- Unique Things to Do in Boston
- 5 Top Things to Do in Boston
- 5 Fun Things to Do in Boston with Kids
- 5 Romantic Things to Do in Boston for Adults
- 5 Fun Outdoor Things to Do in Boston
- 5 Free Things to Do in Boston
- 5 Historical Things to Do in Boston
- 5 Things to Do in Boston at Night
Boston may be best known for its history and fiercely loyal sports fans, but there’s much more to experience here beyond that.
Boston has built a rich culture of art, food, music, and entertainment. Whether you’re considering living in Boston, just visiting, or looking for new ways to explore your hometown, this list compiles all the best things to do in Boston for families, couples, history lovers, outdoor adventurers, and nightlife enthusiasts.
Unique Things to Do in Boston
Regardless of whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, you’ll never have to wonder what to do in Boston. There’s always something new to discover in the city, and to help you make the most of it, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to 30 of the best things to do in Boston.
5 Top Things to Do in Boston
Out of all the historical sites and outdoor activities, what is the number one attraction in Boston? The Boston Common and Public Garden are often considered the best attractions, but with so many beautiful sites and activities to choose from, narrowing down the city’s number one pick isn’t easy.
What should you not miss in Boston? If you’re short on time or simply want to experience the very best of the city, start with these five standout attractions. Out of our extensive list, these are the best things to do in Boston.
1. Spend a Day in the Boston Common. Enjoy a casual stroll, a lunch picnic, or an afternoon riding the Swan Boats.
2. Walk the Freedom Trail. This self-guided walking tour takes you to more than a dozen historic sites that tell the story of America’s founding.
3. Become a Boston Foodie. Whether you want Michelin-starred chef counters, authentic Italian restaurants, or a casual setting for a lobster roll, Boston has it all.
4. Visit the Boston Public Library. See the library’s stunning architecture, rare collections, murals, and more all for free.
5. Enjoy Boston’s Live Music Culture. Home to the renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra and several intimate jazz clubs, Boston’s music culture has something for every taste.
Keep reading for even more ideas, so you always know what to do in Boston.
5 Fun Things to Do in Boston with Kids
If you’re looking for ideas to keep the whole family entertained, here are our five picks for fun things to do in Boston with kids.
1. Catch the Electricity Show at the Museum of Science
The Museum of Science is full of immersive exhibits for kids and adults alike. See a live animal presentation, a demonstration on modern robotics, and powerful lightning bolts in the Theater of Electricity.
2. Take a Ride on the Boston Public Garden Swan Boats
The Boston Public Garden, the first botanical garden in America, is a great place to enjoy the outdoors for free. Beyond enjoying the greenery and sculptures, you can also ride on the Swan Boats.
3. Try Out Bowling the New England Way
Candlepin bowling, which you can experience at spots like South Boston Candlepin, is a unique New England take on bowling. With smaller balls and lighter pins, it’s great for little hands learning to bowl.
4. Visit the Animals at the Franklin Park Zoo
Home to hundreds of animals, the Franklin Park Zoo is a great day-long adventure. Kids can glimpse gorillas, lions, zebras, and many other favorite zoo animals. There’s also a children’s section that lets visitors get up close to red pandas, prairie dogs, and more.
5. Enjoy a Baseball Game at Fenway Park
A visit to Fenway Park is an exciting, classic Boston experience, whether you’re a sports family or not. Cheer on the Red Sox at a game, or if it’s the off-season, take a guided tour of the Fenway Park Museum.
5 Romantic Things to Do in Boston for Adults
From sunset cruises to fine dining, you’ll find plenty of romantic things to do in Boston for your next date night.
1. Take a Sunset Boston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise
Boston Harbor sightseeing cruises are one of the best ways to see the city skyline. Add a sunset and some handcrafted drinks, and it’s the perfect romantic thing to do in Boston.
2. Taste Boston’s Fine Dining
The best restaurants in Boston range from intimate chef counters to casual family-owned eateries and everything in between. For an elevated night out, reserve seats at Three 1 One omakase, the city’s first Michelin-starred restaurant.
3. Enjoy Cocktails, Oysters, and Skyline Views on The Tall Ship
One of the best things to do in Boston for adults is to enjoy oysters, drinks, and panoramic Boston views on the historic-style vessel, The Tall Ship. This boat is also anchored on Pier One, where you can catch live music, sporting event watch parties, and more.
4. Shop Around the SoWa Market
Every Sunday from May to November, the SoWa Open Market takes over the SoWa (South of Washington) neighborhood, Boston’s beloved art and design district. The open-air market, which brings in local farmers, artists, and vendors, is one of the largest in the city, perfect for a late-morning casual shopping experience.
5. Try Italian Pastries in the North End
For date night desserts, stop by the North End, one of the oldest and best neighborhoods in Boston, which features over 100 Italian bakeries and eateries. Bova’s serves up over a dozen different specialty Italian cookies, and Mike’s Pastry is a local favorite for an authentic cannoli.
5 Fun Outdoor Things to Do in Boston
Don’t let Boston’s reputation as a busy, historic city fool you; there are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Here are five of our favorite fun outdoor things to do in Boston.
