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Are you looking for incredible things to do in Boston? Fantastic!
In this blog post, we’re about to dive into the bustling, historic, and absolutely charming city of Boston. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just in love with beautiful cityscapes, Boston has something special for you!
I called this beautiful city my home for quite some time, and I miss the city so much now! In this post, I will give you a complete list of amazing attractions in the city + a few local tips I have under my sleeve so you can have a wonderful time in this unique city!
Believe me, I KNOW this city, and I promise you by the end of this article, you will have a complete itinerary, and you will fall in love with Boston just like I did!
By the way, I am recommending a few tours and hotels in this article, so if any of them catch your eye, book them ASAP! They both book super quick!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you don’t have a lot of time to read the whole article and want to book the best tours in the city fast, here are the main things to book in advance:
- Go on a guided Fenway Park tour
- Spot beautiful whales and dolphins with this Boston Coast Tour
- Have family fun at the interactive Tea Party Ships & Museum
If you want to make the most out of your stay Boston CityPASS (from US$79) is a great option for those looking to save some bucks and visit 4 of the main attractions in a span of 9 days. And
Go City: Boston All-Inclusive Pass allows you to visit all the attractions of your liking. You choose how many days you want the pass to last (from US$79).
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Explore the beautiful Boston Public Garden
- 2. Be charmed by Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- 3. Become a Boston Red Sox fan at Fenway Park
- 4. Have a picnic at Boston Common
- 5. Admire beautiful art at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
- 6. Wander around Back Bay, the most stunning area in Boston
- 7. Go on a historical walk with the Freedom Trail
- 8. Try all the food Boston has to offer
- 9. Take a whale-watching tour around Boston Coast
- 10. Go shopping at Newbury Street
- 11. Buy local food at Quincy Market
- 12. Get lost in the beautiful streets of Beacon Hill
- 13. Board a 19th-century ship at the USS Constitution Museum
- 14. Spend the day discovering Harvard University in Cambridge
- 15. Admire Boston Public Library Beauty
- 16. Throw the tea at Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
- 17. Enjoy Christmas Markets and ice skate at Snowport
- 18. Explore the Boston Public Market
- 19. Discover North End Area’s Charm
- 20. Take a unique sightseeing tour of Boston!
- 21. Sample beer at Samuel Adams Brewery
- 22. Have a meal at the mythical Cheers Bar!
- 23. Visit the Old State House in Downtown Boston
- 24. Go for a scenic walk at Charles River Esplanade
- 25. Enjoy Boston’s Nightlife
- 26. Visit the beautiful Martha’s Vineyard on a day trip!
- 27. Go on a spooky day trip to Salem
- 28. Buy a book in the coolest bookshops in the city!
- BONUS: where to stay in Boston
- FAQs about top things to do in Boston
- Conclusion
1. Explore the beautiful Boston Public Garden
One of the city’s most iconic sights is Boston Public Garden. It is located in the heart of the city, in the Beacon Hill area, and offers beautiful greenery, and landscape architecture, with high modern buildings in the background.
Whether you are visiting during the summer or the winter, the garden is completely beautiful. But of course, the fun of visiting during the warmer months is that you can have lovely picnics here!
Did you know Boston Public Garden was founded in 1839 and was the first botanical garden in the United States?
One of the main monuments is the George Washington Statue, so make sure you take the popular photo with the Suspension Bridge behind. There is a beautiful lake in the park, and you can get on the Swan boats (from US$4.5) if you are visiting from April to September.
CHALLENGE: Find the cute Make Way for Ducklings iron statue and take a fun photo!!
PRICE: free
2. Be charmed by Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
This stunning art museum must be one of the most popular and iconic ones in Boston. The museum nestles all the art pieces from Isabella’s private collection. She found her passion for art after her many travels around Europe with her husband.
The museum’s building itself recreates a 15th-century Venetian Palace and her collection features from Italian Renaissance paintings to Islamic art pieces.
