24 brilliant things to do in Boston, Massachusetts

A historic city with something for everyone

Boston, Massachusetts is known for its passionate sports fans and American Revolution landmarks. But it also offers beautiful city parks and walking trails as well as fresh new places to visit, from an observatory to seasonal events.  

Click through this gallery to learn more about Boston and discover the best things to see and do in this bustling city... 

1. Walk the Freedom Trail

The iconic Freedom Trail is an ideal starting point for a visit to the ‘walking city’ of Boston. It’s a 2.5-mile (4km) route leading to 16 nationally significant historic sites and landmarks that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond. Sites on the trail include significant churches including Old North Church, Boston's oldest church; as well as burial grounds, meeting houses and oldest commissioned warship, the USS Constitution. Follow the red line marker, which is embedded in the paths around the city, and do it at your own pace with an audio guide or smartphone app, or take a guided tour.

2. View the city from above at View Boston

View Boston is the latest way to take in the city's sights. Opened in 2023, this observatory sits atop the Prudential Tower and provides a panoramic view of the city. It’s another ideal orientation destination for visitors, with a 360-observation deck offering breathtaking views from high above the heart of Boston. The experience starts with a speedy elevator ride up to the 52nd floor, where there are several interactive exhibits and displays spread out across three floors. One level down is the Cloud Terrace viewing platform, and on the next sits a 3D interactive model of Boston. Throughout the experience, visitors can scan their entry tickets at the various stations to create a personalised Boston itinerary to visit later. 

3. Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

Popular with locals as well as tourists, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, which was voted 'Best Patriotic Attraction' by USA Today, is both informative and great fun. Here, you can dive into the history of the American Revolution in an interactive setting, step aboard a replica 18th-century sailing vessel and enjoy an experience that includes impressive live actors and interactive exhibits. Guests are encouraged to get involved too – you can throw ‘tea’ into the same body of water where the Boston Tea Party took place, before having a cuppa in the tea room. 

4. Enjoy public art on The Greenway

The Rose Kennedy Greenway is a modern park that snakes through the heart of Boston, featuring 1.5 miles (2.4km) of fabulous sights and experiences. From an incredible and changing display of street art, which includes Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs’ much revered Breathe Life Together mural (pictured) depicting his daughter, to beautiful parkland and eco habitats, as well as food trucks and a carousel, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the changing seasonal events too, from water fountains to a Winter Sauna Village.

5. Indulge in a Boston cream pie

The Boston cream pie is a timeless American classic dating back to 1856. The dessert was first created and served at the grand opening of Boston's Parker House, now widely known as Omni Parker House. It’s not actually a pie at all, but a delicious vanilla sponge cake filled with vanilla pastry cream and topped with chocolate ganache. The treat has been the official state dessert of Massachusetts since 1996, so it would be a sin not to try it during a visit to Boston!

6. Take a tour of Harvard University

No visit to Boston would be complete without taking the short journey to Cambridge to visit the famous Harvard University. Campus tours are led by students, so you are guaranteed to get plenty of insider details about what it’s really like to study at an Ivy League University. The walking tours take place through Harvard Yard and include notable buildings, such as the Memorial Hall and the Widener Library. Don’t forget to check out campus store the Coop afterwards to bag some Harvard souvenirs. 

7. Stroll through Boston Common

As America's oldest public park, Boston Common is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike and provides a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls as well as historical exploration. In 1634 the common was created as America’s first public park with walkways built for crosstown travel, and today it's part of the Freedom Trail. In January 2023, the Embrace sculpture (pictured) and the 1965 Freedom Plaza were unveiled. The artwork represents Martin Luther King Jr and Coretta Scott King’s love and powerful legacies in Boston, as well as remembering the many civil rights leaders who worked alongside them. 

