19 Best Things to Do in Boston

Boston is an exciting city with must-see landmarks, must-eat specialties, and must-do activities. As the home of the United States’ first subway, oldest park, and original Thanksgiving celebration, there are accolades aplenty to impress the 22 million tourists who visit this Massachusetts gem each year.

You’ll be spoilt for choice for how to spend your time here, so we’re sharing the 19 best things to do in Boston. We’re covering everything from where the best lobster rolls are served to how to learn about America’s rich history, so you’ll want to bookmark this post to help create your dream Boston itinerary.

1. Catch a Game at Fenway Park

Fenway Park is home to the Boston Red Sox and is known by locals as America’s most beloved ballpark. Catching a Sox game is the best way to experience the magic of this historic stadium, or you can join the daily tour to discover what happens behind the scenes.

For more Boston sports, check out these stadiums, too:

• Gillette Stadium – head 30 miles south of the city to see the New England Patriots play football.
• TD Gardens – this is where you can see the Celtics play basketball if that’s your sport of choice.

2. Discover America’s Oldest Park

Boston Common is one of the city’s best green spaces and is the country’s oldest park. This is the place where George Washington, John Adams, and General Lafayette celebrated the nation’s independence in the 18th century. Today, volunteers maintain the park as part of a non-profit organization, and it’s a tranquil place to relax on sunny days.

3. Learn About American History on the Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long walk through Boston that takes in 16 historically significant locations. The trail starts at Boston Common in downtown Boston and heads to the Old North Church in the North End and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.

Three of the most important historical sites on the Freedom Trail are:

• Old State House – this is one of the oldest public buildings in the U.S. and served as the Massachusetts General Court until 1798.
• Paul Revere House – the home of American Patriot and Founding Father Paul Revere during the American Revolution.
• USS Constitution – this ship was nicknamed Old Ironsides because she seemed impenetrable.

4. Take a Sightseeing Cruise Along the Charles River

Sail along the scenic Charles River to see Boston and Cambridge’s most impressive sights on a sightseeing cruise. There are several options and itineraries available to suit your personal interests:

• Sightseeing cruise – see the main cultural and historical sites with full narration.
• Cocktails and sunset cruise – sip on cocktails and watch the sun set over Cambridge.
• Architecture cruise – learn about Boston’s iconic architecture with full narration from a knowledgeable guide.

5. Dine in Boston’s Best Restaurants

Back Bay is an affluent neighborhood and one of the best areas to enjoy Boston’s thriving food scene. Much of the dining action happens along Newbury Street and around Copley Square which is home to Boston Public Library.

Refuel at one of these highly-rated restaurants after a busy day of sightseeing:

• Bistro du Midi – French cuisine with exquisite Back Bay views. Expect classics such as tuna tartare and filet mignon.
• Rochambeau – the brunch here is extremely popular and is hearty enough to set you up for a long day of exploration.
• The Banks – A fabulous spot for seafood, steak, and New England classics. Try the Maine mussels with chorizo and chipotle cream.

6. Spend an Afternoon on Boston Harbor

Boston Harbor was an important trading port for English colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries. Fast forward to today and the harbor is a lively area of the city with lots of attractions for tourists to enjoy. Here are three of our favorites:

• Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum – learn about the event that changed the course of American history.
• New England Aquarium – home to thousands of aquatic animals including African penguins and sea turtles.
• Historic harbor cruise – learn about the history of the harbor and the Revolutionary War. Whale-watching cruises also depart from the same place.

7. Get to Know the Charles River Esplanade

The Esplanade is a public park in the Back Bay area. It runs along the south bank of the Charles River and is a hive of outdoor activity. There are many ways to enjoy this green space, including:

• Guided tours walking tour – learn about the area’s past while looking out for the bald eagles that call this park home.
• Public contemporary art – take a tour of the colorful murals that add a modern touch to the park.
• Play areas – there are three unique playgrounds for younger visitors to enjoy.

8. Explore Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is one of the city’s most picturesque areas and is a popular place to snap vacation selfies. Don’t miss Beacon Hill’s best sights:

• Massachusetts State House – this impressive property overlooks Boston Common — you can’t miss its gold dome.
• Charles Street Meeting House – an early 19th-century church with a fascinating past.
• Hatch Shell – this part of the Esplanade is where summer concerts are regularly held.

9. Shop & Dine at Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall is a historic building near the waterfront and a lively destination for drinking, dining, live music, and entertainment. Here’s where to eat, shop, and have fun:

• Oyster Bar – mouth-watering fresh seafood including some of the most delicious oysters in the city.
• Quincy Market – buy fresh produce at this iconic market located at Faneuil Hall.
• Joey’s Gelateria – tasty Italian gelatos and sorbets in a huge range of flavors.

