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Visiting Boston

With our rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and legacy of arts, culture, and education, Boston has something for everyone.

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Upcoming events.

• When June 25, 2024, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

38 Beacon Street Boston , MA 02108 United States

• Contact Parks and Recreation
• Phone 617-635-4505
• When July 09, 2024, 7:00 PM

Brighton Common 30 Chestnut Hill Ave Brighton , MA United States

• When July 10, 2024, 7:00 PM

Blackstone Square 1530 Washington Street Boston , MA 02118 United States

All Inclusive Boston

We are a city of people. All people. When you get here, whether it's for a weekend getaway or for the foreseeable future, we love you like our own. We see you. We celebrate you. And we want to show you everything. We are all inclusive.

Walking tours

There are a variety of free walks and trails throughout the City of Boston.

Museums and galleries

The City has a wealth of museums, with everything from the Museum of Fine Arts to the Old State House.

Shopping and dining

Boston offers world-class dining and shopping options as well as local, artisan, and ethnic favorites. 

Theaters and venues

We have a number of places for residents and visitors to watch plays, films, and concerts.

With the recent success of Boston’s professional teams, there’s much to experience in the City of Champions.

Farmers markets

The Office of Food Access helps to oversee almost 30 farmers markets in Boston.

Public restroom maps

On a budget.

Boston's public art

Search Boston’s art collection, watch artist videos, access a map of public art installations across the City, and more!

Walk to the sea

This walk encompasses four centuries of Boston history. Mixing historical landmarks with Boston’s skyscrapers, this walk is truly one worth taking.

State House

Tours last about 30-45 minutes and include an overview of the history and architecture of the State Capitol.

Bunker Hill Monument

Climb the 294 steps up the famous monument for one of Boston’s best views.

The Swan Boats paddle passengers around the Public Garden Lagoon for a 15-minute peaceful cruise.

View all events on a budget

There are many tours across the City. You can even visit the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship in the world.

Uncovering Boston's history

It’s no secret Boston is rich with history. From the American Revolution to the site of the very first public school, it’s a city with stories to tell.

Planning your trip

Keep these dates and events in mind as they are usually busy times in Boston.

• December 31/January 1:  First Night/Day
• March (mid-month):  St. Patrick's Day Parade
• April (third Monday of the month):  Boston Marathon
• June (beginning of the month):  Pride Parade
• May (throughout the month): College graduation season
• June 29 - July 1:  Harborfest
• End of August/Early September: Moving day, students return 
• October (mid-end of month):  Head of the Charles Regatta
• December: Holiday season

Boston maps

We can't mail you any printed maps or guides, but these websites have some helpful maps.

Find a number of interactive maps of the Boston area.

Find printable maps of Boston as well as the Greater Boston area.

Find your way around Boston's comprehensive public transit system.

To and from Logan Airport

Bus service

The MBTA offers free Silver Line bus service from all airport terminals to South Station.

The MBTA offers ferry-boat service from Hingham or Hull to the airport, weather permitting.

Logan Express

Massport offers an express bus service from Back Bay to Logan Airport.

Massport provides free shuttle-bus service between airline terminals and Airport Station on the MBTA’s Blue Line.

Boston police regulate all taxis and pedi-cabs. Learn what you can expect from your ride.

Recommended Resources

Get help before you plan your next visit to our great City.

The primary private sector marketing and visitor service organization.

The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau’s list of hotels.

Dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination.

Get updates on events going on in the City.

We also put updates about events on our Facebook page.

Departments You May Need

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Travel reviews

• Worth the detour

Birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and a fascinating, accessible tourist destination, even for first-time visitors to the USA.

Widely considered to be the most European city in America, Boston will charm you with its rich history and its distinct neighbourhoods.

Discover the architecture, culture and historic pride of this economic capital with a sightseeing tour—by bike, ''Duck Tour'' or on foot—or self-guided tour.

Numerous historic sites bear witness to America's fight for liberty, from North End to Beacon Hill to Back Bay.

You can also stop for a picnic in Christopher Columbus Park .

• New England Aquarium

The main attraction is, without a doubt, the Giant Ocean Tank, a four-storey, 700,000-litre coral reef featuring hundreds of Caribbean reef animals that visitors can observe through large glass windows.

In addition to traditional aquarium tanks, the aquarium offers the chance to observe an array of marine mammals and birds . An open-air marine mammal habitat houses seals and sea lions that can be seen lounging, playing and zooming around the exhibit space.

Whale-watching tour

Climb on board the Voyager III, a high-speed catamaran operated by Boston Harbor Cruises , which has partnered up with the New England Aquarium to offer 3,5 hour whale-watching cruises .

The cruise will take you to the heart of Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary , one of the most active marine sanctuaries in the world, three miles north of Cape Cod at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay.

You will have the chance to observe these majestic marine mammals in their natural habitat, and learn all about them from onboard naturalist guides trained by New England Aquarium experts .

This area is home to several kinds of large whales , including acrobatic humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, pilot whales and the critically endangered right whales, as well as dolphins, sea birds and other marine life.

Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made directly on their website. Departures every day from mid-March to mid-November, with one departure per day in low season and several sailings per day in high season.

Children's Museum

If you're travelling with young children and would like to treat them to a fun learning experience, the Boston Children's Museum is sure to please! One of the largest children's museums in the world and one of the oldest and most beautiful in the United States , it is entirely dedicated to educating children through hands-on experience and play, with exhibits focusing on topics such as health & fitness, environmental awareness, culture, the arts and science.

The museum's young visitors will enjoy exploring and interacting with the museum's many innovative, child-centred exhibits. It is also one of the few children’s museums in the world to maintain a permanent collection of more than 50,000 items .

Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

The Boston Tea Party was an important historic event that paved the way for the American Revolution and the War of Independence of 1776 . Angry about the unpopular policies and taxes imposed by Great Britain and the British East India Company's monopoly on tea sales, more than one hundred American patriots disguised as Native Americans dumped an entire shipment of 45 tons of tea from three British ships into Boston Harbour .

The museum's guided tour will take you onto a full-scale restored 18th-century sailing vessel where you will relive, and even take part in, the Boston Tea Party , accompanied by interpreters in period costume . The museum also offers a collection of historic artifacts and interactive exhibits in addition to an award-winning multi-sensory documentary.

Freedom Trail

Boston Common

Boston Common is America's oldest public park. Located in the heart of Boston, the Common has borne witness to many significant events in the city's history since its founding in 1634 .

Puritan colonists purchased the land rights to the Common’s 44 acres from the first settler of the area, Anglican minister William Blackstone. The pasture then became known as the "Common Land" and was used to graze local livestock . Over the years, it has served as a camp for British troops, a site for public hangings and civil war recruitment, and has played host to anti-slavery meetings, anti-Vietnam War and civil rights rallies, and public assemblies of all kinds.

Boston Common is the starting point for the Freedom Trail. Pay a visit to the Boston Common Visitor Center (139 Tremont Street), inside the park, before setting out to explore the Trail.

Boston Common is also the perfect spot to relax by “Frog Pond”, which features a children's carrousel and water games in summer and becomes an ice-skating rink in winter, or to go for a stroll along one of the park's short pedestrian trails.

Old South Meeting House

This historic Puritan church, built in 1729 , was the biggest building in all of colonial Boston and an important gathering place for almost three hundred years. Members of the congregation included none other than patriot leader and founding father Samuel Adams and Benjamin Franklin , founding father and signer of the Declaration of Independence. This was the place where colonists met time after time to challenge British rule . On December 16, 1773, 5,000 colonists gathered to decide what to do about the tea on ships moored in the Boston harbour, leading to the events of the Boston Tea Party.

Old State House

Faneuil Hall

Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's days.

Quincy Market

Paul Revere House

Old North Church

Visit the oldest standing church in Boston, founded in 1723 and made famous by Paul Revere's “Midnight Ride”. It was from the church's steeple (the tallest in Boston) that two lanterns were hung signalling that the British were coming to Lexington and Concord by sea across the Charles River and not by land, on the night of April 18, 1775 . A real icon of American history!

USS Constitution

Built in 1794, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned U.S. navy warship afloat, and a great source of national pride. She earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 when cannonballs fired at her appeared to bounce off, causing one of her crew to remark that her sides were made of iron. Note that the USS Constitution is open for public visitation, free of charge.

The nearby USS Constitution Museum boasts an impressive collection of more than 3,000 objects spanning over 200 years of naval history.

Beacon Hill

State House

Free guided tours lasting 30-45 minutes are available Monday-Friday.

Beacon Street

During the 19 th century, Beacon Street was very popular with the city's wealthier families. It is lined with a number of sumptuous urban mansions .

Chestnut Street

Be sure to visit Chestnut Street, which features a variety of 1800-1830 architectural styles, including the so-called “ Swan Houses ” at numbers 13, 15 and 17.

Mount Vernon Street

It is said that the area's most elegant homes are found on Mount Vernon Street! One of these, the Rose Nichols House Museum , designed in 1804, is one of the few Beacon Hill houses open to the public (55 Mount Vernon Street).

Louisburg Square

This area of Beacon Hill is one of the most affluent parts of Boston. With its private park and elegant neo-classical mansions, it has been home to some of the city’s most notable residents.

Acorn Street

Charles Street

Beacon Hill's main shopping street offers an array of boutiques, antique dealers, art galleries, cafes and restaurants . It's the perfect spot to do some shopping or take a break in a cafe!

It's hard to believe that the area used to be covered in marshland!

Commonwealth Ave

Newbury Street

Prudential Center Skywalk

Like large cities around the world, Boston has its Skywalk Observatory, on the 50 th floor of the Prudential Center, offering visitors sweeping 360-degree views of Greater Boston and beyond.

Copley Square

Between Boylston and Dartmouth Streets and St-James Avenue

Trinity Church

Boston Public Library

Public Garden

The Boston Public Garden, next to the Boston Common, was America's first public botanical garden .

The iconic Swan Boats , which began operating in 1877, are a popular tourist attraction. Children especially enjoy the short 15-minute ride on the artificial lake, passing under the suspension bridge, surrounded by weeping willows (usually open every day from mid-April.

Stroll along its meandering pathways with their decorative trees, plants and fountains , and admire the statues such as a bronze of the family of ducks immortalized in the children's book “Make way for Ducklings” and an equestrian statue of George Washington. You can even watch real swans and ducks on the lagoon!

Located between Beacon, Arlington, Boylston and Charles Streets.

Charles River Esplanade

Along the Charles River, between the Museum of Science and the Boston University Bridge and across the river from the City of Cambridge, stretches a 5-km leafy path. The perfect place to stretch your legs or perhaps stop for a picnic lunch , the Esplanade features walking trails, bike trails, historical monuments, a marina and children's playgrounds . 

Boston's reputation is due in part to neighbouring Cambridge, home to two of the world's most prestigious universities, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technologies) and Harvard University .

Harvard University and Harvard Yard

Take the time to admire the classical and modern architecture and to take a walk through the campus of this iconic university whose alumni include such notable figures as John F. Kennedy, Bill Gates, Barak Obama, Nathalie Portman and Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg.

The oldest building on campus is Massachusetts Hall , built in 1720 , followed by Holden Chapel in 1744 , Hollis Hall in 1763 and Harvard Hall in 1766 , which is just off Peabody Street.

Student-led public walking tours of the campus are available, free of charge . Tours depart from the Harvard Information Center (1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge / 617-495-1573 / www.harvard.edu/on-campus/visit-harvard) on the Smith Campus and last about one hour . The tour provides a history of the university, general information, and a unique view on the student’s individual experience. Reservations are not required, but tours are capped at 35 attendees and you must register for the tour one hour prior to departure time.

You may prefer to take a self-guided walking tour using a tour pamphlet offered in nine different languages, which can be purchased from the information center for a minimal charge. You can also download audio files of historical information on each of the buildings in Harvard Yard. (see www.harvard.edu/on-campus/visit-harvard/tours/audio-tours).

Harvard Square

Harvard Museum of Natural History

Harvard Museum of Natural History is a Boston treasure and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in natural history. Founded in 1998 , it brings together three distinct research museums: the Museum of Comparative Zoology , the Harvard University Herbaria and the Mineralogical and Geological Museum . The museum's galleries house exhibits with themes such as Climate Change, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Glass Flowers (superb glass models of plants, made in Germany between 1887 and 1936 by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, a father and son team of Czech glass artists), Arthropods, Cenozoic Mammals, Evolution, Vertebrate Paleontology, Sea Creatures in Glass (also made by the Blaschkas), Asia, Afrique, Central and South America, Marine Life, New England Forests, Birds of the World and the Great Mammal Hall.

Note that the Museum of Natural History is adjacent to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, and admission to one museum admits you to both during regular hours.

Optional activities

• Whale watching

Where to eat

• $ Inexpensive
• $$ Moderate
• $$$ Upscale
• $$$$ Fine dining

Boston Sail Loft ($$)

The Boston Sail Loft is an unpretentious little seafood restaurant located on Commercial Wharf, right on Boston Harbour. Famous for its overflowing cups of thick and creamy clam chowder, while other specialties include lobster. The menu also features soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and a wide variety of fish and seafood dishes. The atmosphere is easygoing and if you're in the mood for a cocktail, be sure to try the Dark & Stormy, a mix of ginger beer and lime topped with Goslings Black Seal Rum (an award-winning dark rum from Bermuda).

Mike’s Pastry ($)

Since 1946, tourists from around the world have been coming to the North End, Boston's Italian district, to enjoy the one-of-a-kind cannoli created by Michael Mercogliano (the “Mike” behind Mike’s Pastry). Mercogliano moved to the North End when he was only 12 years old with his family straight off the boat from Italy. Today Mike's son-in-law, Angelo Papa, runs the bakery, which now has other locations (in Cambridge and Somerville). In addition to a dozen flavours of cannoli, the bakery offers a variety of biscotti, cookies and sfogliatelle ( known as lobster tails). If you see pedestrians holding a small blue and white box tied with a string bow, you'll know they've been to Mike’s!

Monica’s Mercato ($)

This small Italian grocery store and eatery prepares a variety of fresh sandwiches and pizzas to eat in or take out, crafted using the best ingredients. A neighbourhood favourite since 1995, owned and run by the Mendoza family.

Quincy Market Food Court ($)

Quincy Market houses a wide variety of food stalls offering typical New England fare such as lobster rolls, fresh oysters and clam chowder as well as dishes from all over the world. It's the perfect place to stop while walking the Freedom Trail!

Sam La Grassa’s ($)

Sam La Grassa’s claims to serve "the World's No. 1 Sandwiches", nothing less! In operation since 1968, the restaurant's immense popularity is certainly no accident: the menu features more than thirty types of sandwiches of all kinds, grilled or not, including vegetarian options. It also offers salads, soups and side orders. With the gigantic portion sizes, sharing is always a good option.

BEACON HILL

Ma maison ($$$).

Celebrity chef Jacky Robert left France to come to Boston as a young man in the early 1970s, in order to help his uncle Lucien open Maison Robert. His career took him to Paris, Geneva, Munich, Florida and San Francisco before opening Ma Maison in 2015. The restaurant serves authentic bistro fare such as  calf’s liver with caramelized onions, mussels steamed with shallots and wine, duck magret à l’orange,  pan seared sea scallops , and many other classics of French cuisine. If you feel so inclined, try the Uncle Lucien’s Country Pâté , a house specialty.

Sweetgreen ($)

Sweetgreen serves simple, healthy food at affordable prices. The menu offers seasonal dishes, warm bowls and salads, or you can "make your own" by choosing your own ingredients (two bases such as greens, quinoa or rice, 4 ingredients such as vegetables, nuts, beans, etc., one of their many in-house dressings, and you can even add a “premium” item such as local cheeses, tofu, chicken, etc.). There are a dozen Sweetgreen locations in and around Boston.

Saltie Girl ($$$)

Saltie Girl Seafood Bar is the brainchild of Kathy Sidell, who wanted to create something different. She has certainly done that with this tiny gem of a restaurant (just 30 seats, 16 at tables and 12 at the bar). The menu offers a wide array of delicious, high-quality seafood dishes: cooked, fried, smoked, raw or tinned, both local and from around the world. The sumptuous lobster rolls come either hot with butter or cold with mayonnaise. The fried lobster and waffles with sweet corn butter and spicy maple syrup is a fabulous experience in itself. To order, each diner is given a sheet of paper and ticks what they want on it. Note: the restaurant does not take reservations and seating is provided on a first come, first served basis.

Grill 23 & Bar ($$$$)

Since it first opened in the early 1980, Grill 23 & Bar has consistently earned rewards and recognition for its fine food and outstanding service. This classic steakhouse serves top-quality tender Brandt beef steaks, ultra fresh New England seafood, seasonal produce, decadent desserts and a world-class wine list. It even offers a premium cigar service for guests following dinner service . Reservations recommended.

Reservations strongly recommended.

J.P. Licks ($)

Founded in Boston in 1981, J.P Licks is a homemade ice cream parlour chain with a mission to offer a premium product in a comfortable, friendly environment. All of the ice cream and frozen yogurts is flavored with ingredients found in the home, such as chocolate chips, cookies, all kinds of roasted nuts, seasonal fruits, vanilla extract and spices. The flavours are intense and sometimes complex, and you are sure to find something for every taste. They also serve smoothies as well as coffee that they roast themselves!

Russell House Tavern ($$)

Located in the heart of Harvard Square, Russell House Tavern takes its name from one of the building's original occupants, Thomas Russell, a furniture dealer in the 1800s. You will find seasonally-inspired, classic dishes from New England and beyond, accompanied by a wide selection of cocktails, wines and local craft beers. The menu features salads and appetizers, a variety of small plates, pizzas, and entrees including fish, meat, pasta and fresh seafood dishes. There is a “brunch” menu on Saturday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a “tavern” menu for guests who like to eat late!

OTHER NEIGHBOURHOODS

B & g oysters ($$-$$$).

Since 2003, guests have been coming to B & G Oysters for their famous fresh East and West Coast oysters, as well as for their inspired seasonal seafood dishes and New England classics including the famous Maine Lobster Roll. On a hot summer day, the outdoor patio is the perfect place to be, a glass of chilled white wine in hand!

Where to sleep ?

• DoubleTree Boston Downtown
• InterContinental Boston
• Holiday Inn Express Cambridge
• DoubleTree Boston Bayside

When to visit

• Very Favourable
• Unfavourable

Rainy the day we visited

Friendly city for 48 hours.

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Raymond Forbes Photography / Stocksy United

Boston's history recalls revolution and transformation, and today the city is still among the country's most forward-thinking and barrier-breaking destinations.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, attractions, must-see attractions.

Fenway Park

Kenmore Square & Fenway

Home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912, Fenway Park is the oldest operating baseball park in the country. As such, the park has many quirks that make for a…

Harvard University

America's oldest college, Harvard University is one of the country's most prestigious universities. It was originally founded in Harvard Yard in 1636 by…

Museum of Science

The educational playground that is the Museum of Science has more than 600 interactive exhibits. Favorites include the world’s largest lightning-bolt…

Harvard Yard

Harvard University was originally founded here in 1636, and Harvard Yard remains the historic and geographic heart of the university campus. Flanked by…

Institute of Contemporary Art

Boston has become a focal point for contemporary art in the 21st century, with the Institute of Contemporary Art leading the way. The building is a work…

Boston Public Library

Founded in 1852, the esteemed Boston Public Library lends credence to Boston’s reputation as the 'Athens of America.' The old McKim building is notable…

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Once home to Isabella Stewart Gardner, this splendid palazzo now houses her exquisite collection of art. The museum includes thousands of artistic objects…

Top picks from our travel experts

11 top experiences in boston in 2024.

