12 Top Things To Do in Boston, Massachusetts

The best things to do in Boston include exploring the New England Aquarium, walking the historic Freedom Trail, and day-tripping to Salem. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston’s 400-year history includes pivotal moments like the start of the American Revolution.

With over 40 million visitors annually, Boston is known for its iconic landmarks, lively neighborhoods, and world-class universities. Whether you’re stepping into the past at the Boston Tea Party Ships, enjoying breathtaking harbor views, or sampling fresh seafood at Quincy Market, this city is full of surprises.

To curate this list of 12 top things to do in Boston, we evaluated activities based on their historical significance, family-friendly appeal, and popularity among visitors and locals. Our research included analyzing traveler reviews, consulting local recommendations, and factoring in the city’s seasonal highlights. Get ready to explore one of the most historic and exciting cities in the country.

Table of Contents

Highlights at a Glance

Luxury Hotel in Boston: The Eliot Hotel blends historic charm with luxury, offering marble bathrooms, a sashimi bar, and concierge services, all in Boston’s Back Bay near Fenway Park and top shopping spots.
Mid-range Hotel in Boston: Beacon Hill Hotel offers renovated rooms with a terrace overlooking Charles Street, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, and a cozy bar, all steps from Boston Common and the Theater District.
Budget Hotel in Boston: Oasis Guest House offers a quiet stay with outdoor terraces and easy access to Symphony Hall, Fenway Park, and the Green Line, all in a walkable Boston neighborhood.

Check out the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Hike The Freedom Trail
Explore Beacon Hill

Swipe and Vote: See What Travelers Recommend

Alright, you’re in Boston. What’s the first move? (Choose wisely, this says a lot about you.)

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

Top Things to Do in Boston, Massachusetts Enjoy a Game at Fenway Park

Fenway game vibes 1/5

Greenest Cities in the US Boston Massachusetts © Zack Frank Adobe Stock 101142728 - Boston Is the Birthplace of the American Revolution — and Its Freedom Trail Takes You Through 16 Iconic Sites

Freedom Trail stroll 2/5

Top Things to Do in Boston, Massachusetts See the New England Aquarium

New England Aquarium 3/5

12 Most Beautiful Neighborhoods in the US You’ll Fall in Love With Beacon Hill - Boston, Massachusetts

Beacon Hill wander 4/5

Top Things to Do in Boston, Massachusetts Check out the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Boston Historic Harbor

Boston Tea Party Ships 5/5

Results

Fenway game vibes

5 3

Freedom Trail stroll

7 1

New England Aquarium

4 4

Beacon Hill wander

8 0

Boston Tea Party Ships

6 2

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Dine at High Street Place

High Street Place is a fabulous food hall that’s ground zero for exquisite local delights and flavorful experiences. Start your trip to Boston by sampling its incredible food and drink under one roof.

Experience over 20 restaurants, each with a menu that highlights the abundance of local ingredients in the city. You’ll try everything from crab and lobster to artisanal bagels. Of course, there’s shepherd’s pie in there somewhere—this is Boston, after all!

Sample fine wines, ciders, and beers or oysters and champagne. Whatever you want to savor, you’ll find it here.

Hours and Peak Times: High Street Place is open daily, but it’s busiest during lunchtime and dinner hours. To avoid crowds, try visiting in the mid-afternoon or late evening when it’s a bit quieter.
Must-Try Dishes: Don’t miss the lobster roll and freshly shucked oysters—they’re local specialties. Pair them with a craft beer or a glass of wine from the extensive drink selection.

Check out the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum has plenty of accolades. These include one of the best museums in Boston from Condé Nast and TripAdvisor’s top 10% of things to do worldwide. It’s also one of Google’s highest-rated attractions in the city.

This means you have to visit! You’ll walk through interactive exhibits that show the start of the Revolution. See original artifacts from the war and the documents that led to it.

Watch live reenactments at the museum’s Meeting House. Enjoy actors playing famous figures of American history in this timeless reenactment. Then, see Griffins Wharf, where the original Boston Teaparty started.

Admission and Hours: The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is around $35 for adults, and booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Interactive Experience: Make sure to participate in the interactive tea dump reenactment—it’s a highlight and lets you throw “tea” into the harbor, immersing you in the event. It’s a great way to engage with the history firsthand.

See the New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a fantastic destination. It has become a beloved destination through conservation efforts and its amazing exhibits. When you enter, you’ll step into an underwater world full of marine life and educational information.

