Despite the fact that Boston is not the first destination that is usually chosen (especially if it is the first time you travel to the United States) it is one of the most interesting cities to see in the United States.
The capital of Massachusetts is considered one of the best cities in the world for quality of life. And at a tourist level, it offers many things to do. You will not get bored!
In this post I tell you 45 of the best things to see and do in Boston + some travel tips.
45 ESSENTIAL THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN BOSTON
1. Start by getting to know the city with a guided tour of Boston
One of the best ways to get to know a new city is by taking a guided tour. Especially when it comes to cities as full of culture and history as Boston. In Boston there are no free tours (as in many other destinations, especially in Europe) but there is a guided tour that will take you through the main monuments, buildings and places of interest in the city. The only "bad" thing is that it is a guided tour in English and if you don't know the language you won't learn anything. If this is your case, don't worry, in this article I'll tell you all the interesting places to see and I'll add a map, so you can explore the city on your own.
2. Stroll through Little Italy in the North End
They say that Boston is the most European city in the United States. I honestly did not see this resemblance, but it is true that in Boston you can find neighborhoods and places with a lot of charm that can remind you in a certain way of places in Europe.
The Little Italy neighborhood in the North End is full of buildings with beautiful architecture and many Italian restaurants. The Italian community was created in the 20th century and is still very present today. Strolling through Little Italy and taking the opportunity to have lunch or dinner in this area is one of the best things to do in Boston.
3. Visit the oldest house to see in Boston
The Paul Revere House is located in North End (Little Italy). It is the oldest house in the city and is popular for being the home of the famous Paul Revere, a famous figure of the independence of the United States.
It is currently a house museum and you can visit the interior. Admission costs about 5 dollars.
4. Old North Church, the oldest church in the city, an essential thing to see in Boston
This church was founded in the year 1723 in the British colonial era. It marked an important moment in the history of the city when in the year 1775, preceding the battles of the American Revolution of Lexington and Concord, the sexton Robert Newman, following the instructions of Paul Revere, hung two lamps in the bell tower warning of the advance of the British towards Lexington and Concord. In addition, the church houses the first two forged in the country. Admission requires voluntary donation.
It is a beautiful building within its austerity, Gregorian style. It is made of red brick, with a white bell tower.
5. Get to know the Bunker Hill Monument
This monument is an obelisk dedicated to the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the most legendary of the American War of Independence, in which the British tried to break the siege that American patriots had carried out around the city from Boston. From there you will have beautiful views of the city, in the afternoon the park is full of people who come to watch the sunset.
6. Cross the Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge
The bridge is named for Leonard P. Zakim, a Jewish-American artist activist who fought for civil rights and for Bunker Hill, a legendary Revolutionary War battle. Today it is one of the icons of the city.
The bridge was completed in 2003, replacing the old Charlestown High Bridge, a bridge built in the 1950s.
7. Watch a Celtics game
If you like sports, especially the NBA, you cannot miss a Boston Celtics game in the most famous basketball arena in the world. The city team is the most successful in NBA history with 17 rings. Matches run from October through April.
8. If you like baseball, you can go to Fenway Park
Even if you're not a big fan of sports and especially baseball, watching a Red Sox game is one of the most fun things to do in Boston. The atmosphere is great. And even if you don't go to see a game in the end, come and see Fenway Park, it is the oldest baseball stadium in the MLB.
9. Visit the Boston Opera House
Even if it's only from the outside, you should get to know the Boston Opera. The best musicals and plays in the city are performed here. It is not a very big theater. This classical-style theater is home to the Boston Ballet. It is a beautiful white building wedged between buildings.
10. Discover Acorn Street, the most romantic street in Boston
Acorn Street is a cobbled street lined with houses typical of the area. It is one of the most beautiful streets to see in Boston, it has a very romantic and charming air. It is located on Beacon Hill.
11. Wander aimlessly up Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is a lovely residential area lined with red brick terraced houses with plants and flowers in the windows. It is a very photogenic neighborhood and it is perfect for getting lost aimlessly and walking away from the noise of the center.
12. Freedom Trail, an essential thing to do in Boston
Freedom Trail is a 4 kilometer route that will take you to know many of the essential places to see in Boston, it passes through 16 significant places in the history of the United States.
