Choose from 71 Fun Things to Do in Boston
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 71 listings.
Copley Square
Located in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, Copley Square is among the most beautiful public parks in the city. For more than 100 years, it has been a hub of downtown activity and historical significance for the sheer number of institutions built here since the 1800s. Many still stand today, including the stunning Boston Public Library, Trinity Church, Old South Church, the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel and New England's tallest skyscraper, John Hancock Tower.
The square is best known as the site of the finish line for the annual Boston Marathon, and there is a 1996 memorial here celebrating the race's 100th anniversary. It is also well known as a downtown commercial hub with a variety of upscale restaurants and shopping options. The onsite Copley Place mall includes high-end stores such as Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Porsche Design and Tiffany & Co.
Visitors will also appreciate the rotating calendar of events offered in the park throughout the year, ranging from large concerts to farmers' markets.
Practical Info
The square is located in the area formed by the intersection of Boylston Street, Clarendon Street, St. James Avenue and Dartmouth Street. Copley Square is best accessed via public transportation by taking the MBTA Green Line subway to the Copley stop. Metered and garaged parking is available nearby but is limited and quite expensive.
Address: 560 Boylston St, Boston 02116, USA
From $ 35
Longfellow House (Washington's Headquarters)
Literary lovers and history buffs can travel back in time on a visit to Longfellow House, the former home of famed poet Henry W. Longfellow and one-time headquarters to General George Washington.
Visitors can wander the decorated halls of this iconic home and get up close to pictures and stories about the dynamic Longfellow family. From forward-thinking wife, Fanny, to their children—Charley and Alice—travelers can learn about the Longfellow’s impact on women’s education and their early championing for the preservation of New England historical landmarks. Travelers will also find a large collection of fine art, textiles and old-world clothing, as well as documents, letters and sheet music once owned by the family.
Practical Info
The house is located at 105 Brattle Street and the grounds and gardens are open daily from dusk until dawn, year round. Drop-in tours of the house are available Wednesday through Sunday from June through October.
Address: 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
From $ 150
North End
Boston’s oldest residential neighborhood, the North End has been inhabited since the 1630s. Here you’ll find a large variety of historical and culturally attractions. There’s the Paul Revere House, the oldest building in downtown Boston built around 1680 and the place from which he left for his famous “midnight ride” in 1775. Some other historic stops in the North End include Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burial Ground, Union Wharf, Ozias Goodwin House and Mariner’s House, allowing you to explore the city’s rich heritage as well as old world architecture.
Walking around the area, you’ll notice the smell of fresh baked bread and biscotti permeates the air. Because it has a large community of Italian Americans, the North End is also known as Boston’s Little Italy. Visitors are transported to Italy as they walk the neighborhood’s narrow streets, full of attached brick buildings housing small shops, delis, butchers, salumerias, bakers, wine bars and appetizing restaurants. Head to Salumeria Italiana for Italian salami, stinky cheeses, salty olives and beautiful sun dried tomatoes. At Mike’s Pasty, you can sample some of the North End’s best cannoli’s, featuring handmade shells and rich ricotta cream filling, as well as sweet almond nut biscotti, pignoli nut macaroons and ricotta pie. And to dine on some of the freshest seafood in Boston, The Daily Catch offers just-caught seafood dishes as well as satisfying pastas.
Walking around the area, you’ll notice the smell of fresh baked bread and biscotti permeates the air. Because it has a large community of Italian Americans, the North End is also known as Boston’s Little Italy. Visitors are transported to Italy as they walk the neighborhood’s narrow streets, full of attached brick buildings housing small shops, delis, butchers, salumerias, bakers, wine bars and appetizing restaurants. Head to Salumeria Italiana for Italian salami, stinky cheeses, salty olives and beautiful sun dried tomatoes. At Mike’s Pasty, you can sample some of the North End’s best cannoli’s, featuring handmade shells and rich ricotta cream filling, as well as sweet almond nut biscotti, pignoli nut macaroons and ricotta pie. And to dine on some of the freshest seafood in Boston, The Daily Catch offers just-caught seafood dishes as well as satisfying pastas.
