Boston is one of America's most historic cities, but there is far more to experience here than the Freedom Trail.
From Fenway Park and the North End to neighborhood restaurants, harbor islands, historic taverns, museums, beaches, day trips, and some of the best seafood in New England, Boston offers enough to fill a weekend, or a lifetime.
Whether you're visiting Boston for the first time, recently moved to Massachusetts, or have lived here for decades, this guide brings together 50 of the best things to do, places to visit, foods to try, and experiences worth having in Boston.
What Are the Best Things To Do in Boston?
If you only have a short time in Boston, start with these essentials:
- Walk the Freedom Trail
- Visit Fenway Park
- Explore the history and culture of Boston's North End
- Walk Boston Common and the Public Garden
- Visit the USS Constitution
- Explore the Museum of Fine Arts
- Eat a lobster roll
- Visit Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
- Walk the Boston Harbor waterfront
- Take a day trip to Salem
But those are only the beginning.
Historic Boston
1. Walk the Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is one of the best introductions to Boston.
The roughly 2.5-mile route connects 16 historically significant locations and takes visitors through some of the most important places associated with the American Revolution.
Stops include Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and the USS Constitution.
2. Visit the USS Constitution
"Old Ironsides" is one of Boston's most important historic attractions and the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat.
The ship is located in Charlestown and can easily be combined with the northern portion of the Freedom Trail.
3. See the Bunker Hill Monument
The monument commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the earliest major battles of the American Revolution.
Visitors willing to climb the monument's stairs are rewarded with views across Boston.
4. Visit the Paul Revere House
Built around 1680, the Paul Revere House is one of the oldest surviving buildings in downtown Boston.
It provides a remarkably tangible connection to Revolutionary-era Boston.
The surrounding neighborhood has its own remarkable story. Read NewBostonPost's guide to the history of Boston's North End and why it is still worth visiting.
5. Visit Old North Church
Few American churches are as closely connected with the Revolution as Old North Church.
The famous signal associated with Paul Revere's midnight ride — "one if by land, two if by sea" — originated here.
Iconic Boston Experiences
6. Visit Fenway Park
Even people who aren't baseball fans should see Fenway Park at least once.
Opened in 1912, the home of the Boston Red Sox is the oldest active Major League Baseball ballpark.
If you're heading to a game, see NewBostonPost's guide to the five best bars near Fenway Park for places to visit before or after first pitch.
7. Walk Through Boston Common
Established in 1634, Boston Common is America's oldest public park.
It remains one of the easiest starting points for exploring downtown Boston.
8. Explore the Boston Public Garden
Immediately beside Boston Common, the Public Garden offers a quieter and more landscaped experience.
The Swan Boats have become one of Boston's most recognizable traditions.
9. Walk Newbury Street
Newbury Street combines historic Back Bay architecture with restaurants, cafés, galleries, boutiques, and major retailers.
10. See Beacon Hill
Brick sidewalks, gas lamps, narrow streets, and Federal-style townhouses make Beacon Hill one of Boston's most recognizable neighborhoods.
Acorn Street is particularly famous, but exploring the surrounding streets is often more interesting.
What To Eat in Boston
Boston is one of America's great regional food cities, with traditions extending far beyond lobster and clam chowder.
11. Eat a New England Lobster Roll
Hot with butter or cold with mayonnaise?
New Englanders can argue about that question indefinitely.
Either way, eating a lobster roll belongs on nearly every Boston food itinerary.
12. Try New England Clam Chowder
Boston and clam chowder have been associated for generations.
Traditional New England chowder is creamy, rich, and usually filled with clams and potatoes.
Seafood lovers should also explore NewBostonPost's guide to the Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in Boston.
13. Eat in the North End
Boston's North End remains one of America's best-known Italian neighborhoods.
Visitors will find old-school restaurants, bakeries, cafés, pizza shops, and newer establishments packed into a remarkably small neighborhood.
For a deeper look at the neighborhood before visiting, read The History of Boston's North End — And Why It's Still Worth Visiting Today.
And if you're looking for something more specific to eat, NewBostonPost put several neighborhood favorites to the test in The North End's Best Italian Sub.
14. Try a North Shore Roast Beef Sandwich
This requires leaving downtown Boston, but it is worth understanding one of eastern Massachusetts's most distinctive regional foods.