You will see that the path is marked on the ground with bricks. The route starts at Boston Common and ends precisely at Bunker Hill. In each prominent place you will see an explanatory sign that will help you understand what you are seeing.
The stops along the way include cemeteries, churches, emblematic buildings... In addition to the characteristic red bricks on the ground, on the Freedom Trail there are explanatory signs that will help you understand the place where you are. It is one of the best things to see and do in Boston.
The 16 stops (I'm going to tell you about them in the post):
The Boston Common
Massachusetts State House
The Park St Church
Granary Burial Ground
King's Chapel
Boston Latin School
Old South Meeting House
The Old Corner Bookstore
Old State House
The Boston Massacre
Faneuil Hall
paul revere house
Old North Church
Copp's Hill Burial Ground
USS Constitution
Bunker Hill Monument
13. Visit Trinity Church
Trinity Church in Boston is one of the most architecturally significant and distinctive buildings. It is Richardsonian Romantic and Romantic in style. the consecration
Its architect was Henry Hobson Richardson, who became known and gained popularity thanks to this church. Both the exterior and the interior are interesting to visit. Do not miss it.
14. Stroll through Boston Common
The Boston Common is a large park and the green lung of the city. They say that it is one of the oldest parks in the United States, since it was founded in the year 1634.
The park is a huge area with an artificial lake where the inhabitants of the city gather to walk, hang out, play sports... It is a good place to disconnect and have a picnic.
15. Boston Public Gardens
These gardens are smaller than the Boston Common. But they have a special charm. They also have a lake and some statues along their trail.
16. Don't miss the Boston Museum of Science
In the science museum you can browse and learn about many aspects of life. It is a perfect activity if you travel with children. The museum houses more than 700 interactive exhibits. And even if you don't travel with children, it's a curious and fun thing to do in Boston. Also, it's a good backup plan if it rains or snows.
17. Massachusetts State House
The Massachusetts State House is the capitol of the state of Massachusetts and you will find it on Beacon Hill.
Inside the building is the Massachusetts General Courthouse and the Governor's office.
Although we were not able to visit the inside, the building is impressive and is within the Freedom Trail route. You can see more information on how to visit it here.
18. Visit the Boston Public Library
The Boston Library was the first municipal library in the United States and is still the largest, with more than 15 million books. Its reading room (Bates Hall) is impressive with its vaulted ceiling. Not to be missed.
It was founded in 1848 and the building is in the Neo-Renaissance and Beaux Arts style.
19. Stroll around the Back Bay
Back Bay is full of beautiful red brick Victorian houses. The area is considered one of the best examples of 19th century architecture in the entire country. The promenade has beautiful views, it is also an area with a lot of atmosphere with shops and restaurants. A good place to stop and eat something.
20. Granary burial ground Boston
The Granary Burying Ground is the third largest cemetery in Boston. It was founded in the year 1660 and is located on Tremont Street. If you are going to do the 4km route of the Freedom Trail, you have it on the circuit.
It's a very mystical place, with very old tombstones, some half broken and crooked... I'm not a big fan of cemeteries, but I really liked Granary Burial.
21. Visit the beautiful Brattle Book Shop
If you have already read some more of my articles, you will know that I am a book geek. This bookstore is one of the oldest in the United States and a hidden place in Boston. It is not very popular among tourists, perhaps because it is not very interesting at first glance, but it is one of the places where you can immerse yourself and browse among books and shelves.
Outside you will find a mural in a small dead end, on the side of the entrance to the bookstore, where they also usually place shelves with books in the open air.
Intellectuals who have marked a point and apart throughout history appear on the mural.
22. Enter the King's Chapel
The King's Chapel is a church that you will find on the Freedom Trail. It dates from the year 1740 and is in the Gregorian style. It stands out for not looking like a church with the naked eye on the outside. It will remind you of a Roman temple for its columns at first. Inside, white seats and Gregorian columns reign. Its red details are present in the armchairs, in the decorations at the ends of the columns and in the crystal lamps. The interior has a resemblance to European royal palaces. Something curious about his armchairs is that they are divided into small spaces. Without a doubt, it is a curious church to see in Boston.
23. Visit Captain Jackson's historic chocolate Shop
If you like sweets you cannot miss entering this store.