USS Constitution

Charlestown

‘Her sides are made of iron!’ cried a crewman upon watching a shot bounce off the thick oak hull of the USS Constitution during the War of 1812. This bit…

New England Aquarium

Teeming with sea creatures of all sizes, shapes and colors, this giant fishbowl is the centerpiece of downtown Boston's waterfront. There are countless…

Bunker Hill Monument

This 220ft granite obelisk monument commemorates the turning-point battle that was fought on the surrounding hillside on June 17, 1775. Ultimately, the…

Massachusetts State House

Beacon Hill & Boston Common

High atop Beacon Hill, Massachusetts’ leaders and legislators attempt to turn their ideas into concrete policies and practices within the State House…

Boston Children's Museum

The interactive, educational exhibits at the delightful Boston Children’s Museum keep kids entertained for hours. Highlights include a bubble exhibit,…

Paul Revere House

When silversmith Paul Revere rode to warn patriots of the British march to Lexington and Concord, he set out from this home on North Sq. This small…

Museum of Fine Arts

Founded in 1876, the Museum of Fine Arts is Boston's foremost art museum. The museum covers all parts of the globe and all eras, from the ancient world to…

Boston Common

America's oldest public park, Boston Common has a long and storied history, serving as a campground for British troops during the Revolutionary War and as…

Faneuil Hall

‘Those who cannot bear free speech had best go home,’ said Wendell Phillips. ‘Faneuil Hall is no place for slavish hearts.’ Indeed, this public meeting…

17 of the best free things to do in Boston

Quincy Market

Behind Faneuil Hall, this food court offers a variety of places under one roof: the place is packed with about 20 restaurants and 40 food stalls. Choose…

Hatch Memorial Shell

Free summer concerts take place at this outdoor bandstand on the banks of the Charles River. Most famously, there's Boston's biggest annual music event,…

Longfellow House

Brattle St’s most famous resident was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, whose stately manor is now a National Historic Site. The poet lived here from 1837 to…

Castle Island & Fort Independence

The 19th-century Fort Independence sits on 22 acres of parkland called Castle Island (a misnomer, as it’s connected to the mainland). A paved pathway…

Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments

Science-lovers and history buffs can geek out at this small but fascinating museum. Located inside the Harvard Science Center, it showcases a selection of…

John F Kennedy National Historic Site

Streetcar Suburbs

Four of the nine Kennedy children were born and raised in this modest house, including Jack, who was born in the master bedroom in 1917. Matriarch Rose…

Bleacher Bar

Tucked under the bleachers at Fenway Park, this classy bar offers a view onto center field. It’s not the best place to watch the game as it gets packed,…

SoWa Artists Guild

South End & Chinatown

The brick-and-beam buildings along Harrison Ave were originally used to manufacture goods ranging from canned food to pianos. Now these factories turn out…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Things to Know

From navigating the streets to understanding the social dynamics, here is everything you need to know before you visit Boston.

Best Neighborhoods

From the tourist sights of Downtown to the historic streets of Beacon Hill, this guide to Boston's best neighborhoods can help you plan the perfect trip.

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Money and Costs

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Transportation

From riding the T to using the city's bike-share scheme, here are the best ways to get around in Boston.

Free Things to Do

Get to know Boston without spending a dime with these top free activities.

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Fodor's Boston Whether you want to explore Boston Common, follow the Freedom Trail, or grab a cannoli in...

Boston has come a long way from 1773, when a band of revolutionaries tossed 342 chests of tea into the harbor. But the Massachusetts capital maintains that rebellious spirit to this day, and the city draws tourists in droves. Visitors can catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park while munching on a Fenway Frank, or head over to one of the neighborhood’s stellar museums, like the Museum of Fine Arts or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Continue into Back Bay, where you can walk Boston’s most famous retail boulevard, Newbury Street. High-end shops like Chanel and Cartier intermingle with local cafes like Thinking Cup and Trident Coffee and Booksellers, as well as larger shopping destinations like Copley Place and the Prudential Center, where you can board a Boston Duck Tours boat. Head over to Boylston, where you’ll find the Boston Public Library, the first large free municipal library in the US. That’s mere steps away from the Boston Marathon finish line, a notorious streak of yellow and blue emblazoned on the street, representing the strength of the city and its people. Soon you’ll step into the Boston Public Garden, a lush landscape of flowers, street musicians, and historic statues. At the center is the Lagoon, where you can catch a ride on the Swan Boats, or snap a picture by the Make Way for Ducklings statues.

Continue onto Boston Common, where you can slap on ice skates to glide across Frog Pond. The Common is also a perfect spot to join one of the city’s walking tours, where hosts in Colonial garb guide you through Downtown’s most famous landmarks. Just steps from the Common is Beacon Hill, filled with row houses and cobblestone streets.

Hop on a BlueBike and journey into the South End, a hip neighborhood with some of Boston’s best restaurants. Filled with charming Victorian brownstones and a thriving gay community, the South End has gained tourist traction in recent years thanks to its booming food scene and SoWa Sundays. Visit Faneuil Hall, where boatloads of tourists venture for shopping, street performers, and history in the hallowed halls of Quincy Market. Pop over to the Museum of Science or the New England Aquarium, or follow the iconic red line of the Freedom Trail to Paul Revere’s House in the North End, known as Boston’s own Little Italy. Line up to get into famed restaurants like Neptune Oyster, where reservations aren’t accepted but lobster rolls will keep you happy. After dinner, head to Modern Pastry for Boston’s best cannoli. You’ll see longer lines at Mike’s Pastry across the street, but trust the locals on this one. While Downtown, you’re within walking distance of several other communities including Chinatown, the Seaport District—where you’ll find the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center—and Downtown Crossing.

Cross the Charles River, once known for its “dirty water,” and head into Cambridge, where America’s greatest academic institutions join a thriving tech industry. Known for Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge is a beloved city in its own right. While they’re not as well known for tourism, Boston has many more wonderful neighborhoods like South Boston, known as “Southie,” and Roxbury, the epicenter of black culture in the city. East Boston, or “Eastie” boasts some of the city’s best Latin and Central American food, as well as iconic Italian spots like Santarpio’s Pizza and Rino’s Place. Dorchester is Boston’s biggest neighborhood with smaller Vietnamese, Cape Verdean, and Irish communities. No matter where you go, it’s easy to grab a day pass for Boston’s trolley system, known as the T. But if you don’t manage to score a seat, be sure to grab a rail and hang on—you’re in for a bumpy ride.

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55 Best Things To Do in Boston 2024 (With Pics)

Updated : May 02, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, SMT

Table of contents.

• Boston Light
• Boston Athenaeum
• Boston Signature Lunch Cruise
• Boston Harbor Sunset Sail Tour
• Boston Common
• Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour
• Boston Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey
• Evening Ghost Tour of Boston
• Small-Group Boston City Tour
• Walking Tour of Boston’s Freedom Trail
• Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour
• Boston Freedom Trail Scavenger Hunt Adventure
• Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
• Boston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise
• Boston Parks and Works of Art Scavenger Hunt
• Italian Dinner With Tiramisu Finale in Boston
• Boston Harbor Moonlight Cruise
• Boston Harbor Brunch Cruise
• Boston History and Highlights Walking Tour
• Boston Seafood Lovers Adventure
• Boston Sights and Sips Cruise
• Boston Private City Tour
• Boston Summer Nights Tour
• Mysteries on the Move Scavenger Hunt
• Boston Mafia: Outdoor Escape Game
• Boston Premier Bunch Cruise on Odyssey
• Boston Seafood Walking Tour
• Tour of Boston’s Revolutionary and Drunken Past
• Boston Holiday Cocoa Cruise
• Boston Harbor Holiday Brunch Cruise
• Boston Ghosts by US Ghost Adventures
• Guided Walking Tour in Boston
• VIP Private Tour of Boston
• Holiday Sunset Cruise in Boston Harbor
• Asian Dumplings and Dim Sum in Boston
• The Story of America Scavenger Hunt
• Fenway Park
• Private Customized Walking Tour of Boston
• New England Aquarium
• Private Boston Movie Mile Tour
• Boston and Cambridge Private Day Tour
• Boston to Kennebunkport with Optional Lobster Tour
• Boston Museum of Fine Arts
• Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
• Intro to Sushi Making with Classpop
• Boston Crime Tour
• Quincy Market
• Boston Faneuil Hall Marketplace
• Tour the Samuel Adams Brewery
• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
• Boston Symphony Hall
• Franklin Park Zoo
• Signature Boston Guided Brewery Tour
• Boston's Emerald Necklace Guided Bicycle Tour

Use AAA to Plan Your Boston Trip

Founded in 1630, Boston, Massachusetts is one of the oldest cities in the United States and a great place to visit on your next vacation. Not only are there fun outdoor activities like walking the 2.5-mile long freedom trail or taking a relaxing cruise on the Boston Harbor, but there’s also an exciting nightlife as well as fun for families. 

Here, we’ve listed the 55 best things to do in Boston, so there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re visiting for Boston’s rich history or tasty seafood, we have you covered. And if you’re an AAA member , you can also take advantage of plenty of discounts while you’re there.  

1. Boston Light

The Boston Light is one of the most iconic Boston attractions , and it’s a must-see for history lovers. During the Revolutionary War, the original Boston Light was destroyed and later restored in 1859. There are a variety of cruises in Boston Harbor that allow you to see the light from a distance, or you can take a boat tour to Little Brewster Island to see the lighthouse up close. 

2. Boston Athenaeum

Bibliophiles will love visiting the Boston Athenaeum , one of the oldest libraries in the country. Originally founded in the early 1800s, you can take a free tour of the Athenaeum to learn more about the building’s rich history in Boston. The Athenaeum has hundreds of thousands of books, and there are quiet reading rooms where you can sit down and enjoy some good books. There are also regular events at the Athenaeum, so check their calendar before you book your trip.

3. Boston Signature Lunch Cruise

If you’re looking for a good meal while also taking in scenic views around the Boston Harbor, the Signature Lunch Cruise is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. This two-hour lunch cruise has a complete lunch buffet with plenty of options and a DJ on board for entertainment. For the adults, you can enjoy some cocktails, beer or wine and their full bar.

4. Boston Harbor Sunset Sail Tour

The Boston Harbor Sunset Sail Tour is perfect for couples looking for a romantic night out while visiting Boston. The cruise is two hours long, and you’ll have incredible views of the city as you travel around the harbor at sunset on this elegant 80-foot yacht. In addition to the gorgeous scenery, you can relax with some adult beverages.

5. Boston Common

The Boston Common dates back to colonial times, and it’s a great historic location to visit during your visit. Located at the southern end of the Freedom Trail, it has a large park with cozy places to picnic or relax by the pond. It also has walking and jogging paths, and during the winter, the Boston Common is perfect for ice skating. Throughout this 50-acre area, there are also a variety of memorials, like the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, as well as sculptures and statues.

6. Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour

Horror lovers will have a blast at the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour , a fun-filled ghost-themed tour showing the spooky side of Boston. Known as one of the most haunted cities, you’ll hear ghost stories based on wars from the past, murders and more. This tour goes throughout Downtown Boston and visits the King’s Chapel Burying Ground, home to the graves of many of Boston’s first citizens. Reservations are required, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.

7. Boston Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey

The Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey is a cruise that lasts two to three hours while you enjoy entertainment and upscale dining. The Odyssey has a dress code of semi-formal attire, so it’s a great date night or an adult gathering with friends. They offer a full bar, a life DJ, a menu with different salads, pastas, poultry or fish dishes, and delicious desserts. On this cruise, you’ll see the glistening lights from the Boston skyline and landmarks like the Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, the Seaport District and the USS Constitution warship.

8. Evening Ghost Tour of Boston

One of the many fun things to do in Boston is an evening ghost tour that starts in Downtown Boston. This guided tour allows you to explore Boston’s dark history and areas known for paranormal activity. This walking tour is one and a half hours, and your tour guide will entertain you with ghost stories and legends along the way.

9. Small-Group Boston City Tour

If you’re unsure what to see in Boston, this small-group Boston city tour has you covered. This fully narrated tour is great for Boston sightseeing because you’ll visit many of the city’s most iconic locations. On this tour, you’ll visit the Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution and popular points of interest like the historic Ivy League college Harvard. The tour is perfect for families and small groups and can host up to seven travelers.

10. Walking Tour of Boston’s Freedom Trail

Boston’s Freedom Trail is one of the top places to visit in Boston because it’s filled with the rich history of the American Revolution. The Boston Freedom Trail walking tour is 90 minutes long and allows you to see various historic locations. Some notable landmarks along the Freedom Trail include the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House and Park Street Church. There are also burying grounds like the Granary Burying Ground, the final resting place of historical figures like Paul Revere and Samuel Adams.

11. Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour

If you’re a movie buff, one of the fun activities in Boston that you don’t want to miss is the Movie Mile walking tour . This tour lasts for 90 minutes and lets you visit over 30 locations where various TV shows and movies were filmed. You can have a drink at the original bar where they filmed Cheers or sit on a bench at the Boston Public Garden where Good Will Hunting was filmed. Some other popular filming locations are from films like The Departed, Amistad and Ted.

12. Boston Freedom Trail Scavenger Hunt Adventure

There are many things to see in Boston when you’re checking out the Freedom Trail, but here, you can also have some fun with a historic scavenger hunt. This innovative Freedom Trail Scavenger hunt lets you use your smartphone to guide you as you find and learn about well-known and overlooked parts of the city. This is a great activity for anyone who enjoys challenging puzzles and hunting for clues while enjoying famous parts of the city.

13. Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

The hop-on hop-off trolley tour in Boston is perfect to combine with one of the Boston Harbor cruises. This trolley tour allows you to create your itinerary and see some of the most popular sites in Boston, but you get to do it at your own pace. The boarding area for this trolley tour is near the cruise port, and the ticket also comes with discounts on additional activities in Boston, like the Sports Museum and the Boston Tea Party Ships Museum. There are 18 convenient stops, including Faneuil Hall, Historic North End and Copley Square.

14. Boston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

This sightseeing cruise lets you see many Boston tourist attractions while traveling on a 1920s-style yacht. While on this cruise, you’ll see famous locations like Old North Church, the USS Cassin Young and the Bunker Hill Monument. The sightseeing cruise also travels by Boston Harbor’s beautiful islands and is a one-and-a-half-hour voyage. The cruise serves light snacks and beverages at the bar if you get hungry.  

15. Boston Parks and Works of Art Scavenger Hunt

One of the best things to do in Boston is to visit all of the magnificent artwork throughout the city. A fun way to experience the city's various monuments, statues and art is by doing the Boston Parks and Works of Art Scavenger Hunt . This activity is run by the top app-led scavenger hunt company Let’s Roam, and it’s great for groups. You will tour the city, seeing different works of art and landmarks while each member of your group has a different interactive role that comes with unique scavenger hunt challenges.

16. Italian Dinner With Tiramisu Finale in Boston

If you’re a couple looking for things to do in Boston this weekend or any weekend , the Italian dinner with a Tiramisu finale makes for a great time. This isn’t just an ordinary Italian dinner, either. When you attend, the incredible Chef Joe Maglio, who has over 15 years of experience, will be teaching you how to cook a delicious Italian meal from scratch. This hands-on cooking class teaches you the ins and outs of making authentic pasta, and it can also be a great activity for a group.

17. Boston Harbor Moonlight Cruise

Hosted by Mass Bay Lines, you can take a moonlight cruise through Boston Harbor in the evening during your trip. This is an all-ages 90-minute cruise around the Boston Harbor, where you can relax and see the Boston skyline and other notable landmarks. Onboard, there are snacks, beverages and alcoholic drinks available for the adults.

18. Boston Harbor Brunch Cruise

This brunch cruise is a great way to start your day in Boston. The cruise is two hours long, and you’ll have access to a diverse buffet menu that includes fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, seasonal salads and bakery items. On the brunch cruise , you’ll take in some great sights, like Spectacle Island, Lovells Island, Independence Fort and Boston’s amazing Seaport District.

19. Boston History and Highlights Walking Tour

There are plenty of must-see locations throughout Boston, and this walking tour will let you experience many of them. On the tour, you will see Custom House Tower, the city’s first skyscraper, as well as Faneuil Hall and the Massachusetts State House. You will also visit the Freedom Trail and can rest your legs at the lovely Boston Public Garden. This walking tour is hosted by a knowledgeable tour guide who will teach you about Boston’s rich history as you take in the stunning views.

20. Boston Seafood Lovers Adventure

Boston is the home of some of the most delicious seafood in the country, so this is one of the best things to do in Boston, MA , for all seafood-loving travelers. During the Seafood Lovers Adventure , you will get to eat some of the city’s best seafood and have a tour guide leading you to some of the most historic sites. Some of the amazing seafood fare you’ll get to taste include lobster rolls, clam chowder and more as you visit waterfront shacks and classic restaurants.

21. Boston Sights and Sips Cruise

The Sights and Sips cruise in Boston is an adults-only cruise that offers an incredible evening of fun and alcoholic beverages. This 90-minute cruise provides scenic views of the Boston Harbor as you drink cocktails, wine and beer from the fully-stocked bar. There’s also an onboard DJ for some live entertainment.

22. Boston Private City Tour

As you can see, there are a lot of different city tours of Boston, but if you want a more private setting for your group, this is the tour for you. This private city tour is four hours, and you’ll travel the city in a comfortable luxury vehicle with your group. This tour is catered to your group’s preferences and will stop at the sights you want to see the most. This allows you to go at your own pace while also getting each location’s full history from your guide.

23. Boston Summer Nights Tour

During the summer, a fantastic way to see the city is on this sunset Summer Nights trolley tour of Boston. You will take an Old Town Trolley as you watch the sunset over the Charles River and travel along the cobblestone streets of Boston. The tour stops include John Hancock Tower, the Boston Public Garden, Massachusetts State House and Boston Common. 

24. Mysteries on the Move Scavenger Hunt

If you want to combine Boston sightseeing with a murder mystery, this is just the activity for you. This scavenger hunt is a classic whodunnit where you’re solving the murder of silent movie director Rex King in the 1920s. During this scavenger hunt , you will visit famous historical sights around the city and use your smartphone as you gather clues to solve the murder. There are 10 historical stops along the way, and this is a fun-filled activity for ages 13 and up.

25. Boston Mafia: Outdoor Escape Game

While in Boston, you can learn all about the city’s mafia past while playing a fun escape game. As you take the role of a reporter, this outdoor escape game has you solve different puzzles as the story of Boston’s mafias unfolds. This game also allows you to embrace Boston’s history as you visit areas like the Rose Kennedy Rose Garden, North Street Park and more. 

26. Boston Premier Bunch Cruise on Odyssey

The Odyssey has a variety of cruises, and this one provides an exquisite brunch experience to start your day. On the Premier Brunch Cruise , you get to set out on Boston Harbor while having panoramic views of historic landmarks and islands. During the cruise, you’re treated to a delicious brunch menu with salads, freshly prepared entrees and desserts with unlimited coffee or tea.

27. Boston Seafood Walking Tour

Seafood lovers can go on a culinary journey while experiencing the city with this walking tour. The Boston Seafood walking tour is guided, so you will hear stories about the history of Boston while you sample various classic seafood dishes from the area. This tour goes along the Boston waterfront, and some of the incredible dishes include lobster rolls, New England clam chowder, fried oysters and much more.

28. Tour of Boston’s Revolutionary and Drunken Past

In addition to Boston’s historical landmarks, there are also historic taverns in the area. When taking the Tour of Boston’s Revolutionary and Drunken Past , you will visit 10 locations along the Freedom Trail, like the Old State House and the site of the Boston Massacre. More importantly, your tour will stop at three historic taverns where you can grab a beer or hard cider. Visitors on the tour will learn quite a bit about the city’s drunk history from guides who are expertly trained historians.

