tourist information centre boston

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Visiting Boston

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

Get Started

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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Santarpio's Pizza - Peabody + East Boston

Boston Common Visitor Information Center

Pick up city walking maps, find information for your visit, board a Duck Boat, or use the restroom. Open to visitors during the day

Neighborhood: 

139 tremont st, boston, ma 02108, usa, beacon hill, 617-536-410.

Boston   Travel Guide

30 Top-Rated Things to Do in Boston

As Massachusetts' capital and the birthplace of the American Revolution, there's no shortage of historical sites for travelers to explore within Boston's city limits (and beyond). There's even a Boston Tea Party Museum on the harbor

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Freedom Trail Freedom Trail free

Stretching 2½ miles, the Freedom Trail weaves past 16 of the city's most historic sites, including Faneuil Hall Marketplace , the Paul Revere House and Old North Church . Taking in all of the trail's attractions requires at least half a day (and some comfortable walking shoes), but you can easily plot points of interest before you begin your jaunt from Boston Common .

Though most visitors agree the trail is easy to navigate on your own, some recommend a guided tour or downloading an app to tell you about the sites. (You'll find a handful of apps available for Apple and Android devices.) If you have a Go Boston Card, standard guided tours given by the Freedom Trail Foundation are covered by your pass.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Every Friday and Saturday, Haymarket (one America's oldest open-air markets) pops up adjacent to Faneuil Hall. In order to navigate this often-chaotic scene successfully make sure to bring small bills, leave bulky bags at the hotel and keep it moving on the sidewalk. - Jill LeGrow

Four buildings – Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market – constitute Faneuil Hall Marketplace, with the oldest being Faneuil Hall. Built in 1742 and now a stop on the Freedom Trail , Faneuil Hall has had a long and important history in Massachusetts politics. Samuel Adams once stood here to push for resistance against the British, and abolitionists and suffragists have stood on their soapboxes here. In fact, this is where colonists famously challenged the Stamp Act of 1764 by proclaiming, "no taxation without representation." From those illustrious days, the marketplace has expanded to include more than 100 shops and restaurants.

Boston Public Garden Boston Public Garden free

Though the Boston Public Garden sits right next to Boston Common , the two are quite different. The public garden is newer (established in 1837) and holds the distinction of being America's first public botanical garden. Flowers and trees are beautifully organized and kept in quality condition throughout. You can see the colorful arrangements and exotic trees from the 6-acre pond as you glide along the water in a Swan Boat. Additionally, the park houses two of Boston's most iconic statues: Make Way for Ducklings (a bronze sculpture of a duck and her eight ducklings) and a sculpture of George Washington (which shows America's first president riding on a horse).

Visitors looking to relax after sightseeing will enjoy the Boston Public Garden. Parkgoers say you'll find plenty of shade beneath the park's trees, which comes in handy on hot summer days. Plus, you'll likely spot some ducks and geese swimming around the lagoon. And if you have a few dollars, visitors recommend taking a 15-minute ride on a Swan Boat. The large paddle boats cost $4.50 to ride (or $3 for kids ages 2 to 15 and $4 for seniors); travelers with Go Boston Cards ride for free. Swan Boats are usually available between mid-April and Labor Day.

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North End North End free

Chances are you'll end up in the North End at least once during your visit to Boston. It's steeped in the city's rich history as it holds the title of Boston's oldest neighborhood and houses three attractions on the Freedom Trail . What makes this neighborhood a top point of interest, however, is its Italian culture: The North End is considered Boston's Little Italy.

While Italians weren't the first to settle in this area (English settlers arrived first then European Jews, African Americans and Irish immigrants), their cultural influence on the North End withstood the test of time. Today, you'll find all kinds of Italian food from classic pizza pies served at the popular Regina Pizzeria to Sicilian-style seafood, such as black linguine (made with squid ink) and calamari meatballs at The Daily Catch . For dinner, try Mamma Maria for fine dining, Giacomo's for its affordable, made-in-house pasta or Bricco , which sources its meats and bread from its own meat and bread shop, located right next door. If you’re only interested in pizza, hit up Galleria Umberto for delectable solo slices or Antico Forno for its full-size, wood-fired pies. Prezza is known for its extensive wine list, boasting hundreds of wine labels to choose from. For dessert, make sure to pick up a cannoli at Mike's Pastry or Modern Pastry , or tiramisu at the 24-hour Bova's Bakery .

Museum of Fine Arts Museum of Fine Arts

If you want to make the most out of the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the most comprehensive art institutions in the country, then you'll need to spend a good chunk of your day here. The museum is home to one of the best art collections in the world, including the celebrated Art of the Americas wing. Inside this sprawling collection, you'll encounter galleries showcasing iconic pieces from indigenous cultures in North, South and Central America to works by contemporary artists like Edward Hopper.

You'll also find an impressive collection of Asian art here, plus works from Monet, Renoir, Manet and Rembrandt on display. And in special temporary exhibits, you can admire masterpieces from Black artists like Diedrick Brackens and Picasso, among others.

Boston Common Boston Common free

The grounds of Boston Common started as a cow pasture in the mid-1600s. It was also used for Puritan punishments, like whipping, and even for hangings. In 1768, the area was transformed into a British camp. After the Revolutionary War, the park became a popular locale for public speeches and rallies. Now, the Common is best known because of its status as the oldest public park in the country. You'll also find a variety of activities and events – including theater and musical performances and free fitness classes – hosted here throughout the year. If you plan to traverse the Freedom Trail , you'll start the walk here at Boston Common.

