What are the best things to do in Boston? How do I spend my spare time in Boston to make it wonderful? Those are the most common questions people ask when arriving in Boston. Built on almost 400 years of history, Boston has already become one of the top 10 most-visited cities in the United States. In Boston, there are historic landmarks, magnificent architectures, beautiful natural landscapes, delicious foods and activities for all types of travelers. Today, let’s take a look at 20 of the best things to do in Boston.
20 Best Things to Do in Boston
Boston Must See Sites
Freedom Trail
Walking along the Freedom Trail is one of the top things to do in Boston. This four-kilometer-long red brick road takes visitors to go through the downtown Boston and tells stories of the American Revolutions with 16 historical sites, including Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Old Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel, First Public School Site, Old South Meeting House, Global Corner Bookstore, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Boston Massacre Site, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument. These 16 historical site will let you be in-depth understanding of the Boston’s historical stories, cultural backgrounds and important buildings. It is recommended to reserve 4 hours to enjoy the must do things in Boston MA.
Address: Start from 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111
Business Hours: 24 hours (except the historic sites on the trail)
Ticket: Free (except the historic sites on the trail)
Boston Common
Strolling through the Boston Common is also one of the best things to do in Boston MA. Boston Common built with 59 acres in 1634 and it is the oldest public park in USA. Besides, Boston Common is the starting point of the Freedom Trail and it is the heart and soul of the City of Boston. And there are many history stories about the park. For example, Washington and other Revolutionary War victory celebrations were held here and the abolition of slavery during the Civil War also took place here. In addition to feeling the history of the Boston common, visitors can also relax and enjoy the sunshine in the park where there are many lawns and plants providing the Oxygen-rich environment. Besides, if luckily, you may have a chance to see the cute squirrels. Boston common is one of the top attraction in Boston, where you can find quiet and beautiful and enjoy the peace from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Address: 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111
Business Hours: 24 hours
Ticket: Free
Harvard University
Hanging around Harvard University campus is also the must do in Boston. Harvard University, founded in 1636, is the oldest university in the United States and it is one of the most prestigious universities from all over the world. In addition to feeling the rigorous and high-quality academic atmosphere, admiring the magnificent and beautiful buildings on Harvard University campus is certainly one of the top things to see and do in Boston. Whether the Memorial Hall and 22-acre Harvard Yard or the the other teaching buildings and the twelve residential housing in Harvard University are showing the stories of Harvard University and expectations for the future of Harvard students to every visitor.
Address: 1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138-3800
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket: Free (for public) or From $23 (for guided walking tours)
Attractive Boston Museum
Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best places to visit in Boston. In this Boston art museum, there are American works of art and the worldwide artificial, including some of the works from across Asia, Africa and Europe. For example, there is a magnificent collection of Egyptian and Mesopotamian/Babilonian arts. Besides, a rare collection of musical instruments from the 14, 15 and 16 centuries A. C is also collected in the Museum of Fine Arts. Moreover, the Claude Monet gallery in the European Wing, with one of the greatest caches of the Impressionist’s work outside of France, is the must see in Boston Museum of Fine Arts. One of the good thing is that there are benches everywhere, so if the visitors feel tired in the museum, they can sit and have a rest. In addition, there is also a cafeteria and a restaurant in the Museum of Fine Arts for the visitors, but they are on the pricey side. With the large space and rich collections, it will take at least half a day for the visitors to finish the traveling of this top sites in Boston.
Address: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket: From $27 per adult
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Visiting Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is another best thing to do in Boston. The art on the walls, the architecture, the flowers, the decorations, the rooms, and the variety of art were all captivating. Also, be sure to spend time walking around the courtyard on the first floor and the gardens which are the centerpiece of the multistory Venetian palace, as they are very peaceful and beautiful. Besides, in other floors, there are collections of European, American and Asian arts, including paintings, sculpture, furniture, ceramics and textiles. In addition, there is the audio guide service which can help visitors better understand the art work and reasons why Isabella placed them in very specific places. Sadly, some of the paintings were stole and the empty frames illustrate where they were displayed. But remember not to ask the guards about the theft, they are not allowed to discuss that.
Address: 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket: Adults: $20; Seniors 65 and up: $18; College Students with current ID: $13; Children 17 and under: Free General Admission; Members: Free
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
It is also one of the best activities in Boston to go to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Great actors in colonial garb on board a replica ship, reenact the story of the first revolution steps in Boston and the whole USA. The reenactments start from the protest against the tea taxes till Boston massacre make the visitors understand what happened, the significance of the event, and the impact it had leading to the Revolutionary War. Besides, the “throwing” tea in the harbor is a great tradition. Also, in Boston Tea Party Museum, there are many great items in the gift shop, including all sorts of teas. Besides, the upstairs restaurant or cafeteria also has a good food option and multiple tea for visitors can sample and the staff members are very helpful and nice.
