Boston is a beautiful city located on America’s east coast.
It’s the perfect place to visit, with lots of things to see and do.
If you’re planning a vacation to Boston, I’m sure you’ll fall in love, just like we did!
Here are my best things to do in Boston, Massachusetts.
Things To Do In Boston
1. Fenway Park
Fenway park is the home of the Boston Red Sox.
This field has been their home since 1912.
The baseball park is known for it’s large left field wall, nicknamed the “Green Monster”.
Fenway Park is fantastic for watching games at, especially for those baseball purists.
Not only is it great for baseball fans, but tourists too.
Getting a tour around the Fenway Park stadium is lots of fun, with tons of history and information that will blow your mind.
Parking is available for all visitors, although it’s recommended to take public transit to reach Fenway Park.
Address: 4 Jersey Street Boston, MA 02215
2. Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a great self guided tour that takes you through the American revolution sites.
You’ll see some of the most important historical landmarks in Boston. The winding Freedom Trail takes you past the Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution, the 1770 Boston Massacre site and the Paul Revere House.
At the visitors center you can get a paid guide or explore the trail yourself with a free map.
Walking the Freedom Trail should take around 2-3 hours.
Address: 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111
3. Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum Of Fire Arts is the oldest and largest art institution in Boston.
The MFA (Museum of Fine Arts) is famous for it’s impressionist paintings, alongside Egyptian and Asian art pieces.
You can find a wide variety of things to explore in the museum. Don’t be surprised to see paintings, sculptures, mummies, musical instruments
The Museum also hosts European art from artists such as Stuart, Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Rembrandt, Sergeant and Copley.
In the last few years they’ve also built out their American wing, which hosts not only paintings, but furniture and other object d’art of each period represented.
Occasionally the Museum of Fine Arts hosts a special exhibit which can be amazing to attend.
Address: 465 Huntington Ave Avenue of the Arts, Boston, MA 02115-5597
4. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
The Boston Tea Party is one of the most famous events in American History.
This floating museum aims to take you through the historic artifacts on an adventure.
With interactive exhibits, authentically restored tea ships, live actors and more, it’ll be something different to anything you’ve experienced previously.
You’ll be able to meet the colonists and do just as the Sons of Liberty did in 1773, by dumping tea overboard.
The tour is great for entertaining yourself whilst learning about the events of the Boston Tea Party.
The interactive tour lasts for around 1 hour.
Address: 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210-1027
5. North End
This Italian neighborhood is Boston’s oldest neighborhood.
Known for it’s cobblestone streets and great restaurants, you’ll be able to explore some of Boston’s history, whilst taking in the aromas of some delicious food.
Whilst walking the neighborhood, you’ll be able to visit the Paul Revere House and see the Old North Church.
After you’ve walked North End, grab some food at any of the amazing restaurants the neighborhood has to offer. I would recommend Hanover Street which has a nice selection of cafes.
You can also try to settle the famous Boston dispute. Who has better cannoli? Mike’s or Modern Pastry.
North End is definitely a must see place in the Boston area.
6. Boston Public Garden
The Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax and stroll. Being America’s first public garden, you can walk through history, whilst getting some fresh air.
Located inside the Boston common, you’ll find this beautiful green space.
Featuring over 600 different tree types and lots of different flower types, it’s perfect for nature lovers, or to get a break from the bustling city.
In the summer you can experience swan boats on the lake as the frog pond comes alive. Make sure to look out for the duck statues as you walk around.
In the winter you can make use of the frozen lake as an ice skating rink. The ice skating rink is perfect way to warm up and exercise in the cold temperatures.
Extremely popular with the locals for it’s location inside the busy city, this public garden gives you a break and some time to relax from downtown Boston.
Address: 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114-4602
7. John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library
The JFK Presidential Library and Museum lets you relive the Kennedy era in full.
As you walk through the museum you’ll be able to explore the Cuban missile crisis, the Kennedy-Nixon debate, the space program and much more.
The museum features multiple videos and informational pieces on the ex-President.
You’ll also be able to see lots of personal belongings, allowing you to dive into the former presidents life.
For those with an interest in history, politics and JFK, this is a great place to go.
8. Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library was the first free, municipally supported library in the whole of America.
Opening its doors originally in 1852, the library now features lots of history and beautiful interior décor.
The beautiful building has amazing architecture and is definitely worth a visit.
Inside you’ll find a reading room, murals, courtyard and of course tons of books.
