The city of Boston, Massachusetts, is beautiful, elegant, and historic. Its red-brick streets, waterfront views, and 400-year-long history make it one of the top travel destinations for a weekend away or a longer break. Before my husband took a job in Boston, I’d never visited, but now after spending several weeks there and gathering his feedback from a year and a half in the city, I now have a list for you of the 30 best things to do in Boston.
Boston is also vibrant, modern, and packed full of fun things to do. Whether you’re following the Freedom Trail, sipping coffee in Beacon Hill, or taking the kids to trendy Seaport, there’s something to suit every taste.
This guide brings together my favorite places to explore in Boston, from the top neighborhoods for shopping to the best museums that make Boston such a fascinating destination. I’ve picked out some attractions that are especially kid-friendly, but most of these spots would be suitable for a family vacation.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to dig a little deeper, these are the best attractions and experiences for a memorable trip.
In this guide:
- Discover Boston’s history
- Different ways to explore Boston
- Fun things to do in Boston with kids
- Art and history in Boston
- Outdoor fun in Boston
- Shopping and dining in Boston
- Day trips and tours from Boston
Discover Boston’s History
Boston is proud of the role it played in U.S. history, and there are plenty of fascinating attractions for history buffs to explore.
USS Constitution
The USS Constitution was launched in 1797. It was one of the six original U.S. Navy frigates and it played a significant role in the War of 1812. Sailors gave it the nickname, “Old Ironsides,” because the 21” thick oak hull was so strong that British cannonballs bounced off it.
The USS Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat. You can visit it along with the USS Constitution Museum at Boston’s Charlestown Navy Yard.
We visited Old Ironsides during our July 2025 Boston visit, and I was pleasantly surprised at how interesting it was.
You might think that touring an old ship would be a bit boring, especially for young children. But there are lots of interactive exhibits and talks about what life would have been like on board.
Kids can lie in a hammock where the sailors would have slept, and practice raising the ship’s sail.
Active-duty U.S. Navy sailors are on hand to explain the ship’s rich history and demonstrate jobs like loading the cannons. It was all fascinating, and we really enjoyed our visit.
The USS Constitution Museum is open daily, and admission is by donation. Because the ship is a commissioned U.S. Navy vessel, all visitors have to go through security, and adults aged 18+ must provide photo ID.
Follow the Freedom Trail
There’s so much history in Boston, and the Freedom Trail is definitely one of the top things to do in Boston.
It’s a 2.5-mile red brick path that starts in Boston Common and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument, near USS Constitution.
Along the way, you’ll pass 16 historic landmarks, including the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, and more.
You can easily follow the Freedom Trail on your own, as a red line clearly marks the route. You can also download the Freedom Trail App or pick up a free map from the tourist office on Boston Common.
However, booking a guided tour will help you get much more out of your walk.
This Freedom Trail guided tour will take you to all 16 landmarks in the company of a local expert. You’ll learn about the significance of each site and hear stories from Boston’s revolutionary past.
Paul Revere House
If you’d like to learn more about Boston’s role in revolutionary history, the Paul Revere House is a must-see. It was Paul Revere’s house from 1770 to 1800, and the starting point for his famous midnight ride in 1775.
The house is one of the few remaining 17th-century houses in the United States. It still looks pretty much as it would have done in Paul Revere’s time, complete with period furnishings and antique silverware.
The Paul Revere House is one of the best things to do in Boston for history buffs. It’s open daily, and guided tours are available. Admission starts at just $6 for adults, and advance booking is not required.
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
Boston is famous as the location of the Boston Tea Party, a pivotal event in the lead-up to the American Revolution.
The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum brings this event to life through live actors, immersive displays, and 3D holographic characters.
You can take part in a town meeting, throw a tea chest into the harbor, and even see the only surviving tea chest from the events of December 16, 1773.
This is a fun and educational experience, and my kids loved it. You can find out more in my full review of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.
This attraction often sells out, especially at weekends and in the summer months, so advance booking is highly recommended.
Boston Public Library
There’s so much to see and do in Boston, but it’s worth making time to visit the Boston Public Library. It’s the United States’ oldest public library, dating back to 1848, and is famous for its beautiful Reading Room.
The library attracts lots of readers and students, but you can also join guided tours and other free events. You can also enjoy afternoon tea in the library’s Courtyard Tea Room, but book a table in advance as it fills up quickly.