Address: 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket: $35 per adult
Museum of Science
Spending time visiting the Museum of Science is recognized as one of the top things to do in Boston USA during traveling. There are over 700 interactive and informative exhibits in the Museum of Science which centers around math, engineering, biodiversity and more. The museum starts in prehistoric times and goes into the future, which is great for all ages. Visitors can watch educational shows and live presentations at the Charles Hayden Planetarium. Besides, watching cool 4D movies at the only domed IMAX screen in New Englandm, Mugar Omni Theater, is also a must do’s in Boston. In addition, there are also many interactive exhibits appealing to children in the Museum of Science. Moreover, the AI exhibition is quite interesting and there is also a IMAX show about climbing Mt. Everest which is fantastic and attractive. Additionally, there is also a cafe on site so visitors can also rest between exhibits.
Address: 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114-1099
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket: Adults: $29; Seniors 60 and up: $25; Child (3-11, children under 3 visit free): $24; Members: Free
MIT Museum
MIT Museum is one of the best things to see in Boston. The exhibitions in MIT Museum are in a wide array of subjects, from the history of MIT to the robotics and artificial intelligence and to photography and holography. Besides, the collections in the museum offer a treasure trove of artifacts and stories that chart the evolution of science and technology over the years. Moreover, one of standout features of MIT Museum is that it emphasizes on making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging to people of all ages. Visitors can start from the visiting center and the staff in the visiting center will provide a map and plan to visitors to start from museum. No matter the astrophysics and genetics or the robotics and AI exhibit, they all very attractive. In the AI section, visitors can challenge to spot the real versus fake video and also try to compose a poem with the computer. Additionally, the souvenir section is also a Boston must visit in the MIT Museum.
Address: 314 Main Street Gambrill Center, Building E-28, Cambridge, MA 02142
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket: Adults: $18; Seniors 65 and up: $15; Youth (18 and under): $10; College students with ID: $10; Child (5 and under): Free
Bunker Hill Monument and Bunker Hill Museum
Spending 2 or 3 hours on visiting Bunker Hill Monument and Bunker Hill Museum is another Boston top things to do. With a height of 221 feet, the Bunker Hill Monument is an obelisk which marks the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill took place on June 17, 1775. Besides, this monument is the ending point of the Freedom Trail and also served as a potent symbol of the American fight for liberty and independence. Visitors to the Bunker Hill monument can take on the challenge of climbing its 294 steps to the top, where they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Boston and its surroundings.
Bunker Hill Museum is just across the street from the Bunker Hill Monument, which further enriches the visitor experience. So if you’re already there for the Bunker Hill Monument, you can better also visit the Bunker Hill Museum, one of the famous places in Boston. Bunker Hill Museum offers a deep dive into the events of the battle, the construction of the monument, and the broader context of the American Revolution. Through a variety of exhibits, including dioramas, historical artifacts, and interactive displays, the museum brings the stories of fighting not only at Bunker Hill, but also in the whole Revolutionary War.
Address: Monument Square Charlestown, Boston, MA 02129 & 43 Monument Square Charlestown, Boston, MA 02129
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket: Free
Green Space and Parks to See in Boston
Fenway Park
Taking a Fenway Park tour is the unique things to do in Boston. Fenway Park, opened on April 20, 1912, is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. This century-old ballpark is the home field of the Boston Red Sox. Therefore, there is arguably nothing more iconic in Boston than Fenway Park. In Fenway Park, the baseball game season typically runs from April through October. So if you visit during the regular baseball season, try to get tickets to a game. Walking around the outside of Fenway Park, wandering the inside, watching the game with the old school score wall, and visiting the souvenir shop, all the above activities sounds cool and attractive. Moreover, there isn’t a bad seat in the place unless you are behind one of the beams in upper part of lower levels. Additionally, the concourse is very clean and the food and drink also taste good. Also, there are enough restrooms to use.
Address: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA 02215-3409
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket: $24.19 per adult
Boston Public Garden
Playing in the Boston Public Garden is also one of the best Boston tourist activities. Boston Public Garden, established in 1837, offers a serene escape from the bustling city life, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its natural beauty and historical significance. The Boston Public Garden is like a living breathing work of art. Each path, pond, and plot within the garden tells a story of innovation, conservation, and community spirit and there is plenty of shade and places to sit. Besides, in the Boston Public Garden, various of plant species from around the globe, such as tulips, roses and some other seasonal blooms, provides different colors and feelings to the visitors monthly. Among its many attractions, the Boston Public Garden is renowned for its iconic Swan Boats which tradition can date back to 1877. In addition, feeding the ducks and geese is also a very popular part in the garden. In addition to its natural beauty, Boston Public Garden also includes statues and memorials that honor historical figures and cultural milestones. Therefore, Boston Public Garden is called as a great blend of history, botany and art appreciation.