Though some visitors say you won't find much to do in this park, Boston Common is great for picnics or a leisurely stroll. Travelers also mention that this site is a wonderful spot to take young children. In addition to ample running room on the park's green space, kids can play at the Tadpole Playground or Frog Pond. Frog Pond offers a spray pool during the warmer months and an ice skating rink in the winter. Some visitors do note that the park tends to draw Boston's homeless population, particularly at night.

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Fenway Park Fenway Park

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you want to watch a Sox game without a ticket, head to the Bleacher Bar on Lansdowne Street. Located beneath the bleachers of Fenway, the best tables are positioned directly in front of the huge garage window that overlook centerfield. – Jill LeGrow

Fans of America's favorite pastime won't want to miss a game at Fenway Park. Home to the Boston Red Sox, this stadium has been the site of home runs, stolen bases and grounders since 1912. Regardless of whether or not you're a diehard Red Sox fan, you should try to catch a game and admire the ballpark's original architecture. Must-see features of the park include Pesky's Pole – the right field foul pole named after former Red Sox player Johnny Pesky – and the 37-foot-tall "Green Monster" wall in left field.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

After Isabella Stewart Gardner's husband died in 1898, the art enthusiast carried out their plan to buy land in Boston's Fenway area and open a museum to display her impressive collection of Italian art. The museum, which was fashioned after the Palazzo Barbaro in Venice , was completed in 1901, at which point Gardner moved in to the fourth floor and began installing her collection. Today, you can visit this Boston museum to get your fill of the Italian masters, such as Raphael and Titian. The building also showcases a cache of beautiful furniture, photographs, sculpture and rare books straight from Europe. The museum's New Wing, designed by Renzo Piano, includes a glass atrium, greenhouses and landscaped gardens.

The art isn't the only interesting thing here: the museum is also the site of the single largest property theft on Earth. In the wee hours of March 18, 1990, two thieves made their way into the museum disguised as police. The duo stole 13 works, including pieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Degas and Manet. Today, the museum has empty frames on the walls as placeholders until the art returns to the museum. As you may have guessed, the crime has not been solved and the works haven't been recovered. The museum is even offering a sizable reward ($10 million) for information leading to the art. 

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Boston Public Library Boston Public Library free

A library isn't always all about books. The main branch of the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, which opened in 1895, is so much more, according to recent visitors who call the architecture "beautiful" and a “must-see.” Walking into the Renaissance Revival building is akin to visiting a museum. On Dartmouth Street, two immense stone lions sculpted by Louis Saint-Gaudens stand guard by the main entrance. Inside, Bates Hall, the library's main reference reading room, is a 218-foot-long room with a barrel-arch ceiling soaring 50 feet high.

Visitors can take a free tour and learn all about the murals found throughout the library, including John Singer Sargent's series on the "Triumph of Religion." Other murals include works by French artist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, who depicted eight library-centric disciplines in "The Muses of Inspiration," and Edwin Austin Abbey's "The Quest and Achievement of the Holy Grail."

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

A must for any history buffs or fans of our nation's 35th president, this excellent library and museum details the life of President John F. Kennedy. Exhibits include his presidential papers; masses of Kennedy memorabilia, including re-creations of his desk in the Oval Office and of the television studio in which he debated Richard M. Nixon in the 1960 election; and artifacts from the U.S. space program. There's permanent display on the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis plus plenty of other artifacts and information about Kennedy's life and presidency. The building itself is quite striking and was designed by architect I. M. Pei.

Museumgoers say that while the museum is off the beaten path (it sits about 5 miles south of downtown on Columbia Point), it is well worth the trek thanks to the exhibits and staff. However, some wish the exhibits had a more detailed explanation of Kennedy and events during his life. The views from the museum are amazing, add some visitors.

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

If you want to get outdoors in the greater Boston area, consider hopping a ferry (which operates from mid-May through mid-October) to the Boston Harbor Islands. This collection of 34 islands located in the Massachusetts Bay boasts plenty of things to do and see including historic sites, hiking trails, beaches, wildlife and much more. Popular islands include Spectacle, Georges and Peddocks, though ferries also go to Lovells, Grape, Bumpkin and Thompson.

The 114-acre Spectacle Island is a great option for those looking to hike. Here, you'll find 5 miles of trails, including one which leads to the harbor's highest hill, offering incredible views of Boston's skyline. If you’re looking for a place where you can sink your toes into the sand, head to Lovells Island. Here, you’ll find secluded shorelines as well as tide pools (when it's low tide, a whopping 71 acres are added to the island's land mass). Meanwhile, history lovers will enjoy a trip to Georges Island. Georges Island is home to Fort Warren, which the U.S. government used for patrolling and training Union troops as well as housing Confederate prisoners during Civil War times. Peddocks Island, one of the largest of the Boston Harbor Islands, offers a little bit of everything. This island is considered a prime camping spot and features scenic hiking trails that pass through coastal forests, headlands connected by tombolos and the biggest beach of any island. You'll also find a little bit of history thanks to Fort Andrews and a restored chapel from World War II.

Newbury Street Newbury Street free

Located in the Back Bay along eight blocks between Massachusetts Avenue and Arlington Street, Newbury Street is home to gorgeous 19th century brownstones. It's also Boston's premiere destination for dining and shopping. Newbury Street has been called one of the most expensive streets in the world, thanks in large part to the significant cluster of expensive shops on the lower end (by numbered address) nearest Arlington Street.