Address: USA
From $ 15
John Hancock Tower
Boston's John Hancock Tower soars nearly 800 feet above the city, and is not only Boston's tallest building but also the tallest building in all of New England.
The 62-story John Hancock Tower was built in 1976 as the home of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance, but in 2004 the company moved to a different Boston location. The building is now officially known as Hancock Place.
It's a glass-covered skyscraper in the shape of a parallelogram rather than a square or rectangle, and the blue-tinted glass panels beautifully reflect the city and scenery around the tower. There is an observatory deck at the top of the John Hancock tower, but it has been closed to the general public since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The observation deck is available for private events, however.
Practical Info
The John Hancock Tower is in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. It is entirely used for offices and business space.
Address: 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
From $ 35
Fenway Park
Boston’s most cherished landmark isn’t Bunker Hill or the Tea Party Ships, but rather old Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. A must-see for sports enthusiasts as well as history and architecture buffs, Fenway Park is famous for its uniquely shaped playing field and towering left field wall known as the Green Monster.
The Basics
In the hearts of die-hard Bostonians, Fenway Park is the site of the city’s greatest dramas and worst defeats. If you can’t catch a game, step inside America’s oldest ballpark and explore its storied history on a walking tour of the stadium, during which you can sit inside the press box, visit the Red Sox Hall of Fame, and check out baseball’s oldest ballpark seats. Most Boston city sightseeing tours pass by Fenway Park, whether by bike, pedicab, or coach. Hop-on hop-off trolley tours also stop at the beloved ballpark, and a Go Boston Card provides free access to Fenway Park tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A variety of food options are available inside the park, including famous New England clam chowder and lobster rolls.
- Tickets to Red Sox games can be hard to come by—you may only be able to find single seats and obstructed-view tickets if you don't plan ahead, although some standing-room-only tickets are sold on game day.
- The park is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Fenway Park is located just south of Kenmore Square, on Yawkey Way. It is easily accessible via the MBTA subway, known as “the T,” from Fenway Station on foot. Paid public parking is available nearby, but this can fill up quickly—especially on game days.
When to Get There
Boston Red Sox baseball games are held from April to September, although stadium tours are offered year-round. On game days, the last tour departs three hours prior to game time. In summer, the ballpark hosts music concerts from world-renowned artists.
Fenway Park History
Historic Fenway Park echoes with reminders of the past. In the right field bleachers section, a lone red seat commemorates Ted Williams’ 502-foot (153-meter) home run, while baseball’s oldest scoreboard brings to mind contentious games between the Red Sox and their greatest rival: the New York Yankees. The legendary Green Monster, built in 1912, continues to top the charts as the highest wall in baseball at 37.17 feet (11.3 meters).
Address: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Legoland Discovery Center Boston
The iconic building blocks of childhood are now more than just an afternoon activity, thanks to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center of Boston. Families with children between the ages of 3 and 10 will find even more of what they love at this popular themed destination that’s dedicated to the colorful blocks that have been inspiring youth to create for decades.
Whether it’s touring the LEGOLAND Factory to learn how this American favorite is made, experiencing the multi-sensory wonder of a 4-D film or building a car to race at the LEGO Racers: Build and Test site, there’s plenty to keep kids busy and entertained. The jaw-dropping Master Builder Academy will also inspire youth to imagine and create thanks to impressive examples of LEGO construction at its finest!
Practical Info
LEGOLAND is located at 598 Assembly Row in Somerville, just outside of Boston. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10am until 9pm and on Sundays from 11am until 7pm. Ticket prices vary depending on time and date.
