Things to Do in Boston Massachusetts

Boston is an exciting city to visit with its revolutionary spirit and welcoming culture that embraces diversity. Explore historical landmarks dotted with vibrant neighborhoods while sampling some chowder at its oldest restaurant!

Politics enthusiasts should visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. This venue honors President Kennedy with an archive of original documents and exhibits commemorating his legacy.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is an iconic Boston destination, which has been recognized by America’s founders as “The Cradle of Liberty.” Visitors flock here today for its diverse shops, restaurants and street performers.

An exploration of the marketplace reveals three historic market buildings filled with restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. There’s also the Quincy Market Colonnade — home to world-renowned food vendors — where you’ll find an amazing array of cuisine from around the globe! Plus there is the largest international food hall in New England!

After spending your morning exploring the Freedom Trail, chances are you’ve built up an appetite. When hunger strikes, visit Union Oyster House nearby for some hearty, delicious clam chowder; this restaurant won the Chowderfest competition twice! Other dining options in Boston include Quincy Market’s 30 food stalls as well as its various eateries located throughout its marketplace.

Are you eager to gain more insight into Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science? If so, the nearby Mary Baker Eddy Library provides an ideal way to do just that. With original letters, old photographs, organizational manuscripts and artifacts – plus its beautiful Stained Glass Globe Room! – the library can teach visitors all they need about Mary.

Boston Public Library

Boston is a city for history buffs, sports fanatics, beer drinkers, marathon runners, academics and academics – as well as foodies, outdoor enthusiasts and cultural travelers. Here, historic landmarks rub shoulders with award-winning restaurants and world-class performance theaters; historic houses intersect with immersive urban green spaces while legendary baseball stadiums sit next to world-famous art museums while celebrity homes line its streets.

One of the most relaxing and unique things to do in Boston is a visit to the iconic Public Garden, with its large lagoon and swan boats. As the first public botanical garden in America, this picturesque oasis should not be missed when in Boston.

The Boston Public Library is an essential destination for bibliophiles and culture enthusiasts alike. As one of the first libraries to expand into additional branches and lend books out for borrowing purposes, its building boasts rare books such as first edition folios of Shakespeare and centuries-old maps that make an unforgettable visit experience.

Built into the historic McKim Building is a gem: the courtyard tea room. This beautiful space provides the ideal place for visitors to unwind with a cup of tea and enjoy sandwiches, cakes or scones from their delicious lunch service. While visiting, be sure to view its unique architecture that has attracted scholars and bibliophiles from across the globe; plus you can take a tour to learn more about its historic collections and architecture!

Boston Common

Shakespeare on the Common transforms Parkman Bandstand’s sloped area into an open-air theater under the stars every summer, creating an unforgettable evening of entertainment with family and friends. Bring along a blanket or folding chair for an enjoyable evening’s entertainment!

Bibliophiles visiting Boston should make time to visit the Boston Public Library – its historic and beautiful interior boasts several firsts such as being the first publicly funded one to expand, lend books out, and offer free wifi access. Plus, its beautiful reading room makes for a fantastic sight.

Frog Pond in Boston Common provides visitors with both a splash pool during spring and summer months as well as an ice skating school and rink during the winter months. Decorated with Robert McCloskey’s children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings,” Frog Pond makes for an excellent photo op and photo op!

Boston Common is one of the city’s most historic areas and serves as the beginning point for the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile red path that passes many historic landmarks within walking distance from each other.

This park also hosts numerous public gatherings, from George Washington commemorating our nation’s independence to abolitionist rallies, Charles Lindbergh speaking to crowds about aviation future, Civil Rights protestors standing up for their rights, etc. Over time it has played host to some iconic moments – when George celebrated our nation’s independence, when abolitionists rallied to abolish slavery, Charles Lindbergh spoke in front of large audiences about aviation future and Civil Rights protestors demonstrating for equality rights for their cause – all come to mind when thinking back over history – so many memorable occasions have taken place within these same environs – they too were all here – for they truly historic times!

Boston Harbor Cruises

Boston can best be appreciated from its harbor. A relaxing sunset dinner cruise or taking an entertaining and educational harbor tour are great ways to take in its history and scenery from Boston Harbor.

Back Bay offers stunning mansions, high-end shopping, and some surprising quirkiness (such as the Fairy Shop with all its Harry Potter memorabilia that made my inner eleven year-old jump with joy!). Additionally, this neighborhood is home to Boston Public Garden which is well known for its swan paddle boats and large lagoon.

For serious art enthusiasts, the Museum of Fine Arts should be on your must-visit list. Considered one of the premier art museums in America, it boasts an incredible collection from ancient to contemporary American artwork spanning five millennia.

Military and naval history buffs should make time to visit Bunker Hill, site of a bloody battle that stands as an important monument of American independence. Don’t miss your opportunity to see America’s oldest commissioned warship – on display at Charlestown Navy Yard.

Are you an avid moviegoer? Consider joining a Boston Movie Tour and explore where many iconic films were shot. See where Jack Nicholson used to hangout from The Departed; enjoy a pint at the original Cheers bar; or sit where Robin Williams did on a park bench from Good Will Hunting.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Art lovers need not look further than Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for inspiration; its world-renowned pieces can be found within its Venetian Palazzo-inspired building.

Are you keen on exploring American history? The Mary Baker Eddy Library & Museum is an invaluable source of knowledge regarding Christian Science religion and its founder Mary Baker Eddy. Visitors can view original letters, organizational manuscripts and read through a breathtaking Globe Room made of stained glass panels.

At Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum tour, you can embark the fully-rigged Eleanor and Beaver ships that replicate authentic 18th-century vessels. Your experience begins in the meeting house where actors reenact events leading up to the Boston Tea Party, before exploring alfresco wharf-side exhibits that explore further into its events, such as diorama with hologram figures arguing from both American Patriot and British Loyalist viewpoints about what caused its formation – you can even toss crates into the water in solidarity with your fiery forebears!

While in Beacon Hill, pay a visit to Park Street Church and Granary Burying Ground – two historic districts which should not be missed when discovering Boston’s rich culture and history. Explore Jack Nicholson and Robin Williams film locations from The Departed and Good Will Hunting respectively by taking a walking tour through these neighborhoods.

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is one of Boston’s most beloved family attractions, promoting ocean exploration and marine conservation with thousands of aquatic animals that both children and adults will delight in seeing, from little blue penguins to green sea turtles and northern fur seals! Make your trip count by pre-booking tickets early to avoid long lines at admission and save money with combo passes that include entry to Simons IMAX Theatre!

The Mary Baker Eddy Library honors the life and work of Christian Science founder Mary Baker Eddy and is an engaging place to visit in Boston. Visitors can gain an understanding of her life and work by exploring its research room, which houses original documents, artifacts and photographs related to Mary’s life and work. Furthermore, its architecturally pleasing building makes a fantastic stop during your tour through Boston.

Strolling along Boston’s Harborwalk at night is an enjoyable way to experience Boston’s waterfront at its best. This promenade runs along piers, beaches and shorelines and features scenic water and skyline views, public art installations and plenty of dining options. To maximize your visit’s potential while in Boston, check ahead if any sporting events or concerts are happening nearby; these will give you an authentic taste of Boston at night! If you prefer sitting back and relaxing instead, Aquarium Plaza features the Harbor View Cafe for dining services!