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15 Best Things To Do in Boston, Massachusetts

Picture of Boston, Massachusetts

About Boston, Massachusetts


Standing strong since 1630, the city of Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and has a population nearing 700,000. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Boston is one of the educational hubs in the country since it’s home to the renowned Havard Medical and Business School, MIT, Boston University, and Tufts University.

Apart from academia, the city is also at large in the art scene, housing the Museum of Fine Arts, which is the largest in North America and has over 450,000 artworks.

Even better, the city is equally magnificent in terms of nature, thanks to the Boston Public Garden, which has over 80 plant species and has been around since 1634. Anyone in the mood for an evening stroll?

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In the spirit of helping you plan your next vacation, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Boston. From museums and historical landmarks to sporting events and tours, here are some suggestions for how to spend your time in this amazing city.

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, where most of the history of the Boston Tea Party took place. The museum offers a chance to learn more about this momentous event through interactive exhibits and demonstrations, like a reenactment of how tea was unloaded from ships during the 1773 protest by colonists dressed in period costumes. It’s also possible to get up close with replicas of three tea ships: The Beaver, Eleanor, and Beaver II (the latter two are non-operational). More information on these vessels can be found at bostonteapartyships.org/ships/.

The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile path that runs from the Boston Common to the Charlestown Navy Yard, passing through some of the most historically significant sites in Boston. The trail is marked by a red line painted on sidewalks or asphalt and can be downloaded as an app on your smartphone.

Fenway Park

Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark still in use by any Major League Baseball team. It’s also one of the smallest, with a seating capacity of 37,493 (though no more than 40,000 people can fit inside on game day). The stadium was built in 1912 and was originally named Huntington Avenue Grounds before being renamed Fenway Park in 1922.

The park is located at 4 Yawkey Way in Boston’s Kenmore Square neighborhood. It’s within walking distance to several other popular tourist attractions such as Fenway Park Museum and Sports Museum of New England; Boston Center for the Arts; Harvard Extension School; New England Conservatory of Music; Northeastern University; Simmons College and Wentworth Institute of Technology among others.

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts is a great place to visit if you’re interested in art. The museum is free, so you won’t have to worry about paying for admission. It’s also huge, so plan on spending at least a few hours there.

The main attraction at the MFA is its collection of over 450,000 pieces from various time periods and cultures around the world. There are paintings by famous artists such as Rembrandt van Rijn and Vincent Van Gogh; sculptures by Rodin; artifacts from ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome; American folk art; photography exhibits that rotate throughout the year; etcetera ad infinitum.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is the oldest marketplace in North America, having been established in 1742. However, it wasn’t until 1976 that the location was named a National Historical Site by Congress.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a place where you can experience history and culture. There are many places to eat here including restaurants such as Durgin-Park (which has been open since 1827), The Barking Crab, Quincy Market Seafood and Bar Louie Restaurant & Bar. The marketplace also has shops and boutiques where you can find unique items like Yankee Candles or even an original piece of art! This fun destination is open every day except Monday when it’s closed for private events only!

Boston Children’s Museum

The Boston Children’s Museum is a fun place to visit with your kids. It’s filled with exhibits that are designed specifically for children, including a water table, play kitchen, and science exhibits. Kids can play with toys scaled to their size. There’s also a climbing wall and an area where parents can explore the museum alongside their little ones.

The museum is geared toward children ages 2-12, but it also has some exhibits that older kids will enjoy. The museum hosts classes and events for families, including storytime and art projects.

Samuel Adams Brewery Tour

Samuel Adams Brewery Tours are a great way to learn about the process of brewing beer, from grain to glass. Tours last about 90 minutes and include a free sample of Samuel Adams’ most popular brews. You can also purchase beer at their gift shop for later enjoyment!

Samuel Adams Brewery Tour prices vary depending on the package you choose. Adult tickets are $20, while children under 5 get in free. If you only want to taste a few beers for free, purchase a “souvenir pint glass” for $5.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Located on Columbia Point in Dorchester, Massachusetts, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is the largest presidential library in the country. The museum is accessible via public transportation or car. Parking is available on-site, but limited.

The library has a cafe that serves lunch and drinks during operating hours (10 am – 5 pm). There’s also a gift shop where you can purchase books, clothing items, and other memorabilia related to JFK’s presidency.