The museum has a beautiful garden and courtyard that was carefully curated by Isabella. Here, you can admire sculptures and extravagant flowers. Plus, there are 3 stories to explore the actual building!
FUN FACT: Before dying Isabella made sure the museum would stay open for the public with the condition that all the art pieces would stay in the same place, and the museum shouldn’t sell or acquire new pieces. And, let me tell you, Bostonians love telling the story of how there are some empty frames in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum due to a huge robbery to the museum in 1990!
There is even a Netflix show called “This is a Robbery” about the museum and the stolen art pieces. You should definitely watch it before visiting to get in the mood!
PRO TIP: If your name is Isabella, you can go in for free with your ID!
You can get more info about admissions here.
PRICE: from US$20 per person
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Become a Boston Red Sox fan at Fenway Park
One of America’s pastimes is baseball, and if you are in Boston, you NEED to check out Fenway Park! The Red Sox are literally one of the most legendary baseball teams in the world. Imagine how exciting it would be to watch a game with all their fans, spot Wally the Green Monster, their mascot, in the crowd, and watch a batter doing a home run!
The Red Sox were founded in 1901! It is the oldest active major league baseball stadium in the country.
The stadium is located in Fenway-Kenmore, and the area is super beautiful by itself. Around the stadium, you can find hundreds of restaurants and bars (including Time Out Market Boston). Even a few popular music venues like the House of Blues and MGM Music Hall. And you’ll be a 10-minute walk from Back Bay.
If you happen to be in Boston when they play at Fenway Park, you can check and get the season tickets here. If you can’t attend a game (or the Red Sox are not playing), don’t sweat it! You can always join the guided tour and have the unique experience of seeing the stadium and museum.
The tour will take you inside Fenway Park and its museum. You can choose from a public tour, a private tour, or a pre-game tour. I highly recommend the pre-game tour to all Red Sox fans who want to get access to the field and ballpark!
GAME TICKET PRICE: it varies
TOUR PRICE: from US$25
4. Have a picnic at Boston Common
Boston Common is located in Beacon Hill, just next to Boston Public Garden, and it is one of the most popular green spaces in the city! It’s huge, too – about 50 acres.
Established in 1634, Boston Common is actually the oldest park in the US! And while it is beautiful all year round, it is especially stunning during the spring when the flowers bloom after the cold winter!
The park has a lot of sports fields, such as tennis courts. You can also find stands to get food, a carousel aaand the Frog Pond! The frog pond is a splashing pool during the summer, and in the winter, it is a cool ice rink. You can check the prices here!
Did you know there is a law that forbids cows from being in Boston Common?
The law is from 1830, when Boston started to urbanize, and locals would frequent the park with their families. Before that and from its opening in 1634, the area was super rural, and it was a grazing area!!
PARK PRICE: free
5. Admire beautiful art at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Literally one of my favorite Boston City museums! And definitely one I visited too many times!
It is located in Fenway-Kenmore, on Huntington Ave. (just an 8 min walk from Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum) very close to MassArt and the unique Back Bay Fens!
They hold temporary exhibits that are FIRE, and they also have permanent collections of European art, such as Renaissance paintings and contemporary artists of the caliber of Takashi Murakami and Andy Warhol.
They also host special events, for example, the first Friday of every month there you can attend First Friday from 6 pm to 9 pm. There is always live music, and you can buy drinks and finger food at the museum – it is super fun! Just keep in mind you need to be at least 21 years old and bring your ID.
PRO TIP: If you are a broke university student, make sure to bring your student ID for free admission!
You can reserve and purchase your Museum of Fine Arts Boston here.
PRICE: from US$27 per person
6. Wander around Back Bay, the most stunning area in Boston
Back Bay never gets old! It is one of the most charming areas in the city, and every single street has something to offer! Back Bay is quite a wealthy area and is known for its brown Victorian houses alongside Commonwealth Avenue Mall. I recommend getting a coffee and walking the Green Stretch!