29. Boston Holiday Cocoa Cruise

Should you visit Boston during the winter holiday season, there’s no better way to spend your time than with some hot cocoa as you cruise around the Boston Harbor. The Holiday Cocoa Cruise is a great way to spend some time with friends, family or your significant other during your holiday trip to Boston. This cruise allows you to see the Boston skyline and some iconic landmarks while sipping on some cocoa and listening to classic holiday music.

30. Boston Harbor Holiday Brunch Cruise

This two-hour brunch cruise offers delicious holiday dishes while seeing some historic landmarks around Boston’s Seaport. On the Holiday Brunch Cruise , you’re treated to a three-course gourmet brunch and will travel around the harbor, seeing locations like the Bunker Hill Monument, Old North Church and Sea Castle Island. This cruise is for people of all ages, and they even have infant seats available if you’re traveling with young ones.

31. Boston Ghosts by US Ghost Adventures

Horror fans and lovers of all things spooky will enjoy the Ghosts by US Ghost Adventures in Boston. This tour takes you down some of the most eerie locations in Downtown Boston and provides a unique perspective on the city’s haunted history. During this nighttime tour, your guide will tell you bone-chilling Boston stories that will frighten the bravest individuals. 

32. Guided Walking Tour in Boston

If you’re looking for a shorter walking tour while you’re in Boston, this is the one for you. This guided walking tour is about an hour long and takes you along the Freedom Trail, where you’ll visit 10 historic sites in Downtown Boston. On the tour, you will also be able to go inside of two of the locations. Some popular sites you will see include the Old South Meeting House, the John Adams Courthouse and City Hall Plaza.

33. VIP Private Tour of Boston

Many of the tours and cruises in Boston are large groups with many other visitors, but you can also take this VIP private tour of the city. You and your group will experience the best of the city’s history on this four-hour tour. You’ll be escorted to the various locations in a private luxury vehicle, and they also offer hotel pickup and drop-off services. The tour stops at locations like the Bunker Hill Monument, Harvard University and the USS Constitution. At the end of the tour, you’ll go on a cruise around the harbor.

34. Holiday Sunset Cruise in Boston Harbor

During the holiday season, a great way to spend the evening is by taking a holiday-inspired sunset cruise through Boston Harbor. This cruise allows you to see the Boston skyline and harbor during the twilight. This cruise is on a ship fashioned in the style of the 1920s, with holiday beverages and music. The ship’s captain gives some commentary on different landmarks around the harbor, and the ship also passes under the majestic Tobin Bridge.

35. Asian Dumplings and Dim Sum in Boston

Treat yourself to some delicious Asian cuisine that you get to create while visiting Boston. This dumplings and dim sum experience is a fun activity for couples or groups of friends. Located just east of the Boston Common, the cooking class’s teacher is 15-year veteran Chef Gary. This is a great way to build memories with your group or significant other while you’re in Boston, and it’s also a skill that you can bring back home after your trip.

36. The Story of America Scavenger Hunt

Learn the story of America while you enjoy the fun of a scavenger hunt with this walking tour. The Story of America scavenger hunt is run by Let’s Roam, the top app-led scavenger hunt company. Using your smartphone, you’ll walk historic parts of the city, where you’ll discover hidden gems while solving fun challenges. Each person in your group will have a different role and puzzles to solve, so it’s great for families and groups of friends.

37. Fenway Park

During baseball season, you can catch a famous Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park . Originally built in 1912, Fenway Park has over 100 years of history to experience while you’re also enjoying a baseball game. Even if you’re not a fan of watching baseball games, Fenway Park is also a great location to take a tour and learn some history about the city. The tour lasts about 90 minutes, and you’ll see and learn about the Green Monster Wall and get to see the dugouts. 

38. Private Customized Walking Tour of Boston

When planning your trip to Boston, you may have different locations that you want to visit while not touring with a large group. If that’s the case, you can take the private customized walking tour of the city. This tour is two to two and a half hours long, and when you make your reservation, you get to customize the itinerary with a tour guide to see various locations like Freedom Trail, Copley Square and other locations on your list.

39. New England Aquarium

While in Boston, you can spend the day with a wide range of aquatic life by taking a trip to the New England Aquarium . This aquarium is the home to over 15,000 creatures of the sea, and it’s the perfect place for family fun. It’s located on Central Wharf, and it hosts a four-story, 200,000-gallon oceanic tank filled with sea turtles, eels, sharks and a wide variety of exotic fish. You can also take a three-hour whale-watching tour from the aquarium or stay indoors to watch an ocean life documentary on their IMAX screen. 

40. Private Boston Movie Mile Tour

Movie fans who want some privacy during their tour experience can take the private Boston Movie Mile tour . This private tour is for small groups, and it lasts about 90 minutes. During the tour, you’ll visit locations where famous movies like Good Will Hunting and many others were filmed. The tour also goes to famous landmarks like the Boston Common as well as Beacon Hill. On this private tour, your guide is a local actor who offers a unique perspective on each filming location.

41. Boston and Cambridge Private Day Tour

This private walking tour is the perfect way to see the city’s most significant sites in a private setting. The private tour of Boston and Cambridge is a walking tour that later transitions into a drive to some other parts of the city. Some landmarks and neighborhoods you’ll visit include Back Bay, Beacon Hill and Seaport. Your local guide will give you a full history of the different locations, and you’ll also stop for lunch along the way.

42. Boston to Kennebunkport with Optional Lobster Tour

If you’re looking to venture out a little further than the Boston Harbor during your trip, this activity is for you. Kennebunkport is located in Maine, about 90 miles north of Boston. You will travel along the coast and see many locations outside of Boston, so you’ll experience more than staying within the city limits. The tour travels along the New Hampshire coastline, and you’ll take a one-hour break in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, before reaching Kennebunkport. Once there, you can explore the city or take the optional hour-long lobster tour.

43. Boston Museum of Fine Arts

The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is full of incredible artworks from around the globe. The museum has nearly 450,000 unique pieces of art, and over one million people visit the museum each year. This museum is home to a 13-foot-tall statue of the goddess Juno, which is the largest Roman-era statue in North America. It also has art and sculptures from Ancient Egypt and other parts of the world. You can spend the day here viewing art and learning the history of the work, and there are four restaurants on-site.

44. Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

The Boston Tea Party is one of the most important events in American history, and you can visit the exact location and learn more about it during your trip. At the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum , you will learn the details of the events that led to the Boston Tea Party in 1773. You can explore the tall ships from the event and visit different exhibits throughout the museum. There are also guided tours and a movie theater where you can learn even more about the events.

45. Intro to Sushi Making with Classpop

Boston is home to some of the best seafood in the country, making it a great spot to eat sushi. You can eat sushi while in Boston, and at Classpop , you will learn how to make sushi yourself. Chef Harold teaches this cooking class is at a local Boston brewery. In the class, you get hands-on experience crafting different sushi rolls in this laid back class, and the chef will teach you the secrets of making the perfect sushi roll.

46. Boston Crime Tour

The city of Boston is pretty safe but has a lengthy history of organized crime. On the Boston Crime Tour , you get a view of the underworld of Boston when gangsters like James “Whitey” Bulger and the Winter Hill Gang were operating. The tour takes you to various sites where crimes happened as you learn how the Boston Police and FBI handled the actions of these notorious gangsters.

47. Quincy Market

For 200 years, Quincy Market has been a prime spot for shopping in Boston. This is a popular area for locals and visitors because it has incredible architecture and plenty of places to shop. Quincy Market has over 100 shops and eateries in the area, giving you plenty to do while you’re there. The area also has carts selling snacks, coffee, seafood and artisanal breads. You can also take a bike tour throughout the area or take a ride in a coach.

48. Boston Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is next to Quincy Market and has over 30 food stalls selling a wide range of food and beverages. This is an especially fun place to visit because the Faneuil Hall Marketplace is where street performers like to hang out and entertain visitors and locals alike. The marketplace is inside a building that dates back to the 19th century and is centrally located next to the financial district. During the holiday season, there are special events as well.

49. Tour the Samuel Adams Brewery

Samuel Adams beer has been an American classic for decades, and while in Boston, you can visit the place where the magic happens. Founded by Jim Koch, Samuel Adams beer is the first Boston Lager, and you can take a tour of the famous brewery . The tour includes an inside look at the production process, and you get to sample the ingredients that go into the famous beer along the way. They also have an eatery and a gift shop, so you can take home some memories from your visit.

50. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has an art collection of 2,500 pieces, and it’s all hosted inside a 20th-century mansion. The mansion is modeled after a Venetian palazzo from the medieval era, and the art’s owner was one of the city’s art patrons, Isabella Steward Gardner. You can spend hours viewing the art and exploring the mansion, which has an entire wing made of glass. 

51. Boston Symphony Hall

If you’re a fan of classical music, you may be able to catch the Boston Symphony Orchestra playing at the Boston Symphony Hall . This location is one of the top classical music venues in the country, and it has exceptional acoustics to showcase the beautiful music of the orchestra. When the symphony isn’t playing a show, you can take a guided tour to view the hall and see the massive 4,800-pipe organ.

52. Franklin Park Zoo

In addition to the local aquarium, you can also visit the Franklin Park Zoo , which sits on 72 acres of land and is the home to various animals. The zoo has plenty of exhibits for you to see, like the Aussie Aviary, the Giraffe Savannah, Gorilla Grove and Serengeti Crossing. Some exhibits are seasonal, so plan ahead to map out what you want to see during your trip. They also have behind-the-scenes tours where you can get up close with some animals.

53. MIT Museum

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the most famous colleges in the country for its technology-based and robotics courses. Some of the world’s most innovative creations have been designed here, so the MIT Museum is a great place to visit for those interested in the tech world. Founded in the early 1970s, the museum has exhibits for artificial intelligence, robotics, holography, etc.

54. Signature Boston Guided Brewery Tour

Beer lovers looking for the best places to visit in Boston will have a great time on the guided brewery tour in Boston . In addition to the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, there are many other breweries throughout the city. The tour allows you to see behind the scenes and learn how they make the beer while tasting various crafted beers along the way. The stops rotate based on the time of the year, but some of the breweries include:

• Samuel Adams
• Aeronaut Cannery
• BearMoose Brewing
• Distraction Brewing
• Mighty Squirrel Brewing
• Short Path Distillery
• Winter Hill Brewing

55. Boston's Emerald Necklace Guided Bicycle Tour

A great way to see the city is with light exercise and a breeze in your face as you take a guided bicycle tour around Boston’s Emerald Necklace. The Emerald Necklace is a path around Boston’s most gorgeous green spaces in the city. There are many parks along the journey and the shaded boulevard on Commonwealth Avenue. You’ll also ride along the winding paths of the Arnold Arboretum. The best time to take this tour is during the fall because the foliage in the area is at its brightest colors.

Now that you know the best spots for Boston tourism, the next step is to plan your trip. With an AAA membership, you benefit from exclusive discounts and other offerings while visiting Boston. To learn more about each location and book your reservations, you can do it through our Travel page while learning more about the various attractions.

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Boston Tourist Attractions Map PDF

Printable Map of Boston Attractions, Walking Tours Map

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Boston Tourist Attractions Maps | City Tours Map

Boston is New England’s largest city, which is the capital city of Massachusetts. It’s one of the wealthiest and most historic cities all over the United States. Boston is known for its historical sights, museums, and exciting theater performances, which is why the city is visited by millions of tourists each year.

If you plan on visiting Boston soon, you’d be glad to know that you can explore the city easily using its public transportation. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is one of the United State’s largest transit systems. Also known as the “T”, this public transportation is the most popular way of navigating the city. But in order for you to find your way, make sure you get a copy of the Boston metro map. Whether you’re coming to Boston to shop, dine, or explore, the Boston Transport Map will surely be a big help!

Some of the most popular attractions to visit in Boston are the Freedom Trail, which is a route that passes through the city’s most popular sites and museums. Make sure you also check out the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Museum of Fine Arts, and the Boston Common. To find out how to reach these places, check out the Boston Tourist Sightseeing Map.

If you would rather walk during your tour, then check out the Boston Walking Tour Maps. These maps will guide you into the different tours for a walking tour of the city. With this map, you’ll know which attractions in Boston you can walk by foot, whether it’s visiting a museum, monuments, or other attractions.

For a more convenient of way of exploring Boston, you might want to catch one of the Hop on Hop off Bus tours. If you’re wondering where to ride these buses, refer to our free printable Boston Hop on Hop off bus map.

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Home » North America » USA » Boston

The BEST Boston Travel Guide (Budget Tips • 2024)

Before jumping into this Boston travel guide, I have good news and bad news.

The good news is: Boston is a really rad city these days. The bad news is: no one really talks with a Boston accent like Matt Damon or Ben Affleck from Good Will Hunting anymore.

Whether you’re greeted with a “good morning!” or a “good mawnin!” Boston is still one of the best cities in America.

Aside from being stunning, Boston is jam-packed with historical sites, great food, and unabashed character. For visitors and residents alike, there are so many things to do and see here that having the best Boston city travel guide pays off dividends.

I’ve taken all of my insider knowledge of the city and poured it into this one travel guide so that you can have a grand ol’ time in Boston.

You’ll soon know all about the best cheap things to do in Boston, where to stay on a budget, sample Boston itineraries, and the best places to drink.

Basically–you’ll be ready to hit the streets of Boston and explore them as the locals do. So what are you waitin’ for? Let’s get to it people!

We’re headin’ to Beantown…

Why Visit Boston?

A sample 3-day itinerary for boston, 10 top things to do in boston, backpacker accommodation in boston, boston backpacking costs, best time to travel to boston, staying safe in boston, how to get into and around boston, working and volunteering in boston, nightlife in boston, faqs about traveling in boston, final advice before visiting boston.

Boston is one of the coolest cities to add to your USA backpacking itinerary. It’s a charming place that’s easily digestible, idyllic in summers, and – best of all – it truly has something for everyone.

From its serene harbor and many historical locales to some of America’s most iconic sports teams, Boston is a place for backpackers, families, and anyone and everyone in between. Bostonians love their city, and as it’s home to just over 600,000 people, it has a small-town charm amidst the high-rises and luxury condos.

Boston can also transport you back hundreds of years into the past if you let it: old graveyards, the oldest park in the United States, and a whole lot more. And I can’t even talk about Boston travel without mentioning Fenway Stadium which has been open for ballgames since 1912.

Add in some of the best universities in the world (big up Boston, MIT & Harvard University!), New England seafood, and pedestrian-friendly streets and you have yourself one heck of a small city!

Plus, it’s the only place in the US where you can experience the unique version of English known as the Boston accent.

What are the Major Attractions in Boston?

Boston is one of the most historical places to visit in the USA , so it’s no surprise that a few of the city’s top attractions are related to its past. Additionally, Boston is a major sports and foodie destination: you certainly won’t go hungry during your visit. The city’s nickname is even derived from some food: Boston baked beans.

As much as I recommend taking some time to simply wander around and see where you end up, there are a few Boston attractions that you just can’t miss:

• The Freedom Trail
• Fenway Park
• Quincy Market
• Boston Public Garden

How Long to Spend in Boston?

As aforementioned, Boston ain’t big. It might not be the smallest city in the US, but it’s far from the largest. That means you can hit all the main sights relatively quickly!

3 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in the city, which would make for a nice weekend in Boston , though weekdays tend to be less busy for most of the year.

The following is a sample 3-day Boston itinerary. Don’t worry, we’re gonna cover most of the top destinations that were already mentioned in this travel guide, as well as some of the other best places to visit in Boston .

Day 1 in Boston: All About Downtown

Make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes because we’re kicking off this Boston itinerary with a long day!

Start by catching the T all the way to Fenway Park , which is one of the most famous stadiums in the USA. (Bostonians treat it like a church.) Baseball rallies are held here regularly and most of the bars are packed, regardless of whether there’s a game in progress or not.

Let’s depart from Fenway and head deeper into Downtown . Cross the Back Bay Fens and Fenway Garden Society and or Boylston Street , which is one of the city’s main roadways.

Walk about 20 minutes through the Back Bay district until you reach one of my favorite spots: Copley Square . This square hosts some of the most arresting buildings in Boston, including the Public Library , Trinity Church , and John Hancock Tower , all of which create a wonderful juxtaposition.

Continue walking east and soon you’ll arrive at the Boston Commons – the largest and most important park in the city. The Commons is a very popular place to hang out in, no matter what time of the year. Going for a swan boat ride is somewhat customary in the Commons, if not a little touristy.

Just north of the Commons is Beacon Hill , which is one of the most historically significant areas in Boston. Lined with brownstones, paved with cobblestones, and topped by the magnificent State House , Beacon Hill is like a time capsule from Colonial days.

Let’s wrap up our day and make a beeline for North End for dinner. The North End is the old Italian quarter and is one of the coolest places to eat in Boston. Here, the pasta is piled high, the meatballs are fat, and the bakeries are just about endless. Thanks, Italy.

Day 2 in Boston: Visiting Cambridge

Though not technically a part of Boston, nearby Cambridge is still totally worth checking out thanks to its prestigious institutions. Most notably, Cambridge hosts two of the most famous universities in the world – MIT and Harvard University.

Let’s begin the second day of our Boston travel guide at the famed Harvard University .

If you grabbed the T, the first place that you’ll see on campus is Harvard Yard . The Yard is the oldest part of the campus and has been the setting for many films. The Yard is a bucolic setting and will probably be overrun by scampering students.

As you wander around the campus, you’ll notice that the architecture of Harvard is a gorgeous blend of several styles – Gothic, Classical, Revival – yet every building is still made from that quintessential red brick. Several of these buildings host noteworthy museums that are open to the public. For me, a tour of the campus is reason enough to visit Cambridge.

Let’s depart Harvard and visit a very different college: MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).

Whereas Harvard excels in the fine arts and business, MIT is all about engineering and the sciences. MIT’s most notable building is the Great Dome – a fine example of neoclassicism. Aside from this triumphant building, there are lots of ultra-modern buildings on the MIT campus and these make for great foils to Harvard’s more traditional styles.

As you leave MIT, you will be greeted by the Charles River and the Boston skyline in the distance. This shoreline has one of the best views of the city and is a great place to catch the sunset.

If you’d like a nice quiet place to reminisce about the day, head to nearby Kendall Square Roof Garden , which is one of the best secret places in Boston and will reopen with its new sexier-than-ever design in Summer 2022.

Day 3 in Boston: South and East Boston

On the final day of this Boston travel itinerary, you’re going to explore the edges of the city.

Let’s start in South Boston – home of Irish haunts and all things “wicked”. South Boston had a bad rap for a lot of years, being the headquarters for much of the city’s organized crime, but it has really cleaned up its act.

South Boston AKA “ Southie ” is now one of the most desirable areas of the city.

The most noticeable trait of South Boston is the Southie Boston accent, which has served as the inspiration for just about every bad Boston impression. While the accent isn’t as strong these days, hearing some old Southie ask for a “ qua-ffee regula ” from Dunkin Donuts might really make your day. Eavesdrop on some local banter before the accent disappears altogether.

Next, head up to the  Seaport District , which is basically South Boston’s waterfront. This district is undergoing a huge renaissance and is home to many of the city’s best museums. Here you’ll find excellent institutions like the Children’s Museum , Institute of Contemporary Art , and the Tea Party Museum .

To wrap up South Boston, head across the channel and back into the Downtown area. You’ll first run into Chinatown/Leather District but head north to eventually arrive at the Long Wharf .

Long Wharf is home to many of the city’s most well-known attractions, particularly Quincy Market , where you can grab a delicious meal on the cheap.

From the wharf, you can catch a water taxi to East Boston and then walk to Lo Presti Park . With unbeatable views of the city and plenty of athletic facilities, there are few better things to do at night in Boston than hang out here.

Spending More Time in Boston?