Starting at the higher end, by Massachusetts Avenue, you'll find more budget-friendly retailers like TJ Maxx and Forever 21, as well longtime local favorites Newbury Comics and Trident Booksellers. In fact, Newbury Comics' opening in 1978 was the catalyst that began the transformation of Newbury Street from a heavily upper-class retail destination to a hipper, trendier spot for everyone.

Samuel Adams Brewery Samuel Adams Brewery

Despite its location outside of city center, visiting the Samuel Adams Brewery is a popular stop for beer lovers. This brewery location acts as Samuel Adams' testing facility for new and specialty brews, which patrons can try. You can also take a guided tour of the facility to learn more about the brewing process.

Whether you're a local or a tourist, odds are you'll enjoy a visit to this brewery. Visitors say the staff is knowledgeable, but note there can be long entry lines.

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Cambridge Cambridge free

Cambridge, which sits about 3 miles northwest of Boston's city center, is home to both Harvard University and MIT , but there's more to see in Cambridge than just the schools themselves. The city features an impressive array of cultural institutions that feature collections and exhibitions ranging from fine art to technological innovations.

The Harvard Art Museums , which include the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum and Arthur M. Sackler Museum, house a wide range of periods, styles and mediums within its walls. Here, you’ll find a mix of modern photography, 13th century sculpture, paintings from legends like Georgia O’Keeffe, Picasso and Jackson Pollock, and much more. If you prefer history, head to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology , which boasts exhibits exploring everything from ancient Latin American cultures to the evolution of American eating habits and tableware to the lives of Native Americans. If science is more your speed, head to the Harvard Museum of Natural History to view dinosaur fossils, rare minerals and animal specimens from New England to Asia.

Beacon Hill Beacon Hill free

Beacon Hill is arguably Boston's most beautiful neighborhood. Located north of Boston Common , Beacon Hill is awash with quaint, cobblestone-lined alleyways, corners dotted with gas street lamps, stately townhouses affixed with bay view windows and vibrant, flower-filled window boxes. It's Beacon Hill's incredible style, a stunning mix of Federal and Greek revival architecture, that make this neighborhood an attraction in and of itself. And recent visitors couldn't agree more.

Travelers who venture to Beacon Hill are charmed by its beauty and say that it's the perfect place to take a long stroll and wander around. While here, make sure to make your way to noteworthy spots including the picturesque Louisburg Square and Acorn Street, the latter of which is one of the most photographed places in Boston. After, head down Charles Street, where you'll find restaurants, shops and bars. Fans of the TV show "Cheers" will want to walk down Beacon Street to find the bar that inspired the program.

Old North Church Old North Church

Most people who know anything about American history have heard of Paul Revere's famous midnight ride, when he rode through town to warn people about the arrival of British troops. Before heading off to Lexington, Revere gave orders at Old North Church. Robert Newman – the church's sexton – and Captain John Pulling Jr. – the church's vestryman – then climbed the steeple and held two lanterns as a signal that the British were indeed coming, but by sea.

The church itself, which is officially named Christ Church, is filled with beautiful relics from the past, including North America's oldest set of change ringing bells and chandeliers brought in from England in the early 1700s. The pews have a long history as well; Pew No. 54 was reserved for Paul Revere's son.

Boston Children's Museum Boston Children's Museum

With a giant milk bottle structure at the front of the building, it's hard to miss the Boston Children's Museum. Here, hands-on exhibits present a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about various sciences, culture, art and health and wellness, among other subjects. Among the museum's standout exhibits are "Construction Zone," where little ones can learn about and play with kid-sized construction equipment, "The Common," where kids play with color, games and music, and "Japanese House" – a 100-year-old authentic Japanese house reconstructed in Boston by Japanese carpenters.

Museumgoers praise the variety of engaging exhibits tailored to kids within different age groups and can't recommend it enough. Others warn the museum gets crowded, especially in the summer.

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway free

Boston is packed with cool outdoor spaces, but this nearly 1½-mile-long series of parks and gardens offers more than most. The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway was established to link Boston's diverse neighborhoods through a series of lawns, parks and walkways that occupy a former highway tunnel. Since opening in 2008, visitors have flocked to this sprawling green space to enjoy temporary public art displays, bubbling fountains, numerous food vendors and a carousel. Plus, the park offers free weekly events, including food and art festivals, summer concert performances and seasonal fitness classes.

Many previous visitors said the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway not only offers a much-needed respite from the city, but also an easy way to explore Boston with kids during the warmer months. And, in many sections of the Greenway, you're never more than a few steps away from the Freedom Trail .

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Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

This hands-on museum offers an entertaining look at one of Boston's pivotal moments. You can toss (fake) tea overboard, climb around replica ships and converse with period actors about Colonial issues. Exhibits at the museum, which is located on Griffin's Wharf (close to where the actual Tea Party occurred on Dec. 16, 1773) include 3D holograms, talking portraits and the Robinson Tea Chest, an authentic tea chest from the Boston Tea Party. Two of the three ships have been recreated, the Beaver and the Eleanor, which are fun to explore. The film "Let It Begin Here" depicts the events that immediately preceded the American Revolution. You can also grab a cup of tea or a snack in Abigail's Tea Room, which has one of the best views of the harbor around.