I moved to Boston in January, and I didn’t know how cold it was. On my first day walking around Back Bay, my vocal cords froze, and I lost my voice for 30 minutes, so, dress in warm clothes!
If you want to go on a shopping spree, The Prudential Center will serve you well! You can find so many well-known brands, and on the 50th floor, you have The Beacon Bistro and Stratus Bar, which offer sweeping views!
7. Go on a historical walk with the Freedom Trail
History buffs will love this exciting walk through 16 of the most significant historical landmarks that were crucial to the American Revolution!
The walk through the red Freedom Trail is marked on the city’s pavement. It is 2.5 miles (4km) long and goes around Boston and the picturesque Charles Town. You can follow the itinerary from the official site and do it at your own pace, or you can join a walking tour, which I highly recommend!
The attractions on the way include Massachusetts State House, the Old North Church, the spot of the Boston Massacre, the Old Granary Burying Ground, where historical figures such as Sam Adams, John Hancock are buried, as well as Benjamin Franklin parents; Josiah Franklin and Abiah Folger.
The walking tour will take you around all 16 historical landmarks, with your guide dressed up like a historical character, and will tell you everything in a super fun and theatrical manner! Super is recommendable for adults and families with kids!
I recommend taking the tour too – it is 1,5-2 hours long, and you will learn more about the history.
PRICE: free for self-guided, from US$26 for a tour
Book a guided Freedom Trail tour
8. Try all the food Boston has to offer
If there is something Boston is known about is its amazing cuisine, with a lot of international influence, as well as local traditions. Here are the dishes you cannot miss:
- Lobster Roll – these are traditional and were born in New England, and date back from 1929! So if you are in Boston you need to try this summer meal! A lobster roll is served on a hot dog bun and the way it is served in New England is with BUTTER, lemon, salt and pepper! James Hook & Co is the best place to try it!
- Clam chowder – apart from being an iconic traditional New England dish, Boston’s clam chowder is the best one in the country. And one of the best places to try this soup with potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, cream, and clams is The Union Oyster House.
- Cannoli – Boston has a lot of Italian influence dating back from the 1880, when people migrated to the city, that is why you can find the most amazing italian pastries in the North End Area. For the best Italian good Mike’s Pastry opened in 1946 is the place!
- Boston Cream Pie and Donut – These 2 date back to 1856, and as the name indicates these were created in Boston at Parker House Hotel to be more specific by an American-French cook. And once again you should head to Mike’s Pastry for amazing ones.
- Shrimp Cocktail – People say the shrimp cocktail was born in 1920 after the dry law took place, it was a rebellious answer to the prohibition of alcoholic drinks. And it is said it was created in Boston Harbor, so what better place to try it than Boston. Head to Atlantic Fish Company for one of the best in the city!
- Salt Water Taffy – This one originated in Jersey Shore during the 19th century, but quickly became a New England thing. And don’t worry, this is not salty at all, it is sugary, and you will love it. I recommend checking Quincy Market for homemade ones!
- Boston Baked Bean – This one dates back from the 18th century, when molasses was used to distiller rum, and in that moment molasses started to be added to baked beans. Giving baked beans a unique Boston flavor, since in the rest of the country they used sugar! You can try it at Mike & Patty’s Bay Village.
- Irish Coffee – This one is for all those +21! Irish coffee consists of fresh coffee, Irish Whiskey and whipped cream on top! It is traditional in Ireland, and from the late 1840’s it became popular in Boston thanks to the big wake of Irish moving to the country. Have a good one at Emmets.
If you want to try all those delicious things on a guided food tour, I can highly recommend this one.
And since we are on a topic of food – Chinatown is another cool spot in the city to try amazing Chinese, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese cuisine! And something great about this area is that it is steps away from Boston Common, so it is super central!