A classic North Shore roast beef sandwich typically combines thinly sliced rare roast beef with cheese, mayonnaise, and barbecue sauce on an onion roll.
Not sure where to start? NewBostonPost ranked the best roast beef sandwiches on the North Shore.
15. Try South Shore Bar Pizza
Head south of Boston and another distinctly Massachusetts food tradition appears: South Shore bar pizza.
These individual pan pizzas are known for crispy edges, cheese extending toward the crust, and intensely loyal local followings.
NewBostonPost has a complete guide to the best South Shore bar pizza in Massachusetts.
Boston Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
16. North End
Come for Italian food and Revolutionary history.
Stay long enough to wander the side streets.
The neighborhood's combination of American history and Italian-American culture makes it worth exploring beyond Hanover Street. Read our complete history and guide to Boston's North End.
17. Beacon Hill
One of Boston's most historic and visually distinctive neighborhoods.
18. Back Bay
Home to Newbury Street, Copley Square, Commonwealth Avenue, and some of Boston's most recognizable architecture.
19. Seaport
Boston's waterfront has changed dramatically in recent decades.
The Seaport now offers restaurants, entertainment, harbor views, hotels, and public spaces.
20. Charlestown
Charlestown combines Revolutionary history with residential streets and waterfront views.
Museums and Culture
21. Museum of Fine Arts
The MFA is one of America's major art museums and can easily occupy several hours.
22. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Gardner combines art, architecture, history, and one of America's most famous unsolved crimes.
The 1990 theft of 13 works remains unsolved.
23. Museum of Science
A particularly good choice for families, rainy days, and anyone interested in science and technology.
24. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
An interactive introduction to one of the defining events leading to the American Revolution.
25. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Located along the waterfront in Dorchester, the museum explores the life, presidency, and legacy of John F. Kennedy.
Free Things To Do in Boston
Boston doesn't have to be expensive.
26. Walk the Freedom Trail
Following the trail itself costs nothing.
27. Explore Boston Common
Free and centrally located.
28. Walk the Harbor
Miles of waterfront areas can be explored without buying a ticket.
29. Explore Beacon Hill
Some of Boston's best architecture can be enjoyed simply by walking.
30. Visit Castle Island
Castle Island offers waterfront walking, views of Boston Harbor, and Fort Independence.
Boston With Kids
31. New England Aquarium
The aquarium is one of the city's most popular family attractions.
32. Boston Children's Museum
A longtime destination for families visiting Boston.
33. Franklin Park Zoo
The zoo provides a completely different experience from downtown sightseeing.
34. Ride the Swan Boats
A simple Boston tradition generations of families have experienced.
35. Take a Harbor Cruise
Seeing Boston from the water provides a completely different perspective on the city.
Outdoors Around Boston
36. Walk the Charles River Esplanade
The Esplanade offers walking, running, cycling, river views, and green space immediately beside the city.
37. Visit Castle Island
One of the easiest ways to combine Boston history, harbor views, and outdoor recreation.
38. Explore the Boston Harbor Islands
The Boston Harbor Islands offer hiking, beaches, historic sites, forts, and spectacular views surprisingly close to downtown.
39. Visit Arnold Arboretum
This expansive landscape operated by Harvard University offers a peaceful escape from the denser parts of Boston.
40. Visit a Massachusetts Beach
You don't necessarily need to drive all the way to Cape Cod to find a great beach.
North of Boston, NewBostonPost identified five North Shore beaches that stand out, including Singing Beach and Crane Beach.
Heading in the opposite direction? Explore five South Shore beaches that stand out, including Nantasket Beach and Plymouth Long Beach.
Best Day Trips From Boston
Boston also makes an excellent base for exploring Massachusetts and the rest of New England.
41. Salem, Massachusetts
History, maritime culture, architecture, and the famous Salem witch trials make Salem one of the most popular excursions from Boston.
42. Plymouth, Massachusetts
Visit the community associated with the Mayflower, Plymouth Colony, and some of America's earliest colonial history.
43. Cape Cod
Beaches, seafood, historic towns, lighthouses, and classic New England coastal scenery make the Cape one of Massachusetts's defining destinations.
44. Rockport, Massachusetts
This small North Shore community provides galleries, seafood, coastal scenery, and one of New England's most photographed fishing shacks.