Visitors love the interactive nature of the museum and tossing tea overboard, saying their time there was entertaining for all ages. They also add that the guides are informative and stay in character.

Museum of Science Museum of Science

If you're traveling with young ones in tow, be sure to swing by the Museum of Science. Here, kids can learn about astronomy, earth sciences and anatomy, not to mention participate in some fun interactive exhibits. Budding scientists can examine the Arctic in "Arctic Adventure: Exploring with Technology" exhibit or play on swings to learn about physics in "Science in the Park." The museum also features the Charles Hayden Planetarium, where you can indulge your inner astronaut during shows. Meanwhile, at the Mugar Omni Theater, you'll feel like you're actually in the IMAX film thanks to its cutting-edge sound technology and five-story-high projection screen.

Although the museum is very kid-focused, past visitors said that young-at-heart adults and even teens will get a kick out of the museum's engaging displays and shows. Though most travelers spend about half a day exploring the museum, you could easily allocate an entire day to this attraction. Also, remember that separate tickets (which cost extra) are needed for some museum features, such as IMAX films, planetarium shows and the Garden Walk and Insect Zoo.

Boston Duck Tours Boston Duck Tours

Wander Boston for a couple of hours and you're sure to see a Duck Tour quacking its way through the streets (and waterways). These "Truck Duck" vehicles recreate the look of a DUKW truck used by the U.S. military during World War II and transport tourists all over the city by land and water. The tours drive past a number of landmark sites including the Old State House, Newbury Street , Prudential Tower, Public Garden and the Swan Boats, and Copley Square (home to the Boston Public Library ). Once launched into the water, you'll cruise down the Charles River checking out MIT, the Longfellow Bridge, as well as the Esplanade and the Hatch Shell. 

Besides giving tours around the city, Boston Duck Tour boats have been used in all of the victory parades since 2002 for the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins (the city's major teams for football, baseball, basketball and hockey, respectively). What started off simply as a way to roll the Patriots through downtown Boston for a Superbowl celebration has turned into a much-loved tradition that continues today.

Boston Symphony Orchestra Boston Symphony Orchestra

Even if you're not a classical music aficionado, you can't miss attending one of the Boston Symphony Orchestra's world-renowned performances at Symphony Hall. The BSO began performing in 1881. Today, the symphony performs everything from family shows to traditional concerts and Boston Pops – a lively performance filled with singing and a variety of music. The BSO performs at Symphony Hall from September through April, then heads to Tanglewood (which is about 130 miles west of Boston) in the summer.

Past spectators not only praised the world-class talent, but also noted the impressive acoustics of Symphony Hall as a main selling point for attending future concerts. If you can't score tickets to an orchestra performance, consider taking a free tour of Symphony Hall. Tours, which are offered in the fall, winter and spring, provide information about the property, as well as insight into the orchestra's musicians and conductors.

New England Holocaust Memorial New England Holocaust Memorial free

Gaze up at the six 54-foot glass towers that comprise the New England Holocaust Memorial, and you're bound to be awestruck. Dedicated in 1995, each haunting tower is etched with numbers. The 6 million numbers represent the Holocaust's victims, while the towers represent the six major death camps. There is also a granite path covered in quotes from survivors that leads visitors inside the towers.

Recent visitors described walking through the columns as an emotionally charged and unforgettable experience. The monument's location next to Faneuil Hall Marketplace makes it very accessible while walking the Freedom Trail .

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Paul Revere House Paul Revere House

For a glimpse of what life was like in the late 1700s, head to Paul Revere's former residence in the North End . The house, which is situated on the Freedom Trail , offers insight into how homes looked in Revere's time (it's even filled with period pieces, including fine silver). Inside, history fans can admire the building's sweeping beams, spacious fireplaces and some original furnishings owned by the Revere family.

If you like American history, travelers say you'll enjoy seeing the Paul Revere House. This house is small, though, so don't allot more than an hour to tour the property. Docents are friendly and knowledgeable.

Massachusetts State House Massachusetts State House free

The golden-domed Massachusetts State House is an important building for many reasons and is one of the stops on the Freedom Trail . The land it sits on was originally used as John Hancock’s cow pasture. It was designed by Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1798 and the cornerstone was laid by Samuel Adams in 1795. A copper dome was installed by Paul Revere in 1802 (later covered in gold). Nowadays, senators, state representatives and the governor conduct the Commonwealth's business here.

Free tours are offered by docents who explain the building's history and discuss the important art and architecture within. Make sure to look for the Sacred Cod in the House of Representatives Chamber. The almost 5-foot wooden cod symbolizes the importance of the salt cod industry to the area.

New England Aquarium New England Aquarium

Your kids will find plenty to love at the New England Aquarium, starting with the Atlantic harbor seals that hang out just beyond the ticket booth. Inside, you'll find thousands of marine critters to study, and at the center: the Giant Ocean Tank. This four-story tank includes a coral reef habitat that houses more than 1,000 underwater creatures including green sea turtles, eels and barracuda. In other parts of the aquarium, you'll find exhibits dedicated to penguins, sea jellies and seadragons, plus a six-story high projection movie screen with digital surround sound, where you can watch films about sea creatures and more. And don't forget to check out the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, which allows visitors to graze sharks and rays as they swim by.

While some visitors bemoan the aquarium's compact size (which, in turn, made for thick crowds), many appreciate the attraction's variety of animals. Several travelers also recommend watching a penguin or seal feeding.

