What to do in Boston, MA

Activities, attractions and tours

Boston
Boston
Boston
Boston
Boston

Boston Attractions

If you’re looking for things to do in Boston, you may have a hard time creating a short list for the Massachusetts capital. Considering the rich history and delicious food in Beantown , there is plenty to do here any time of year. People journey to this New England destination to take in a baseball game at famed Fenway Park, visit the Bunker Hill Monument, and nosh at the original Cheers™. If you’re not sure where to start, Boston tours are a good way to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time.

Areas & Neighborhoods

Boston has developed a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. It doesn’t matter if you’re a history buff or look forward to reading in a park, Boston has an area to feed your interests.

Beacon Hill — Make a stop in Beacon Hill for a taste of Boston’s finest architecture. This historic neighborhood is brimming with traditional brick buildings and row houses. While you’re here, walk past many historical homes, include places once owned by writers Robert Frost and Sylvia Plath.

South End — Called Southie by locals, this Boston neighborhood is near downtown and Back Bay. It also happens to host many of the most fun things to do in Boston, with a bounty of restaurants and shops on Tremont and Washington Streets.

North End — In this part of Boston, things to do include visits to historical sites and authentic Italian restaurants; this is also the neighborhood where locals can be found rooting for a bocce game at the courts on Commercial Street or sipping coffee at a local café.

What to See in Boston

Boston museums aim to attract every type of traveler, including history buffs and art lovers. The Boston Fire Museum, Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum , and the Commonwealth Museum are all open to the public. If art and culture are up your alley, put the Boston Symphony Orchestra on your itinerary or take in an opera. The Athens of America is also home to plenty of theater, including the Cutler Majestic Theatre and Calderwood Pavilion.

Things to Do & Attractions in Boston

When you’re ready to get a bit more active in The Walking City, you will find plenty to do in Boston. Whether you are traveling with the family or on a journey with your friends, you can keep just about any pace. Stop in at the Boston Children’s Museum to play and learn with kids of all ages and then take a stroll by The Paul Revere House in north Boston. Have some adult fun by taking a Samuel Adams® brewery tour, or go ice skating in Boston Common during the winter months. Things to do in Boston, MA are ever-changing, with new attractions and restaurants popping up all the time. One thing is sure: You won’t leave town without wanting to come back.


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What to do in Boston


Discover the most popular places to visit in Boston

Explore areas of Boston

Downtown Boston which includes night scenes and a city as well as a small group of people

Downtown Boston

4.5/5(193 area reviews)

Densely packed with highrise buildings, this area boasts landmarks like Custom House Tower and is close to Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, and the Old State House. Find headquarters of major banks, hotels, and investment firms here.

Downtown Boston
Back Bay featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

Back Bay

4.5/5(271 area reviews)

Victorian brownstone homes and cultural institutions like the Boston Public Library define this area. Shop at Newbury Street, Prudential Center, and Copley Place, or explore sights like Trinity Church and the John Hancock Tower.

Back Bay
Seaport District which includes a city, a river or creek and a high rise building

Seaport District

4.5/5(64 area reviews)

Experience a transformed industrial area with office towers, innovation labs, and 78 restaurants. Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art and easily access Downtown Boston via the Evelyn Moakley Bridge.

Seaport District
Beacon Hill which includes landscape views

Beacon Hill

5/5(1 area review)

Historic Federal-style rowhouses, gaslit streets, and brick sidewalks create a charming atmosphere. Explore the Boston African American National Historic Site, shop on Charles Street, and easily access MBTA stations.

Beacon Hill
Kenmore Square showing street scenes

Fenway–Kenmore

4.5/5(43 area reviews)

Home to Fenway Park and the Museum of Fine Arts, this vibrant area boasts numerous educational institutions, cultural attractions, and independent shops. Easily accessible via MBTA subway and bus lines, explore Kenmore Square and admire the iconic Citgo sign.

Fenway–Kenmore
Boston Harbor which includes performance art, music and a bay or harbor

North End

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Indulge in Italian cuisine at numerous restaurants and bakeries, explore historic sites like Old North Church and Paul Revere House, and enjoy performances at NEMPAC and Improv Asylum Theater. Easily accessible via MBTA lines, buses, and ferries.

North End

 

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Day trip destinations from Boston