Different ways to explore Boston
Choose one of these ways to see Boston from the roads, the water, or up in the air.
Old Town Trolley
A ride on the Old Town Trolley is a fantastic way to explore Boston, and it’s much less tiring than walking.
You can hop on and off the double-decker trolleys at any of the 13 stops. The two routes make it easy to visit more than 100 landmarks around the city, including the Paul Revere House and Faneuil Hall.
The conductors are local experts and will offer fascinating live commentary on the areas you visit.
One- and two-day Old Town Trolley tickets are available, and both offer free unlimited re-boarding.
Boston Duck Tour
The famous Boston Duck Tour takes you from land to water in an 80-minute exploration of the city.
The amphibious “Duck” is a World War II-style vehicle that transitions from road to river with ease. You’ll start by exploring Boston’s historic streets and then coast along the Charles River before plunging into the harbour.
Along the way, your expert guide will point out major landmarks and share facts and stories about the city’s history. Remember to take your headphones if you’d like to listen to the multilingual audio guide.
Take a Boston Harbor Cruise
Touring Boston’s world-famous harbor is a relaxing introduction to the city. A sightseeing cruise lets you see the city’s skyline from the water, and hear the tales behind some of the historical sites.
This Boston Harbor cruise takes you past the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, Castle Island, and Old North Church. Your expert host will share facts about the history of Boston Harbor and tales of Boston’s role in the Revolutionary War.
The boat has spacious outdoor viewing decks and an indoor lounge with large windows so you can still get a good view from inside. Snacks and beverages are available to purchase during your cruise.
You could also book a sunset boat tour for beautiful views of Boston’s skyline as the sun dips behind the city.
An expert guide will tell you about the landmarks you sail past, and you can purchase snacks and cold beverages. A full bar is also available.
View Boston from Above
Get a different perspective on Boston from the View Boston 360° observation deck. View Boston is the tallest observation deck in New England, located 750 feet above the city streets in the Prudential Tower.
When the weather is fine, head to the Cloud Terrace open-air deck on the 51st floor. If the weather is too cold or wet for outdoor viewing, there’s an indoor viewing platform on the 52nd floor.
You can also check out the fascinating 3-D model of Boston and explore the city through film at Open Doors, the 270-degree immersive theater.
Fun things to do in Boston with kids
Most of the attractions on this list would be suitable for family vacations, but these attractions are especially kid-friendly. They’re all indoors, which makes them great for escaping the rain or the hot afternoon sun.
New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is one of Boston’s most popular attractions and a great place to visit with kids.
It’s home to 20,000 sea animals, and top exhibits include Myrtle the 95-year-old green sea turtle, a penguin colony, and a giant 4-story aquarium containing a coral reef with tropical fish.
Booking skip-the-line entry to the New England Aquarium is a good way to maximize your time in Boston. You’ll spend less time waiting in line and more time marveling at the aquarium.
We visited the aquarium as guests of the tourism board. You can find out more in my full review of the New England Aquarium.
Boston Children’s Museum
Boston Children’s Museum is an immersive experience that families are sure to enjoy. It’s an entertaining blend of interactive exhibits, educational activities, and fun exercise.
Your experience starts in the Museum’s three-story climbing structure, where kids can test their balance and agility. Toddlers will enjoy the PlaySpace, and young scientists can get hands-on in the STEAM Lab.
Other fun areas include the Construction Zone, the Japanese House, and the Kid Power exhibit, which teaches children about health and fitness.
There are activities to delight every child at the Boston Children’s Museum, making it a must if you’re visiting Boston with kids. It’s also right near the Tea Party Museum so it’s an easy thing to pair together for a full day of fun.
Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream is a fun, interactive experience for kids of all ages, even the adult ones.
You can learn about ice cream history in nine interactive spaces, including the Hall of Freezers and the giant Sprinkle Pool.
You can visit the rooms in any order and go back to your favorites as often as you like. The Museum’s friendly team will be on hand with tasty samples and fun facts.
Once you’ve finished exploring the installations, you can head to the scoop store or visit Dunky’s Diner for milkshakes and ice-cream themed cocktails.
My kids absolutely loved this museum, and I highly recommend a visit. We’ve also visited MOIC in New York and it makes our list of the best museums for kids in NYC.
