Things to do & places to visit in Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Walk the Freedom Trail the first time you visit Boston, and you'll quickly get a sense of this coastal city's revolutionary spirit and history. But make sure you also explore some of Boston's fine museums (try the Gardner, featuring art masterpieces displayed in their collector's mansion) and old neighborhoods (like the North End, Boston's Little Italy). You can't claim to have experienced real Boston culture, though, unless you've watched a Red Sox baseball game from the bleachers.

Boston city in Massachusetts, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 1:38.

Top things to do (33)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Museum of Fine Arts (8.257 reviews)
- Great collection
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

Boston's oldest, largest and best-known art institution, the MFA houses one of the world's most comprehensive art collections and is renowned for its Impressionist paintings, Asian and Egyptian collections and early American art. See more..
5.0 Boston Segway Tours (2.328 reviews)
- Memorable Segway Tour!!!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM City Tours • Segway Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours

This was our first time taking a segway tour of Boston, although we have been on 4 tours in other cities, this one was a great adventure through the streets and bike lanes. We felt very immersed in the city. We chose the 2 hour tour which we would recommend as it covers a wide view of the city. Thompson was our guide and he did a wonderful job guiding us safely through the city and shared his extensive knowledge of the various neighborhoods as well as the historical sights. He gave us breaks and stopped to take pictures. We were fortunate to be the only participants in our tour, so we had a very personal experience! We would definitely do another tour with Boston Segway Tours when visiting Boston! See more..
5.0 Intrepid Urban Adventures - Boston (1.093 reviews)
- A must for any first time visitors
City Tours • Walking Tours • Private Tours • Food Tours • Day Trips

Allison was spectacular. She took us all around the city at a great pace and taught us an incredible amount of history during the tour. This tour is a must for any first time visitors, I’d recommend doing it at the beginning of your trip, as you’ll likely leave the tour with a lot of knowledge about good places to eat/drink. Allison made sure we had several opportunities for bathroom stops as well as coffee for the cold weather, and she even followed up with an email after our tour with a list of all of her food recommendation spots. Highly recommended experience. See more..
5.0 Boston Crawling (777 reviews)
- Great tour, good drinks!
Bar, Club & Pub Tours

Best tour in Boston! We had a large group (14 people) but were able to easily walk around together to the 4 historic bars we visited. Cat, our guide, was personable and knowledgeable, providing great background and insight to the area and the history as we all drank some local brews. This is our 2nd time on the tour, we recommend it to anyone we know who's visiting Boston and will book again the next time we're in town. See more..
5.0 North End Boston Food Tour (743 reviews)
- Fun, Food and History - Excellent!!!
Walking Tours • Private Tours • Food Tours

Great Experience!!! Bobby led us to the well known and hidden gems of the North End (bakeries, salumerie and restaurants). We sampled pizza, an Italian sub, prosciutto, Italian pastries and olive oil to name just a few of the authentic foods we tasted. We were introduced to a pastry called sfogliatelle. It is a delicate layered pastry filled with orange flavored ricotta - to die for. And, what is a tour of the North End without a cannoli from Mike's Pastry. Bobby grew up and still lives in the North End and shared his experiences and insights into how the North End has changed over the last 50 plus years. So informative. I would highly recommend this tour whether you are visiting Boston or, like me, live only 30 minutes away. See more..
5.0 Off The Eaten Path (693 reviews)
- A perfect mixture of food for the soul and knowledge for the mind.
Walking Tours • Food Tours

Wow! What an amazing tour of the North End where I used to live back in 1999. Who would have thought that one person can so perfectly combine food with historical knowledge of this Italian jewel in the midst of Boston. And of course the joyous, diligent and knowledgeable Paula! Not to leave out us bursting into singing (guide and guests included) in the midst of one of our tour stops... maybe it was the shot of olive oil or the aged balsamic vinegar :) come taste and see for yourself... See more..
5.0 The Revolutionary Story Tour (527 reviews)
- Amazingly historical and fascinating tour and guide
Monday: Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Day Trips

Absolutely excellent tour and guide. Mike took us from the early revolutionary days through the most iconic moments in the War to the conclusion (guess what, Britain lost). Seeing the actual places where these events took place was amazing. I‘ve never had so much fun learning about history! See more..
5.0 Hub Town Tours (520 reviews)
- Great tour, great guide!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours

The private (affordable for our group of 8!) two hour welcome tour of the Freedom Trail was the perfect way to see these sites. Ted is of course knowledgeable when it comes to Boston, the Freedom Trail and history, but additionally he really took our comfort into consideration on a hot morning in the city, guiding us to shaded areas and seating before telling us about a site. He is very engaging, gives an excellent tour with the background of issues at each site, and it feels like hanging out with a friend rather than someone you just met or a dry historian. The time flew by and the walking was easy. Everyone in our group, even the teens, agreed a tour really was the best way to see the Freedom Trail and we all would highly recommend Ted and Hub Town Tours. See more..
5.0 WeVenture Boston (443 reviews)
- Fantastic food, insightful history and phenomenal tour guide!
City Tours