Address: 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114-4602
Business Hours: 24 hours
Ticket: Free
Cool Things to Do in Boston
Boston Duck Tours
Having the original and world famous Boston Duck Tours is another unusual things to do in Boston. Visitors can enjoy a fully narrated, historic tour of Boston in a WWII style amphibious vehicle that travels on land and water. This unique experience, lasting for about 90 minutes, offers locals and visitors alike a novel way to see the historical landmarks and modern skyscrapers of the City of Boston and the stunning panoramic views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines, from the bustling city roads to the serene waters of the Charles River. Each Boston Duck Tours is led by an expert, who brings the history of Boston to life with a blend of facts, folklore, humor and interaction, showing the past, present, and future of the City of Boston to the visitors.
Address: Departure locations are the Museum of Science, Prudential Center and New England Aquarium.
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Ticket: $58 per adult
Whale Watching
Whale Watching is one of the cool experiences in Boston. There are many guides for whale watching in Boston. Here we suggest the visitors to choose New England Aquarium Whale Watch. Firstly, there are experienced marine biologists telling visitors all about these majestic creatures. Secondly, there is a great chance that whales can be seen by following the New England Aquarium Whale Watching team. There will be staff on board to explain and interact, telling a story about whales, talking about this sea area. When arriving the designated sea area, the ship will stop and at this time the naked eye can see the whales. The crew will tell the guests where the whales are. The whole stop time is about 45 minutes, and the boat will adjust the direction and position to get as close as possible to the whale. Remember to take the seasickness tabs and the coats before going.
Address: The adventure begins at Long Wharf, just steps from the New England Aquarium.
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket: Adult: $74.21; Child: $51.21
New England Aquarium
Visiting New England Aquarium is another top Boston activities. At the core of the New England Aquarium, there is the Giant Ocean Tank, a four-story coral reef exhibit that houses hundreds of Caribbean reef animals, including turtles, sharks, and countless species of fish. The Aquarium also has a range of side displays and tanks to show the residents of different oceanographic environments. Beyond the Giant Ocean Tank, the aquarium hosts a variety of exhibits that showcase from the vibrant colors of tropical fish to the enigmatic allure of jellyfish, each exhibit is a prove to the beauty and complexity of marine life. In addition, the large displays of seals and penguins are also attractive, especially during the feeding time. Moreover, the aquarium animal caretakers are friendly, kind, and knowledgeable.
Address: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110-3309
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket: $34 per adult
Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise
Being on sunset cruise in the Boston Harbor can also enjoy the Boston best views. Visitors can see the USS Constitution, Besides, there is also the evening cannon firing to enjoy. Additionally, this trip will also be along with the Old North Church and Historic Site and the Charlestown Navy Yard, to name a few, which is a classic Harbor Line Boston. With the sunset, visitors can see those best sights in Boston from the water and capture those top sights in Boston MA by camera. Visitors also have the option to purchase drinks and snacks while on board. Also, the boat is clean and well maintained, which brings visitors a nice environment. In addition, the staff are very pleasant, which makes the whole sunset cruise relaxing and wonderful.
Address: The cruise begins at Long Wharf
Business Hours: Each cruise will last for 90 minutes.
Ticket: $48 per adult
Shopping Center in Boston
Newbury Street
Shopping or walking along the Newbury Street is also a must do in Boston MA, as Newbury Street is one of the most premier shopping streets in Boston. Visitors can just take the Green Line and get off at the Hynes Convention Center station. From the start of Newbury St West (Newbury St& Massachusetts Ave), visitors can walk all the way east to Arlington St& Newbury St and tour the entire Newbury Street. Along the Newbury Street, there are full of fashion shops, boutiques, furniture shops, art galleries and so on. Besides, the west and middle of the street are all kinds of clothing stores, food shops, and the east is all kinds of luxury brands. Walking on the Newbury Street, not only can you see some familiar brands, such as Kate Spade, Armani and American Apparel, but you can also see local products with local characteristics. Moreover, the street is also home to many art galleries and cultural Spaces showcasing the work of local and international artists. Besides, one of the great thing is that there is also a Harry Potter-themed small shop. At the same time, there are a variety of gourmet restaurants, desserts, coffee shops and snack bars, and there are many milk tea shops throughout the pedestrian street.
Address: Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02105
Business Hours: 24 hours ( For the shops on the Newbury Street, the opening hours are various.)