1. Enjoy a Day in the Boston Common
The Boston Common, just next door to the Public Garden, is 50 acres of green space, perfect for a picnic and a day in the park. Check out the Brewer Fountain Plaza, catch musicians at the bandstand, or exercise on the tennis or basketball courts.
2. Bike the Charles River Esplanade
The Charles River Esplanade is a three-mile scenic pathway not far from Beacon Hill. Enjoy a bike ride and take some breaks to see the public art and street performers along the way.
3. Kayak or Paddleboard on Jamaica Pond
During the summer, take your kayak, paddleboard, or sailboat to Jamaica Pond, just 30 minutes from Downtown Boston. Rentals are also available from Courageous Sailing in the pond’s historic boathouse.
4. Hike Through Nature at the Arnold Arboretum
Housing thousands of trees and plants from around the world, the Arnold Arboretum is a great place to escape into nature while staying in the city. There are several trails to choose from, to suit avid hikers or those just looking for a gentle walk under the trees.
5. Soak Up the Sun at Revere Beach
Revere Beach boasts three miles of shoreline and ocean views just north of Downtown. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, walking the promenade, or grabbing fresh seafood nearby.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure what to do with all your boating or sports equipment, check out our guide to learn how to store summer vacation gear and free up space at home.
5 Free Things to Do in Boston
Looking for budget-friendly activities? These free things to do in Boston prove that some of the city’s best experiences are accessible to everyone.
1. See the Stacks at the Boston Public Library
More than just a place to check out books, the Boston Public Library in Copley Square is a historic landmark filled with stunning murals, courtyards, and architecture. Stop by for a free tour any day of the week or explore the building at your own pace.
2. Check Out the Institute of Contemporary Art
The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) offers free tickets every Thursday evening. While free tickets don’t count toward live performances or private events, guests can enjoy the full museum and its thematic exhibitions of leading modern and emerging artists.
3. Stroll Along the Rose Kennedy Greenway
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is a beautiful stretch of parks, gardens, and public art displays in the heart of Downtown. Beyond the rotating art installations, it also hosts over 400 free public events each year.
4. Window Shop at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market
Even if you’re not planning on buying anything, the Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market are worth a visit. Browse local vendors and maybe even catch some street performers on the steps into Quincy Market.
5. Visit the Commonwealth Museum
If you want an educational experience, consider stopping into the Commonwealth Museum. Here, you’ll find some of the most important historical documents that laid the foundation for America’s independence and democracy.
5 Historical Things to Do in Boston
As one of the oldest cities in the country, Boston is packed with history around every corner. Here are a few historical things to do in Boston to explore the city’s past.
1. Walk the Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is one of Boston’s most iconic attractions and one of the best ways to learn about the city’s history. Along the route, you’ll see the Old Corner Bookstore, the Old State House, and 14 other historically significant sites.
2. Relive the Boston Tea Party
If you want to know what it feels like to toss tea into the harbor, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum has you covered. Learn about the start of the Revolutionary War through interactive exhibits.
3. Learn African American History on the Black Heritage Trail
The cobblestone streets and red brick houses of Beacon Hill are also home to a stretch of the Black Heritage Trail. Along the route, you’ll find historic structures like the Charles Street Meeting House, where abolitionists once gathered and organized in the fight against slavery.
4. Tour the Massachusetts State House
You can’t miss the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House. Stop in for a free guided tour to learn about the building’s history, admire its architecture, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Massachusetts state government works.
5. Explore Castle Island and Fort Independence
Fort Independence is an old, castle-like fortification on Castle Island, east of Boston. There, you can learn about Boston’s military history and enjoy the old stone architecture.
5 Things to Do in Boston at Night
In the evening, the city comes alive with live music, comedy, craft cocktails, and more. Here are a few of our favorite unique things to do in Boston at night.
1. Hear the Boston Symphony Orchestra
Boston’s Symphony Hall is one of the world’s most renowned concert halls. Known for its architecture and acoustics, it’s the perfect place to catch a performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra for a moving evening of music.
2. Find Boston’s Speakeasies
Boston’s old streets have become the perfect locales for hidden speakeasies throughout the city. Try out Parla for Prohibition-era cocktails, or the Extra Dirty Cocktail Club, which offers an exclusive atmosphere of just 20 seats.
3. Enjoy a Casual Drink at Cheers
Fans of the classic sitcom Cheers can visit the pub, Cheers Boston, that inspired the show. Stop in for a drink, a plate of comfort food, or just a bit of nostalgia.
4. Share Laughs at a Comedy Club
There are several comedy clubs throughout the city, but many residents recommend Laugh Boston. The club regularly hosts nationally recognized comedians as well as talented local performers.
5. Experience Boston’s Historic Jazz
Boston has a strong jazz culture with clubs throughout the city. Visit Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club, one of the city’s favorite music venues since 1947, in the South End.
Find Storage for the Best Things to Do in Boston
From relaxing in Boston Common to biking along the Esplanade, there are truly countless things to do in Boston. If your adventures require special gear, Boston self-storage can help you keep everything organized and ready for your next outing. Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