Admission is by timed entry, and this Boston attraction regularly sells out. Booking MOIC tickets in advance is a must.
Puttshack
If you love minigolf, Puttshack is a must-visit. It’s a high-tech, indoor mini-golf venue that delivers maximum fun in an upscale environment.
The 9-hole courses have interactive holes and tech-infused golf balls that automatically track your scores. There’s also a full-service restaurant serving global cuisine and a high-end cocktail bar.
My family visited Puttshack as guests of the tourism board. In fact, we had so much fun that my sons were desperate to return for a second visit later on in the week. In such a fun-packed city with so much to do, that’s high praise!
You can read more in my full review of Puttshack.
F1 Arcade
F1 Arcade is the world’s first immersive Formula 1 gaming arcade. You’ll find F1 Arcades in cities around the U.S. and further afield, like London and Madrid.
The arcade features realistic F1 racing simulators, designed to replicate the motion and excitement of driving a Formula 1 car. You can race on iconic racing tracks like Silverstone, Monza, and Spa-Francorchamps, competing as a team or racing head-to-head.
It’s a fun and exciting social experience, perfect for adults and older kids. It’s also a great way to pass an hour or two indoors on a rainy day.
All ages are welcome at F1 Arcade until 6pm, but kids must be 7 years or older to drive the simulators.
We visited the Boston venue as guests of the tourism, and you can find out how we liked it in my full review of F1 Arcade Boston.
Flight Club
Flight Club Boston is a high-tech darts venue in Boston’s Seaport district. It’s a unique social gaming system with automatic scoring and instant replays. I admit that I learned just how bad I am at darts while playing at Flight Club.
The upscale fairground-themed décor, high-energy atmosphere, and full food and drink menu make Flight Club ideal for a fun group activity. We visited with group of coworkers and it was a great corporate activity. I also saw couples on dates and groups of friends enjoying darts or food.
If you’re visiting Boston with kids, please be aware that kids under 12 years old can attend the venue before 6pm, but can’t throw darts. After 6pm, Sunday to Friday, the venue is strictly 21+.
Art and history in Boston
Boston has many world-class museums and art galleries to choose from. Here’s my pick of the best spots for art and history lovers.
Boston Museum of Science
The Boston Museum of Science is a world-famous science center located on the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge. It was founded in 1830 and has over 900 interactive science, nature, and technology exhibits.
Some of the museum’s top attractions include a lightning generator, a planetarium, and a five-story IMAX theater. There are also a lot of hands-on science exhibits, like wind tunnels and bridge-building experiments, and a humanoid robot that tries to complete tasks.
We visited the Museum of Science as guests of the tourism board. It was not one of the attractions that I originally planned on visiting, but our kids ended up really enjoying it.
It’s ideal for kids aged up to 10 years old, but I think even young teenagers would enjoy a visit here. They also run a series of after-hours events just for adults.
The only downside to our visit was that the food in the restaurant was very basic, and I think you’d struggle if you have food allergies. But apart from that, it was a really fun visit that we all enjoyed.
You can buy tickets for the Boston Museum of Science on the day. However, it’s a very popular attraction, especially on weekends and school holidays. Booking in advance means you can save money and avoid the long lines for admission. The museum tends to be quieter before 11 am and after 4 pm.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a highlight for art lovers. It’s located in a beautiful Venetian-style palazzo that was once the home of the wealthy art aficionado, Isabella Stewart Gardner.
The museum houses Isabella Stewart’s personal art collection. You can see works by Italian masters like Titian and Raphael, along with sculptures, antique furniture, old photographs, and rare books.
You can also wander around the stunning courtyard and gardens that are just as breathtaking as the art collection.
Admission is by timed entry, and tickets can sell out quickly, especially on weekends. Booking in advance is the best way to secure your preferred time slot.
Museum of Fine Arts
Art lovers will adore the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. This world-class art museum was founded in 1870 and has a massive collection of over 500,000 artworks and historic artifacts.
You can see ancient Egyptian mummies, paintings by Impressionist masters like Monet and Van Gogh, and contemporary art.
The Art of the Americas Wing is also worth checking out. It showcases 3,000 years of art from the Americas, with 53 galleries displaying 5,000 works from ancient Maya artifacts to masterpieces by John Singer Sargent and Georgia O’Keeffe.