8. Relax in Boston Public Garden

The Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in America, created two centuries after the more formal Common. As well as its plethora of unusual and beautiful plants, there’s also a lagoon, swan boats for hire and plenty of green areas for taking a break from the city. Don’t miss the Make Way for Ducklings statues, which will appeal to those familiar with Robert McCloskey's children's book of the same name about a duck family that makes its home in the gardens. The bronze ducks, which were created by sculptor Nancy Schon, can be found near the corner of Beacon Street and Charles Street. 

9. Visit the famous Cheers bar

After a stroll around the Public Garden and Common, fans of the popular 1980s TV show Cheers, or those simply looking for some hearty refreshments, should head over to the real-life inspiration for the setting of the series. Previously known as the Bull & Finch Pub, Cheers is a great spot where you can grab a cold beer and enjoy some bar snacks, such as Sam’s starters and Norm’s sandwiches. Legend has it that when the producers of the TV show went looking for a location to depict the ideal American bar, they headed to Boston and fell in love with this pub.

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10. Take the kids to the Children’s Museum

If you’re planning to visit Boston with kids, the Children’s Museum situated in the Seaport district is a top choice. Founded in 1913 by a group of teachers, it is the second oldest and one of the most influential children’s museums in the world. For over 100 years this fun and interactive space has been capturing the imaginations of little ones. With its bubble play, fort building and construction zones, it will keep kids amused for hours. 

11. Eat oysters at America’s oldest restaurant

The Union Oyster House, which is located on the Freedom Trail, enjoys the accolade of being America's oldest continuously operating restaurant. The building dates back to Pre-Revolutionary days and has been serving food since 1826. It's packed with history: John F Kennedy had a favourite booth here, while the exiled future King of France, Prince Louis Philippe, briefly lived on the second floor here and taught French to the ladies of Boston’s high society in 1797. In more recent times, celebrities from Leonardo DiCaprio to heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali have all dined here. The current owners, retired Brigadier General Joseph A Milano Jr and Mary Ann Milano Picardi, have owned it since the 1970s. 

12. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library is far from your average library. Established in 1848, it was the first large free municipal library in the United States and the first public library to lend books. The historic McKim building features a stunning courtyard which is a dreamy spot to hang out in with a book. Back inside, The Courtyard Tea Room hosts afternoon tea in a striking literary setting. While it doesn't come cheap, you certainly won’t go hungry here. The alfajores (dulce de leche cookies) are particularly delicious. For something smaller, the Map Room Tea Lounge serves up craft cocktails and light bites.

13. Meet Canine Ambassador Cori Copley

The 4-diamond Fairmont Copley Plaza is located in the centre of Boston, just a stone’s throw from the Boston Public Library. One of the most historic hotels in the city, it first opened its doors in 1912 and while the traditional decor is quite beautiful, there's another star of the show: adorable Canine Ambassador, Cori Copley. The famous Labrador retriever, who can often be found in the hotel lobby greeting guests, has her own Instagram account and was even crowned 'Hardest Working Dog’ by the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton. Naturally, the hotel is extremely pet-friendly, with even an in-room dining menu for canine guests. 

14. Let your hair down at OAK Long Bar + Kitchen

Perfect for Saturday night drinks or an intimate dinner, Fairmont Copley Plaza’s OAK Long Bar + Kitchen is a lively and popular venue that's famous for its farm-to-table food and cocktails. It's award-winning too: it was voted OpenTable 'Diners' Choice Award' 2023 winner, marking it as one of the top-rated restaurants in Boston. It’s open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, late-night bites and dinner, and the menu includes American favourites, such as lobster rolls and Cajun shrimp and grits. 

15. Escape to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Home to a beautiful collection of art, tapestries, furniture and curios, and modelled on a 15-century Venetian palace, the former home of American art collector Isabella Stewart Gardner is rather special. The beautiful flower-filled courtyard is truly breathtaking and it blooms year-round. Palazzo Barbaro, a 15th-century Venetian palace owned by Bostonians Daniel and Ariana Curtis, is said to have been a major source of inspiration for Isabella in the creation of her museum – and it shows. When she died in 1924, she left her glorious museum “for the education and enjoyment of the public forever.” Is your name Isabella? Lucky you: you'll receive free lifetime admission. 