When my friend and I signed up for this tour we had no idea what an amazing experience we would have. We ended up being the only ones registered for our time slot so we got a completely private and curated day. Our tour guide Meg was like a long lost best friend who wanted to show us her favorite food spots. Everything we ate had history and authenticity to it and we couldn’t have imagined we’d be eating generations old Italian recipes. The tour was enlightening, delicious and personal. It was honestly the highlight of our trip. I would recommend this food tour to anyone looking for a locals taste of the North End! See more..
5.0 Mobsters and Lobsters (329 reviews)
- Want a real spin through Boston? Gotta go Mobsters and Lobsters!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Historical & Heritage Tours • Bus Tours

This was easily my favorite tourist excursion I have ever been a part of! Tom is a real character who brings Boston to life is a truly unique way. I sat there with wonder in my eyes and a cold drink in my hand (thank you Shawna) through the entire tour and have told everyone who's asked about my trip to Boston about this tour in detail. I would highly recommend Mobsters and Lobsters, it's an unforgettable experience! See more..
4.5 Freedom Trail (17.7k reviews)
- Amazing Boston Freedom Trail
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Walking Areas

Learn about early Boston and U.S. history on this 2.5-mile-long trail that passes through 16 historic locations. Look out for the brick markers—starting in downtown Boston, crossing through the North End, and finishing at the famous Bunker Hill Monument in neighboring Charlestown. You'll pass by notable stops like Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution frigate. You can embark on the Freedom Trail for free and at your own pace, but audio guides and guided tours are also available. The trail is lined with lots of cool cafes and restaurants for you to fuel up along the way. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Fenway Park (17.1k reviews)
- A must do for any baseball fan, but still great for non-fans as well.
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

Hallowed ground to baseball fans, this century-old ballpark is the home field of the Boston Red Sox. Fans often flock to Fenway Park to catch a game over beer and hot dogs—the game season typically runs from April through October. You might want to stay till at least the eighth inning to sing “Sweet Caroline” with the crowd. The stadium is also home to the iconic Green Monster wall, a 37-foot-tall left-field wall. Apart from games, you can join a year-round guided tour of the stadium to learn about the history of the sport and the team, as well as get a behind-the-scenes peek into the locker room. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Boston Public Garden (9.939 reviews)
- Beautiful Manicured
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Gardens

This Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park, famous for its Swan Boats, has over 600 varieties of trees and an ever-changing array of flowers. It is America's first public garden. See more..
4.5 North End (7.225 reviews)
- Definitely worth a visit
Spent 1-2 hours Neighborhoods

Boston's Little Italy is the city’s oldest neighborhood, famous for its Italian restaurants and pastry shops, and centuries-old architecture. Stroll around this Italian American enclave to discover its narrow, cobbled alleys and iconic streets like Hanover Street. The best way to taste some of the fantastic food here is by joining a walking food tour. Or book yourself on a history tour to learn about the significance of landmarks like Paul Revere's house and the Old North Church. The North End is also part of the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path that retraces the early history of the United States across 16 significant locations. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (6.597 reviews) from $32.00
- I solemnly swear that I was not there.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Ships • History Museums

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is a history lesson you won’t forget. Relive the event that started the American Revolution with historical interpreters, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replicas of 18th-century sailing vessels. Join a town meeting, hang out with talking portraits, and take part in the tradition of tossing tea into the harbor. Then, enjoy a spot of afternoon tea in Abigail’s Tea Room or visit the gift shop for some souvenirs. Entry to the museum is on a first come, first-served basis, so join the line early. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Boston Common (6.505 reviews)
- So Much History!
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

Whether it's a summer picnic in the grass or winter ice-skating on Frog Pond, Boston's oldest public park is the perfect escape from the bustle of the city. See more..
4.5 Boston Public Library (4.069 reviews)
- Gorgeous building
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Libraries

The main branch of the Boston Public Library opened in 1852 as the first free, publicly-funded municipal library in America. The library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses over 20 million items. Enjoy a free tour of the building to learn about its history and marvel at the treasured artworks and architecture that spans three centuries. After that, sit back for a cup of tea in one the library’s tea lounges. When you're done, go shopping or check out the restaurants in Back Bay, the busy district where the library is located. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library (3.974 reviews)
- A Must-see Museum when visiting Boston
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Libraries • History Museums

Relive the Kennedy era in this dynamic combination museum and library, where your visit starts with a short film and then leaves you on your own to explore a series of fascinating exhibits, including the Kennedy-Nixon debate, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space program, 1960s campaign paraphernalia and displays about Jacqueline and other Kennedy family members. The striking, I.M. Pei-designed building overlooks the water and the Boston skyline. See more..
4.5 USS Constitution Museum (3.644 reviews)
- Fun Piece of History
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