One of the trendiest spots for a bite or a drink is Shōjō Boston, where you can find Asian-inspired dishes and fruity cocktails. The restaurant’s ambiance is modern and laid back! I recommend the fried eggplant bao!
9. Take a whale-watching tour around Boston Coast
Did you know you could see actual whales and dolphins in the wild in Boston? Crazy! Am I right? That is why you cannot miss the opportunity to live this one-in-a-lifetime experience!
The tour lasts around 3 hours and departs from One Long Wharf near New England Aquarium, you will board a catamaran that will take you along Boston Coast, where you can spot Humpback Whales, Finback Whales, Minke Whales, and White-Sided Dolphins!
People of all ages can join this tour, and it will be loved by all the little ones and adults the same! So don’t miss out on this opportunity!
TOUR PRICE: from US$75 per person
10. Go shopping at Newbury Street
Newbury Street is literally one of the coolest streets in Boston. It is part of the Back Bay area, and it is the perfect place for some holiday shopping or simply to relax in any of the cafés and restaurants around.
As far as clothing, you can find trendy brand names and some high-end boutiques, too! And for restaurants, you can find from high-end French cuisine restaurants to trendy pizza places.
One of my favorites in the area was Dirty Water Dough Company (map); it is super laid back, and the pizza is delicious. PRO TIP: try to get a window seat for some Back Bay people-watching!!
11. Buy local food at Quincy Market
Quincy Market (map) is one of the most popular attractions in Boston. Not to be confused with Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which is next to it, has a red brick facade and is also very cool and worth exploring!!
Quincy Market has been an eclectic food market hall since 1826, so you cannot miss visiting this piece of living history! The facade and architecture are unique with a cool Greek style so make sure to take a pic of it!
The market is perfect for getting fresh produce and trying the most authentic street food in the cute food stalls! Here, you can definitely try a lobster roll, and if you have a sweet tooth, a cannoli or a Boston cream pie, together with a coffee, sit at one of the cute little tables inside, and take in the scenery! By the way, don’t forget to get some handmade saltwater taffy while you are here!
While you are in Quincy Market, visit Faneuil Hall (map) next to it. It is a great place to buy souvenirs, sit on the terrace, and watch a street performance during the summer. And of course, here you can also find amazing sugary treats!
PRICE: free entry
12. Get lost in the beautiful streets of Beacon Hill
Oh boy! How much do I love this neighborhood!
It is without a doubt one of the most picturesque areas in the city! The beautiful red brick houses, the cute Acorn street which has a unique colonial feel, with its cobblestone narrow streets, and the cozy little cafes at every corner. Completely beautiful in the summer and wintertime and makes the perfect setting for a photoshoot!
Acorn street is actually one of the most photographed streets in the USA!
Charles Street is quite iconic in the area. It separates Boston Public Garden and Boston Common, extends through Beacon Hill, and nestles a lot of cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. One of my favorite bakeries in the arena is Tatte Bakery. They have amazing sandwiches, and they make the best coffee. The perfect place for an easy Sunday brunch!
PRICE: free
13. Board a 19th-century ship at the USS Constitution Museum
This is another amazing chance to explore and get a close encounter with American history. The USS Constitution Museum is an interactive museum located on the Charlestown Navy Yard, and it is not your regular museum!!
Built in 1797, it is the world’s oldest ship that is still afloat!
Its name is Constitution, and it is also known as Old Ironsides after the War of 1812 against the Brits. People of all ages will love wandering around and interacting with living history!
While you are in the Bunker Hill Area, don’t forget to visit the Bunker Hill memorial and climb its 294 steps to the top. Here, in June of 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill took place, and New England Soldiers faced the British Army. Check out the opening hours.
14. Spend the day discovering Harvard University in Cambridge
If you go all the way to Boston, you need to cross the Harvard Bridge and explore the unique Cambridge Area! Without a doubt it has a different vibe than Boston, somehow younger!