USS Constitution USS Constitution free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Every July 4th, the USS Constitution takes her annual "turnaround" sail in Boston Harbor. The particular sail is the only one open to the public and the US Navy holds a lottery with the lucky winners getting to board "Old Ironsides." – Jill LeGrow

History lovers, boat enthusiasts and military aficionados alike can't miss the chance to board the USS Constitution. Docked at the Boston National Historical Park in Charlestown, this historic vessel is the world's oldest commissioned warship still operational today. It is helmed by United States Navy sailors, who also serve as the ship's guides. The ship's accompanying museums displays nearly 2,000 artifacts related to the ship's history.

Bunker Hill Monument Bunker Hill Monument free

Bunker Hill Monument is part of the Boston National Historical Park and a stop on the Freedom Trail . The first major battle of the American Revolution took place on Breed's Hill in June 1775, though originally it was supposed to take place on nearby Bunker Hill. Names aside, the British won the battle but fared worse than their American foes. The British sacrificed about nearly half of their 2,400 men; American casualties were between 300 and 500 out of an army of 1,400 to 1,800 soldiers. Construction of the monument started in 1827 and was completed in 1842. The 221-foot granite obelisk offers fabulous views from its observatory, though you have to work for it by climbing 294 steps to the top.

Start your visit at the Bunker Hill Museum, located across the street. Exhibits explain the Battle of Bunker Hill, the construction of the monument, and the history of Charlestown. Free tickets are required to climb the monument and you can also pick them up at the museum. Visitors enjoy the museum and say the monument is awe-inspiring and the grounds beautiful.

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View Boston View Boston

U.S. News Insider Tip: To save some cash on your sightseeing, pick up a Boston CityPass which allows you to visit up to four attractions (such as the Museum of Science , New England Aquarium , Boston Harbor City Cruise and View Boston) for one discounted price. – Jill LeGrow

Replacing the iconic Top of the Hub restaurant and Skywalk Observatory that closed in 2020, View Boston opened in June 2023 to offer 360 panoramic views of Boston from atop the 52nd floor of the Prudential Center. Taking over the top three floors of the Prudential Center, View Boston includes an observatory, a wraparound roof deck and indoor/outdoor cocktail bar called Stratus, and a floor with interactive exhibits such as a projection-mapped 3D model of Boston. There's also Beacon, a bistro offering seasonal beverages and food.

The Mapparium The Mapparium

Located at the Mary Baker Eddy Library, this three-story, stained glass globe never fails to elicit wonder. Designed by the architect of the Christian Science Publishing Society building, Chester Lindsay Churchill, the globe depicts the world as it was in 1935.

The "How Do You See the World" experience includes the globe; the "Our World: Mapping Progress," which highlights humanity's achievements since 1935; and "Points of Progress," where you can learn about significant events in human rights, scientific advances, exploration, and other fields. A 10-minute audio narration features clips from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, Wangari Maathai (a Kenyan Nobel laureate) and others. One of the coolest features of the globe is that it is a "whispering gallery." Stand at one end of the gallery while a friend stands at the other. Whisper something to them and they will be the only one to hear it.

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Boston Massachusetts Guide

Boston is the "capital" of New England , with history , excellent museums , musical performances , beautiful parks, great restaurants ( lobster dinners !), fine hotels and plenty of shopping .

Introducing Boston

Called " the Athens of America " during the 19th century, Boston is the capital of the Commonwealth (state) of Massachusetts and a major university area , with Berklee , Boston University , Brandeis , Harvard , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Northeastern , Tufts , Wellesley , and dozens of smaller institutions. Tens of thousands of college students in Boston, Cambridge and neighboring cities keep Boston's spirit young.

Emphasis on learning also gives Boston world-class fine art museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Gardner Museum, and Institute of Contemporary Art , as well as other learning centers such as the Museum of Science, and the John F Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum , not to mention the great museums in Cambridge .

It's also one of the world's greatest high-tech hubs for computers, software, pharmaceuticals, architecture, aerospace, data processing, information services, science, medical research and technology.

It's home to the Boston Celtics (basketball), the Boston Bruins (ice hockey), the Boston Red Sox (baseball), the New England Patriots (football), the New England Revolution (soccer) as well as the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops. And yet B oston is one of the most livable and manageable cities in the world, with the big-city economic and cultural resources, but small-city spirit and pace of life.

Greater Boston

Although Greater Boston today is home for over half of the seven million people of Massachusetts , the City of Boston itself is a fairly small area with a population of about 675,000. But if one adds in the populations of the neighboring cities such as Brookline, Cambridge, Somerville and more, the total comes to five million .

Boston's Freedom Trail

First-time visitors should follow Boston's Freedom Trail to find colonial and Revolutionary War-era sights including Boston Common, Beacon Hill, Faneuil Hall, Bunker Hill, Old North Church, Paul Revere's house, USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") and more.

Boston National Historical Park

Much of Boston's historic downtown area is now part of the Boston National Historical Park. Some of the islands in Boston Harbor are part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area .

The National Parks Service maintains this website and Visitor Centers in historic Faneuil Hall and the Charlestown Navy Yard . Free guided tours of historic sites are available in the spring and summer. You'll see park rangers here and there at historic spots, ready to help with directions or information. More...

Finding Your Way in Boston

Finding your way around Boston and neighboring Cambridge is not particularly easy, what with rivers, bays, hills and centuries-old colonial street patterns, so here's how to do it .