Skywalk Observatory at the Prudential Center

If you want to see the city from above, Skywalk Observatory at the Prudential Center is the only place to do it. Located on top of Boston’s tallest building, it offers unparalleled views of the city skyline with excellent lighting and a 360-degree observation deck that provides spectacular views of the Charles River and beyond.

Skywalk Observatory has an open-air design with glass walls surrounding its perimeter so you can take in panoramic views while walking along its concave floor. It features three unique experiences: SkyWalk 360 (a clear acrylic walkway that floats above street level), The Pinnacle (an enclosed observation deck on a cantilevered platform), and The Glass Floor (a glass-bottomed walkway).

All three levels offer different perspectives but provide similar experiences for first-time visitors or frequent guests who want another experience without having to pay an entrance fee again. If you visit during sunset hours (4 pm – 8 pm) expect crowds or plan accordingly by visiting earlier in those time frames; after sunset however there are usually fewer people around except during peak tourist season when everyone wants great pictures!

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a must-see if you’re visiting the city. Located on the waterfront, it houses over 20,000 sea creatures ranging from fish to reptiles. The aquarium is open year-round and features exhibits like the Giant Ocean Tank, which allows visitors to walk through it and see sharks swimming above their heads. There are also daily shows featuring penguins, seals, walruses, and dolphins performing tricks for audiences.

You can also take advantage of behind-the-scenes tours at both locations: Long Wharf (Cape Cod) or Boston! Both locations offer these tours as well as animal feedings (included with regular admission). If you want something more interactive than just watching animals swim around in tanks then this could be a great option for you!

Take a ferry and explore Cape Cod

The beaches of Cape Cod are some of the most popular in Massachusetts. Located on an island that stretches across much of southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod has long been a summer vacation hot spot for tourists from around the world. The day trip is best done by car as it allows you to explore multiple towns and attractions along your route around this beautiful peninsula. A ferry ride is another option that will give you more time to take in the views and enjoy yourself before returning to Boston later in the day or evening!

If you are looking for things to do in Boston, Massachusetts, we hope our list has provided some valuable information. The city is full of history and culture that will keep you busy for days. We highly recommend taking one day to explore the Freedom Trail which will take you through all of the important sites in the city’s past—from Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church to Bunker Hill Monument and Faneuil Hall Marketplace where everything began with America’s first public protest against taxation without representation!



Boston Weather by Month


Looking for a potential month to visit Boston? The following graph illustrates the monthly highs, lows and averages of temperature, rain and snow in Boston.



Places to Stay in Boston


Use the interactive map to find lodging and a place to stay during your visit to Boston. The interactive map includes hotels, vacation rentals, BnBs and more.



Best Tours in Boston


Fill your day with these top-rated tours in Boston.



Best Things to do in Boston, MA


These are the best things to do in the greater Boston area listed by outdoor activities, arts and museums, restaurants and nightlife.


Outdoor Activities in Boston


Arnold Arboretum

Arnold Arboretum

Based on 335 Reviews
Zoar Outdoor

Zoar Outdoor

Based on 125 Reviews
East Coast Divers

East Coast Divers

Based on 89 Reviews


Museums in Boston


CSZ Boston

CSZ Boston

Based on 59 Reviews
Four-Handed Illusions: An Intimate Evening of Laughs and Wonder

Four-Handed Illusions: An Intimate Evening of Laughs and Wonder

Based on 54 Reviews
Karenna Maraj Jewelry

Karenna Maraj Jewelry

Based on 24 Reviews


Restaurants in Boston


Polcari's Coffee

Polcari's Coffee

Based on 197 Reviews
Craft Beer Cellar Belmont

Craft Beer Cellar Belmont

Based on 179 Reviews
Sophia's Greek Pantry

Sophia's Greek Pantry

Based on 156 Reviews


Nightlife in Boston


GrandTen Distilling

GrandTen Distilling

Based on 108 Reviews
The Quiet Few

The Quiet Few

Based on 64 Reviews
Tambo 22

Tambo 22

Based on 61 Reviews


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Other Activities in Boston


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The Hahvahd Tour

Based on 307 Reviews
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Free Tours By Foot

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Boston's Politically Incorrect North End Food Tour

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