Probably due to the fact that Harvard University and its HUGE Campus are located there! It is one of the most iconic Ivy League Universities in the country. A lot of celebrities graduated from Harvard, including Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy and Rashida Jones!
If you want to really explore the University and learn everything about it, as well as the hidden gems in its campus, I highly suggest taking a Harvard tour (from US$23 per person). It will take 90 minutes to go around it, and after that, you will end up all charmed by it!
FUN FACT: “Good Will Hunting” was partially filmed in Boston and Cambridge. For example, some iconic sights are MIT and Harvard Square!
Another reason why Cambridge has a young vibe is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, also known as MIT. Another great and prestigious university in the USA is known by the entire world! So, if you are interested in seeing where astronauts graduated from, take an MIT Campus Tour (from US$22 pp)!
PRO TIP: During the summer, you can find pop-up food trucks all over the Cambridge Area, which you should definitely visit in any season! There is nothing better than buying a bite and exploring the city.
Harvard Square is full of bars and restaurants. On Massachusetts Avenue, you can find my favorite restaurant in the area (Veggie Galaxy). Sometimes, they have a vegan lobster roll on the menu, so make sure it comes with mayo for a traditional New England taste!!
15. Admire Boston Public Library Beauty
Boston Public Library is one of the most charming libraries I have set foot in. It is located on Boylston Street in Back Bay, just a few steps away from Copley Square.
The library was built in 1848 and presents the most stunning Renaissance architecture. I promise you the moment you go in, you will feel like you are in a museum or just transported yourself to Hogwarts!
There is also a lovely courtyard on the library grounds that looks taken out of a French Palace! The place is so charming, sometimes it is chosen as a wedding location!
The library offers a wide range of events, even free guided tours (led by students of Harvard) of the facilities to learn about its history and art! Don’t miss it!
PRICE: free
16. Throw the tea at Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Please, you HAVE to promise me you will join this one, especially if you have kids!
This museum takes place on a replica of an 18th-century ship. The museum is interactive, and different characters from the Boston Tea Party that had a great impact on the American Revolution will take you around the ship to uncover some history.
During the visit to the museum, visitors will throw off the ship and into the water boxes of tea, just like it happened on the 16th of December of 1773. That day US citizens threw 342 chests of British tea into the water in protest of the tea taxation, this act was crucial for the US revolution and independence from the Brits!
This museum is super family-friendly, and kids will love participating in all the activities and learning in depth about this historical event that was crucial for America’s revolution! But hey, also, if you are an adult and love history, you will love visiting the museum! Honestly, a unique experience in downtown Boston!
BTW, the Atlantic Wharf, a tall modern building with 32 floors, is located near this museum. This trendy building hosts cool events during the summer and is home to trendy restaurants!
PRICE: from US$34 per person
17. Enjoy Christmas Markets and ice skate at Snowport
Boston during the winter time has that unique Christmas feel that will transport you to a cozy holiday movie!
One of the best things you can do in Boston during the Christmas break and the Holiday season is visit the seaport, which transforms into Snowport during the winter!
Here you can enjoy a lot of fun activities, including family-friendly ones! You can go Christmas market shopping and ice skating, as well as enjoy fun events. For example, you can enjoy from cocktail crawl events to curling. You can check out more here.
18. Explore the Boston Public Market
Boston Public Market is the best place to buy and support local vendors. You can get quality locally grown fruits and vegetables and buy baked goods made by small business owners! In the market, you can also find artisan stands, craft beers, vegan treats, and beautiful flowers. You can literally buy everything here!
The market is located in the Boston Downtown area, just a 3-minute walk away from the cute Rose Kennedy Greenway. The ideal place to sit down surrounded by beautiful greenery while enjoying the treats you got at Boston Public Market!
PRICE: free entry to the market
19. Discover North End Area’s Charm
Just in case you don’t know this, Boston has a huge Italian and Irish influence since a lot of people from these countries migrated and settled in Boston back in 1840 and 1880.