Got more time on your hands? There are plenty more things to do in and around Boston to keep you busy for way more than a weekend! Here are some of the more offbeat adventures the city has to offer:

• Chill at Corey Hill Park : Another stellar park in Boston that’s often skipped by tourists is Corey Hill, which actually sits over 260 feet above sea level. The park is over 4 acres, and has great spots for relaxing, exercising, or picknicking.
• See a show at Symphony Hall : Constructed at the turn of the 20th century, this is regarded as one of the top three concert halls in the world . Many people plan their trips to Boston around the shows, and the schedule is certainly worth checking if near perfect acoustics appeal to you!
• Enjoy the Observation Deck : The Observation deck–at Independence Wharf–provides iconic vistas of Boston for free! Contained with an old warehouse, there are both indoor and outdoor portions for your free viewing pleasure! Just be sure to bring some type of ID with you as it’s required.
• Visit the MIT Museum : The Massachussetts Institute of Technology was established in 1971 and is now one of the most prestigious universitiies in the world. You can find a number of fascinating exhibits here pertaining to artificial inteligence and all other facets of technological research.
• Tour the Samuel Adams Brewery : While it might be the smallest out of the Boston Beer Company’s many breweries, the Samuel Adams location is the only one that gives tours! The tours are either free or cheap and give you a chance to get to know the brand’s history and sample some beers while you’re at it.

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Here are some of the best things to do in Boston that you really shouldn’t miss:

1. Walk the Freedom Trail

No Boston travel guide is complete without suggesting a walk on the terrific Freedom Trail. This pathway visits most of the city’s most important historical attractions including the Boston Commons , Bunker Hill Monument , and Paul Revere’s House . Best of all – it’s free!

2. Feast in the North End

Since this is the Italian Quarter, there really is nothing better to do than eat pizza and Italian food. You won’t have much trouble finding a place to eat considering every other shop is either a restaurant or bakery. You won’t find me complaining.

3. Catch the ferry to East Boston

One of the best places to visit in Boston (that may also be a bit surprising) is East Boston. This part of town, specifically around Lo Presti Park, offers unrivaled views of the city and the journey across Boston Harbor is pretty sweet too!

4. Visit the hallowed Fenway Park

Fenway Park is probably the most beloved structure in the entire city and is just about as important to Bostonians as anything. For the most Boston experience ever, catch a game here and sit in the legendary Green Monster.

Boston Red Sox forever!

5. Discover the Mapparium

What’s cooler for world travelers than walking inside a giant freakin’ globe?! Hidden inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library, this interactive art installation allows you to see the world from a whole different perspective. This is seriously a great spot for any interested in geography.

6. Snap some pics in Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is probably the prettiest neighborhood in Boston thanks to its charming colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. While I loved visiting the historic State Building, nothing really tops the eminently quaint Acorn Street.

7. Go for a run on the Esplanade

Boston is an active town and it seems like there’s always some type of organized workout going on. There is no better place to go for a run than the Charles River Esplanade . In the summer, this area is just gorgeous and will certainly give you something to think about while you sweat.

8. Have a picnic in the Boston Commons

One of the most classic and coolest places to eat in Boston is the Commons. This giant parkland is a gathering place for all kinds of folks. You’ll see plenty of people picnicking here in the afternoon.

9. Get off the beaten path in Boston

There are tons of secret spots in Boston that only require a little extra effort to see. Mix things up by visiting the Ruins of Schoolmaster Hill , the Sacred Cod of State House , or the Ether Dome .

10. Visit the Boston Museum of Fine Arts

Containing over 450,000 works of art, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts is the 14th largest art museum in the world. Founded in 1870, the museum includes paintings, sculptures, and hosts fine temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent treasures. Admission is $27.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Boston has a huge variety of accommodation catering to all sorts of travelers. Whether you’re a backpacker, a working professional, or traveling on a family trip, there’s something for you in Boston.

I previously mentioned that lodging in Boston is very expensive. Unless you’re insistent on having a private apartment or room, I highly recommend staying at a hostel .

They’re affordable, fun, and of a high standard. There are many quality hostels in Boston , so don’t feel like you have to settle for a fuck-bucket of a party option.

If you really wanted your own place, then you can check out Airbnb . Hotels are often bland and impersonal, not to mention expensive. There are some really cool Airbnb options in Boston that offer great experiences. I stayed in a great one on Newbury Street.

The best way to save on accommodation in Boston is to go camping . You’ll often have to stay quite far outside of the city, but if you have a car and some quality backpacking gear , then this problem can be alleviated. Just drive to the nearest subway stop and take the train into the city (driving in the city is a nightmare). Don’t forget a tent either!

The Best Places to Stay in Boston

Here are some of the best places to stay in Boston with the best neighborhoods to choose from.

If you’re visiting Boston for the first time, there’s no better neighbourhood than Back Bay. Centrally located and well connected, Back Bay is close to everything.

Downtown is far and away the most iconic neighbourhoods in Boston. It is home to a number of historic sites and cultural gems, including Boston Common and Boston Public Gardens.

Chinatown is a small but vibrant neighbourhood located in central Boston. It is the fourth largest Chinatown in the United States and this neighbourhood is home to incredible restaurants and colourful shops.

Boston’s South End neighbourhood is one of the most overlooked and underrated areas of the city. Within South End, you’ll find some of the best restaurants and art galleries in the city and can enjoy a hip yet relaxed atmosphere.

Jamaica Plain

For families with children, there’s no better neighbourhood than Jamaica Plain. A quiet and residential district south of the city centre, Jamaica Plain has charming restaurants, cute cafes and a great selection of green spaces to explore.

Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the USA, mostly because of astronomical property values.

Thankfully, this trend doesn’t affect tourism too much and Boston is still relatively affordable when compared to other major East Coast cities (New York and DC are much more expensive). Ultimately, Boston can be cheap, but only with the proper guidance and habits in place.

With plenty of tips to visit Boston on a shoestring budget, maybe you’ll even get by on $10/day.

A lower average daily budget for Boston will be around $60-$80 . This includes a dorm bed, groceries, public transport, and some spending money.

Without question, lodging will be your greatest expense in Boston. Yep, accommodation in Boston ain’t cheap. Unless you’re willing to splurge on a hotel or Airbnb – often just as expensive as those in New York – you’re gonna have to stick to the Boston hostels and guesthouses.

You can also look into urban campgrounds and utilize Couchsurfing if you like, but these options are limited.

The prices of food and drink vary widely. For example, the central districts of Boston and Cambridge can be particularly expensive.

Even Quincy Market, long hailed for its street food, is sorely lacking in truly affordable options these days. Hit up the outer suburbs of East Boston, South Boston, and Allston for cheaper offerings.

Public transport is cheap and effective in Boston, but since trips are one-way, tickets add up quickly. Consider buying a daily/weekly pass if you think you’ll be using transit often.

A Daily Budget in Boston

Here’s how much traveling in Boston costs, broken down by travel style:

A Few Free Things to Do in Boston

If you’re looking to save some extra cash, then try doing one of these free things in Boston on your next visit!

• Freedom Trail – The lauded walkway that takes you through to many of most important historical attractions in Boston. Of course, the 2.5-mile walk itself is free but some locations may be ticketed. Highlights include Bunker Hill , Boston Commons , Paul Revere House , and Faneuil House .
• Sam Adams Brewery – The treasured brewery offers free tours of their facilities and almost always gives out complimentary samples at the end. Yes, FREE BEER!
• Boston Harbour – One of my fave things to do is to take a stroll down by Boston Harbor and feed the fresh sea breeze.
• Museums – Many of Boston’s best museums offer free admission on certain days and/or at certain times. Check the websites of the following for more details: Bunker Hill, MIT Museum, ICA, Children’s Museum, Museum of Science, MFA, and Museum of Bad Art.
• Open-air screenings – One of the most popular things to do in Boston in the summer is catch an outdoor movie. Many organizations arrange free film viewings at public spaces (parks, plazas, etc) in Boston. Most of these films are American classics too.
• November Project – This is one of the best free things to do in Boston! Join this health-minded community for prearranged, free exercises in many of Boston’s public areas. Examples of activities include running, relays, and calisthenics.
• Free festivals – There’s always a free event happening in Boston , especially during the summers.

Travel Tips – Boston on a Budget

It’s easy to spend without thinking, and even easier to go broke.

In hopes of helping you explore Beantown on the cheap, here are some Boston travel tips for folks on a budget. Follow these words of advice and you’ll find that your dollar goes much further!

• Always pre-fade before going out – Buying full-priced drinks at the bar is a great way to waste your money. Instead, buy booze at the store and drink with your friends at the hostel/their house/the park/anywhere besides the actual bar.
• Cook at home as often as possible – Buying your own groceries and cooking at home will save you heaps of cash. This is where using Airbnb can come in handy.
• Buy a special pass – If you’re planning on seeing a lot of the city, then you may want to invest a City Pass . This card will allow free entry into many of Boston’s must see attractions and even give you special rates for public transport.
• Search for “1-Buck Shucks” – Dollar oyster deals are a New England staple! Search for the best oysters in Boston and pay next to nothing in the process. Be careful though; shit can feel weird after a couple dozen of these.

Why You Should Travel to Boston with a Water Bottle

We’re all aware of our plastic consumption infiltrating our precious oceans now… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful!

You can’t save the world overnight, but you CAN be part of the solution! Small changes are easy, and they make a difference. So I hope you then become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveler .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

I don’t think I’ve ever met a New Englander that really loved the weather there. Sure, some people may make lukewarm statements like “the weather is fine” or “I don’t mind it,” but to hear anyone say “I just adore the weather in Boston” is probably a sign of severe brain haemorrhaging.

The weather in Boston is notoriously uncooperative. Winters are frigid, windy, and prone to freak snowstorms. Summers are warm and sunny but unfortunately too short. Spring and autumn are like flakey friends – really enjoyable but, more often than naught , absent.

Summer is when Boston is full of out-of-towners. This sudden influx usually jacks up prices and creates congestion. Many Bostonians will also be fleeing to the coastal communities – e.g. The Cape – during this time, which can make the city feel a bit hallow.

The best times to visit Boston are probably during the summer’s shoulder seasons (April-May & September-October). The weather during these months is often reliable if not a little on the cool side. There will be fewer tourists in town, which means prices will be lower, and more students, which means the bars will be packed.

Mid-October is peak fall foliage in Boston and it’s an absolutely breathtaking period to visit New England. People from all over the East Coast flock to New England to see the trees turn a fiery color and this makes the city feel a little more alive for a couple more weeks.

Winters in Boston are lamentable. They are cruel, not because of their harshness but because of their deceptiveness. Winter temperatures usually hover around a reasonable 32-38 °F but Boston’s humidity makes the chill penetrate the bone. The wind also batters you and it’s not unheard of for a wind chill to cause the relative temperature to drop 20 degrees.

What to Pack for Boston

While your Boston wardrobe will be largely dependent upon the season and weather forecast, here are a few things you just shouldn’t head out without:

Osprey Daylite Plus

Any city slicker needs a SLICK daypack. In general, you can never go wrong with an Osprey pack, but with its array of awesome organisation, durable materials, and a comfy build, the Daylite Plus will make your urban jaunts buttery smooth.

Grayl Geopress Filtered Bottle

Save $$$, save the planet, and save yourself the headache (or tummy ache). Instead of sticking to bottled plastic, buy a Grayl Geopress, drink water no matter the source, and be happy knowing the turtles and fishies thank you (and so do we!). 🙂

OCLU Action Camera

Wait, it’s cheaper than a GoPro and… better than a GoPro? The OCLU action cam is the cam for budget backpackers that want to immortalise all their wildest adventures – including that time you dropped it off a Himalayan mountain – WITHOUT breaking the bank.

Solgaard Solarbank

Resourceful travellers know how to find power outlets anywhere on the road; smart travellers just pack a solar power bank instead. With 4-5 phone cycles per charge and the ability to top up literally anywhere the sun is shining, there’s no reason to ever get lost again!

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

ALL travellers need a headtorch – no exceptions! Even in the hostel dorm, this beauty can save you in a real pinch. If you haven’t got in on the headtorch game, DO. I promise you: you’ll never look back. Or at least if you do, you’ll be able to see what you’re looking at.

By most contemporary American safety standards, Boston is pretty tame. It used to be dangerous, but thanks to huge public safety initiatives, the city is now quite relaxed. Those planning a trip to Boston should not have to worry about personal safety IF they are aware of a few issues.

Like the rest of the world, petty crime is still a part of life in Boston. Pickpocketing has been known to occur in busy nightlife districts and on public transport. Carjackings and break-ins are not unheard of either. When visiting Boston, be sure to exhibit all of the usual travel safety precautions  and to always have your wits about you, just to be on the careful side.

The real way to get in trouble is if you started bad-mouthing the locals. Bostonians, though generally friendly, do not take kindly to being insulted and, after a couple of beers, will beat the shit out of anyone. This means talking shit about the Red Sox, saying something like Tom Brady is a pussy , or trying to impersonate their distinct accent (they really hate that last bit). Unless you’re really looking for a fight, just keep ye’ mouth shut.

If you’re caught in the crossfire in or outside of a bar, the police are never too far away. Many cops patrol the neighborhoods that are most prone to fights to break things up.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Boston

While Boston is far from the biggest party city in the US, it is still home to some bars and nightclubs that will be sure to make for a good time. You can expect a wide variety of scenes that cater to all preferences: from Bijou in Chinatown to the famous bar scene in the North End , Boston absolutely has some places to get lit. The only downside: almost all nightlife in Boston shuts down around 2 AM.

While this would sound early if you were traveling in New York City , it’s actually when places have to legally shut down in Boston. I told you Boston feels more quaint and old-timey than other East Coast cities!

As for other things, you can definitely find every party favor under the sun while backpacking Boston. Luckily, recreational weed is legal and you can grab it from any dispensary.

For anything else, you’re going to have to know someone. But be careful: party drugs are being laced with fentanyl all over the US these days. Always use a testing kit and do some research prior to partaking in drugs on the road!

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Boston

Let’s get real: traveling without insurance in the USA is risky. Especially with the infamous (and ridiculous) for-profit health system. So do consider getting  good travel insurance  sorted before you head off on an adventure to Boston.

I have used  World Nomads  for years now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional, and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There are many ways in and out of Boston as the city is well-connected by land, air, and nautical routes. Those planning a trip to Boston should have little problem arriving into and departing from the city.

Boston’s main airport is Logan International and is serviced by many flights, both domestically and internationally. As the primary gateway for all of New England, Logan receives a lot of passengers on a daily basis.

Boston Logan is connected to the city via a subway line (Blue) and bus line (Silver). The airport is located close to the city itself so those who prefer taxis shouldn’t have to pay an arm and a leg.

There are several long-distance trains that stop in Boston. Amtrak , the largest train network in the USA, connects Boston with cities as distant as Chicago, Washington DC, and Portland (Maine).

Note that Boston has two train stations – North Station and South Station – and each manages different routes. Trains to/from northern destinations terminate at North Station while southern destinations terminate at South Station.

Being a part of the Eastern Seaboard, Boston’s roadway system is very well-developed. Those who are on a New England road trip or an East Coast road trip will have no problem getting to Boston by car. Be aware that New England has lots of toll roads.

Traveling by bus can be a preferable way of getting in and out of Boston. You’ll avoid paying tolls and gas as well as avoid the stress of driving in the city. (East Coast drivers are aggressive.)

There are frequent buses linking Boston to all major Northeastern cities like New York, Philadelphia, Portland (Maine), and Providence. There’s even a direct bus from Boston to Montreal, Canada.

Getting Around Boston

Contrary to what Boston’s skyscrapers might indicate, Boston is actually a compact city. This means that most will be able to manage the city with only public transport, rideshares, and two feet.

Boston benefits from a very effective public transportation system. Subway lines, locally referred to as “ The T ,” connect nearly every major district in the Greater Boston area. If a neighborhood isn’t conveniently located near a subway line, there are plenty more buses. There are even water taxis that will take you across the Boston Bay to East Boston and Charlestown.

One-way tickets on the T cost $2.50 and include a bus transfer, while one-way tickets for exclusively the bus cost $2. An unlimited one-day ticket costs $12.50 and is likely your best option.

If you think that you’ll be using a lot of public transport, consider picking up a LinkPass , which offers unlimited rides for a certain amount of days. LinkPasses come in 1 and 7-day increments.

Honestly, you can probably see most of Boston’s points of interest on foot. Most of the top attractions in Boston are located in the Downtown area and anything else just requires a quick ride on the T.

Boston is a very pedestrian-friendly city and is actually better enjoyed from street level, anyway. Granted, you’ll probably want to use the buses and trains during the winter months.

Biking is a popular way of getting around Boston as it’s a flat city, but poor weather and bike infrastructure make biking inconvenient at times.

Buying a Transit Pass in Boston

It is highly recommended that you pick up a CharlieCard while touring Boston as they are convenient and offer discounted rates ($2 for the subway, and $1.50 for buses). CharlieCards are free themselves and can be recharged at major ticketing machines.

Like most cities in the US, Boston isn’t exactly a digital nomad hotspot. Everything is quite pricey and, simply put, the digital nomad scene just isn’t there.

This doesn’t mean you can’t work online from Boston! You absolutely can: a city associated with so many universities certainly isn’t lacking in Wi-Fi-having coffee shops.

As for finding a job in Boston, the US has very strict work laws, so you won’t be able to do that without US citizenship or another permit. Volunteering is possible, though still very uncommon compared to the scenes in Europe or Australia.

If you want to find a reputable place to volunteer, we at The Broke Backpacker use Worldpackers , a neat online community that connects travelers with volunteering opportunities all over the globe. The platform is review-based and honest so you’ll know what you’re getting into BEFORE you arrive!

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Boston really bats above its weight class when it comes to nightlife with a huge selection of bars catering to all types of people.

Boston has a couple of key crowds when it comes to the bars. They are 1. Tourists, 2. Students, and 3. Locals. Each has an area that they like to hang out in.

The tourists mostly end up going out around Downtown as this area has the most things to do at night in Boston. The Theater District/Chinatown hosts the majority of the city’s nightclubs and is particularly rowdy.

Nearby Faneuil Hall gets plenty of action too. Boylon , Canal , and Newbury Street are also active, though you’d be hard-pressed not to find a busy street in Downtown Boston on the weekend.

Students tend to hang out around the college campuses and student housing neighborhoods. Allston , a well-known student suburb, has lots of cheap drinks for those poor students.

On the other hand, Cambridge Central Square attracts mostly Harvard kids and is a bit more expensive (thanks to daddy’s allowance).

Local Bostonians tend to go out wherever they feel like, be it Downtown or Dorchester. Fenway is ground-zero for local sports fans and goes absolutely nuts on game days.

The hip South End is getting increasingly rambunctious. If you’re looking for a classic Irish pub, complete with gruff working-class folk, there’s no better place than South Boston.

Note that Boston is subject to Blue Laws , which, essentially, limit when, where, and how much you can drink. These Blue Laws are very strict, much to the ire of the locals, and drinking in Boston can be a hassle sometimes. Thanks to Blue Laws, bars close at 2 am promptly on the weekends in Boston and happy hour is banned city-wide.

Dining in Boston

Boston is a world-class culinary destination with an immense selection of restaurants and bars to choose from. Here, you’ll be able to find everything from local delicacies – like lobster rolls and cream pies – to ethnic delights from all corners of the globe. Boston baked beans are the obvious choice too.

Top it off with a heavenly pint of New England lager, and you have all the makings of a foodie paradise. And if you want to ensure you don’t miss anything–there are plenty of quality Boston food tours to choose from!

Boston’s food scene is mostly defined by New England cuisine which is, essentially, a blend of the many cooking styles brought over by the original immigrants. New England foods are often hearty and rich, which is great for battling those cold winter days.

Baking is the primary means of cooking so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about greasy food (unless you purposely seek them out). Deserts and sweets are particularly well-loved in New England.