You’ll come face to face with real-life penguins right as you enter the building. Then, marvel at the giant tank filled with fish, marine mammals, and sea turtles. Walk through the glass walkway and admire the fish and colorful algae.

Visit early to avoid the inevitable field trip crowds. Also, the aquarium hosts events throughout the year, so check the website to see what’s coming up.

Avoid Crowds: If you’re visiting to avoid school groups, try to arrive right when the aquarium opens, especially on weekdays. Mornings are typically quieter, letting you enjoy the exhibits more peacefully.
Special Events: Check the aquarium’s website for seasonal events or behind-the-scenes tours. They often offer special animal encounters or unique presentations that can enhance your visit.

Walk through the Public Garden

Boston’s Public Garden is the first public botanical garden in the country. It was created in 1837 and has since become a popular Boston pastime.

You’ll walk through the historic park and enjoy lagoons and wildlife. Take a lagoon boat ride and enjoy the New England air. Paddle near Duck Island to snap photos of the pretty ducks.

There are several historical statues, including one of George Washington. There’s even the famous park bench from the movie, ‘Good Will Hunting.’ This is where the late Robin Williams played one of his most iconic roles.

Parking: There’s limited parking around the Public Garden, so I recommend using the Boston Common Garage nearby. It’s a short walk to the garden and easier than searching for street parking.

Hike The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is one of Boston’s must-experience destinations. It starts in Boston Common, the oldest park in America, and continues along a red brick trail. You’ll enjoy over a dozen historical sites and buildings along the way.

See the Old North Church and the former home of legendary Paul Revere. Check out the Central Burying Ground, one of the country’s oldest cemeteries.

Take a tour to learn about the historical places along the route. Show up early to avoid the crowds that come here during the afternoon. Morning light is also great for capturing these historical landmarks with perfect light.

Freedom Trail Tours: I recommend taking a guided tour to truly appreciate the rich history along the trail. You’ll get more context and behind-the-scenes stories at sites like the Old State House. Tours are available year-round and can be booked in advance.
Water Fountains at Boston Common: After exploring the trail, relax at the Boston Common’s water fountains, especially in warmer months. It’s a great spot to take a break and enjoy a peaceful moment amid the city’s hustle.
Dining Nearby: For a quick and tasty lunch, I enjoyed a stop at The Last Hurrah, located near the trail’s end. Their clam chowder is a perfect treat after a historical walk.

Enjoy a Book at the Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library is an impressive architectural landmark and one of the best libraries in the country—in this humble writer’s opinion. It’s one of the country’s oldest libraries. It’s also home to many community events that won’t cost you a dime!

Check out the architecture by Charles Follen McKim, one of the most famous American architects. Grab photos of the striking interior before finding your favorite books to enjoy. Spend a few hours in the space to take it all in.

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Don’t miss the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center if you love geography. This incredible library section has tons of amazing maps and charts to enjoy.

Quiet Reading Room: If you want a peaceful spot to read or study, head to the Bates Hall Reading Room on the second floor. It’s a beautiful, tranquil space with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. Perfect for a focused break.

Explore Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. It’s also a great place to see architecture and find quirky boutiques and restaurants. The neighborhood is home to Charles Street. This street is full of sights like the Charles Street Meeting House.

Besides historical places, the neighborhood is full of museums. Check out the Nichols House Museum to see original furnishings and artifacts.

One of the best museums in Beacon Hill and the city of Boston is the Museum of African American History. Located near the birthplace of the city’s abolitionist movement, the museum showcases stories and historical exhibits not to miss.

Brunch at Tatte Bakery & Café: Located on Charles Street, this cozy spot offers a delicious range of pastries, coffee, and breakfast items. The atmosphere is perfect for a morning break. Expect a line on weekends, so plan accordingly.
Beacon Hill Walking Tour: If you’re keen on learning more about the area’s history, I recommend joining a guided walking tour of Beacon Hill. It’s an excellent way to dive deeper into the neighborhood’s past and architecture, with tours usually lasting around 90 minutes. Book in advance to secure a spot.

Check Out Boston’s Seaport

12 Breathtaking US Spots for Your East Coast Road Trip — © Jose Luis Stephens / Adobe Stock

Boston’s Seaport used to be an industrial and rough-around-the-edges place. In the last decade, it’s become the hub of fine dining, art galleries, and all things hip.

From tech giants to entrepreneurs, it’s become the home of Boston’s innovative population. With them came the creative chefs and artisans putting Boston on the global map for cool experiences.