That is why it is so common to find proper Irish bars, and Italian restaurants in this area. So if you want to feel like a real Bostonian, and have a taste of Ireland go and have Guinness or traditional Irish Coffee, at Emmets! One of the most iconic Irish bars in the North End
North End is an eclectic and full-of-character neighborhood filled with Italian restaurants and bakeries, as well as cool bars for a fun night out!
In North End, you can find Little Italy, which, as the name suggests, has everything Italian. Hanover Street, one of the main streets in Little Italy, is filled with amazing restaurants, including the iconic Mike’s Pastry opened in 1946, where you can get the BEST Cannolis in town, and Boston Cream Pie and donuts!
FUN FACT: Did you know part of the city of Boston was built on a landfill? For example, part of Boston Harbor, including the New England Aquarium and part of North End, is in a landfill!
For restaurants, I recommend La Famiglia Giorgio’s Restaurant; it has a laid-back vibe, and they serve big, hearty Italian dishes.
Apart from Little Italy, you can visit important landmarks. North End is the oldest part of the city and is home to great history!
For example, you can visit Paul Revere House. He is known to be one of the most iconic figures in the American Revolution! He was the patriot and a silverman who alerted citizens during his midnight rides about the British heading to Lexington and Concord in April of 1775, these 2 battles were the starting point of the American revolution for freedom.
During his midnight ride, two lanterns were lit at the Old North Church to alert the British that they were traveling by river and not by land.
20. Take a unique sightseeing tour of Boston!
Boston is known for having a lot of peculiar sightseeing tours, which are rather iconic, so you can’t miss them! Here are the best ones, pick your favorite or try them all and then tell me which one is your favorite!!
Duck Tour
Honestly, I cannot think of anything more iconic than a duck tour! You will board a WWII-style vehicle that is half car and half boat. You will hop into this unique, colorful automobile and drive around the city while learning historical facts about Boston and the USA.
At some point, the so-called duck tour will jump into the Charles River and take you on a scenic boat ride along Boston and Cambridge Bay. If you want to make your trip to Boston memorable, this one will do the trick. It will amaze people of all ages! So don’t miss out!
DUCK TOUR PRICE: from US$50 per person
Hop-on hop-off trolley tour
Honestly, this is such a great way to discover the city of Boston and its history in a fun, and easy way, especially if you travel with kids!
You will literally hop on a cute green and orange vintage-looking trolley which will take you to the main historical attractions of the city, including some of the Freedom Trail landmarks, the Boston Common, and the Old Corner Bookstore.
You should definitely book this tour for a memorable and unique point of view of the city. AND, if you get this trolley tour, you will get a discount for the Tea Party Ships and Museums! A DEAL!
TOUR PRICE: from US$53 per person
Historical sightseeing cruise tour
During your time in Boston, make sure you take a unique cruise that will take you along the harbor to see landmarks in a unique way!!
The tour departs from Long Wharf (map), which is super close to Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park (an ideal spot for a picnic, BTW). The Tours will take you across the Harbor Islands National Park Area, and from the ship, you will be able to see Bunker Hill and the Old North Church.
If you would rather visit some of Boston Harbor Islands, such as Spectacle Island, at your own pace, you can take a ferry (from US$24 per person) departing from Long Wharf as well. You can check the schedules here.
HISTORICAL CRUISE: from US$46 per person
21. Sample beer at Samuel Adams Brewery
If you are 21 years old and over, then you can visit the cool and local Samuel Adams Brewery. It is located in Jamaica Plain, and you can take tours to learn about the brewing methods, and the brewery history while sampling refreshing beer together with some nice snacks! Also, they have a nice gift shop where you can treat yourself to some presents!
COOL FACT: the brewery was named after one of Massachusetts revolutionary movement leaders, Samuel Adams. He is one of the Founding Fathers of the United States who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Samuel Adams Brewery offers different types of tours; you can check on their official site!