Of course, being on the coast and all, seafood is the foremost staple of the Boston diet. And, by God, is it awesome. Lobster rolls, chowders, and oyster shooters are just some of the dishes prepared to near-perfection, much to the pride of the locals. Really, nothing beats a clambake on a Boston summer day.

Boston still has a large immigrant population and there are a huge amount of international restaurants strewn throughout the city. Being the Italian quarter, the North End is where you’ll find the best pasta among other Italian staples. East Boston is one of the best places to eat in the city as it hosts a huge selection of ethnic restaurants from Portuguese to South American to Asian.

You’ll find Irish fare just about everywhere in the city but the most “authentic” will be found in South Boston.

Slick Restaurants and Cheap Eats

Eating in Boston can break the bank quickly. Luckily, there are still many backpacker-friendly eateries to be found:

• Kelly’s Roast Beef : Aside from their iconic roast beef sandwiches that come in just under $10, you can also taste some delicious lobster rolls, New England clam chowder, and even fried scallops without breaking the bank.
• Anna’s Taqueria : A neighborhood staple since 1995, you can find many of Anna’s delicious Mexican menu items for less than $10.
• Sullivan’s : Love hotdogs? Even if you don’t–you can’t pass up this famous Sullivan’s staple which also specializes in Boston seafood favorites.
• Bánh Mì Ba Le : For the freshest Vietnamese in the city at amazing prices, grab a banh mi sandwich from this famous no-frills shop in Dorchester.
• Ernesto’s Pizza : For 30 years, hungry Bostonians have flocked to Ernesto’s–located in the famous North End–for its gigantic pizza slices fit for all budgets!
• Ho Yuen Bakery : For authentic and delicious Chinese food at Southeast Asia prices, look no further than Ho Yuen Bakery, where you can’t leave without trying one of their buns.

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Day Trips from Boston

Want to get out of the city? Visit one of these places near Boston for a chance to stretch your legs and experience some of New England’s best scenery.

• Cape Cod – The iconic Cape is Boston’s idea of a vacation. Famous for its endless beaches, charming towns, and historic lighthouses, Cape Cod has become the poster child for the New England coast. Lots of people travel to the Cape in the summer and spend an extended period of time here, either for work or play.
• Salem – This historical town was made famous by its gruesome Witch Trials. Anyone who has had any interest in New England history, or the occult for that matter, ends up visiting this town. Contrary to its grim reputation, Salem is actually a fairly affluent place these days.
• Walden Pond/Concord – Boston and the surrounding countryside were the stomping grounds for one of the greatest American intellectuals: Henry David Thoreau. Walden Pond, the setting for Thoreau’s revolutionary Walden novel, is located not too far away from the city itself. Visiting Walden in addition to the nearby historical Concord makes for an excellent day trip from Boston .
• Portland, Maine – The charmingly unassuming Portland, Maine is a mere 2-hour drive away from Boston and makes for a great road trip. Spend the day exploring the rugged coastline between Massachusetts and Maine, hitting up as many beaches as you can. Arrive in Portland and then grab a fresh lobster at the Old Port with a nice hearty beer.
• Rhode Island – Providence and the rest of Rhode Island are like New England condensed in one state. Here, you’ll find all of the staples of the region including coastal villages, brilliant fall foliage, and tons of history. This is one of the best places to visit near Boston.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Boston

Luckily–it’s easy to get off the beaten path in Boston! Most tourists just head to the same few places, so if you’re looking for something different, look no further. From the lush Arnold Arboretum at Harvard to the interesting Castle Island, Boston has a lot to offer that you might miss without a lot of time or quality research.

Due to its pedestrian-friendly nature, Boston is a place you can simply set out to explore and see where you end up! This is my favorite way to get acquainted with a new city, and can surely lead to some unexpected encounters.

Boston also has plenty of cool day and weekend trip options to consider. Cape Cod is definitely worth the drive, especially if you happen to be in the area on a weekday when it tends to be less crowded.

You’ve got some questions before traveling to Boston, and I’ve got answers! Here are some FAQs to know before you go.

Is Boston safe?

Yup! Boston is easily one of the safest cities in the US. General theft and major violence are rare, but you should still be cautious with your belongings, especially at night. And don’t call Tom Brady a pussy unless you want a fight.

What is there to do in Boston?

Boston is a city that has something for everyone, and in a compact area at that! Visit some of the many historical sights, try some seafood, explore Cambridge, or catch a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park. There’s all this and more in this small American city.

What are the best places to stay in Boston?

The best places to stay in Boston include Back Bay, Downtown, and the South End, though there are numerous other great neighborhoods to choose from. Airbnb is a great choice for a cozier Boston stay.

Is weed legal in Boston?

Yes! In Boston–or anywhere in Massachusetts for that matter–anyone 21 or older can purchase marijuana from a dispensary for recreational use.

What food is Boston known for?

Boston is best known for its Boston baked beans. It also has some killer seafood–don’t miss your chance to try some iconic New England clam chowder and lobster rolls.

Boston is an incredibly unique city. From the distinct Boston accent to its plethora of lobster rolls, Boston has the rare ability to make you feel like you’re in a town while strolling about a state capital. Those who have gotten acquainted with it know the small city is easily one of the coolest places in the US–hands down.

And now that you’re done with the best Boston travel guide, I hope you yourself are hella’ excited for your upcoming adventure in Beantown!

Be sure to hit up those Boston hotspots, and if you can swing it, there’s no better way to experience Boston culture than by watching a game at Fenway Stadium.

But do take the time to get off the beaten path a bit too and see Boston beyond its famous locales. Aim to get lost, or take one of the many epic day trips. Regardless of what you plan to do on your vaction in Boston, you’re absolutely in for a grand time.

Now, what are you waiting for? Book that hotel and ready for your Boston trip!

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Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston 4.3

Faneuil Hall

200 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110, USA

Tickets Sold at this Stop

Atlantic Avenue at corner of State Street

Stop #1 is our primary staging and ticketing area, located at 200 Atlantic Avenue, directly on the end of the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel. Stop # 1 is also directly across the street from Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and immediately next door to Christopher Columbus Park.

Historic North End

Commercial St opp Hull St, Boston, MA 02109, USA

Commercial Street & Hull Street

Stop #2 is at 561 Commercial Street, in front of the Steriti Ice Rink. Stand at the bus stop located at the corner of Commercial Street and Hull Street. It is located about two blocks east from the Charlestown Bridge.

USS Constitution and Museum

1 2nd Ave, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA

Stop #3 is located directly in front of Gate #1 at the Charlestown Navy Yard. The driveway and Gate #1 are just off of Constitution Road, one block down from the cross street of Chelsea Street.

North Station / TD Garden

Causeway St @ North Station, Boston, MA 02114, USA

Stop #4 is along the curb space at Portal Park with the Leonard P. Zakim Bridge in the background. Directly across the street from our stop is a Courtyard Marriott. There is a “Sightseeing Loading Zone” sign at the curb space for our stop.

Downtown Crossing / Historic District

State Street at Congress Street, Boston, MA 02203, USA

State Street between Washington and Congress Streets. Tickets Sold at this Stop

Stop #5 is on State Street, directly across from the Old State House Museum. The trolley picks up at the glass bus shelter that's on the brick plaza across the street from the Old State House .

Beacon Hill / Antique Row

72 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114, USA

Stop #6 is located on Charles Street at the corner of Mount Vernon. The Tatte Bakery and Café is on that corner and a Peet’s Coffee Shop is directly across the street.

85 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108, USA

The trolley picks up directly in front of Cheers, near the corner of Brimmer.

Prudential Center / Skywalk Observatory

40 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115, USA

Stop #8 is directly in front of the Hilton Hotel entrance, near the corner of Dalton St. and Scotia St. This is the closest stop to Fenway Park. There is a “Sightseeing Loading Zone” sign at the curb space for our stop.

Christian Science Plaza / Symphony Hall

140 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA

Stop #9 is directly in front of the Colonnade Hotel at the restaurant, “Lucie.” There is a “Sightseeing Loading Zone” sign at the curb space for our stop.

Copley Place Mall

100 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116, USA

Stop #10 is directly outside of the revolving door entrance to Copley Place, below the elevated glass foot bridge.

Copley Square / Trinity Church

Boylston St & Clarendon St, Boston, MA 02116, USA

Directly across the street from #545 Boylston Street. Stop #11 is on Boylston Street on the north side of Trinity at the bus shelter near the Phillips Brooks Statue.

Old Town Trolley Welcome Center

Boylston St & Charles St, Boston, MA 02116, USA

Stop #12 is directly next to the Edgar Allan Poe statue, outside of our Welcome Center. There is a “Sightseeing Loading Zone” sign at the curb space for our Stop.

Beacon Hill / Boston Common

Beacon St @ Park St, Boston, MA 02108, USA

Stop #13 is to the right of the Robert Gould Shaw & 54th Regiment memorial at the “Sightseeing Loading Zone” signed area.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

313 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, USA

Stop #14 is at the city bus stop outside of large arch entrance to 313 Congress. There is a “Sightseeing Loading Zone” sign at the curb space for our stop.

Boston Convention Center

413-415 Summer St, Boston, MA 02127, USA

This stop is part of the Seaport Loop - available 9am-4pm (Nov-Mar 17) and 9am-5pm (Mar 18-Oct). Return shuttle leaves stop 1 daily at 4pm (Nov-Mar 17) and 5pm (Mar 18-Oct).

Stop #15 is at the city bus shelter at the base of the driveway to the Westin Waterfront Hotel.

Massport/Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal

666R Summer St, Boston, MA 02210, USA

This stop is part of the Seaport Loop - available 9am-4pm (Nov-Mar 17) and 9am-5pm (Mar 18-Oct). Return shuttle leaves stop 1 daily at 4pm (Nov-Mar 17) and 5pm (Mar 18-Oct). Located at the north-east corner of the cruise port parking lot. Exit the cruise terminal, turn left and go to the end of the parking lot. During Cruise Ship ports of call, there will be a white tent and sales kiosk on the corner, other days, there is an “Old Town Trolley Stop” sign.

Boston Fish Pier

Northern Ave @ D St, Boston, MA 02210, USA

Stop #17 is located directly in front of the giant yellow storage container that reads “BOXES.” An “Old Town Trolley Stop” sign is attached to the traffic signal pole at the curb space for our stop.

South Station

Summer St @ South Station - Red Line entrance, Boston, MA 02110, USA

Stop #18 is a short walk east on Summer St. to the “Sightseeing Loading Zone” sign.

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Quincy Market

This festival marketplace offers over 150 shops, restaurants, and merchant carts in the three buildings surrounding Faneuil Hall, North Market, Quincy Market, and South Market. Quincy Market, the center building, is a great gathering spot and place for lunch, with over 35 stands offering a global food selection. During the summer months, street performers often entertain the crowds around the marketplace. Jugglers, clowns, puppeteers, musicians, and magicians are just a few types of entertainers that can be seen on the cobblestone promenade.

Approximate Time to Allow: 1 1/2 hours for lunch and shopping

Boston Harbor Cruises

Boston Harbor Cruises has been introducing visitors to the Boston Harbor since 1926. Today they are New England’s oldest and largest cruise company. Boston Harbor Cruises offers Whale Watching , Sightseeing, Lighthouse, and Sunset Cruises, in addition to fast ferries for private functions and general entertainment. Boston Harbor Cruises also runs The Landing, Boston’s only fully outdoor patio bar and a great spot to enjoy drinks and the view of the Boston harbor. There’s no reason to trek to Boston’s Historic Ballpark when you can catch a Red Sox game on TV from the waterfront!

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium, situated on the scenic Central Wharf, has more than a dozen exhibits that highlight hundreds of different species from around the world. Attracting 1.3 million visitors each year, the Boston Waterfront attraction recreates natural habitats ranging from reefs and tide pools to rocky shorelines. In addition to its exhibits, the aquarium offers Whale Watch excursions that take visitors 30 miles east of Boston to Stellwagen Bank where you can see whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine life. The aquarium also has an IMAX® Theater that features films of animals and their habitats, 3-D movies and first-run feature

One of Boston’s most well known historic sites , Faneuil Hall Marketplace was constructed in 1742 and served as a marketplace and meeting hall since it first opened its doors. Named after the wealthy merchant who provided funding for the hall, Peter Faneuil, this significant structure has been the site of many important and inspirational speeches by famed Americans, including Samuel Adams. When visiting Boston , a stop here is definitely a must do.

Paul Revere House

Built in 1680, the unimposing wooden house at 19 North Square is the oldest house in downtown Boston . The 3-story building was the home of silversmith and Boston Patriot Paul Revere from 1770-1800, previously housing the parsonage of the Second Church of Boston. Revere sold the house in 1800 and it became a tenement with the ground floor used for shops and various businesses over the years. In 1902, Revere’s great-grandson purchased the property and restored it so that it could be opened to the public. In 1908, after restoration by architects and preservationists, the Paul Revere House opened to the public as one of the earliest historic house museums in Boston and the U.S.

Old North Church

Officially called Christ Church, the Old North Church is the oldest church building in Boston, a National Historic Landmark, and a stop on the Freedom Trail . Built in 1723, the Old North Church was inspired by the works of Christopher Wren, a British architect. It is most commonly known as the first stop on Paul Revere’s “Midnight Ride,” where he instructed three Boston Patriots to hang two lanterns in the church’s steeple. The lanterns were used to inform Charlestown Patriots that the British were approaching by sea and not by land.

Copp's Hill Burying Ground

The gravestones in Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, Boston’s second oldest burying ground, tell the story of the population of the North End in colonial times. Originally known as Windmill Hill, the hill took the name of William Copp, a shoemaker who donated the land for a burying ground in 1659. It is the place of rest for thousands of artisans, craftspeople, and merchants. Some of the well known individuals are Increase and Cotton Mather, of the family of ministers, Robert Newman, sexton of the Old North Church at the time of Paul Revere’s ride, Edmund Hart, shipyard owner and builder of the USS Constitution , and Shem Drowne, the artist who made the weathervane for Faneuil Hall, among others.

USS Cassin Young

Named for Captain Cassin Young who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Cassin Young (DD – 793) is docked adjacent to Old Ironsides. Built in 1943, she was. The ship served during World War II and the Korean War. The destroyer saw action off Tinian, the island the Enola Gay took off from to drop the first atomic bomb, as well as Okinawa and Iwo Jima. One of only four Fletcher-class destroyers still afloat, she was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Bunker Hill Monument

The Bunker Hill Monument was the first public obelisk in the United States designed to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill. The battle was actually misnamed because the majority of the action took place on Breed’s Hill and that is where the monument sits. The monument was begun in 1827 but construction had to be halted and it wasn’t completed until 1843. The architect, Solomon Willard, had the granite for the 221 ft structure brought in from Quincy, Massachusetts.

Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Crisscrossing the globe, this three-masted frigate participated in the Barbary War off the coast of North Africa and sailed the Caribbean in search of pirates. She earned her nom de guerre Old Ironsides during the War of 1812 when enemy cannonballs bounced off her resilient wooden hull. Docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard, the famous ship is a floating museum open to public. It is also a stop on the on the Freedom Trail and the Old Town Trolley.

Museum of Science (MOS)

Boston’s Museum of Science, located on the Charles River Basin, has over 500 interactive exhibits and a variety of live presentations throughout the day. The museum also features a planetarium, New England’s only domed IMAX, a theater of electricity with one of the world’s largest Van de Graaff generators, and exhibits from the original Computer History Museum. Beginning with a collection of men sharing scientific interests in the early 1830’s, the museum still houses some of the artifacts that were originally stored and displayed.

TD Garden is the home arena for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League and Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association. TD Garden is owned by Delaware North, whose CEO, Jeremy Jacobs, also owns the Bruins. It is the site of the annual Beanpot college hockey tournament, and hosts the annual Hockey East Championships.

The Sports Museum

The Sports Museum is located on the 5th and 6th floors of the TD Garden . This Boston attraction features exhibits organized by sport, including hockey (Boston Bruins, Hartford Whalers, and Olympics), basketball (Boston Celtics), football (New England Patriots), and baseball (Boston Red Sox). Concourse galleries also feature boxing, rugby, soccer and artifacts from the Boston Marathon. The museum has life-size statues of Carl Yastrzemski, Bobby Orr, Larry Bird, and Harry Agganis, an old Boston Garden hockey penalty box, and thousands of other items.

Harrison Gray Otis House

Built in 1796 by Charles Bulfinch for Harrison Gray Otis and his wife Sally, the house is the last surviving home in what was once Boston’s most exclusive neighborhood. As a developer of Beacon Hill , Otis made a fortune, and he later served as a Representative in Congress and Mayor of Boston. The Federal Style is emulated in the home’s classic architecture and elegant furnishings.

141 Cambridge Street, Boston

Boston Massacre Site

On March 5, 1770, the tension from the British military occupation of Boston escalated into the event now referred to as the Boston Massacre. There was heavy military presence in downtown Boston in order to maintain control over civilians and to enforce the Townshend Act. Various brawls between soldiers and civilians had taken place; but the evening of March 5th was the first to result in civilian deaths. Today the site of the massacre is marked by a cobblestone ring on the traffic island at the intersection of Devonshire and State Streets.

Old South Meeting House

The Old South Meeting House was the largest building in colonial Boston and stands today as a symbol of the right to free speech and free assembly. The most well known meeting that took place here was held by the Sons of Liberty on December 16, 1773. The discussion in protest of the British tax on tea led directly to the Boston Tea Party, which took place later that very evening. 5,000 colonists gathered in the Old South Meeting House that day, an example of one of the larger crowds that could not have been accommodated by Faneuil Hall.

Old State House

The Old State House, built in 1713 on the site of the first Town House, is the oldest surviving public building in Boston. The building served as a meeting place for the exchange of economic and local news and was said to be the center of politics in the colonies. The Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony on the east side of the building, and just below it is the spot where the Boston Massacre took place. The Old State House is one of the most important public buildings in the U.S.

Old Corner Bookstore

The Old Corner Bookstore, located on the corner of School and Washington Streets, was built in 1718 as an apothecary shop and residence. During the 19th century, it housed the Ticknor and Fields Publishing House and later became the literary center of Boston. Authors such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau brought manuscripts here to be published. It is now known as the Globe Corner Bookstore and specializes in New England travel books and maps. Before the Old Corner Bookstore was built, the original building was the home of Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, who was condemned for her dissent from Puritan orthodoxy.

Boston Latin School

Established in 1635, the Boston Latin School was the first public school in America. By inviting boys of any social class to enter, the school set a precedent for tax-supported public education. The Boston Latin School’s curriculum is inspired by the 18th century latin-school movement, which centered on the idea that study of the classics was the basis of an educated mind. Some of the school’s most famous students were Ben Franklin, Samuel Adams, Henry Ward Beecher, Ralph Waldo Emerson, John Hancock, and Leonard Bernstein. A statue of Benjamin Franklin keeps a watchful eye on the site and a mosaic on the sidewalk behind King’s Chapel marks the spot as well.

Kings Chapel & Burying Ground

Kings Chapel is a Christian Unitarian church located on Tremont and School Streets. The church was organized in 1686 as an Anglican Church. In 1785 it became the oldest member of the Unitarian Universalist Association and the first Anglican Church. Beside the church is the Kings Chapel Burying Ground, which was Boston’s only burial ground for 30 years. Many historical figures are buried here, including John Winthrop, the colony governor, William Dawes, who rode with Paul Revere on the Midnight Ride, Mary Chilton, the first woman off the Mayflower, and William Emerson, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s father. The original building was a wooden church built in 1688 and it was replaced by the current stone building in 1754. The bell was hung in 1772 and was recast by Paul Revere in 1814; it still rings at services today.

