Best Things to Do in Boston, MA

Step aboard recreations of 18th-century ships and experience a captivating reenactment of the historic Boston Tea Party of 1773. Guests can actively participate in the revolutionary act that helped spark American independence, making it one of the most hands-on history experiences in the city.

Dating back to 1634, Boston Common is one of the oldest public parks in the United States, offering over 50 acres of green space in the heart of the city. Stroll past the Central Burying Ground and Brewer Fountain, and in winter, lace up for a skate on Frog Pond. Just across the road, the Boston Public Garden is home to the beloved Make Way for Ducklings statue and the scenic Swan Boat Pond.

Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is one of the oldest Major League Baseball stadiums still in use today. Catch a game during baseball season or book the behind-the-scenes Fenway Park Tour to explore the stadium's storied history and iconic architecture.

Just across the Charles River in Cambridge, Harvard Yard is open to visitors who want to explore the campus's historic buildings and beautiful grounds. Choose a self-guided walk using available maps or register for an hour-long tour covering the university's history, art, and student life. The Harvard Art Museums are also well worth a stop.

Open year-round in downtown Boston, the Boston Public Market connects visitors with local farmers, fishermen, and food producers from across New England. With more than 30 vendors under one roof, plus weekly community events including tastings, family programming, and film screenings, it's a lively destination for all ages. 

Beer lovers won't want to miss a guided tour of the Samuel Adams Brewery, the birthplace of one of America's most recognized craft brews. Tours walk guests through the full brewing process, from raw ingredients to fermentation, and wrap up with tastings that give a real taste of Boston's brewing culture.

A Boston landmark since 1826, Quincy Market offers a classic mix of dining, shopping, and street performance in a beautifully preserved Greek Revival setting. Wander through Faneuil Hall, the North and South Markets, and the lively outdoor spaces filled with pushcarts and entertainers. It's a must-see whether you're a foodie, a shopper, or simply soaking up the city.

Stretching along the banks of the Charles River, the Esplanade offers walking and biking paths, playgrounds, and open green spaces perfect for an afternoon outdoors. The Hatch Shell hosts free concerts and community events throughout the warmer months, and the views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines at sunset are hard to beat.

See Boston from a completely different angle on one of the many boat tours and cruises that operate along the Charles River. Knowledgeable guides point out points of historical significance along the waterway, and several companies offer sunset and evening cruises for a more relaxed experience.

One of the things to see in Boston that the whole family will love, the Boston Children's Museum features hands-on exhibits designed to entertain and educate kids of all ages. Highlights include a scaled-down replica of Boston Common, the Construction Zone, and the Science Playground. Open Wednesday through Sunday; advance tickets are recommended.

On Boylston Street just outside the Boston Public Library, the Boston Marathon Finish Line is a permanent pavement marker honoring one of the oldest and most celebrated marathons in the world. It's a meaningful stop for runners and non-runners alike, and an easy addition to any walk through downtown Boston.

Located in the Charlestown Navy Yard along the Freedom Trail, the USS Constitution Museum brings to life the history of the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. Interactive exhibits and artifacts cover the ship's construction and its role in the War of 1812. The ship itself is free to visit with a valid ID, and the museum is a separate, equally worthwhile stop.

One of the most iconic attractions in Boston, MA, the Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick path that connects 16 historic landmarks tied to the American Revolution. Starting at Boston Common, the trail passes the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere's House, Faneuil Hall, and the USS Constitution. Allow extra time to step inside the museums and monuments along the way.

Located on Central Wharf, the New England Aquarium has been a Boston staple since the 1960s. Highlights include the Giant Ocean Tank, home to sea turtles, coral, and a dazzling variety of fish, plus two playful seal families in the front plaza. The Simons Theatre screens 3D films on a screen nearly five stories tall.

Founded in the late 1800s, the Museum of Fine Arts is home to a collection of more than 450,000 works spanning ancient Egypt to contemporary art, including pieces by Van Gogh and Monet. Check the MFA calendar ahead of your visit for gallery tours, lectures, and studio art classes open to the public.