PRICE: from US$10 to US$50 per person
22. Have a meal at the mythical Cheers Bar!
Have you ever heard of Cheers the Show? What about Frasier, one of its characters with a spin-off show with the same name?
Well, sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name (hehe), and then you should head to Cheers!
Cheers is located in front of the Boston Public Garden, and it is the location where the show was partially filmed. Inside the bar, you can find a lot of memorabilia, and it definitely has a special charm. Even if you haven’t watched the TV show, you will enjoy sitting and dining in the cozy wooden interiors!
FOOD PRICE: starting from US$18
23. Visit the Old State House in Downtown Boston
The Old State House is located on Washington Street in Downtown Boston, and managed by Revolutionary Spaces, with the aim to create a safe space for debate and community.
The Old State House was built in 1879 and had great significance in Colonial times and most of the historical events leading to the American Revolution happened here. Definitely worth visiting and learning about the country’s past.
The entrance ticket includes the Old State House and the Old South Meeting House!
PRO TIP: Take the time to take in the Old State House’s beautiful Golden Dome; from outside you can see it shine on Boston’s skyline! It’s truly unique, so get your camera ready!
PRICE: from US$14 per person
24. Go for a scenic walk at Charles River Esplanade
I don’t think there is anything more romantic than going for a scenic walk at sunset by Charles River Esplanade. This beautiful park is located in Back Bay East by the Charles River Basin. The views of the city are stunning and make it a perfect picture!
Nearby, you can find the Hatch Memorial Shell. It is an amphitheater, and during the summer, sometimes they have concerts that are free to the public. Stunning!
PRO TIP: If you want to ride a bike around the area, Blue Bike Boston is your best option. These are the city bikes you can find in several Massachusetts cities, and it is super convenient. You can get a day pass and use the bike for 2 hours at a time (US$10), and it will be cheaper than renting a bike elsewhere.
PRICE: free
25. Enjoy Boston’s Nightlife
You need to know that if you are looking to spend the weekend bar hopping, Boston got you covered! You can find from cheap student bars to cool nightclubs and trendy bars!
Some of the best areas for a drink with friends, if you are on the younger crowd side, are Allston and Harvard Square. These areas are the main ones where students go out, and bars are fairly cheap! There are also a few music venues! Boylston Street is another hub for nightlife, and here you can find boujee bars and nightclubs, usually a bit more expensive than the other 2!
26. Visit the beautiful Martha’s Vineyard on a day trip!
If you are staying in Boston long enough, then I highly recommend you take a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard. This island is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, south of the equally beautiful Cape Cod.
Martha’s Vineyard has an old-world charm, and you will feel like you’ve taken to a fantasy world. Here, you can enjoy movie-like views, sunbathe on beautiful beaches, check out cute houses, and have a cozy meal at homey restaurants.
If you want to take this day trip hassle-free and sit back and relax, I’ve found a great day trip with a round-trip van and ferry shuttle included!
PRICE: from US$120 per person
27. Go on a spooky day trip to Salem
Come on! If you go to Boston, you gotta go and see Salem, especially if you are going during Halloween! Salem is a super famous town mostly due to the witch trials from 1692!! And I am more than sure you’ve watched at least 1 movie about Salem Witches… for example… “Hocus Pocus”??!! A CLASSIC!!!
To make things easier for you, I’ve found a speed ferry that takes you from Boston to Salem in less than an hour (plus gorgeous views from the ferry!) and a cool ghost tour that will make you shiver while walking around the haunted streets of Salem!!! Spooky and FUN for all ages!
FERRY PRICE: from US$27 per person each way
TOUR PRICE: from US$32 per person (excluding the transportation)
28. Buy a book in the coolest bookshops in the city!
Boston has sooo many bookshops, but I wanted to share with you 2 of the most iconic ones!