Charles Street Meeting House

The Charles Street Meeting House in Beacon Hill is a historic church that was built in 1807. Its first congregation was the Third Baptist Church, which baptized its members in the Charles River . Before the Civil War, the church was an important site for the anti-slavery movement, used for speeches by Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth. The building is currently used for commercial purposes.

Louisburg Square

Louisburg Square was designed as a model for town house development in the 1840’s but the square was not replicated because of space restrictions. Today, the area is one of the most prestigious addresses in Boston. The homeowners, not the city, own the square and the oval park. Statues of Columbus and Aristides can be seen on the north and south ends , donated by a Greek merchant in 1850. Residents in the square have included author and critic William Dean Howells, the Alcotts, including author Louisa May Alcott, and currently Secretary of State, John Kerry.

Charles River Esplanade/Hatch Shell

Charles River Esplanade is one of the many examples of land set aside in Boston for public enjoyment. During the summer you can catch a free concert or play at the Hatch Shell, or watch the rowers practice in the Charles River as you stroll in the park.

Nichols House Museum

Built in 1805 and renovated in 1830, the Nichols House Museum was constructed by architect Charles Bulfinch. The museum takes its name from Rose Standish Nichols, who lived in the house between 1885 and 1960, and represents the lifestyle of the American upper class during that period. The Nichols House Museum offers a room-by-room tour of the four-story row house, which is decorated in original furnishings.

Acorn Street

Get MORE out of your summer in Boston aboard the iconic Old Town Trolley and see the best first!

One of the most photographed streets in the city, Acorn Street offers visitors a reminiscent ride back to colonial Boston. It was on this lovely street that 19th century artisans and trades people lived and today the row houses are considered to be a prestigious address in Beacon Hill .

Boston Athenaeum

One of the oldest libraries in the United States, the Athenaeum was founded in 1807 and is an exclusive club of sorts in which a membership is required to use the many magnificent resources of this institution. But feel free to visit the first floor of this historic building that is open to the public and is home to an art gallery with a variety of rotating exhibits. Marble busts, porcelain vases, oil paintings, books and more are a delight to browse through and view. There’s also a children’s room with cozy reading nooks that overlook the Granary Burying Ground .

Ultimate Guide to Boston Common

Established in 1634, the 50-acre Boston Common is the oldest public recreation area in the country. Colloquially known as “the Common,” the park is one of the gems in the Emerald Necklace, a series of parks, urban open spaces and greenways that meander through several Boston neighborhoods and stretch to Roxbury. Boston Common, situated across from the Massachusetts State House , forms the southern base of Beacon Hill and is delineated by Beacon, Park, Tremont, Boylston and Charles streets.

Museum of African American History

The Museum of African American History is New England’s largest museum dedicated to telling the story of organized black communities from the Colonial period through the 19th century. A variety of exhibits, programs, events and educational activities are presented that showcase the stories of black families – from how they lived, educated their children, worshiped, worked, created artwork and how they organized politically to advance the cause of freedom. Located within the African Meeting House , which is the oldest African Meeting House in America and inside the Abiel Smith School, which was the first building in the country constructed for the sole purpose of housing a black public school, the buildings themselves are a big part of the rich heritage and incredible past of the African Americans in New England.

Massachusetts State House

In the distinctive gold-domed building atop Beacon Hill , the past meets the present. On weekdays, you can discover Massachusetts’ history on a free tour of the center of the state government. The building, completed in 1798, was designed by Charles Bulfinch to replace the Old State House .

In addition to housing the state government, the State House also displays various portraits of governors, murals depicting the state’s heritage, and statues inside and on its grounds. The building is recognizable because of its dome sheathed in copper and covered by 23 karat gold, as seen in the film The Departed .

Gibson House Museum

The Gibson House offers visitors a glimpse into 19th century living in Boston’s Back Bay . As one of the Back Bay’s first residences, the Gibson House was built in the mid-19th century and remains the unspoiled residence of a well-to-do Victorian Boston family. Kitchen, scullery, butler’s pantry, and baths, as well as formal rooms and personal quarters are filled with the Gibsons’ original furniture and personal possessions. Located on 137 Beacon Street, between Arlington and Berkeley Streets, Boston.

Boston Public Garden

The landscaped, 24-acre Boston Public Garden, established in 1837, was the first public botanical garden in the U.S. The Public Garden contains lovely manicured paths, the famous “Make Way for Ducklings” statues, a 4-acre pond with swans and a variety of other birds, and several memorable statues throughout. You can enjoy a leisurely ride aboard the Swan Boats, pedal-powered gondolas which have been in operation during the summer months since 1877.

Make Way For Ducklings

In the  Public Garden,  you’ll find Mrs. Mallard and her eight duckling statues, based on the popular children’s book  Make Way for Ducklings  by Robert McCloskey.

The historic landmark pub was transformed from a long-standing neighborhood gathering spot for locals into one of Boston’s must-see stops for visitors after gaining notoriety as the location of the popular 1980’s TV sitcom, Cheers. The Cheers Pub was founded in 1969 and was discovered in 1981 by Hollywood couple Mary Ann and Glenn Charles. During their visit, they photographed the interior and exterior of the pub, which they gave to the set designer back in Hollywood to replicate for the set of the show. Cheers premiered on NBC in 1982 and remained on the air for 11 seasons, receiving over 100 Emmy nominations over the years. The pub eventually changed its name to Cheers to avoid confusion.

Prudential Center

Newbury Street

Eight blocks filled with salons, boutiques, and fabulous dining. Boston’s Newbury Street has something for everyone. Shops include The Boston Baked Bean, So Good Jewelry, Niketown, Hempest and more.

Mapparium at Mary Baker Eddy Library

The How Do You See the World? experience explores stories about global progress—how individuals worldwide have overcome challenges and found hope. The space encourages you to reflect on this question while exploring the interactive exhibits.

Historic Ballpark

Get your behind the scenes look at America’s most legendary ballpark, Boston’s Historic Ballpark. Visit the place where Carlton Fisk hit one of baseball’s most famous homeruns, walk the same warning track once strolled by Ted Williams, and even touch the beloved “Green Monster.” Tours leave hourly from the Souvenir Store on Yawkey Way seven days a week.

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is one of the largest museums in the U.S., housing the second largest permanent museum collection in the Western Hemisphere. The museum is affiliated with the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and the sister museum, the Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts, in Nagoya, Japan. The Museum of Fine Arts offers a fine permanent collection from the masters of American painting as well as a vast selection of works of art from all important periods; it also hosts special exhibits on loan from around the world.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Isabella Stewart Gardner, a patron of the arts, established the museum in 1903 when her own property on Beacon Hill became too small for her growing collection. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum was designed as a replica of the 15th century Venetian style palazzo. Because Gardner disliked the cold, impersonal experience that museums usually offer, she chose the palazzo-style, a design which provides natural light and garden views. The museum, a must-see Boston attraction , features three floors of galleries surrounding a garden courtyard. The collection includes paintings, sculpture, tapestries, furniture, and decorative arts spanning 300 years, from locations around the world.

View Boston

View Boston is the city’s preeminent observatory experience offering unrivaled 360-degree views of Boston’s breathtaking city skyline. Encompassing the top three floors of Boston’s iconic Prudential Tower, the 59,000-square-foot destination features indoor and outdoor panoramic views of the city, an open-air roof deck, two dining destinations, state-of-the-art immersive experiential exhibits, and more. Whether discovering famed landmarks and coveted hidden gems or meeting friends for a sunset cocktail, your unforgettable Bostonian experience begins here.

Symphony Hall

The Symphony Hall in Boston, Massachusetts is considered one of the top concert halls in the world because of its impressive acoustics. The Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops share the hall. The Symphony Hall was designed through a collaboration of architects McKim, Mead and White and assistant professor of physics at Harvard University , Wallace Clement Sabine. Sixteen Greek and Roman statue replicas line the walls of the hall and Beethoven’s name is inscribed over the stage. The Symphony Hall’s organ, a 4,800 pipe Aeolian-Skinner, is also considered to be one of the best in the world. It was installed in 1949 and is autographed by Albert Schweitzer.

Christian Science Plaza

The Christian Science Plaza is the location of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, one of the largest churches in New England. The plaza consists of 14 spacious and serene acres, paved in brick and granite, with orderly rows of trees, buildings, stone benches, a large reflecting pool and a circular fountain. The Mother Church, built in 1894, consists of a Romanesque Church Edifice with a bell tower and stained glass windows, and the larger Church Extension, added in 1906, is a mix of Renaissance and Byzantine architecture.

Copley Place

Copley Square, named after the American portraitist John Singleton Copley, is a historic focal point of this busy commercial area. A bronze statue of Copley can be found on the northern side of the square. Nearby Boylston Street offers shopping and attractions plus Newbury Street features upscale boutiques and restaurants in its quaint 19th century townhouses.

Prudential Center Skywalk

The Boston Skywalk Observatory is located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Center. From this vantage point you have sweeping 360-degree views of the city and beyond. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of New Hampshire. The Skywalk offers a state-of-the-art Antennae Audio Tour pointing out historic and cultural attractions, and special interactive, audiovisual exhibits on Boston history and architecture.

Copley Square / Back Bay

Trinity Church

Boston’s Trinity Church was founded in 1733 and was originally located in downtown Boston. After the Great Boston Fire of 1872, the church complex moved to its current location and construction was completed in 1877. The impressive church was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and is the first instance of the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Trinity Church is a Boston landmark and a cultural center for the city.

Boston Public Library

As the oldest large free-lending library in America, the Boston Public Library was designed as a “palace for the people.” The McKim building includes a children’s room, the first in the country, and a sculpture garden with an arcaded gallery surrounding it. When facing the Copley Square side, the library façade resembles a 16th century Italian palace. Bates Hall is the library’s magnificent reading room, named after the library’s original benefactor Joshua Bates.

Old Town Trolley Welcome Center / Theater District

Boch Center - Wang Theatre

Visit the historic Boch Center – Wang Theatre and take a behind-the-scenes tour of one of Boston’s most prominent landmarks. Plus get an exclusive look at The Music Hall, part of the upcoming Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame!

Chinatown in Boston is the only historic Chinatown in New England. The area first became populated by Chinese immigrants in the early 1890’s. Before that, the area was settled by White Anglo-Saxon Protestants. Irish, Jewish, Italian, and Syrian immigrants also all lived in the area at one time or another because of the low cost of housing and job opportunities in the area. In the late 19th century, manufacturing plants moved into the area and remained active through the 1990’s.

Boston Theater District

More than a dozen theaters are clustered in the Boston Theater District. On Warrenton Street or Shear Madness Alley, the Charles Playhouse is home to the Blue Man Group, as well as Shear Madness , the country’s longest running non-musical play. Other theaters include the Colonial, Shubert, Orpheum, Opera, Emerson Majestic & Wilbur, most of which were built in the grand architectural style of early 1900s performance halls. These beautifully restored Boston gems , some intimate, some grand, host critically acclaimed productions.

New State House / Boston Common

Freedom Trail

For the average Bostonian, life in the New England colonies during the 17th century was, as you might’ve guessed, not exactly one of ease and leisure. Before they were built by stone or brick masonry, homes were small, dank, drafty and made entirely of wood. This building practice was abolished toward the advent of the 1700s due to the susceptibility of fire. Most of the population subsisted as farmers, the drinking water was unsafe, medicine was still in the Dark Ages, and the average lifespan was just shy of 40 years. These were arduous and challenging times and living under the yoke of an oppressive foreign monarchy would eventually prove too much to bear and, thus, a revolution was born.

Comprised of 16 places of interest, each one a milestone in the evolution of Boston from English colony to independence, the Freedom Trail is an essential component of any trip to Boston . This historic attraction literally lays out Boston’s colonial history before you on the very streets where the city’s most transformative events unfolded several hundred years ago.

The thinking behind the design of the Freedom Trail is attributed to William Schofield, a former travel writer for the Boston Herald. He noticed that visitors eager to immerse themselves in the city’s historic past were having trouble finding the landmarks they were looking for. Schofield proposed a solution – Link the most important sites in a numbered sequence along a clearly marked, easy to follow trail that could be walked from end to end without the chance of getting rerouted or lost. There was also the idea that the Freedom Trail would’ve been a typical path to walk for the average colonist back in the day, further enhancing the sensation of traveling back in time.

Park Street Church

The Park Street Church was founded in 1809 by 26 locals who were mainly former members of the Old South Meeting House . The church became known as Brimstone Corner, possibly because the area was used for the storage of gunpowder during the War of 1812. In 1816, the Park Street Church joined the Old South Church and formed the City Mission Society, which served Boston’s poor. The church was the site of many firsts, including the nation’s first Sunday School in 1818, first prison aid in 1824, and William Lloyd Garrison’s first public statement against slavery in 1829. Park Street Church can be seen from the various surrounding neighborhoods because of its steeple, rising 217 ft. high. Open to visitors summer time only.

Granary Burying Ground

Founded in 1660, the Granary Burying Ground is the third oldest burying ground in Boston . During the Revolution, the area where the Park Street Church now stands had been used to hold grain, which is the reason for the burying ground’s name. Located on Tremont Street, the following famous individuals are buried in the Granary Burying Grounds: Peter Faneuil, Sam Adams, Crispus Attacks, John Hancock, James Otis, Robert Treat Paine, Paul Revere , and members of Ben Franklin’s family.

Black Heritage Trail

The Black Heritage Trail features various homes, memorials, and sites that are significant in the history of Boston’s 19th century African American community. The first slaves arrived in 1638 and by 1705 there were over 400. At this time there were also the beginnings of a free black community in the North End , and by 1790, the time of the first census, Massachusetts reported no slaves. The trail includes the Robert Gould Shaw & the 54th Regiment Memorial, first black regiment, the George Middleton House, the oldest home built by African Americans on Beacon Hill, and the Phillips School, one of Boston’s first schools with an interracial student body.

African Meeting House

Dedicated in 1806, the African Meeting House is the Oldest African American Church and was the First African Baptist Church in the United States. Over the years it also served as a school and a community meeting place. It was here that William Lloyd Garrison founded the New England Slavery Society, making it the center of the abolitionist movement. In 1972, the building was acquired by the Museum of Afro-American History and it was restored in 1987. Today, the museum commemorates African American history from slavery to the abolitionist movement, with a focus on educational equality.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Boston Children's Museum

Boston Children’s Museum is the second oldest and one of the most influential children’s museums in the world. For over 100 years it has been engaging children in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning. The Museum’s exhibits and programs emphasize hands-on engagement, learning through experience, and employing play as a tool to spark the inherent creativity, curiosity, and imagination of children. Designed for children and families, Museum exhibits focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), environmental awareness, and health & fitness.

Institute of Contemporary Art

Housed in a dazzling edifice, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is a treasured centerpiece in Boston’s flourishing Fort Point Channel neighborhood. Featuring a glass-enclosed gallery space cantilevered over the Boston Harbor, the modern façade of the Institute provides an interesting contrast to the historic architectural designs prominent in the city’s skyline. The arrival of the museum in 2006 helped spur the artistic renaissance of this former warehouse district. The ICA sponsors a variety of dynamic permanent and rotating exhibits in its breathtaking waterfront setting.

Located on the Congress Street Bridge, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is an interactive, high tech, floating museum. Unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before, this unique museum sits on a barge in the water, includes tours on restored tea ships and a stunning, interactive documentary that immerses you into the events that led up to the American Revolution. Touch, feel, see and hear what the patriots felt when their passions and angers flared at the injustice of taxation without representation. Participate in multi-sensory exhibits, witness dramatic reenactments by professional actors and historians and discover the true story behind the Boston Tea Party.

Boston Convention Center – Available 9am-4pm (Nov–Mar 17) and 9am-5pm (Mar 18-Oct)

Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal

At the Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal, more than 100 ocean-going vessels embark for numerous destinations around the world.

Boston Seaport District

Located on Boston’s waterfront, just across from downtown and not far from the airport, the Seaport District is one of the city’s most burgeoning neighborhoods. If you were looking at a map, you’d find this area stretches from the harbor to Fort Point Channel and into South Boston to East and West First Streets. It includes the four neighborhoods of Fort Point, Fan Pier, the Convention Center , and the Marine Industrial Park.

In June of 2004, the Boston Convention Center opened near the South Boston Harbor and Boston’s World Trade Center. Boston’s Convention Center is the largest in New England, offering 516,000 square feet of exhibit space, 300,000 square feet of function space, and a 40,020 square foot ballroom overlooking the city skyline and Boston Harbor. The space had originally been planned to house a stadium for the New England Patriots but concern over traffic prevented its construction.

Massport/Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal – Available 9am-4pm (Nov–Mar 17) and 9am-5pm (Mar 18-Oct)

Stop #16 is conveniently located just outside of the Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal. When you exit the terminal turn left on Black Falcon Avenue; at the stop sign continue straight onto Terminal Street. You will see a fenced-in parking lot on your left, at the end of the lot turn left towards the water. At the end of the fence turn right and wait next to the fence; the orange and green Old Town Trolley will stop right by the fence.

To return to any of the piers, adults must have both ship’s card (which usually doubles as your room key) and a valid photo identification (passport, driver’s license, etc.)

Stop #16 will be open during cruise ship “port of call” days only; for more information please call 617-269-7150.

Boston Fish Pier – Available 9am-4pm (Nov–Mar 17) and 9am-5pm (Mar 18-Oct)

Spirit of Boston Cruises

For a truly unique and entertaining view of Boston Harbor, consider taking a cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston. The Spirit of Boston offers a variety of cruise experiences including lunch, dinner, sunset cruises, and midnight moonlight cruises. The cruises pass the World Trade Center, Boston Tea Party site, Boston Massacre site, the Old North Church, the Bunker Hill Monument , Old Ironsides, and more.

Harpoon Brewery

Massport/Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal - Available 9am-4pm (Nov–Mar 17) and 9am-5pm (Mar 18-Oct)

Blue Hills Bank Pavilion

One of Boston’s premier concert venues, the Pavilion, is open seasonally from May through October. From Tony Bennett to K.D. Lang to Bonnie Raitt to Jay-Z; they have all played at the Bank of America Pavilion, and this year’s lineup looks just as exciting as past years. With a perfect Boston Harbor location and many outstanding “sea oriented” restaurants located nearby, as well as a cutting edge New York style steakhouse, Del Frisco’s, spending an evening in the Seaport District can be a real Boston experience. When the concert is over, visit Harpoon Brewery and Beer Hall just 100 yards away from the Pavilion.

South Station – Available 9am-4pm (Nov–Mar 17) and 9am-5pm (Mar 18-Oct)

Fort Point Channel

The Channel extends from Gillette Headquarters, home to America’s premier razor manufacturer since King Gillette founded the company over 100 years ago, to the site of the Boston Tea Party on those very waters in 1773 and out into the Boston Harbor. In today’s Boston, the Fort Point Channel is bordered by restaurants, fabulous hotels and water view condos (look at the beautifully mirrored InterContinental Hotel and Residences), as well as attractions like the Children’s Museum and the recently rebuilt Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum .

Completed in 1899, this beautiful pink granite building has been the hub of Boston’s rail transportation for more than a century. South Station was built to be a union station for the four railroad terminals serving Boston. The train shed, which was removed in 1930 due to corrosion, was one of the largest in the world. South Station was restored in 1989, leaving 13 tracks and a smaller building, which features Boston restaurants and businesses. Here you can catch an Amtrak train for points south, a commuter rail to Boston’s suburbs, or take the city’s red and silver lines of the subway system.

