Things To Do in Boston, Massachusetts

Activities, attractions and tours
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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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)

Known for its must-see aquarium and captivating waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Boston. Check out top attractions like Boston Harbor and Boston Massacre Site, and jump on the metro at State St. Station or Downtown Crossing Station to see more of the city.

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

Back Bay

4.5/5(271 area reviews)

Travelers love Back Bay for its popular shops, and you can see more of Boston by jumping on the metro at Copley Station or Prudential Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Copley Square and Newbury Street.

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)

A noteworthy feature of Seaport District is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Flynn Cruiseport Boston and Boston Harbor.

Seaport District
Beacon Hill which includes landscape views

Beacon Hill

5/5(1 area review)

Historic sites, shopping, and restaurants highlight some notable features of Beacon Hill. Make a stop by Boston Common or Charles Street while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Charles-MGH Station or Park St. Station to get around town.

Beacon Hill
Kenmore Square showing street scenes

Fenway–Kenmore

4.5/5(43 area reviews)

Art galleries, museums, and historic sites highlight some notable features of Fenway–Kenmore. Make a stop by Fenway Park or MGM Music Hall at Fenway while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Fenway Station or Kenmore Station to get around town.

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

North End

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are just a few popular features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by Boston Harbor or New England Aquarium while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Aquarium to get around town.

North End

Day trip destinations from Boston