16. Eat dim sum in Chinatown

One of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in the States, Boston’s Chinatown is rich in cultural history. The best way to soak up the sights, sounds and flavours of the district is with a guided tour. Jackie Church offers an informative and fun option, which begins with delicious al fresco Chinese bakery delicacies enjoyed at Auntie Kay and Uncle Frank Chin Park. You'll learn about the struggles and triumphs of Chinese Americans and explore significant spaces and street art. You'll also discover lots of hidden gems, from must-visit restaurants to herbal shops. The tour ends with moreish dim sum.  

17. Marvel at modern art at The Institute of Contemporary Art

Overlooking the harbour, The Institute of Contemporary Art offers a dynamic and engaging look at modern art within a beautiful building, which cantilevers to the water’s edge. The ICA’s visual arts programme features exhibitions of leading contemporary artists, as well as showcasing emerging talent in solo museum shows. The venue also hosts talks, film screenings and even dance sessions, where entry is free with museum admission. Be sure to exit via the gift shop – it’s packed with incredible prints, books, homeware and accessories.

18. Shop at Boston Public Market

A celebration of Massachusetts’ and New England’s local food scene, Boston Public Market offers visitors a chance to taste and learn about the best of the region's produce. This year-round marketplace is open daily and features about 30 New England artisans and food producers offering everything from delicious seasonal meals to speciality items. Here you can sample or stock up on everything from delicious baked goods to seafood, or check out one of the taster sessions.

19. Watch a Red Sox game

Fenway Park has been the Red Sox's home since 1912 and it’s an institution in the Fenway area of Boston. Referred to as 'America's most beloved ballpark' by sports enthusiasts, fans have flocked here for decades. You can catch a game here or take in the magnificent view on a tour that will lead you through the legendary moments of the historic park. 

20. Kick back at Fenway

While the Fenway district is known for its namesake ballpark, this vibrant neighbourhood also offers much more, from cool music venues to popular food halls, perfect for indulging in local flavours and spirits. The Time Out Market Boston comprises a humungous 25,200 square foot (23,41 sqm) food hall of hand-picked dining options, reflecting Boston's dynamic food scene. Or wine connoisseurs can enjoy a tipple at Nathalie, which serves small-production, natural and female-produced wines. In winter, finish off your evening with a spot of ice skating at The Rink 401 Park. 

21. See a show at the Boston Opera House

Boston Opera House, also known as Citizens Bank Opera House, reopened after a renovation in 2004 and is a sight to behold. Home to the Boston Ballet and Broadway musicals, it's the perfect night out for theatre lovers. You can also see the restoration up close and personal on a historical tour.

22. Walk the Emerald Necklace

Boston's Emerald Necklace is a 1,100-acre chain of nine scenic parks linked by parkways and waterways. Approximately seven miles (11km) long, it connects Boston Common to Franklin Park via the Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond and other green spaces along the way. Pull on your hiking boots and enjoy a day's exploration by foot. 

23. Go wild at Franklin Park Zoo

There's loads to do at Franklin Park Zoo for animal-loving adults and younger ones. From spotted turtles to African lions, visitors won't be disappointed by the range of animals, exhibits and displays. Special occasion? You can pay extra for meet and greets or an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, where you'll have your questions answered by animal experts.

24. Shop at Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Located steps away from the waterfront, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is the shopping hub of downtown Boston. Featuring over 80 businesses including 40 carts selling their wares, it's the place to go for everything from handmade jewellery and gifts to high-street fashion favourites. For some post-shopping refuelling, head to the Quincy Market Colonnade for everything from pizza to oysters. Or just grab a coffee and watch the street performers and musicians do their thing. 

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