Check out the Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall for craft beer. Then, walk to the Institute of Contemporary Art to see amazing modern art. Outside the museum, catch arguably the best views of the city’s skyline.

Dining at Legal Sea Foods: A short walk from the Institute of Contemporary Art, this Boston staple serves some of the freshest seafood in the city. Their clam chowder is a must-try. Make a reservation if you’re visiting during peak dining hours.
Seaport District Walk: After checking out the museum and brewery, take a stroll along the waterfront. The Seaport’s waterfront path offers stunning views of the harbor and the city skyline, and it’s especially beautiful at sunset.

Spend Hours at the Museum of Fine Arts

Museums Around The World Museum of Fine Arts, Boston — © Wangkun Jia / Adobe Stock

Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is a must if you’re visiting the city. It’s one of the East Coast’s most visited museums and houses a vast collection of art. From sculptures to paintings and modern art to antiques, there’s something for every art fan.

If you love Asian art, there is no better place. The museum has the largest collection of Korean art outside of Korea. It also has priceless antiques, artifacts, and pottery from around the Asian continent.

There are several wings dedicated to different regions and styles. If you love Claude Monet, head to the European wing. Egypt? Peruse the hall dedicated to ancient Egypt, of course.

Entry Fees and Hours: The Museum of Fine Arts charges $27 for adult admission.. It’s open daily except Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays until 10:00 PM.
Café at the Museum: If you’re looking for a break, the museum’s New American café offers great food, from light bites to full meals. It’s a perfect spot to recharge before continuing your exploration of the exhibits.

Day Trip to Salem

The 12 Most Haunted Places in the World Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine — © Georgios Antonatos / Shutterstock

Salem is only 30 minutes away, but it is well worth the short drive. This city is famous for the 17th-century Salem Witch Trials. It also has one of the biggest Halloween celebrations in the country.

Outside of the spooky fun is its cuisine. This is one of New England’s most underrated seafood capitols. You’ll find the best crab, lobster, and grilled fish of your life here.

Walk through the city and experience its parks and historical streets. Then, visit the House of the Seven Gables. Just don’t mind the ghosts.

Salem Witch Museum: If you’re interested in the history of the Witch Trials, this museum is a must-visit. Admission is $17.50 for adults, and it’s open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The guided tour offers fascinating insights into the events of 1692.
Lunch at The Lobster Shanty: For a casual yet delicious seafood experience, head to The Lobster Shanty. Their lobster rolls and clam chowder are top-notch. It’s a local favorite, so be prepared for a short wait during peak hours.

Enjoy a Game at Fenway Park

Fenway Park is home to the Boston Red Sox and one of the most popular stadiums in the country. It opened in 1912 and continues to inspire sports fans to this day. Some of the greatest baseball players in history played here, including Pedro Martinez and Jim Rice.

Visit the stadium’s museum and take a popular guided tour. You’ll step onto the pitch and see memorabilia from the team’s history.

Of course, seeing a game in person is the ultimate way to enjoy the stadium. Book your tickets early and enjoy the stadium food and unique atmosphere you can only find in Boston.

Tasty Eats at Tony C’s: If you’re looking for a pre-game meal, Tony C’s Sports Bar is right near the park. They offer great seafood options like clam chowder and lobster rolls. It’s less crowded compared to some of the other nearby spots.
Fenway Park Museum Hours: The museum opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM. Admission is separate from the game ticket, but it’s a quick stop to check out some historical artifacts from Red Sox legends.

Shop and Party on the South End

Boston’s South End is home to restaurants, bars, and culturally rich destinations you can’t miss. Take a stroll through Blackstone Square. Check out the Victorian architecture throughout the neighborhood.

There are endless restaurants and important meeting points for locals. One of the most famous is the SoWa Open Market. This open market is where locals come for fresh food, cultural activities, and many events.

In the winter, the SoWa Winter Festival brings holiday lights, fun activities, and endless food to the market. You’ll enjoy handmade art and crafts and plenty of milk and cookies. Oh, and, of course, beer.

Blackstone Square: If you’re walking through Blackstone Square, take some time to sit and enjoy the peaceful green space. It’s quieter than other parts of the South End, offering a relaxing break between sightseeing.
SoWa Open Market Hours: The SoWa Market is open Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the warmer months, offering fresh produce and local art. In winter, the SoWa Winter Festival runs on weekends, but check the schedule for special events.
Dinner at Toro: For an unforgettable meal, try Toro, a popular Spanish tapas spot just a short walk from Blackstone Square. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time, as it can get packed.