Things to do in Boston

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Seaport District featuring heritage elements, a bay or harbor and night scenes

Boston Attractions

If you’re looking for things to do in Boston, you may have a hard time creating a short list for the Massachusetts capital. Considering the rich history and delicious food in Beantown , there is plenty to do here any time of year. People journey to this New England destination to take in a baseball game at famed Fenway Park, visit the Bunker Hill Monument, and nosh at the original Cheers™. If you’re not sure where to start, Boston tours are a good way to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time.


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Most popular activities in Boston

What to do in Boston

Free Things to Do in Boston

Heading to Boston on a budget? The following can be seen for nix.

Ancient & Honorable Artillery Co of Massachusetts - Old or young, this place will pique your imagination and capture your attention.

Fort Point Arts Community - This is a terrific place to get your culture fix and explore the local arts scene.

Larz Anderson Park - If you'd love to ramp up the fun factor on your break, head straight here.

Boston City Hall - Architecture lover or not, prepare to be awed by this landmark's modernistic design.

Suffolk University - Roam around this historic attraction and discover some secrets from the past.

Blackstone Block - Mingle with some local people and discover the true personality and spirit of this place.

Deer Island - Simply being beside the water is guaranteed to leave you feeling calm and refreshed.

Center Plaza - Leave time to check out this site of local importance.

King's Chapel - Whatever your beliefs, this place will invoke a sense of reverence.

Revere Beach - Keep your eyes open for intricate shells and other ocean gems dotted along the coastline here.

Irish Heritage Trail - You're bound to feel connected with Mother Nature at this beautiful place.

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy - Whether you can distinguish your daffodils from daisies, you're sure to find beauty in this picturesque display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Boston

Boston has developed a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. It doesn’t matter if you’re a history buff or look forward to reading in a park, Boston has an area to feed your interests.

Beacon Hill — Make a stop in Beacon Hill for a taste of Boston’s finest architecture. This historic neighborhood is brimming with traditional brick buildings and row houses. While you’re here, walk past many historical homes, include places once owned by writers Robert Frost and Sylvia Plath.

South End — Called Southie by locals, this Boston neighborhood is near downtown and Back Bay. It also happens to host many of the most fun things to do in Boston, with a bounty of restaurants and shops on Tremont and Washington Streets.

North End — In this part of Boston, things to do include visits to historical sites and authentic Italian restaurants this is also the neighborhood where locals can be found rooting for a bocce game at the courts on Commercial Street or sipping coffee at a local café.

What to See in Boston

Boston museums aim to attract every type of traveler, including history buffs and art lovers. The Boston Fire Museum, Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum , and the Commonwealth Museum are all open to the public. If art and culture are up your alley, put the Boston Symphony Orchestra on your itinerary or take in an opera. The Athens of America is also home to plenty of theater, including the Cutler Majestic Theatre and Calderwood Pavilion.

Sightseeing in Boston

When you’re ready to get a bit more active in The Walking City, you will find plenty to do in Boston. Whether you are traveling with the family or on a journey with your friends, you can keep just about any pace. Stop in at the Boston Children’s Museum to play and learn with kids of all ages and then take a stroll by The Paul Revere House in north Boston. Have some adult fun by taking a Samuel Adams® brewery tour, or go ice skating in Boston Common during the winter months. Things to do in Boston, MA are ever-changing, with new attractions and restaurants popping up all the time. One thing is sure: You won’t leave town without wanting to come back.

Things to Do in Boston with Kids

There are lots of sensational experiences in Boston that the whole gang will get a buzz out of. Here are a few of the best family friendly experiences around.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Boston? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Boston on a sunny day?
What to do in Boston on a rainy day?
Have a go at a couple of these enticing indoor activities and turn a dreary, rainy day into something memorable:


What is Boston famous for?
Get ready to be busy with all of these noteworthy attractions to cross off your checklist:

  • Fenway Park
  • TD Garden
  • Boston Common
  • Faneuil Hall Marketplace

What should I not miss in Boston?
You just can’t go home without ticking off the following list of wonderful sights:

  • Boston University
  • Harvard University
  • New England Aquarium
  • Northeastern University

Are there cheap things to do in Boston?
What can you do in Boston for free?
Your trip to Boston won’t cost an arm and a leg with free things like these to keep you entertained:

  • Boston Common
  • Faneuil Hall Marketplace
  • Harvard Square
  • Copley Place


Discover the most popular places to visit in Boston

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Boston

Downtown Boston which includes night scenes and a city as well as a small group of people

Downtown Boston

4.5/5(2,415 area reviews)

Densely packed with highrise buildings, this area boasts landmarks like Custom House Tower and is close to Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, and the Old State House. Find headquarters of major banks, hotels, and investment firms here.

Downtown Boston
Back Bay featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

Back Bay

4.5/5(3,595 area reviews)

Victorian brownstone homes and cultural institutions like the Boston Public Library define this area. Shop at Newbury Street, Prudential Center, and Copley Place, or explore sights like Trinity Church and the John Hancock Tower.

Back Bay
Seaport District which includes a city, a river or creek and a high rise building

Seaport District

4.5/5(1,075 area reviews)

Experience a transformed industrial area with office towers, innovation labs, and 78 restaurants. Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art and easily access Downtown Boston via the Evelyn Moakley Bridge.

Seaport District
Beacon Hill which includes landscape views

Beacon Hill

5/5(43 area reviews)

Historic Federal-style rowhouses, gaslit streets, and brick sidewalks create a charming atmosphere. Explore the Boston African American National Historic Site, shop on Charles Street, and easily access MBTA stations.

Beacon Hill
Kenmore Square showing street scenes

Fenway–Kenmore

4.5/5(826 area reviews)

Home to Fenway Park and the Museum of Fine Arts, this vibrant area boasts numerous educational institutions, cultural attractions, and independent shops. Easily accessible via MBTA subway and bus lines, explore Kenmore Square and admire the iconic Citgo sign.

Fenway–Kenmore
Boston Harbor which includes performance art, music and a bay or harbor

North End

4.5/5(330 area reviews)

Indulge in Italian cuisine at numerous restaurants and bakeries, explore historic sites like Old North Church and Paul Revere House, and enjoy performances at NEMPAC and Improv Asylum Theater. Easily accessible via MBTA lines, buses, and ferries.

North End

 

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Popular day trips from Boston