Here you will learn how Bostonians produced and consumed chocolate during the American colonial period. And of course, eat and buy some of these chocolates.
24. Pay tribute to victims of the Holocaust at the New England Holocaust Memorial
This place sits right at the entrance to the North End and was inspired by some survivors who found a new life in Boston. It is a very emotional place to see in the city. Without a doubt, it is a good place to reflect and learn about the past so that these misfortunes do not happen again.
25. Visit and eat at Quincy Market
I am a fan of markets, and whenever I visit any town or city, I try to get to know the local market. In Boston is the Quincy Market. In this historic market you can walk between its stalls, eat something and also appreciate its incredible architecture. It is a perfect place to eat well and cheap in the city.
26. Faneuil Hall
Another iconic building in the city is Faneuil Hall. This red brick building has been a market and meeting place since 1742. It was the place where James Otis and Samuel Adams, among others, gave speeches encouraging the people of the United States to become independent from the United Kingdom. Today, it is part of the Boston National Historical Park and is one of the stops on the Freedom Trail.
27. Take a cruise with Boston Harbor Cruises
Another way to get to know the city and see it from another point of view is by taking a cruise.
Harbor Cruises has several cruises that will allow you to enjoy Boston from the water. It's a fun activity to do in Boston. You can see the cruise options and book the one you want on their official website.
28. Boston Latin School
Another of the emblematic buildings to visit in Boston is the Boston Latin School. This building is located on the Freedom Trail. This public school was established on April 23, 1635, making it the oldest public school in the United States and the oldest existing school in the United States.
29. Visit the New England Aquarium
A great activity to do with children (or without them) is to visit the aquarium. The entrance is included with a Boston tourist card, but if you do not have the card you will have to pay 28 dollars.
In a fairly large aquarium and a good option to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
If you are thinking of entering some of the emblematic places of the city and doing some activities, I recommend buying some of the tourist cards that the city offers. You will save money. Boston Tourist Cards: Boston Explorer Pass and the Go Boston Pass. |
30. Stroll between skyscrapers along the Rose Kennedy Greenway
Rose Kennedy Greenway is a green area that you will find in Downtown Boston. It is dedicated to Rose, the mother of former President Kennedy. It is a small park surrounded by skyscrapers, where the locals come to play sports, play with their children and take a walk. It is a very beautiful area to see and relaxed. To disconnect a bit after so many cultural visits.
31. USS Constitution
The USS Constitution Museum is located in Pier 1 of the Charlestown Naval Shipyard and is part of the Boston National Historical Park. It is the oldest active warship in the United States.
The ship has the nickname of Old Irdonsides, a name it earned in the war of 1812 after enduring cannons from the British crown search “Guerriere”. Although it is a bit far from the city center, it is worth coming here to visit it. There are panels with US naval history with abundant photographs. It has a collection of items from the ship and from other ships that were attached to it. There is a table with the names of all the commanders of the ship from 1797 to the present. Items from other ships include a bell from USS Mount Vernon, the propeller from HMS Queen Mary and plaques from various ships that visited the Navy Yard for repairs including the USS Wasp and USS Joseph P. Kennedy (Jr).
32. Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Boston Harbor was the scene of a historic episode: the Boston Tea Party. The American colonists rebelled against Great Britain and threw an entire shipment of tea into the water in protest of the taxes they had to pay for its importation.
This revolt was the precedent for the American War of Independence. In the museum you can learn a little more about history thanks to the guides, who are characterized as characters of the time. You can also see boats and two of the original chests that were thrown into the water. It is an interesting visit to do in Boston.
33. Take in the views from Fan Pier Park
The Fan Pier Park is a perfect place to have beautiful views of the city. It is in the Seaport District, in South Boston. Although it is not the only viewpoint in the city, it is a quiet area that is perfect for strolling by the sea, as well as being able to take pictures of the Boston skyline.
34. And to continue having good views, go up to the Skywalk Observatory
The Skywalk Obervatory is an indoor viewing platform with 360° views of the city from 200 meters above sea level. The most popular time to go up is in the mid-afternoon before dark. It is when you will find more people, but also when you will have views of the sunset.
The entrance costs 20 dollars and if you have a tourist card of the city, the entrance is free.
35. Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
One of the most beautiful gardens in Boston is hidden inside a museum. It is a beautiful oasis that will leave you speechless.