10. Hop Over the River to Cambridge

Cambridge is located just across the Charles River and is famously home to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Take a visit to this charming city to cafe hop, visit bookstores, and wander the pristine university grounds. The top things to do here include:

• Harvard Square – watch street performers, seek out public art exhibitions, and enjoy fine dining in this historic square.
• MIT Museum – expect eclectic exhibits on subjects from holography and technology-related artwork to architecture and maritime history.
• Harvard Art Museum – Harvard’s oldest museum. American and European artwork from the Middle Ages to the present day can be seen here.

11. Ride Swan Boats

Riding the swan boats at Boston Public Garden is a classic Bostonian way to take in the lush green surroundings of America’s first botanical garden. Hop aboard, sit back, and take in the sights of the park as your driver pedals you around in style.

12. Take a Day Trip to Salem

Salem is perhaps most famous for its 17th-century witch trials, but there’s plenty more to this north Massachusetts city. At less than an hour’s drive away from Boston, it makes the perfect fun-packed day trip. Don’t miss these three top things to do:

• The Witch House – see where Jonathon Corwin lived while he was serving as a judge in the witch trials.
• Artemisia Botanicals – shop for souvenirs at this apothecary with more than 400 herbs and 100 teas on offer.
• Couch Dog Brewing – try Asian-inspired ales brewed in the heart of Salem.

13. Visit the Frog Pond

The Frog Pond is a historic landmark in the heart of Boston Common. This much-loved gathering place is open year-round and offers something exciting to do during every season. Here’s what to look out for depending on when you visit:

• Spring, summer, and fall – cool off in the splash pool, ride the carousel, and enjoy a movie at the open-air cinema.
• Winter – Ice skating sessions are offered daily and skate rentals are available.

14. Feast on Italian Cuisine

In the 1890s thousands of immigrants arrived in Boston from Southern Italy, and with them came the incredible cuisine that their nation is famous for. Today, there are hundreds of Italian restaurants to choose from. Here’s where we recommend getting your foodie fix:

• Carmelina’s – Sicilian comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. Try the bolognese or the beef short rib.
• Bova’s – come to this bakery for the cannolis and what’s said to be the best tiramisu in the country.
• SRV – make a reservation at this high-end Italian eatery for dishes such as clams in white wine and stuffed octopus.

15. Meet Artisinal Makers at Boston Public Market

Boston Public Market is a non-profit organization on a mission to nurture local entrepreneurs. The indoor market hosts around 30 New England food producers and artisans offering fresh produce, prepared meals, art, and specialty items.

Don’t miss the chance to grab a bite at this exciting art and farmers market:

• Beantown Pastrami Company – stop by for specialty sandwiches made using traditional methods.
• Bon Me – Asian-inspired food from two Boston locals. Expect noodles, salads, and a great range of teas.
• Bon Appetit Creperie – French crepes that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Choose from sweet or savory fillings.

16. Sample Local Beer on a Brewery Tour

Samuel Adams is an iconic local brewery that began with founder Jim Koch brewing Boston Lager in his kitchen using a recipe belonging to his great-great-grandfather.

Get to know the company’s history and brewing process on one of the fascinating daily brewhouse tours. Each tour includes a sample of their ale so you can see for yourself why Boston locals are so proud of their signature brew.

17. Eat a Lobster Roll

Boston is known for its delicious lobster rolls so no trip is complete without sampling one. Whether you’re looking for a traditional roll or something a little more experimental, these are the spots to visit:

• Neptune Oyster – head here for a high-end take on the classic lobster roll recipe. Caviar is available as a topping.
• Little Whale Oyster Bar – order your sandwich cold with mayo or hot with butter.
• Barking Crab – the lobster rolls here are fresh, delicious, and as traditional as they come.

18. Relax in the Rose Kennedy Greenway Park

The Greenway is a place to gather, play, and unwind, and there’s always something happening here. From meditation classes to evening food and drink events, you’ll find something in the schedule to suit your interests.

If there are no events scheduled, swing by this urban oasis to read a book, have a picnic, or do a spot of people-watching instead.

19. Go Museum and Gallery Hopping

Boston is home to several world-class museums and galleries, and hopping from one to another is the perfect activity for a rainy day. Combining the following four spots makes an ideal itinerary for art and science fans:

• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – explore a huge collection of mixed European, Asian, and American art in various mediums.
• Museum of Fine Arts – the 20th largest art museum in the world with more than 8,000 paintings and 450,000 works of art on display.
• Museum of Science – this unique museum combines nature and science with an indoor zoological establishment.
• The Institute of Contemporary Art – located in the Seaport neighborhood. The impressive architecture alone is worth making the journey for.

Enjoy the Many Things to Do in Boston

With a colorful past, rich culture, green spaces, and thriving food scene, it’s easy to see why Boston enjoys millions of visitors each year. Now that you have our list of the 19 best things to do in the city, all that’s left to do is to decide which activity to embark upon first!