You can buy tickets on arrival at the Museum of Fine Arts, but advance booking is recommended.
If you want to learn more about the works on display, this private Museum of Fine Arts tour is ideal.
You’ll enjoy skip-the-line entry and explore the museum in the company of an expert guide. Your two-hour tour will be tailored to suit your interests, and your private guide will offer fascinating stories about each masterpiece you see.
Outdoor fun in Boston
Get outdoors and relax at one of these beloved Boston locations.
Boston Common
Covering 50 acres of Boston’s downtown area, Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States. It was established in 1634 and is now a popular place for relaxation and public events. It’s also the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing.
In the fall, Boston Common is an excellent location for leaf peeping as the trees change to shades of red, orange, and gold.
Some of Boston Common’s key features include the Frog Pond, where you can skate in winter, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and the “Embrace” sculpture honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
Boston Common is right next to the Boston Public Garden, so you can easily walk between the two parks.
Boston Public Garden
The Boston Public Garden is a Victorian-style park in downtown Boston. It’s located next to Boston Common on Charles Street, forming the green heart of Boston city center.
The 24-acre park was established in 1837, making it the first public botanical garden in the United States.
Boston Public Garden is known for its colorful flower beds, lagoons, and statues like the famous “Make Way for Ducklings” sculpture.
If you visit in the summer months, you can also take a ride on the 4-acre lagoon in one of the park’s iconic Swan pedal boats.
Watch the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park
I definitely recommend going to watch a Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park. It’s a lot of fun, even if you’re not huge baseball fans.
It’s the oldest Major League Baseball (MLB) stadium still in use, opening on April 20, 1912.
That gives the ballpark a more traditional feel – for example, there’s no massive videoboard showing the audience or displaying games between the innings.
Some people might find it a bit boring compared to newer ballparks, but Fenway Park is a lovely historic venue. You get a real sense of occasion when you watch a game there.
Be sure to grab a photo of the 37-foot-tall left field wall, known as the Green Monster, and the Red Sox mascot, Wally the Green Monster.
The baseball season runs between March and October. If you’re visiting out of season, the ballpark hosts concerts, and you can also join a guided tour of the venue.
Shopping and dining in Boston
Here’s my pick of the best places to shop, eat, and drink in Boston.
The Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall is a beloved historic landmark that played a crucial role in revolutionary politics. It opened in 1742 and has seen countless speeches and debates.
Nowadays, the Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a great place to shop and eat. It consists of four buildings: the Faneuil Hall, North Market, South Market, and Quincy Market.
This historic marketplace is a great place to shop in popular chain stores and independent shops. There are tons of places to try some New England cuisine, with options ranging from food carts and market stalls to restaurants.
You can also catch live entertainment from street performers and pick up some souvenirs of your stay in Boston.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is one of Boston’s most picturesque neighborhoods, located just north of Boston Common and the Public Garden. It’s famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, gas-lit lamps, and elegant Federal-style rowhouses.
You can easily pass a couple of hours here, browsing through the independent boutiques and restaurants on Charles Street. Acorn Street is another must-visit spot, considered to be one of the most photographed streets in the U.S.
The Massachusetts State House is also located in Beacon Hill, overlooking the Boston Common at the top of Park Street.
Hang out in Seaport
Seaport is Boston’s modern innovation district, also often called the South Boston Waterfront. You can easily reach it on the MBTA rapid transit Silver Line, and it’s close to South Station.
Once an area of heavy industry, it’s now an upscale, trendy neighborhood. Its modern, lively vibe attracts tourists and young professionals.
This part of Boston is packed with shops, restaurants, and popular attractions like Puttshack, F1 Arcade, the New England Aquarium, and the Museum of Ice Cream.
Newbury Street
Newbury Street is Boston’s premier shopping and dining location, known as Boston’s answer to Fifth Avenue. The mile-long street runs from the Public Garden to Brookline Avenue, and is lined with historic brownstones housing high-end boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.
This is the place to find upmarket fashion brands like Chanel and Marc Jacobs alongside bohemian shops at the Massachusetts Avenue end of the street. You can also shop for stunning jewelry, artworks, and home decor.
Newbury Street has a lively vibe, especially when it is pedestrianized for events like Open Newbury Street.