The Boston Public Library is used by many locals to study and read, therefore it might be best to visit during quiet hours, if you’re looking to walk around snapping photos.
Address: 700 Boylston St At Copley Sq., Boston, MA 02116-2813
9. Boston Harbor Islands
The Boston Harbor Islands are a great way to explore some amazing scenery.
Just 15-20 minutes from downtown Boston, you can go swimming, hiking, boating and much more.
In the summer the islands have supervised lifeguards for those that want to go swimming on Spectacle Island. Spectacle Island has a full sandy beach.
You’ll also get amazing views of the Boston Harbor and Boston Skyline from the islands.
To get to the Boston Harbor Islands you can take a ferry which runs from May to October.
The islands are a great way to see Boston, but for those that just want to walk around the Boston Harbor, that too is a great experience. You can see the docks and boats, whilst not venturing too far out of the city.
You also have one of my favorite hotels located here, the Encore Boston Harbor.
10. Mary Baker Eddy Library
The Mary Baker Eddy Library opened in 2002.
The library explores the life of Mary Baker Eddy who founded Christian Science.
Inside the library you’ll find original materials that include art, documents, photographs, books and historical artifacts.
All of these document the life of Mary and follow the Church she founded.
The Mary Baker Eddy library also features beautiful architecture and décor.
It’s a great place to learn about her life whilst snapping some photos of the beautiful surroundings.
Address: 210 Massachusetts Ave between Huntington Avenue and Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02115-3012
11. New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is a great place to stop by if you’re visiting Boston.
The Aquarium houses sharks, Atlantic rays and much more.
It’s a perfect place for a family day trip to keep the kids occupied and it’s one of the most fun things to do in Boston.
The Aquarium also features a 200,000 gallon coral reef exhibit, containing over 1000 marine animals.
The New England Aquarium has lots of educators inside, to answer any of your questions.
Although it’s not a national historic landmark or something specific to Boston, the New England Aquarium is great for family fun.
Address: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110-3309
12. Boston Opera House
The Boston Opera House features a beautiful historic theater inside.
Perfect for theater lovers and those looking to spend an evening, with great acoustics and comfortable seats.
The Opera House features a wide range of shows for those looking for what to do in Boston in the evening.
The venue is also gorgeous, so great for taking a picture or two with friends.
Address: 539 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111-1718
13. Faneuil Hall Marketplace
The Faneuil Hall Marketplace located in Quincy Market is a great place to explore some distinctive shops, novelty carts and pop up stores.
This historic meeting place has a new life with lots of street performers, live music and food stalls.
I would recommend the lobster rolls which tasted amazing, although they have everything! You can pick from Pad Thai, meatballs, chocolates, cookies and much more.
The historic building has great architecture and is perfect for Instagrammers looking for a quick snap.
Address: 1 Faneuil Hall Sq Quincy Market, Boston, MA 02109-1604
FAQ
What is Boston best known for?
Boston is best known for Fenway Park, The Boston Marathon and of course you can’t forget it’s famous baked beans.
Boston has lots of historical importance in America. Dig a little deeper into the city and you’ll find the Boston Tea Party Ships, the Freedom Trail and the USS Constitution docked in the Boston Harbor.
Is 2 days enough in Boston?
You can do Boston in two days, but you need good location on your accommodation.
I would prioritize getting something close to the Boston Red Sox stadium, Freedom Trail, Museum of Fine Arts and the Boston Common.
How many days do you need to see Boston?
To see everything without rushing, I recommend 5 days to see Boston.
There are many free tours in Boston that can help speed up your exploration. I also recommend grabbing a walking tour or two, that can help you explore the city’s history.
You’ll also find tour guides available at nearly any Boston museum.
What is there to do in Boston for 3 hours?
With 3 hours, spend some time at the Boston Common.
The Boston Common is a beautiful public park and is free to access. With such a short period of time I would avoid Boston art galleries or any historical places.
A walk along the harbor to see the Boston Skyline is another free activity perfect for those on a time limit.
If you have more time to stay in Boston, there are many things to do in Boston, you can read our top 13 up above.
Is there anything to do in Boston?
Boston has lots of fun things to do within it’s city limits.
South Boston has lots of cool historical things to see, you can also explore the New England Aquarium and other fun activities.
The Boston Islands are great even for locals, I’ve had lots of fun on Castle Island, exploring the trails and hiking.