It is a very high patio, with a glass roof, full of plants and flowers that make this place a very special corner. But not only this garden is worth visiting, the museum has a collection of more than 2,500 works of art. You will be able to see paintings by artists such as Rembrandt or Rubens, among many more. Where the museum is located is the "house" (or rather Palace) where Isabella Stewart Gardner, the owner of this collection, lived. Admission is $15 and if your name is Isabella you will be lucky enough to get in for free.
36. Visit Harvard University
You cannot visit Boston and not get to know the famous Harvard University. Illustrious people such as Barack Obama, Bill Gates have studied there... In addition, we have seen it in thousands of series, read in many books... It is one of the most famous universities worldwide.
You can come to visit the university and walk among the students and the buildings. Or you can also take a guided tour to learn a little more about the history of this place.
37. Visit John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, one of the most important presidents of the United States, was born next to Boston. There you can see his personal library, as well as a museum to pay tribute to him. There is a collection of personal items and data on his political career.
Admission is $14. It is a bit far from the city, but it is worth going.
38. You can't miss the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is an essential stop to make if you like art (and if not too). In the Ancient Egypt section you can delight yourself with more than 450,000 works. There are several exhibitions in which you will find pre-Columbian pieces to works by artists such as Claude Monet, Velázquez, Rubens or Rembrandt. In addition, in the music section you will be able to see more than 1100 instruments from all over the world. It is a very interesting visit to do in Boston, do not miss it.
39. Take a guided tour of MIT
MIT is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is the most important technological university in the United States. If you want to visit it, going for free is a bit crazy, there are a lot of buildings and places to see. It is best to book a guided tour. With the visit you will visit the most important buildings such as the Stata Center, the Green Building, the Great Dome...
40. Whale Watching in Boston
In Boston you have the opportunity to take a tour to see whales. In an excursion of about 4 hours. With a catamaran you will go to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a marine reserve where you can see these specimens; Humpback whales, rorquals, dolphins...
It's a nice activity to do in Boston.
WHAT TO SEE NEAR BOSTON
If you are going to spend a few more days in Boston and you have time to spare, you can plan a visit to some of the interesting places nearby. Most of them you have the option of going by public transport or with an organized tour, so you don't need to rent a car:
41. Excursion to Salem and Marblehead
With this excursion you will visit the north of the Boston coast, touring the coastline. A stop will be in Salem, popular and known for witchcraft.
It was in Salem that the Puritans settled upon their arrival from England and where more than 200 people were accused of witchcraft, most of them hanged.
In addition to witches, in Salem you can see what was a classic New England city, where you can see mansions, old captains' residences, the pirate museum, the witches museum, the wax museum, the witch house, the historic center, the pier and the house of the 7 roofs.
In Marblehead the landscapes are beautiful with a rocky coast and a fishing village straight out of a story.
42. Excursion to the New England Coast
If you are one of those who likes to combine cities with natural spaces, this is one of the best excursions to do from Boston.
You will visit New Hampshire and Maine, their rocky coasts and their maritime landscapes, as well as observe lighthouses, cliffs, fishing villages...
43. Excursion to Plimoth Colony
This tour is perfect for traveling back in time. And discover how people lived 400 years ago. You will visit the first settler town that was established in the United States, touring the buildings that date from the 17th century, its mill and what its traditions were like.
It is a very interesting and enjoyable excursion to learn more about the colonial conquest and the history of the United States.
44. Excursion to Cabo Con
Do you want to combine your days in Boston with a trip to the beach? The best option is this excursion south of Boston, on Cape Cod.
On this excursion you will take a tour of Old King's Highway, a road with impressive views. Then you'll get on a boat for a cruise around Cape Cod Bay and see its miles of beaches, learn about pirate stories, and much more.
45. Combine your trip to Boston with a few days in New York
Although there are several interesting cities to visit near Boston, New York is one of the most popular destinations in the United States and where you can always continue to discover its corners. They never run out! From Boston to New York it is a 4 hour drive. There are several ways to get there and I will tell you about them in this article: How to go from New York to Boston (and vice versa) the 5 best options.
On the blog you will find more than 30 articles related to New York. What to see and do, best places to stay, tips to save money, best viewpoints, secrets in Central Park... You can see all the New York articles here.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Boston and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!