While you're exploring the North Shore, consider visiting one of NewBostonPost's picks for the best North Shore beaches in Massachusetts.
45. Newport, Rhode Island
Famous Gilded Age mansions and dramatic coastline make Newport an easy New England getaway.
46. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
A walkable historic downtown, restaurants, waterfront scenery, and colonial architecture make Portsmouth another excellent option.
If you're planning something longer than a day trip, explore more ideas in NewBostonPost's New England travel and culture guides.
Boston Experiences Locals Should Try At Least Once
47. Watch a Red Sox Game at Fenway
Few sporting experiences are more distinctly Boston.
Before or after the game, our guide to the best bars near Fenway Park can help you decide where to go.
48. Attend a North End Feast
During summer, religious festivals transform North End streets with processions, food, music, and crowds.
These feasts are part of a much longer tradition of faith and Italian-American culture in the neighborhood, which we explore in our history of Boston's North End.
49. Watch the Boston Marathon
Patriots' Day brings one of the world's most famous races into the heart of Boston.
50. Explore Boston Without a Plan
Boston rewards wandering.
Walk through Beacon Hill. Cross into the North End. Follow the waterfront. Take a side street. Stop at a neighborhood restaurant.
Some of the best Boston experiences aren't attractions at all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Boston
What is Boston best known for?
Boston is best known for its role in the American Revolution, historic neighborhoods, universities, professional sports, seafood, Irish and Italian heritage, and institutions including Fenway Park and the Freedom Trail.
What are the top five things to do in Boston?
For a first visit, five of the best things to do in Boston are walking the Freedom Trail, visiting Fenway Park, exploring the North End, walking Boston Common and the Public Garden, and spending time along Boston Harbor.
How many days do you need in Boston?
Three days is enough to experience many of Boston's major attractions.
Four or five days provides enough time to explore additional neighborhoods and potentially take a day trip to Salem, Plymouth, Cape Cod, or another New England destination.
What should a first-time visitor do in Boston?
A first-time visitor should consider the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, Public Garden, Beacon Hill, North End, Fenway Park, Boston Harbor, and at least one major museum.
Can you visit Boston without a car?
Yes.
Boston is one of the easiest major American cities to explore without a car. Many central attractions are walkable, while the MBTA provides subway, bus, commuter rail, and ferry service.
What food is Boston famous for?
Boston and the surrounding region are particularly associated with lobster rolls, New England clam chowder, oysters, fried clams, Boston cream pie, Italian-American food, North Shore roast beef sandwiches, and South Shore bar pizza.
For more local food ideas, explore NewBostonPost's Boston and New England food coverage.
What are the best free things to do in Boston?
Popular free activities include walking Boston Common, exploring Beacon Hill, following the Freedom Trail, walking the Charles River Esplanade, visiting Castle Island, and exploring portions of Boston's waterfront.
What are the best beaches near Boston?
Beach options north of Boston include Singing Beach, Crane Beach, and Wingaersheek Beach. South of Boston, popular options include Nantasket Beach and Plymouth Long Beach.
See NewBostonPost's guides to the best North Shore beaches and South Shore beaches for more ideas.
What is the best time of year to visit Boston?
Late spring and early fall generally provide comfortable weather for exploring Boston.
Summer offers festivals, baseball, beaches, waterfront activities, and trips throughout New England, while fall brings cooler temperatures and the region's famous foliage.
Is Boston worth visiting?
Yes.
Boston combines major American historic sites, distinctive neighborhoods, museums, professional sports, universities, seafood, coastal scenery, and easy access to the rest of New England in a relatively compact city.
Explore More of Boston and New England
There's much more to explore beyond this list.
Food
Read NewBostonPost's guide to the best roast beef sandwiches on the North Shore.
Discover the best South Shore bar pizza in Massachusetts.
Find the North End's best Italian sub.
Boston
Learn about the history of Boston's North End.
Heading to Fenway? See the five best bars near Fenway Park.
Beaches
Explore five North Shore beaches that stand out.
Or head south with our guide to five South Shore beaches that stand out.
More New England
Explore all of NewBostonPost's Boston, Massachusetts, and New England guides.
Boston has been evolving for nearly four centuries, but much of what makes the city distinctive remains remarkably durable: history, neighborhoods, food, sports, institutions, and a distinctly New England sense of place.
There is always something else to discover.