• RESTAURANTS
• ATTRACTIONS
• 1 STOP Faneuil Hall
• 2 STOP Historic North End
• 3 STOP USS Constitution and Museum
• 4 STOP North Station / TD Garden
• 5 STOP Downtown Crossing / Historic District
• 6 STOP Beacon Hill / Antique Row
• 7 STOP Cheers Bar
• 8 STOP Prudential Center / Skywalk Observatory
• 9 STOP Christian Science Plaza / Symphony Hall
• 10 STOP Copley Place Mall
• 11 STOP Copley Square / Trinity Church
• 12 STOP Old Town Trolley Welcome Center
• 13 STOP Beacon Hill / Boston Common
• 14 STOP Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
• 15 STOP Boston Convention Center
• 16 STOP Massport/Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal
• 17 STOP Boston Fish Pier
• 18 STOP South Station

WELCOME TO BOSTON

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Freedom Trail Map and Self Guided Tour

The Freedom Trail at the center of historic Boston is a red brick path through the city leading visitors to many of the city's historic sites.

This self-guided tour and map will cover the entire 2.5 miles (4 km) and 16 Freedom Trail stops.  

• Where does the Freedom Trail Start?
• Map and Self-Guided Tour
• Guided Tours
• 30-Minute Video Tour

Where Does the Freedom Trail Start?

The Freedom Trail starts at Boston Common, America's oldest public park. The trail begins just outside of the Boston Common Visitor Center ( map ).

The visitor center and the Freedom Trail are both free of charge.

The Green or Red Line will take you to  Park Street Station  ( map ) ,  which is the closest station to the start of the Freedom Trail in Boston Commons.

The  State Street Station  on the Blue and Orange lines is literally on the Freedom Trail! It is 5 minutes from the start of the trail.  

One of the Station entrances and exits is on the ground floor of the  Old State House .

Another one on Washington St. at the Old South Meeting House, and one on Congress St. at New Sudbury St. which is down the street from the Old State House.

The Freedom Trail ends at the U.S.S. Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. You can walk or take the  Charlestown Water Shuttle  to get back to downtown Boston.

There are parking garages located on the Freedom Trail map.

There is an underground parking garage beneath the Boston Common on Charles Street and one garage at the Charlestown Navy Yard near the USS  Constitution.

How Long Does It Take to Walk the Freedom Trail?

The Freedom Trail is 2.5 miles (4 km) long and walking it will likely take you an entire day at least.  

Plan on it taking longer if you have children or want to spend more than a little time at any of the sites.

Are There Restrooms on the Freedom Trail?

Not officially! But we've made a post of insider tips on  where to go when you gotta go !

Map of The Freedom Trail

This is a very historical map and tour and will cover some of the many sites and characters which/who were important in the founded our great nation. 

Some of the characters we will meet are John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and Peter Faneuil.  

You can also take this tour as a GPS-enabled Audio Tour . Listen to a sample of our Freedom Trail Tour  (the Old South Meeting House)

If you're taking our self-guided tour, let us know and tag us on social media @freetoursbyfoot

Click here for a fully interactive map .

Stop A - The Boston Common

The oldest public park in the United States (1634) outside the Park St. Subway Station, the first subway in the United States (1897).   

The Boston Common was used from 1634 to 1830 as a common space for the grazing of cattle and continues to be an active spot for visitors and locals to meet, relax and enjoy a day in the park.  

Be sure to stop by the Boston Common Visitor Center and pick up some information about visiting Boston.

Stop B -  Massachusetts State House

Follow the Trail up to the Massachusetts State House (1798), which is the oldest continually running state capital building in America.  

The dome is gilded in 23k gold and was originally made of wood.  

The golden dome was covered in copper by Paul Revere in 1802 and was gilded on our nation’s 100 birthday in 1876.  

During weekdays the State House offers free guided tours of the inside of the State House. 

Tours run every 30 minutes past the hour on weekdays, Monday through Friday from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

For reservations for the free guided tour call:   617-727-3676.

Stop C -  Robert Gould Shaw Memorial

Walk back across the street and you will be at the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial which shows Gould-Shaw and his men of the 54th regiment of the Union Army.   

The 54th Regiment is the first all-volunteer African American unit in the US Army which was formed in 1863 during the American Civil War.  

The 1989 film Glory tells the story of the 54th regiment and stars Matthew Broderick as Col. Robert Gould Shaw.  

The Robert Gould Shaw Memorial is a stop on the Black Heritage Trail which runs through our Beacon Hill Neighborhood.   

Free tours of the Black Heritage Trail are conducted by the US Parks Department.

For more information on tours of the Black Heritage Trail:   www.nps.gov/boaf

Stop D - The Park Street Church

Follow the trail back into the Boston Common to the starting point take a left down Tremont St. (follow the brick line) and cross Park St.  

This church was the site of  the first Sunday school in the United States in 1818;  the abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison made his first anti-slavery speech on this church’s pulpit in 1829; and the church choir sang for the first time ever in public on July 4th, 1831, the song “My Country Tis of Thee.”

Stop E -  Granary Burial Ground

The next spot on the Trail sits just on the other side of the Park St. Church is the Granary Burial Ground.

Here is where three signers of the American Declaration of Independence rest as well as Paul Revere, Mary Goose (credited with being Mother Goose), and the parents and siblings of Benjamin Franklin.  

Read and download our  self-guided tour of the Granary Burial Ground for a self-guided tour of this spot.

Stop F -  King’s Chapel

Follow the Trail to the corner of Tremont and School Street and you will see King’s Chapel.

This stone church was built around the original wooden church which was built in 1688 and then the wood from the church was carefully disassembled and the wood and glass were shipped to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, and rebuilt to construct St. John's Anglican Church.  

King’s Chapel is free and open to the public for self-guided tours (there is a donation box at the entrance) and is worth going inside.  

Although the church looks a bit plain on the outside, inside it is ornate and you can grab a self-guided tour information pamphlet at the entrance of the church to help guide you through this wonderful stop.

There is also a burial ground here where you could find the frame of Mary Chilton, the first woman to step foot off the Mayflower.

Stop G -  Boston Latin School

Follow Trail down School St. and next to King’s Chapel you will see the monument for the Boston Latin School, the oldest school in America (1635) and still in operation today.  

The school’s current location is near Fenway Park. The monument for the school is in the design of a hopscotch game.  

Some of its famous students include Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Sam Adams, and John Adams just to name a few.  

There is a Benjamin Franklin Statue on the grounds.

Stop H -  Old City Hall

Where the Boston Latin School once stood is now the site of Old City Hall (1865).  

For 104 years Boston’s mayors held court here until they move into City Hall’s Current location (across from Faneuil Hall), New City Hall (1969).  

Stop I -  Old South Meeting House

Follow the Freedom Trail to Washington St. and you will come to the Old South Meeting House (1729).

This church is where the Sons of Liberty departed from a meeting on Dec. 16, 1773, and dumped 242 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor.  The famous Boston Tea Party.

The clock tower was restored in 2009 and is the oldest American-made clock in the US which is still in operation (1766) in its original location. 

The bell tower houses a bell cast by Paul Revere in 1801. It is one of only 46 surviving bells he made.

The bell resided at several locations around Boston and was placed at the Old South Meeting House Bell Tower in 2011.

The Old South Meeting House is open to visitors daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm April 1st to October 31st and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from Nov. 1st to March 31st.  

Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, students, and $1 for children 5-17 years old, and free for children under 5 years old.    

For more information on visiting the Old South Meeting House: www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org .

Stop J -  The Old Corner Bookstore

On the Corner of Washington and School Street is one of Boston’s oldest brick structures (1712) and was the site of the Old Corner Bookstore.  

The bookstore was made famous for meetings on the second floor by the likes of Nathanael Hawthorn, Harriet Beecher-Stowe, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Charles Dickens (who lived in Boston for two years) would meet and discuss poetry, politics, and literature.  

It is now the site of Chipotle.  

Stop K -  Old State House

Continue down Washington Street and you will be at the Old State House (1713).  

This was the center of civic life in Colonial Boston and was where folks like Sam Adams and James Otis would argue against the policies of the British Crown.  

On the front of the building is a balcony where, in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read for the first time and cause a mini-riot during which the Lion and Unicorn which sit on top of the Old State House were ripped down and burnt in a bomb fire.  

The gilded Lion and Unicorn were put back up on the Old State House in 1883 when the building was refurbished. 

Every July 4th at 10:00 am the Declaration of Independence is read from that balcony.  

The Lion and Unicorn, however, is not torn down.

Open daily every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.  

It closes at 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve and closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. 

They also raised their admission price to $12 for adults, $10 for students/seniors, and kids from 6 to 18 are free. Veterans and Massachusetts Teachers are free.

For more information on visiting the Old State House: www.bostonhistory.org/

Stop L -  Boston Massacre Site

On the walkway in front of the Old State House is the monument for the five victims killed on March 5, 1770, during the Boston Massacre which took place in the middle of what is now called State Street (formerly known as King Street).  

In the center of the monument is a five-pointed star signifying the 5 deaths enclosed by six cobblestones, signifying the six wounded that night, and stretching from the center are 13 cobblestone spokes representing the original 13 colonies.

Stop M -  Faneuil Hall

Follow the Trail to “the Cradle of Liberty” Faneuil Hall (1742).

This building which was given to the city of Boston by rich merchant Peter Faneuil is famous for the meetings and protests that led to the American Revolution.

Notice the grasshopper on top of the building? 

The grasshopper (his name is Gus) was copied from the grasshopper on the London Royal Exchange Building (which Peter Faneuil model his building after) and was chosen as a sign of prosperity.  

There is a statue of Samuel Adams on the western side of Faneuil Hall.  

Read our post on the top things to see and do here .

The National Park Service Rangers present historical talks every 1/2 hour from 9:30 am- 4:30 pm.

Stop N - Paul Revere House

Follow the Freedom Trail down Union St. (notice the Union Oyster House the oldest restaurant in the United States) and down Hanover St. into our Northend/Little Italy Neighborhood.  

The trail winds down Richmond Street to North Square.  

In North Square sits the oldest structure in Boston, the Paul Revere House (1680). Paul Revere lived for 30 years from 1770 to 1800.  

The Paul Revere House is now a museum that you can visit, where you can learn about the man and his famous ride to signal to the patriots that the redcoats were coming.

The Paul Revere House Museum is open daily from April 15 - October 31 - from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm November 1 - April 14 - 9:30 am to 4:15 pm Closed on Mondays in January, February, and March.  

Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.    

The admission is $5 for adults, $4.50 for college students and seniors, and $1 for kids 5 to 17 years old.

For more information on the Paul Revere House Museum:   www.paulreverehouse.org/

Stop O -  Paul Revere Statue

Follow the Trail to the Paul Revere Prado and you will be at one of the most photographed statues in Boston, the Paul Revere Statue which sits in the shadow of the church which made him famous, The Old North Church.  

The statue was designed by Cyrus Edwin Dallin in 1883 and he spent 16 years working on it (1899). The statue was not displayed until 1940. 

Cyrus Edwin Dallin created 260 works over his life and a few of his most famous sculptures are of the Angle Moroni which sits on top of the Salt Lake City Temple in Utah, and also the Appeal To The Great Spirits Sculpture in front of Boston's Museum of Fine Arts. Dallin died in 1944.

If you go by this statue when one of Boston’s sports teams is in a championship series/game, Paul will be donning a shirt of the team playing for the trophy.  

Stop P -  Old North Church

Walk across the Paul Revere Prado and to the Old North Church (1723), the oldest church building in Boston.  

The church is free to enter and there are guides inside the church who will give you a quick overview of Paul’s Midnight Ride the night of April 18, 1775, which resulted in the battle that started the American Revolution.  

As of Jan, 2024, there will be an admission charge to enter ($8 for adults, $6 for students, military and seniors, and $4 for children under 12)

Stop Q - Copp’s Hill Burying Ground

After you leave the Old North Church, follow the Trail up Hull St. to Copp’s Hill Burying Ground (1659).

It's one of Boston's most important cemeteries and the final resting place of many early Bostonians, including the Puritan Ministers Cotton Mather and his father Increase Mather; Shem Drowne, who made the grasshopper weather-vain on top of Faneuil Hall as well as the banner weather-vain on top of the Old North Church; Robert Newman who hang the lanterns the in the steeple of the Old North the night of Paul Revere’s ride and Prince Hall, the first African American Mason and found of the Prince Hall Masons.

Stop R -  USS Constitution

The Freedom Trail continues down Hull St. to Commercial St. and travels to the next stop the USS Constitution (1797) which is the oldest warship in the US Navy.  

Built to protect American Merchant Ships from pirates off the coast of North Africa, it was made famous during the War of 1812 where it never lost a battle.

It earned the name “Old Ironsides” because the ship was so strong (it is made out of wood) that the cannonballs from British ships would bounce harmlessly off its sides.

The USS Constitution is currently in dry dock but can still be viewed at the location.  

It is open to the public for free guided tours, but tours are now limited due to the construction. For information on touring the ship, read our post .  

Also at the site of the USS Constitution is the USS Constitution Museum .

The Museum is open to the public and provides guests with wonderful tidbits about the ship’s history and what life was like aboard the ship.  

The Museum is open daily from Nov 1st to March 31st from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and from April 1st to Oct. 31st from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Admission is a suggested donation. For individuals and families the recommended donation of $5-$10 for adults, $3-$5 for children, and $20-$25 for families, are suggested donations and any amount is welcome.  

Groups of 10 or more people are required to make an advance reservation to visit the Museum.

Stop S -  Bunker Hill Monument

Follow the Freedom Trail to the final destination and you will be at the Bunker Hill Monument.

The monument was dedicated on June 17th, 1843, 68 years after the famous battle took place.  

The statesman Daniel Webster was the keynote speaker that day.  

The 221-foot monument took 16 years to construct and commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill and has 294 steps.   If you are feeling energetic you can climb the monument.  

The Bunker Hill Museum at 43 Monument Sq. is located at the base of the Hill and is a great little museum.

It is free and has excellent exhibits that will give you a great sense of the battle that took place.  

For more information about how to visit (and climb!) the monument and museum, read our post, Visiting the Bunker Hill Monument & Museum .

This concludes your walking tour of the Freedom Trail.

Guided Tours of the Freedom Trail

We offer a guided tour of the area both on and off the Freedom Trail in our 2-hour tour walking tour.

We also have a self-guided tour of North End/Little Italy that includes some stops on the second half of the Freedom Trail.

Searching Availability...

Hop On-Off Bus Tours

Many of the city's buses (and ducks!) drive through the Freedom Trail map area. The Boston Tourists Passes  offer the option to use hop-on- off buses .

FREEDOM TRAIL AUDIO TOUR

Listen to a sample of our Freedom Trail Tour .

Here is how it works:

• Purchase an audio tour from our Booking Page .
• You'll receive a confirmation email with a .pdf, Google Map link, and audio tour.
• Enjoy the tour(s).

We also offer the following audio tours:

• Beacon Hill
• Harvard University and Cambridge

Where to Eat Near the Freedom Trail

• The Prime Shoppe (inside Quincy Market)
• Potbelly Sandwich Shop
• Sam Lagrassa's
• Luke Lobster at 290 Washington St. ( https://www.lukeslobster.com )
• Boston Public Market ( Wed-Sun  8-8) https://bostonpublicm
• Daily Catch (323 Hanover St.) thedailycatch.com/restaurants/north-end
• Union Oyster House 41 Union St  unionoysterhouse.com
• Black Rose (Quincy Market) 160 state Street https://www.blackroseboston.com/
• Pagliuca's (14 Parmenter St)  www.pagliucasrestaurant.com/portal
• Warren Tavern (2 Pleasant St. Charlestown) https://www.warrentavern.com

BATHROOMS ON THE FREEDOM TRAIL

Officially, there are no Freedom Trail bathrooms outside the Visitor Centers. So where do you go when you gotta go?

We've created a handy guide to free (or close) and clean (or close) public bathrooms on the Freedom Trail.

• 9 am-5 pm Daily
• 139 Tremont St
• 9 am-5 pm Monday-Friday
• 24 Beacon St
• 75 State Street
• Stop by Guard Desk and ask for the bathroom key
• 8 am-9 pm Daily
• 1 City Hall Plaza
• Pay Toilet $.25 per use
• As of Jan, 2024, there will be an admission charge to enter ($8 for adults, $4 for children under 12)
• Langone Field (35 Commercial Street)
• 9 am-6 pm Daily

30-Minute Video Tour of Freedom Trail Sights

Related Posts

• Downloadable Freedom Trail Map
• Other Boston Locations off the Freedom Trail Map:  Lexington /Concord
• Check out our guide to free things to do in Boston .

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Avis des voyageurs

Quoi faire ?

• Digne de mention
• Vaut le détour
• Incontournable

Ayant la réputation d'être la plus européenne des villes américaines, elle vous charmera par son histoire et ses différentes personnalités.

Un tour de ville s'impose, qu'il soit fait à pied, à vélo, en ''duck tour'' ou par le biais d'un parcours précis, il vous permettra d'y découvrir l'architecture, la culture et la fierté de cette capitale économique.

Plusieurs lieux vous permettront de revivre la libération des États-Unis telle que vécue le siècle dernier, de Back Bay à North End, en passant par Beacon Hill.

Vous pouvez également faire une petite pause pique-nique au Christopher Columbus Park .

New England Aquarium

L'attrait principal demeure sans contredit l 'immense réservoir océanique de 700 000 litres réparti sur quatre étages , autour duquel vous pourrez vous promener, et où vivent librement les occupants d'une reconstitution d'un récif de corail antillais.

Au-delà de l'aquarium classique, on vous offre ici de bien observer, à aire ouverte, différents mammifères et oiseaux marins . En plus des installations intérieures, un bassin extérieur vous permettra d'assister au spectacle improvisé des otaries.

Ouvert du lundi au vendredi de 9h à 17h et le samedi et dimanche de 9h à 18h.

Safari aux baleines

On vous amène au coeur du Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary , un des sanctuaires marins les plus actifs sur la planète situé à l'embouchure de la baie du Massachusetts, à trois milles au nord de Cape Cod.

Vous pourrez y découvrir en milieu naturel les plus grands mammifères marins, avec à bord des naturalistes expérimentés et formés directement par le New England Aquarium .

Vous aurez entre autres la chance d'y voir plusieurs types de grandes baleines comme les rorquals communs et petits rorquals, les baleines noires, baleines pilotes et baleines à bosses, mais également des dauphins, des oiseaux de mer et d'autres espèces qui pourraient vous surprendre.

Il est fortement conseillé de réserver et vous pouvez le faire sur leur site Internet. Départs tous les jours de la mi-mars à la mi-novembre, avec un départ par jour en basse saison et plusieurs départs par jour en haute saison.

Children's Museum

Ici, les petits sont rois, peuvent se promener, toucher et explorer totalement à leur aise l'une des nombreuses pièces de l'exposition interactive. Également, il est l'un des rares musées pour enfants à avoir une collection permanente de plus de 50 000 objets .

Ouvert du mercredi au dimanche de 9h à 12h et de 13h30 à 16h30. Réservez votre entrée sur le site web..

Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)

Ouvert le mardi, mercredi, samedi et dimanche de 10h à 17h et le jeudi et vendredi de 10h à 21h.

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

Le musée vous propose une visite guidée , avec interprètes en costumes d'époque , pour vous faire revivre et même participer au Boston Tea Party , sur une reconstitution d'un bateau d'époque. Vous pourrez y voir une collection d'artéfacts, des expositions interactives en plus d'un documentaire multisensoriel. Attention, la visite se fait uniquement en anglais.

Le musée est ouvert du jeudi au lundi de 10h à 16h. La boutique de souvenirs et le salon de thé de 9h30 à 17h.

Freedom Trail

Boston Common

Il avait été acheté à l'époque par les colons puritains à un prêtre anglican, M. William Blackstone, et servait de terrain commun pour le pâturage, d'où vient d'ailleurs son nom “common” (signifie “commun/communal”). À travers les années, il servit ensuite de lieu de campement pour les troupes de l'armée britannique, de site de pendaison publique, de poste de recrutement en temps de guerre (guerre de Sécession), d'endroit où se tenait des réunions, rassemblements (contre la guerre du Vietnam, antiesclavagiste, pour les droits civils) et manifestations en tous genres.