Peruse Brattle Bookshop is super near Boston Common and quite a landmark since it was established in 1825 and is one of the oldest book stores in the USA! It has 3 different floors, and you can find 1st editions, rarities, and new books too! A complete MUST!
Trident Bookstore is located on Back Bay’s Newbury Street, and it is one of my favorite bookstores in the city! Apart from having a wide collection of books for sale (would you guess???!!). They also have a cute café selling from pasties and coffees to nice meals and drinks!
They also host free events like open mic and speed dating (WINK WINK) and some other paid events, such as classes for crafts or theme nights like murder mystery! So check it out and meet some locals!
Beacon Hill Books & Café This bookstore is just the cutest! You will feel like you are going into someone’s cozy house. Everything here will feel wholesome, and definitely, it is a great place to take some nice Instagram pics! They host events, which you can check out here. I recommend you have brunch in their cute cafe to enhance the experience. You can reserve a table here.
🏛️ Best museum: | Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum |
🎢 Top paid attraction: | Fenway Park Tour |
🚶🏽♂️ Best free activity: | Boston Public Library Tours |
👧 Best attraction for kids: | Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum |
🕺 Nightlife: | Allston |
🥟 Must-try food: | Boston Cream Pie |
BONUS: where to stay in Boston
To help you complete the whole Boston Trip, I have for you a few accommodation options with top-ratings in the city!
You can also check out our comprehensive guide to the best areas where to stay in Boston!
- Luxury (from US$200 and up): Boston Omni Parker House Hotel – Stay in one of the oldest hotels in the USA! This stunning and luxurious hotel is even located on the Freedom Trail. Relax in the deluxe and high-end rooms, with some well-deserved room service.
- Mid-Range (from US$120 to US$200): The Revolution Hotel – This cute boutique hotel is located in the South End, super close to the Back Bay area. It features a young and modern vibe. It comes with an onsite fitness center, restaurant, and bar!
- Budget (up to US$120): HI Boston Hostel – If you are traveling on a budget, this hotel offers value for money! The location is unbeatable in the middle of downtown Boston. It comes with laundry services and a cute café!
FAQs about top things to do in Boston
🗓️ How many days are enough to see Boston?
At least 3 or 4 days! If you are visiting for an extended weekend, you can definitely see the main attractions in the city. But I would definitely recommend a bit more to do some day trips to Martha’s Vineyard or Salem.
👑 What is Boston famous for?
Boston is famous for its vibrant history. It is home to very important universities. It is Red Sox’s city and known for popular dishes like the Boston cream Pie.
😎 Which are the top fun things to do in Boston for young adults?
Boston nestles so many universities, there is always something to do for young adults in Boston! During the day, you can visit the MFA and have a picnic in Boston Common, and during the night, you can experience Allston!
🪙 Which are the best things to do in Boston for Free?
You can take a free Boston Public Library tour, enjoy the views from the Charles River Esplanade, and have a lovely time strolling around the picturesque Back Bay!
🚶 Is Boston a walkable city?
YES! Also, if you ask anyone who lives in Boston or has traveled to Boston, they will tell you it is the only USA city with a European feel, and it’s super walkable! But if after walking through the city you are tired, you can take the Boston T (Boston’s Metro), which is around US$2.40 each way.
🤔 Does Boston have a city pass for its attractions?
Yes! Boston CityPASS (from US$79) lets you visit 4 of the main attractions in a span of 9 days. And Go City: Boston All-Inclusive Pass allows you to visit all the attractions of your liking for as many days as you choose (from US$79).
Conclusion
That is all for today, my sweet angels! Those were the 28 top things to do in Boston during your stay! I am sure that after reading this article, you will have your full itinerary set and already booked a cozy hotel!
I LOVE Boston, and I know you will love this city as much as I do after trying out these activities! Keep in mind that tours and accommodations get booked fast in such a popular city, so it is best to book in advance!
Which of these amazing things to do in Boston is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Until the next adventure,
Daniela
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