Where to Stay

Here are Boston's best hotels by area so you can choose the one that will put you within walking distance of what you want to see and do . More...

Boston Transportation

Public transportation ( subway , bus , Commuter Rail , trains , airplanes and ferryboats ) can help as well. More...

Day-Trips from Boston

It's easy to take day-trip excursions from Boston north to Salem , Gloucester and Cape Ann ; west to Lexington and Concord ; south to Plymouth , Quincy and Cape Cod . More...

New England FAQ

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Boston Guildhall

Find a Tourist Information Centre located in this beautiful medieval building, built in 1390 by the Guild of St Mary, today housing a museum and a venue for weddings and other events. 

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South Street

VisitBostonUK.com

Email: [email protected]

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St botolph's.

There is also a Tourist Information Centre inside St Botolph's Church. St Botolph's is one of the largest parish churches in England, (also known as Boston Stump). It has one of the tallest Medieval towers in the country.

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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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Visitor Center

You never forget your first visit to Cambridge. The essence of the city is no better summed up than in the words of the beloved, late Cantabrigian Julia Child: "Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it."

This is a place where no one blinks if you're having the time of your life while changing the world. Where else can you rub tweedy elbows with status-quo-challenging scholars, drop into a hypnotic African drumming dance class, or scoot into a bar for the best bacon-topped burger of your life? (Seriously, you'll dine well here in the land of cult-worthy restaurants.) No matter which neighborhood you find yourself in, Cambridge's scene teems with eclectic energy. When you have nearly four centuries' worth of compounded history and the gorgeous Charles River to wake up to, everyday, each moment in the city is worthy of joy—curious, infectious, slightly mischievous joy.

We're just around the bend from Boston, in close walking or subway-ing distance. See what thousands of Cantabrigians call home sweet home. After all, Cambridge is a place where all are welcome to pledge geekdom to anything (and everything). Bauhaus architecture, antique bikes, craft cocktails, sriracha pickles, glass-blowing, international law, post-rock cover bands—knock yourself out, whatever it is.

Here, there's plenty of great minds, but more importantly, good times. Our forefathers would be most proud, don't you think?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the “squares” everyone talks about in cambridge.

In the European tradition, the “Squares” of Cambridge are charming neighborhoods rich in fine dining, eclectic shopping, theaters, museums and historical sites.  Each square is a vibrant, colorful destination with a personality all its own, offering a unique selection of everything from restaurants, shopping and music to technology and innovation.

WHERE IS HARVARD SQUARE?

If you can see Harvard University, the Harvard Coop, and the Harvard “T” station, you’re standing in it! World famous for its extensive collection of cool boutiques, sidewalk cafes, snappy jazz and palpable energy, Harvard Square is festive until the wee hours any night of the week.

WHERE IS THE PUBLIC RESTROOM IN HARVARD SQUARE?

There is a public toilet located in MacArthur Park near Church Street. The facility is a stand-alone gray kiosk located on the sidewalk. 

WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER SQUARES?

To learn more about the unique neighborhood personalities around each corner of Cambridge, check out the brief descriptions of the other neighborhoods in our Visit section under Neighborhoods.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN CAMBRIDGE?

It’s not only wrong to try to contain Cambridge to just a list of “things to do”—it’s impossible! The real allure lies in discovering the city’s character—artsy, diverse and undeniably intellectual. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Cambridge.

IS IT HARD TO PARK?

There are many public parking lots and garages in and around Cambridge There are also one- and two-hour metered street parking spaces throughout the city, but all non-metered parking spots on Cambridge city streets are for resident parking only and require a permit.

HOW CAN I GET THERE WITHOUT A CAR?

The best way to see Cambridge is to utilize the public transit system. The Red Line subway serves as the quick (5 minutes!) and easy link between Boston and Cambridge with stops in Kendall Square, Central Square, Harvard Square, Porter Square and more.

IS CAMBRIDGE A SAFE PLACE TO VISIT?

Considered one of the safest cities in the country, Cambridge’s culture is founded on the ideals of inclusiveness and diversity. It is a welcoming, vibrant, active community teeming with students, visitors and residents of every ethnicity, age group and gender preference—all in just over six square miles.

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Cape Cod & The Islands

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North of Boston

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Visitor information centers - massachusetts statewide.

Meet Boston

Information Centers on Boston Common and Prudential Towers (Center Court) Boston, MA, 02116 Phone: 888-733-2678

See Plymouth

4 North Street Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-747-0100 Toll-Free: 800-872-1620

Need help planning your Plymouth vacation? These visitor centers are great place to start

Visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts

Concord Visitor Center

58 Main Street Concord, MA, 01742 Phone: 978-318-3061

Bernard D. Grossman Visitor Center

25 Federal Street Nantucket, MA, 02554 Phone: 508-228-0925

Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center

60 Ed Moffitt Drive Sandwich, MA, 02563 Phone: 508-833-9678

Quabbin Reservoir and Visitor Center

100 Winsor Dam Road Belchertown, MA, 01007 Phone: 413-323-7221

Franklin County Chamber & Historic Deerfield Visitors Center

79 Old Main Street Deerfield, MA, 01342 Phone: 413-773-5463

Province Lands Visitor Center -- Cape Cod National Seashore

171 Race Point Road - off Route 6 Provincetown, MA, 02657 Phone: 508-487-1256

Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion and Information Center

On the Rose Kennedy Greenway - 191W Atlantic Avenue Boston, MA, 02110 Phone: 617-223-8666

Rockport Chamber Information Center

Mt. Pleasant Avenue (Route 127A) at Stone Barn Lane Rockport, MA, 01966 Phone: 978-546-9372 Toll-Free: 888-726-3922

Fall in love with Rockport

USS Constitution "Old Ironsides" at Charlestown Navy Yard

National Historic Park Charlestown, MA, 02129 Phone: 617-242-5692

New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park

33 William Street New Bedford, MA, 02740 Phone: 508-996-4095

Martha's Vineyard Chamber Visitors Center

24 Beach Street Vineyard Haven, MA, 02568 Phone: 508-693-0085 Toll-Free: 800-505-4815

Martha's Vineyard is a world apart.