Ticket: Free
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is one of the best places to explore in Boston. It is more than just a shopping destination, furthermore, it’s a vibrant hub of culture, history, and entertainment. Faneuil Hall Marketplace comprises four historic places in one location: Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a shopper’s paradise. From unique boutiques and pushcarts offering handcrafted goods to well-known retail stores, there’s something for everyone. Furthermore, It’s the perfect place to find a special gift, a new outfit, or even a piece of Boston to take home with you. Additionally, the Faneuil Hall Marketplace hosts over 200 events a year, including cultural festivals, live music and holiday celebrations, making it a lively spot year-round.
Address: 1 Faneuil Hall Sq Quincy Market, Boston, MA 02109-1604
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Ticket: Free
Must Eat Places in Boston
Boston Public Market
Having a meal in Boston Public Market is another must do things in Boston. At Boston Public Market, visitors can explore a diverse array of products ranging from seasonal fruits and vegetables harvested from local farms, to artisanal cheeses, freshly baked breads, and specialty items. Everything at the market is either produced or originated in New England area. Besides, there is a food hall with a good variety of vendors and types of food. For example, Deli sandwiches, Vietnamese, Filipino, Pasta, Bagels, ice cream and so on. There are several tables and community benches scattered throughout for sitting. Also, it is a great place to stop for coffee & popovers (or donuts or bagels).
Address: 100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108-2407
Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ticket: Free
Chinatown
Eating in Boston’s Chinatown is definitely one of the top things to do in Boston MA. With its origins dating back to the late 19th century, Boston’s Chinatown is the third-largest Chinatown in the United States, offering a unique blend of history, tradition, and modernity. Walking through the streets of Chinatown, visitors can feel that the air is fragrant with the scents of freshly baked goods and exotic spices. These culinary in Chinatown offer a wide array of options, from traditional dim sum and Peking duck to innovative fusion dishes that marry Eastern and Western flavors in unexpected ways. Celebrations such as the Chinese New Year, the August Moon Festival, and the Qing Ming Festival draws crowds from across the city and beyond. These events offer an opportunity for immersive cultural experiences, featuring traditional dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations, and Chinese opera performances, alongside stalls offering crafts, games and delicious food.
Address: Chinatown Trade Center 2 Boylston St. Suite G-07, Boston, MA 02116
Business Hours: 24 hours ( For the shops in Boston’s Chinatown, the opening hours are various.)
Ticket: Free
How to Enjoy the Best Things to Do in Boston in a Limited Time?
One-day Trip
If you only have one day to travel in Boston, you can choose the Freedom Trail and Newbury Street among the best things to do in Boston.
Two Days Trip
If you are lucky enough to have more than 24 hours in Boston, like with a full weekend in Boston, we suggest that you can go to the Boston Public Garden in the first day early in the morning and later to visit the Museum of Science. Besides, you can go to the Boston’s Chinatown to have a delicious dinning. In the next day, going to the New England Aquarium is a great choice. When it is time to around 3 o’clock in the afternoon, you can choose to join the Whale watching or the Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise.
Three Days Trip
With the three-day trip, in addition to the above best Boston tours, walking around Harvard University or visiting the Museum of Fine Arts or Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is also a good choice.
Five Days Trip
In addition to the upper top things to do in Boston, if you can stay in Boston in five days and if you visit Boston during the regular baseball season (April to October), you can also choose to buy a ticket and enjoy watching the baseball game in the Fenway Park. That will be your memorable cool experiences in Boston.
Conclusion of Best Things to Do in Boston
Each of these recommended top things to do in Boston USA offers a unique window for the visitors to better know and feel Boston. Boston is a charming city to live and the life in the City of Boston is peaceful, wonderful and enjoyable. If you are the incoming students studying in the universities in the City of Boston or the staff going to work in Boston, you can also surfing the Internet of uhomes.com to find a comfortable and affordable Boston housing.
Best Things to Do in Boston FAQ
Is Boston fun to travel to?
Yes. In Boston there must be at least one activity to please every kind of traveler. For example, watching baseball games in Fenway Park, trying the best lobster in Boston, walking along the Freedom Trail to know the history of Boston, feeling the academic atmosphere in the universities in the City of Boston, enjoying beautiful natural scenery in the parks and gardens or having a whale watching tour, etc.
What is the best month to go to Boston?
Although from May to June or From September to October is regard as the best month to travel in Boston, the best time to visit Boston is depending on visitors’ prefered touristy spots and activities.
Which part of Boston is best to stay in?
Downtown Boston, North End or Back Bay are the popular parts to live in Boston. Click rooms for rent for searching more options. If you are finding the best place to stay in when traveling in Boston, you can choose Downtown Boston or Boston Harbor.
If you are interested in Boston study life. Please check following blogs!