At the USS Constitution Museum you don't just learn about history, you EXPERIENCE it! Furl a a sail, fire a cannon, and scrub the decks to learn what life was like at sea over 200 years ago. Located across from the ship in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard. The Museum is private non-profit Museum and is operated separately from USS Constitution (the Ship). See more..
4.5 Quincy Market (3.606 reviews)
- Foodies Paradise…history meets sustinence
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas • Shopping Malls

This historic Boston market has been around since 1826, and today has over a hundred pushcarts, shops, restaurants, and food court stops. Across the three market buildings (Quincy Market, South Market and North Market), you can find interesting coffees, artisanal bread, fresh seafood and of course, the Boston favorites: lobster rolls, clam chowder and Boston cream pie. Learn more about its history on a free guided tour by the city, or along with other historic sites in Boston on a walking tour. Located along the Freedom Trail, make a stop on the way to the New England Aquarium, Beacon Hill, and the Museum of Fine Arts. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Museum of Science (3.339 reviews)
- As good as I remembered
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Science Museums

The Museum of Science features over 700 interactive and informative exhibits centering around math, engineering, biodiversity, and more. Watch educational shows and live presentations at the Charles Hayden Planetarium, and cool 4D movies at the Mugar Omni Theater, the only domed IMAX screen in New England. Tickets to the museum include access to films and planetarium shows at a discounted rate. The museum is the departure point of the Boston Duck Tour—combine your museum visit with a cruise along the Charles River to enjoy the city’s best sights. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (3.245 reviews)
- A must when visiting Boston
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens • Art Museums

A Venetian palace in the middle of Boston, Gardner's home is now a museum displaying her impressive, eclectic collection of European, American and Asian art, including sculpture, paintings, furniture, ceramics and textiles. Visitors can stroll or rest in a spectacular skylit courtyard filled with plants and flowers. See more..
4.5 Old North Church & Historic Site (3.098 reviews)
- One by land two by sea
Monday: Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Built in 1723, Old North Church is Boston’s oldest surviving church building and an icon of the American Revolution. Old North is famous for the events of April 18, 1775, when allies of Paul Revere secretly climbed the steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal that British forces were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea across the Charles River and not by land. This daring act ignited the Revolution. $5 admission includes a self-guided tour through the church, with staff available to answer questions. Visitors can also take add-on tours of the church's crypt, gallery, and bell ringing chamber for $5 each. Old North's beautiful campus is also home to two gift shops and the Printing Office of Edes & Gill, which offers free colonial printing demonstrations. See more..
4.5 New England Holocaust Memorial (2.546 reviews)
- Very Interesting Memorial
Monuments & Statues • History Museums

The six glass towers of this striking memorial serve to represent the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, six main Nazi death camps and the candles on a menorah. See more..
4.5 Samuel Adams Brewery (2.528 reviews)
- Got to be done...
Monday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Visit us at the Sam Adams Boston Brewery! Join one of our experiences to learn about the brew process of our R&D brewhouse or dive into exclusive barrel-aged beers paired with local cheese. Our Beer Garden and Taproom feature a constant rotation of limited-release beers and events like weekly trivia and live music. See more..
4.5 Newbury Street (2.498 reviews)
- Old Boston street has new city vibe with eats, arts, and boutiques!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Boston's chic shopping address mixes elegant boutiques with funky salons and trendy galleries. See more..
4.5 USS Constitution (2.403 reviews)
- A great piece of history in Boston
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Ships

Such a cool piece of history alive in Boston. The ship is huge and there are so many things to see on board. Even navy sailors are on board to answer questions. The boat is free and the museum has a suggested donation entrance fee of $10+. The museum was super interactive for children and even kept my 16 yr old brother entertained! Overall, so much information and a great part of history to learn about in Boston. See more..
4.5 Beacon Hill (2.396 reviews)
- Picturesque streets to stroll
Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods

The famous Boston Brahmin neighborhood of red brick sidewalks, cobblestoned streets, elegant townhouses and gas street lamps. See more..
4.5 Bunker Hill Monument (1.900 reviews)
- Terrific Monument and Museum
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues

This 220-foot granite tower commemorates the Patriots' undaunted bravery in defeat at the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill. See more..
4.5 Waterfront (1.840 reviews)
- Just beautiful
Neighborhoods

Boston has a fabulous location being at the mouth of Charles river joining the Atlantic at the Boston Bay. Therefore, it's entirely encircled by water. City planners did a great job, as there're many open spaces to walk in between the central high rises. Another perspective of this beautiful city is taking a boat tour or water taxi which is more economical, where you'll capture terrific views from the bay. See more..