Plymouth Visitor Center at Route 3

Route 3 at Exit 13 - Long Pond Road Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-746-1150

Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center

30 Rockwell Road Lanesborough, MA, 01237 Phone: 413-499-4262

Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitor Center

1 Jackson Street Lawrence, MA, 01840 Phone: 978-794-1655

Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center

1000 MA Route 2 Westbound - Between Exits 103 and 102 Lancaster, MA, 01523 Phone: 978-534-2302

Salt Pond Visitor Center of Cape Cod National Seashore

50 Nauset Road Eastham, MA, 02642 Phone: 508-255 - 3421

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Boston Tourist Information Centre

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Boston Tourist Information Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.02 mi) Magnet Tavern
• (0.13 mi) The White Hart Hotel
• (0.07 mi) The Stanley Hotel
• (0.07 mi) Westend Rooms
• (0.17 mi) Church Lane Apartments
• (0.04 mi) Taan Thai Restaurant & Takeaway
• (0.08 mi) Monkey & I
• (0.08 mi) Los Burritos‏
• (0.04 mi) Boston Spice
• (0.05 mi) Taan Thai Restaurant & Takeaway

Maps & Guides

Visit Boston like a local with our handy town centre maps or explore further afield with maps of Boston’s parks & nature reserves.

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Here you’ll find everything you need to navigate Boston like a true pro!

The Explore & Discover town centre map is a useful way to get around Boston and tick off all of the major attractions as you go.

Whether you're looking to get lost in Boston's Great Outdoors or explore the historic town centre, the maps and guides below will help you find your way.

Country Park Maps

Click the links below to download the maps for Boston's country parks and nature reserves.

• Boston's Country Parks & Nature Reserves
• Frampton Marsh
• RSPB Freiston Shore
• Sir Joseph Banks Country Park
• Havenside Country Park
• Dion's Wood Nature Reserve
• The Old Cemetery
• Witham Way Country Park
• Central Park
• Fenside Woods

Town Centre Map

The Boston town centre map has been developed to allow you to explore the historic town centre and guide your way around Boston's key attractions and heritage sites.

Explore & Discover Boston Town Centre Map.

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Boston Tourist Information Centre

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

BOSTON TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.02 mi) Magnet Tavern
• (0.13 mi) The White Hart Hotel
• (0.07 mi) The Stanley Hotel
• (0.07 mi) Westend Rooms
• (0.17 mi) Church Lane Apartments
• (0.04 mi) Taan Thai Restaurant & Takeaway
• (0.08 mi) Monkey & I
• (0.08 mi) Los Burritos‏
• (0.04 mi) Boston Spice
• (0.05 mi) Taan Thai Restaurant & Takeaway

Boston Tourist Information Centre

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Boston Tourist Information Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.02 km) Magnet Tavern
• (0.20 km) The White Hart Hotel
• (0.11 km) The Stanley Hotel
• (0.11 km) Westend Rooms
• (0.28 km) Church Lane Apartments
• (0.06 km) Taan Thai Restaurant & Takeaway
• (0.13 km) Monkey & I
• (0.14 km) Los Burritos‏
• (0.06 km) Boston Spice
• (0.08 km) Taan Thai Restaurant & Takeaway

Watch CBS News

Russian court says American man jailed for hooliganism after drunkenly breaking into children's library

May 7, 2024 / 7:29 AM EDT / CBS/AFP

Moscow  — A Moscow court said Tuesday that it had sentenced a U.S. citizen to 10 days in detention for petty hooliganism after he stumbled drunkenly into a children's library and passed out. News of the American's detention came just hours after Russian and U.S. authorities said a  U.S. soldier was being held in custody in the far eastern city of Vladivostok on suspicion of theft in a separate case.

Russia's REN TV said the man detained in Moscow had climbed through the window of a children's library in the Russian capital and fallen asleep while drunk. Video aired by the network showed a person, partially clothed, laying in what appeared to be a courtyard of the building.

It said the man had been staying with friends in Moscow on a tourist visa and ended up at the library after being out with friends at a bar.

In a statement posted on its official channel on the Telegram messaging app, the Khoroshevsky District Court of Moscow said the man, identified as Nikum William Russell, was sentenced to 10 days under "administrative arrest" on a charge of petty hooliganism after he "drank alcoholic beverages, then was found in the courtyard, naked, expressing clear disrespect for society, citizens and public order."

There was no immediate confirmation of the arrest from U.S. authorities.

U.S. soldier arrested, accused of theft

News of the American's detention came just hours after Russian and U.S. authorities said a U.S. soldier was being held in custody in the far eastern city of Vladivostok on suspicion of theft. The U.S. Army said the soldier, identified by a court in Vladivostok and by U.S. officials to CBS News as Gordon Black, was being detained on criminal charges.