Ce dernier est le point de départ de la Freedom Trail et vous pouvez d'ailleurs vous rendre au Boston Common Visitor Center (139, Tremont Street), situé à l'intérieur du parc, avant d'entreprendre le parcours.

Autrement, ce peut juste être le coin parfait pour faire une pause sur le bord de l’étang, le “Frog Pond”, qui dispose également d’un carrousel et de jeux d’eau pour enfants en été et qui devient une patinoire en hiver, ou pour faire une petite promenade via un de leurs courts sentiers.

Old South Meeting House

Cette ancienne église puritaine, construite en 1729 , a été un lieu de rassemblement majeur pendant près de trois siècles et fut un des sites coloniaux les plus importants au pays. Certains membres de la congrégation ne furent nul autre que Samuel Adams , un patriote et un des pères fondateurs des États-Unis, ainsi que Benjamin Franklin , un autre des pères fondateurs qui signa la déclaration d'indépendance. C'est ici que les colons se réunirent à maintes reprises pour défier la domination britannique , comme ce 16 décembre 1773, où 5 000 d'entre eux devaient décider de ce qu'ils allaient faire avec le thé, ce qui mena aux évènements du Boston Tea Party.

Old South Meeting House est ouvert tous les jours de 10h à 17h. Prendre note que les portes fermeront à 16h le 30 juin et le 1 juillet.

Old State House

Le musée est ouvert tous les jours de 10h à 17h. Prendre note qu’il ouvrira ses portes à 11h le 4 juillet, après la lecture de la déclaration de l’indépendance.

Faneuil Hall

Habituellement ouvert du mercredi au dimanche de 11h à 16h. Fermé le jour de Thanksgiving, le 25 décembre et le 1 er janvier.

Quincy Market

Ouvert du lundi au samedi de 10h à 21h et le dimanche de midi à 18h.

Paul Revere House

Habituellement ouvert tous les jours, de 10h à 16h15.

Old North Church

Voici la plus ancienne église de Boston, fondée en 1723 . Elle fut rendue célèbre par la “Midnight Ride” de Paul Revere, car c'est du haut de son clocher (le plus haut de la ville) que furent allumées, dans la nuit du 18 avril 1775, les deux lanternes qui lui donnèrent le signal que les soldats passeraient par la rivière Charles et non par les terres pour se diriger vers Lexington et Concord. Une véritable icône de l'histoire américaine !

Habituellement ouvert tous les jours de 9h à 18h en haute saison et du mercredi au samedi de 10h à 16h en basse saison.

USS Constitution

Situé juste à côté, le USS Constitution Museum dispose d'une collection impressionnante de près de 3000 objets relatant l'histoire du navire, de 1794 à aujourd'hui.

Ouvert tous les jours de 10h à 17h.

Beacon Hill

State House

C'est ici que siège le gouvernement du Massachusetts et vous pouvez d'ailleurs faire une visite guidée des lieux gratuitement , d'une durée de 30 à 45 minutes, du lundi au vendredi entre 10h et 15h30.

Beacon Street

Cette rue était, au 19 e siècle, particulièrement prisée par les familles les mieux nanties de la ville et vous pourrez d'ailleurs y admirer de somptueuses demeures .

Chestnut Street

Voici une autre rue à voir absolument, car on peut y observer des maisons avec plusieurs styles architecturaux des années 1800 à 1830, dont les “ Swan Houses ” que l'on trouve du numéro 13 au numéro 17.

Mount Vernon Street

On dit que les résidences les plus élégantes du quartier se trouvent sur la Mount Vernon Street ! D'ailleurs, vous pourrez visiter l'une d'entre elles si le coeur vous en dit, soit la Nichols House Museum (55, Mount Vernon Street ), conçue en 1804.

Louisburg Square

Ce secteur de Beacon Hill est l'un des plus chics de Boston et, avec son parc et ses élégantes maisons de style néo-classiques, il fut le lieu de résidence de plusieurs grandes personnalités de la ville.

Acorn Street

Charles Street

Pour une halte "shopping" ou pour vous détendre dans un café, Charles Street est l'endroit tout indiqué. On trouve ici boutiques, antiquaires, galeries d’art et restaurants . Parfait pour l'heure de la pause !

Commonwealth Ave

Newbury Street

Prundential Center Skywalk

Comme dans plusieurs grandes villes du monde, Boston possède elle aussi son observatoire du haut du 50 e étage du Prudential Center, qui offre à ses visiteurs une vue imprenable sur 360 o .

Ouvert du lundi au samedi, de 11h à 21h et le dimanche de 11h à 18h.

Copley Square

Entre les rues Boylston, Dartmouth et l'avenue St-James

Trinity Church

Ouvert du jeudi au samedi pour les visites de 10h à 17h (dernière entrée à 16h30).

Boston Public Library

Ouvert du lundi au jeudi de 9h à 20h, le  vendredi et samedi de 9h à 17h et le dimanche de 11h à 17h.

Public Garden

Avec ses célèbres bateaux-cygnes en service depuis 1877, il est particulièrement populaire auprès des enfants . Ils adorent venir y faire une courte promenade d'une quinzaine de minutes sur son lac artificiel et passer sous le pont suspendu, entouré de saules pleureurs (habituellement ouvert tous les jours dès la mi-avril entre 10h et 16h pendant la saison touristique).

Vous aimerez vous perdre dans ses chemins sinueux , décorés d'une belle diversité de plantes, d'arbres et de fontaines , et également y admirer ses statues comme celles des canards du conte pour enfants “Make way for Ducklings” et celle de George Washington sur son cheval. Vous pourrez même contempler de vrais cygnes et canards sur le lagon !

Situé entre les rues Beacon, Arlington, Boylston et Charles.

Charles River Esplanade

Située le long de la Charles River, entre le Museum of Science et le Boston University Bridge, et faisant face à Cambridge de l'autre côté de la rivière, cette esplanade est l' endroit idéal pour vous dégourdir et même faire un pique-nique . S'étirant sur une longueur de près de 5 km , on y trouve entre autres des sentiers pour la marche, le vélo ou la course , des monuments historiques , une marina et des parcs d'amusement pour enfants.

À PROXIMITÉ

C'est en effet à Cambridge que vous découvrirez le MIT (Massachussett's Institute of Technologies) ainsi que le campus de l' Université Harvard .

Harvard University et Harvard Yard

Prenez le temps d'y admirer l'architecture, classique et moderne à la fois, et également de faire une promenade sur le vaste campus de cette université qui a accueilli plusieurs personnages connus tels John F. Kennedy, Bill Gates, Barak Obama, Nathalie Portman et Mark Zuckerberg, le célèbre fondateur de Facebook.

Le plus ancien bâtiment est le Massachusetts Hall , construit en 1720 , puis ce fut la Holden Chapel en 1744 , le Hollis Hall en 1763 et le Harvard Hall en 1766 . Ces derniers sont tous situés plus près de la Peabody Street.

Sachez qu'il est possible d'y faire une visite guidée officielle , effectuée par un étudiant, et ce tout à fait gratuitement . Le départ se fait du centre d'information de Harvard (1350, Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge / 617-495-1573 / www.harvard.edu/on-campus/visit-harvard) au Smith Campus et est d'une durée d' environ une heure . Lors de cette promenade en plein air, on vous parlera de l'histoire, de la vie des étudiants et on vous transmettra plusieurs informations plus générales sur Harvard. Aucune réservation n'est requise, mais les places se limitent à 35 personnes et vous devez vous inscrire une heure avant l'heure de départ.

Il est également possible de faire une visite par vous-même sur le campus à l'aide de brochures traduites en neuf différentes langues, que vous pouvez acheter à un coût minime au centre d'information. Pour compléter le tout, vous pouvez même télécharger sur leur site Internet des fichiers audio en anglais , contenant de l'information historique sur chaque bâtiment (voir le www.harvard.edu/on-campus/visit-harvard/tours/audio-tours).

Harvard Square

On y trouve également des théâtres, salles de cinéma et de concert, ce qui en fait un centre commercial et culturel important.

Harvard Museum of Natural History

Le musée d'histoire naturelle d'Harvard est un véritable bijou et vaut vraiment la peine d'y faire un arrêt si le thème vous intéresse. Fondé en 1998 , il possède trois sections distinctives : le Museum of Comparative Zoology (musée de zoologie comparée), le Harvard University Herbaria (l'herbier de l'université Harvard) et le Mineralogical and Geological Museum (musée minéralogique et géologique). Il regroupe plusieurs salles d'expositions sous les différents thèmes suivants :

changements climatiques, terre et science planétaire, fleurs de verre (superbes reproductions de fleurs en verre de Blashka, fabriquées en Allemagne entre 1887 et 1936 par le père et son fils), arthropodes,  paléontologie des vertébrés et dinosaures, créatures marines de verre (également par le père et le fil Blashka), Asie, Afrique, Amérique du Sud, vie marine, forêts de la Nouvelle-Angleterre, oiseaux et grands mammifères et plus encore.

Il est bon de savoir que le Museum of Natural History est adjacent au Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology et qu'en payant les droits d'entrée pour l'un des deux, vous avez automatiquement accès à l'autre gratuitement .

Ouvert du dimanche au vendredi de 9h à 17h et fermé le jour de Thanksgiving, le 24 et 25 décembre, ainsi que le 1er janvier.

Où manger ?

• $ Économique
• $$ Budget moyen
• $$$ Bonne table
• $$$$ Gastronomique

Boston Sail Loft ($$)

Situé sur Commercial Wharf, juste au bord de l'eau, le Boston Sail Loft est un petit restaurant de fruits de mer sans prétention. On y vient entre autres pour leur spécialité de chaudrée de palourdes (clam chowder) bien épaisse, qui déborde volontairement de son récipient lorsque l'on vous la sert. Le homard fait également partie de leurs favoris, mais vous trouverez au menu des soupes, salades, burgers, sandwichs, plats de poissons et de fruits de mer cuisinés de différentes façons. L'ambiance y est décontractée et si vous avez envie de goûter un cocktail vous intéresse, ne manquez pas le Dark & Stormy, un mélange de bière de gingembre et de lime, sur lequel on verse du rhum Goslings (grand rhum brun des Bermudes).

Ouvert tous les jours de 11h30 à 22h. Aucune réservation.

Mike’s Pastry ($)

Depuis 1946, les gens de partout viennent dans le North End, le quartier italien de Boston, pour se régaler des fameux “cannoli” de Michael Mercogliano, appelé affectueusement Mike. Ce dernier est arrivé ici avec sa famille à l’âge de 12 ans et c’est aujourd’hui son beau-fils, Angelo Papa, qui dirige les opérations de la pâtisserie, qui a maintenant d'autres succursales (Cambridge et Somerville). En plus d’offrir une douzaine de saveurs de “cannoli”, ils ont également des “biscotti”, des biscuits et des “sfogliatelle” (appelé ici lobster tail ou queue de homard). Si vous croisez des gens avec en main une boîte blanche et bleue, entourée d’une petite corde, vous saurez qu’ils viennent de chez Mike’s !

Ouvert du dimanche au jeudi de 8h à 22h et le vendredi et samedi de 8h à 23h.

Monica’s Mercato ($)

Cette petite épicerie italienne vous prépare, sur place, une variété de sandwichs frais et de pizzas à la pointe pour emporter, concoctés avec les meilleurs ingrédients. Un favori dans le quartier depuis 1995, dirigé par la famille Mendoza.

Ouvert tous les jours de 10h à 20h.

Quincy Market Food Court ($)

On trouve ici une grande variété de kiosques de nourriture, allant de plats typiques de la Nouvelle-Angleterre comme le “lobster roll”, les huîtres fraîches et la “clam chowder”, à une cuisine plus internationale. C’est l’arrêt parfait à faire en faisant la Freedom Trail !

Sam La Grassa’s ($)

Sans prétention, on dit qu’on prépare ici les sandwiches numéro 1 au monde, rien de moins ! En activité depuis 1968, il est vrai que leur immense popularité n’est pas le fruit du hasard. Au menu, plus d’une trentaine de variétés de sandwichs de toutes sortes, grillés ou pas, et mêmes végétariens. On y offre aussi des salades, des soupes et accompagnements. Comme les portions sont énormes, partager est toujours une bonne idée ici.

Ouvert du lundi au vendredi de 11h à 14h. Attention, l’endroit est très populaire !

BEACON HILL

Ma maison ($$$).

Originaire de France, le chef Jacky Robert a quitté son pays natal quand il était jeune homme afin de venir aider son oncle Lucien à ouvrir son restaurant, La Maison Robert, au début des années 1970. Dans sa carrière, il roula également sa bosse à Paris, Genève, Munich, en Floride et à San Francisco. Il ouvrit le restaurant Ma maison en 2015 et on trouve au menu d’authentiques plats de bistrot comme le foie de veau aux oignons caramélisés, les moules échalotes et vin blanc, le magret de canard à l’orange, les pétoncles géants poêlés, et bien d’autres grands classiques. Si le coeur vous en dit, ne manquez pas le pâté de son oncle Lucien, une spécialité de la maison.

Ouvert tous les jours de 11h à 22h.

Sweetgreen ($)

Ici, vous pouvez manger un plat santé, sans vous ruiner. On vous sert une nourriture simple et saine comme des plats de saison, des bols chauds et des salades, ou on vous laisse carrément choisir vous-même ce qui sera dans votre assiette (vous faites le choix de deux bases comme de la salade, du quinoa ou du riz, de 4 ingrédients tels des légumes, noix, légumineuses, etc., d’une de leurs nombreuses vinaigrettes faites maison et vous pouvez même ajouter un item “premium”, comme des épices, des fromages, du tofu, du poulet, etc.). On trouve plus d’une dizaine d’autres succursales de Sweetgreen à Boston.

Ouvert tous les jours de 10h30 à 22h.

Saltie Girl ($$$)

Ce tout petit restaurant de 30 places (16 aux tables et 12 au bar) a été créé par Kathy Sidell, qui voulait sortir des sentiers battus avec un lieu différent. Elle a gagné son pari, l’endroit est un véritable bijou. Ici, on vous propose une grande variété de délicieuses assiettes de fruits de mer de première qualité, cuits, frits, fumés, crus ou en conserve, de provenance locale ou internationale. Si vous êtes amateurs de “Lobster Roll”, on vous le sert chaud avec du beurre ou froid avec de la mayonnaise. L’assiette de gaufres, recouvertes de Homard frit, d'un beurre de maïs sucré et de sirop d’érable épicé est une fabuleuse expérience en soi. Pour passer sa commande, chaque convive est invité à cocher ses choix sur une feuille de papier à cette fin, que l’on vous aura préalablement remise. Vaut mieux réserver.

Ouvert du lundi au jeudi de 11h à 22h, le vendredi et samedi jusqu’à 23h et le dimanche de 11h à 21h. Brunch servit le week-end entre 11h et 15h.

Grill 23 & Bar ($$$$)

Ce restaurant, qui a été récompensé à maintes reprises depuis son ouverture au début des années 80, est un steakhouse classique, qui offre des plats d’une grande qualité et un service supérieur. On y sert des coupes de viandes succulentes provenant de la famille Brandt, un producteur américain de boeuf naturel haut de gamme, des fruits de mer ultra frais de la Nouvelle-Angleterre, des produits de saison, de magnifiques desserts et une carte des vins exceptionnelle. Ils proposent même un service de cigares d’exception à leur clientèle après le repas. Réservations recommandées.

Ouvert du lundi au jeudi de 17h à 22h, le vendredi et samedi de 17h à 22h30 et le dimanche de 17h à 21h.

J.P. Licks ($)

Cette chaîne de glaces maison, fondée en 1981 à Boston, a comme mission première de vous offrir un produit de très bonne qualité, dans un endroit où l’on se sent bien. Toutes les crèmes glacées et yogourts que l’on vous sert ici sont aromatisés avec des ingrédients qu’on pourrait trouver chez tout un chacun comme du chocolat, des biscuits, une grande variété de noix, des fruits de saison, de l’extrait de vanille et des épices. Les saveurs sont intenses et parfois complexes et vous en trouverez assurément pour tous les goûts. Ils préparent même des smoothies et servent du café qu’ils font torréfier eux-mêmes !

Ouvert du lundi au jeudi 7h à 23h, le vendredi de 7h à minuit, le samedi de 8h à minuit et le dimanche de 8h à 23h.

Russell House Tavern ($$)

En plein coeur du Harvard Square, la Russell House Tavern porte son nom de l’un des premiers occupants de l’endroit, Thomas Russell, qui était marchand de meubles dans les années 1800. Elle vous propose des mets classiques de la Nouvelle-Angleterre et d’ailleurs, accompagnés d’une belle sélection de cocktails, de vins et de bières artisanales locales. Sur la carte, des salades et entrées, une variété de petits plats, des pizzas, des plats principaux avec choix de poissons, viandes, pâtes et fruits de mer frais. Ils offrent un menu “brunch” le samedi et dimanche entre 10h et 16h, et également un menu “taverne” pour ceux qui aiment manger tard !

Ouvert le lundi de 11h à 15h / 16h à 22h, mardi au jeudi de 11h à 15h / 16h à 23h, vendredi de 11h à 15h / 16h à minuit, samedi de 10h à 15h / 16h à minuit, dimanche de 10h à 15h / 16h à 22h.

AUTRES QUARTIERS

B & g oysters ($$-$$$).

Depuis 2003, on vient se régaler au B & G Oysters, bien sûr pour leurs célèbres huîtres fraîches provenant autant de la côte est que de la côte ouest des États-Unis, mais également pour leurs fabuleux plats de fruits de mer de saison, ainsi que pour goûter des classiques de la Nouvelle-Angleterre comme le fameux Lobster Roll du Maine. En été, vous apprécierez particulièrement être installés sur la terrasse de la cour arrière, un bon verre de blanc bien frais à la main !

Ouvert du mercredi au jeudi de midi à 21h, vendredi-samedi de midi à 23h, dimanche de midi à 21h.

*** Les horaires proposés peuvent varier ***

Localisation, quand partir .

• Très favorable
• Défavorable

Climatogramme

Avis des voyageurs, une petite ville de province au bord de l'océan.

Très agréable et relax, le freedoom mile est très intéressant et constitue un point de repère majeur pour les touristes. Charlottestown est très mignonne et le homard délicieux. Les gens sont cools et détendus. L'histoire de l'Amérique y est très présente.

Ville incroyable

Une ville que nous connaissions déjà, quel plaisir de revenir ! Si vous voulez visiter une ville à taille humaine, avec des personnes sympa et bien mangé c'est la bonne destination.

Ville très mignonne à visiter à pied, belle architecture

Guide voyage à télécharger

TOP 5 des road trips au Canada

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la chanson québécoise , 5 astuces pour conduire au québec (partie i), météorologie québécoise 101, rivalité emblématique du canada, ma cabane au canada: mythe ou réalité , la petite histoire du grand prix de montréal, 6 traditions typiquement québécoises, lauréat argent aux grands prix du tourisme, 3 incontournables de la colombie-britannique, l'accent québécois en 5 étapes faciles, safari aux baleines 101, observation de la grande oie des neiges, le printemps des sucres, comment se protéger des moustiques au canada , 6 trucs pour créer son itinéraire, questions & réponses sur la location de vr au canada.

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• Arts & Entertainment

Calling all Swifties: Take our quiz and see photos of the star in Kennebunkport in 2010

Prove your fandom with our trivia questions.

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Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift released her 11th album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” on April 19, and the response to it just about broke the internet (along with a streaming record).

During all of the excitement, we unearthed a trove of Press Herald photos of Swift from when she visited Kennebunkport in 2010 for a special outdoor performance.

Check out these sensational images from staff photographer Derek Davis and then try your luck at our Taylor Swift quiz!

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