Bookshop in Boston MA with bookshelves and a mural nearby--one of the best things ot do in Boston MA

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!

Things to Do in Boston: Spite House, Skinny House

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!

Boston Creme Pie shot from above, one of the best things to eat in 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!

Things to Do in Boston: South Market

Getting Around Boston

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.

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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!

Things to Do in Boston: Beacon Hill

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.

Acorn Street in Boston MA, black text on a white background reads "50+ best things to do in Boston MA"

About Kate Storm
Image of the author, 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!)”

  1. 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!!

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  2. 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!

    Reply
  3. 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.

    Reply
  4. 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!

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  5. 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!

    Reply
  6. 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?

    Reply
  7. 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!

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  8. 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!

    Reply
  9. 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!

    Reply
  10. 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

    Reply
    • Hi Connie!

      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. 🙂

      Reply
  11. 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.

    Reply
  12. 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!

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  13. 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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