The U.S. Army sergeant, who was stationed in South Korea, was accused of stealing from a woman, two Pentagon officials told CBS News on Monday, confirming information provided by Russian authorities.

Black had been in the process of changing duty stations from Korea to Fort Cavazos (Ft. Hood) in the U.S., and he was not in Russia on official travel for the military, the U.S. officials told CBS News.

The soldier's mother, Melody Jones, said he was in Russia visiting his girlfriend.

"Please do not torture him [or] hurt him," she said when asked about her message to the Russians.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Monday that the U.S. was "aware of this case and other matters related to Russia," but said he couldn't "say much about it right now."  NBC News first reported that a soldier had been detained in Russia over the weekend.

Vladivostok city police said they had arrested a 34-year-old foreigner and opened a criminal case over theft causing significant harm to the victim, punishable by up to five years in prison. The suspect is being held in a pre-trial detention center in the city, the police said.

The force said the man had begun a relationship with a Russian woman while she was working in South Korea. They kept in touch online and he came to visit her on April 10. The couple had a "conflict" and the man left, according to the police.

Afterward, the woman found money was missing and called police, who tracked down the man in a hotel as he was preparing to fly out to the U.S., the police said. Russian newspaper Izvestia reported earlier, citing a source, that the man had stolen 200,000 rubles ($2,200) and beaten the woman up.

Russia denies any link to "politics or espionage"

A Russian foreign ministry representative in Vladivostok told TASS state news agency that the case was not linked to politics.

"This case is not related to politics or espionage. As far as we understand this is a purely domestic crime. Therefore the foreign ministry branch in Vladivostok is not following the U.S. citizen's fate closely."

Republican Congressman Michael McCaul, representing Texas, said in a statement posted on X that he was "deeply concerned by reports that a US Army officer has been detained in Russia".

"Putin has a long history of holding American citizens hostage," he said of Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding: "A warning to all Americans — as the State Department has said, it is not safe to travel to Russia."

Russian authorities have arrested several U.S. citizens in recent years. Critics accuse Moscow of using the detainees as bargaining chips to exchange for Russians jailed in the U.S.

Paul Whelan , a former U.S. Marine, has been imprisoned in Russia since 2018 on spying charges that the U.S. government and his family insist are a baseless pretext to keep him incarcerated. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2020.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was jailed in March 2023 on espionage charges, which the U.S., his family and employer all insist are baseless. He is awaiting trial.

The State Department said in December that Russia rejected a "significant" proposal for both men's release. 

• Paul Whelan
• Evan Gershkovich
• Vladimir Putin

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Tourism | Orange County tourist-tax collections hit…

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Tourism | Orange County tourist-tax collections hit record $40 million in March

With 2023-24 half over, predictions of a down year have not materialized.

Halfway through the fiscal year, the Tourist Development Tax — TDT for short — is a smidge behind last year’s best-ever pace, which brought in $359 million, but well ahead of Comptroller Phil Diamond’s conservative forecast for 2023-24, which predicted a year-over-year drop of about 7.5% and a total haul of $330 million.

If the strong performance continues, that would give the county more money than expected to spend on projects and programs. Already, the tourist tax is being tapped to pay for the latest Convention Center expansion, the Camping World Stadium renovation and the University of Central Florida’s football stadium tower.

“It’s nice to see it’s turning up,” Diamond said Monday. “But we’re only halfway through the [fiscal] year.”

Still, the signs are strong.

Through March, fiscal year 2023-24 has generated $194.2 million, just $28,900 less than the first half of 2022-23. Collections in March 2024 totaled $40.55 million, compared to the $38.9 million generated in March 2023, the previous best TDT month ever.

Tourist-tax receipts, generated by a 6% levy added to the cost of a hotel room or other short-term lodging, are generally considered a gauge of tourism’s health.

Diamond nonetheless offered a cautious insight on the record March, pointing out that Easter — which usually provides a bump for tourism and tax receipts — fell in March this year but in April last year.

“So it will be important to monitor April collections,” he said, noting those figures will be available in early June.

Diamond said TDT reserves stand at more than $376 million.

Others also took notice of the monthly record.

“At Visit Orlando, we are pleased to see such a strong result in March TDT collections after enhancing our holiday and winter marketing initiatives,” said Casandra Matej, president & CEO of the tourist-tax-funded marketing agency.

The agency last month targeted Florida and travelers in a dozen out-of-state markets to stimulate summer demand. Its “Unbelievably Real” campaign featured billboards in heavily populated areas of Atlanta, Boston, Baltimore, Charlotte, New York and Washington, D.C. In New York City the push included a seven-story, 3-D digital billboard in Times Square.

Matej, who was in Los Angeles attending an international travel show, announced that Orlando welcomed 6.13 million international visitors in 2023, up 25% from 2022. She said Canada remains Orlando’s top international market with more than 1.2 million visitors traveling here last year.

“Orlando’s international growth is a testament to the uniqueness of our unbelievably real destination, the support from our travel trade partners and our emphasis on strategic marketing initiatives to help drive visitation from our key markets,” Matej said in a news release.

She said international visitor numbers have rebounded to about 94% of pre-pandemic levels.

In 2023, Orlando also welcomed 877,000 visitors from the United Kingdom; 696,000 from Brazil; and 432,000 from Mexico.

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