Boston Public Market
Boston Public Market is an indoor marketplace in downtown Boston. It features over 30 local vendors selling a wide range of fresh produce, baked goods, and other artisanal foods.
It’s the perfect place to shop for handmade souvenirs and gifts, or enjoy browsing the stalls and sampling food.
The market also hosts events ranging from vendor tastings to workshops and live music festivals. Check the Boston Public Market website to see what’s on when you visit Boston.
Day trips and tours from Boston
If you’re only visiting Boston for a weekend, you’ll probably find enough things to do in the city center.
But if you’re spending more than a day or two in Boston, you might like to explore more of New England.
The ‘Witch City’ of Salem
The coastal city of Salem, Massachusetts, was founded in 1626. It became famous as the site of the 1692 witch trials and makes a great spot for a day trip from Boston.
The Salem witch trials took place between February 1692 and May 1693 in colonial Massachusetts. They took place after four young girls accused some local women of witchcraft, and the hysteria grew from there.
In total, 200 people were accused and 30 convicted of witchcraft. 20 of them were executed, including 19 women.
Salem is easy to reach by Uber, train, or ferry, so you could easily visit it by yourself. However, a guided tour will give you much more insight into the city’s history.
This Salem day trip from Boston takes you by ferry to the coastal city. You’ll visit historic sites like the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and the Witch House.
Your knowledgeable tour guide will share tales from Salem’s history and explain how the community honors the history of the accused.
I don’t recommend doing Salem as a day trip with kids. I don’t think my kids would have enjoyed this visit at all – too much looking at architecture and learning about history without it being hands-on in any way. Do this one adults only.
Martha’s Vineyard
The scenic island of Martha’s Vineyard is famous for its elegant houses and quaint cottages. It’s around two hours from Boston, making it an excellent choice for a day trip.
This day trip to Martha’s Vineyard takes in some of the island’s iconic locations like Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and the Aquinnah lighthouse. We had so much fun on our day trip to the island and it’s a good one for kids.
Your tour includes transport from Boston and a ferry transfer to the island. Once you’ve arrived at Martha’s Vineyard, you can explore the island at your own pace on public transportation or by renting a bike or jeep.
There’s also an option to join a 3-hour guided tour for an additional fee.
A Boston Food Tour
A culinary walking tour is a great way to learn about the history and culture of a destination.
This delicious and educational Boston food tour starts in the city’s historic downtown and heads towards the cobblestones of the North End, Boston’s Little Italy. You can see some of Boston’s historic landmarks and visit the Boston Public Market.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy classic New England dishes like clam chowder and lobster roll, as your guide shares tales from Boston’s 400-year history. You’ll also sample authentic Italian pizza and a delicious cannoli.
Tour a Boston university
I highly recommend visiting America’s oldest university, Harvard University, while you’re in Boston. The campus is in the Boston neighborhood of Cambridge, around 15 minutes from central Boston by taxi, Uber, or public transportation.
You can book onto one of the student-led tours to look around the elegant campus with its beautiful architecture. They’ll also tell you about some of the university’s illustrious alums like Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg.
Alternatively, you could book a guided tour of Harvard University and MIT, Boston’s world-leading science and technology university. This full-day tour takes you from central Boston to the two campuses, accompanied by an expert guide. Unfortunately, my son broke his ankle minutes before we were to leave for our tour of MIT, so we had to leave that one for another time.
On this joint tour, you’ll also visit the bustling Quincy Market, where you’ll have time to browse the stalls and watch live street entertainment performances.
In winter, the tour price includes a lobster lunch at Quincy Market, and in the summer months, the lunch is replaced by a scenic Boston Harbor tour.
A Whale Watching Tour
Whales migrate to the coastal waters off Massachusetts during the summer months. If you visit Boston between May and October, a whale-watching tour offers a magical opportunity to see these majestic creatures.
This Boston whale watching tour takes you to explore the Massachusetts coastline on board a high-speed boat. There’s a good chance of seeing humpback whales, minke whales, and finback whales, along with playful white-sided dolphins.
Your comfortable boat has outdoor viewing decks and a climate-controlled cabin space with cushioned seating. There’s also a galley where you can purchase snacks and beverages.
That rounds up my selection of the best things to do in Boston, Massachusetts. What would you like to do first?