Address: 598 Assembly Row, Somerville, MA, USA 02145, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm
Admission: $14.95-$39.95; Children 3 & Under Free
From $ 18
Copp's Hill Burying Ground
The second-oldest cemetery in Boston, Copp's Hill Burying Ground is a landmark area and peak tourist attraction for those interested in the deep historical roots of Boston – one of the first cities built in the New World. Established in 1659, this burial ground is closing in on 400 years old, and with such tenure comes thousands of interred. A self-guided tour will reveal Boston’s long history of artisans, craftsmen, some notable founding fathers of Boston, as well as thousands of African Americans in unmarked graves on the Snowhill Street side of the burial ground.
Now a stop on the Freedom Trail, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground was added to the list of National Register of Historic Places in 1974 thanks to its repeated interest by tourists and photographers. Strolling the grounds will lend a new perspective on Boston, its peoples, and its history, perhaps best summarized by Thomas Williston’s grave, whose epitaph reads: “Stop here my friend and case an Eye. As you are now so once was I. As I am now, so you must be, prepare for death and follow me.”
Practical Info
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located on Hull Street.
Address: Hull Street, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
From $ 42
Mapparium
The Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library is a stunning, three-story, stained-glass globe that reflects a 3D representation of how the world was laid out in 1935.
Visitors pass through the globe on a 30-foot glass bridge, surrounded by a seven-minute audio-visual show of words, music, and LED lights to show how the world and ideas have changed over time.
The Mapparium was originally built as part of the Christian Science Publishing Society building, and opened on June 1, 1935.
Due to the size, concave, spherical walls, and hard surface, the Mapparium has unique acoustics that turn the room into a whispering gallery, where you can hear others across the room no matter which direction you are talking.
Practical Info
You can only visit the Mapparium as part of a guided tour. Tours run every 20 minutes and last 15-20 minutes. The Mapparium is only available when the library is open, Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM. You get free access to the Mapparium with the Go Boston Card.
Address: 200 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: The Mapparium is only available when the library is open, Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM.
From $ 57
Harpoon Brewery
Long, wooden tables and bright overhead lights of Harpoon Brewery beckon those interested in tasting local Boston brews. Harpoon makes some of the area’s most beloved beers, and the brewery offers the chance to learn about how it’s made and to taste a variety of their beverages. Visitors can sip on pints from the source in large open seating — they’re served with a pretzel and an outstanding view of downtown Boston.
Brewery tours bring you behind-the-scenes for a closer look at how the beer is made on site. Harpoon was one of the first breweries opened in Massachusetts in over 25 years, and is credited with contributing to the rise of microbreweries in America. Catwalks run throughout, making it easy to see production.
There are more than twenty different beers served at Harpoon, including seasonal offerings and the India Pale Ale they’re best known for. Tours give the information and history of the brewery, as well as several tastings and insight into Boston’s brewpub scene.
Practical Info
You’ll find the brewery in Boston’s Seaport District. Tours run on the hour daily, with hours ranging from 11am-6pm throughout the week. The tours include beer tastings. The Beer Hall is located on the western side of the building, and serves daily. Tour reservations are recommended in advance, as it often sells out on the weekends.
Address: 306 Northern Avenue, Boston, USA
Hours: Sun-Weds from 11am-7pm and Thurs-Sat from 11am-11pm
Admission: Tours are $5
From $ 99
Granary Burying Ground
Founded in 1660, the Granary Burial Ground is Boston’s third-oldest burial ground, and final resting site of some of the most famous Bostonians to ever walk the earth, including three signers of the Declaration of Independence, Paul Revere, and five victims of the Boston Massacre. With as many as 2,345 graves, few cemeteries anywhere else in the world hold such a high percentage of notable people in such a small space, and for this reason it is routinely featured as a highlight along Boston’s famous Freedom Trail.
Still, there is something timeless about visiting historic cemeteries, and perhaps this is why so many choose to stroll the green lawns of Granary Burial Grounds, thinking of the times before ours, and, perhaps, the time to come afterwards.
Notable burials among the Granary Burial Ground include John Hancock (a statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence), Samuel Adams (also a statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence), Paul Revere (civil war patriot), John Endecott (first Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony), Samuel Sewall (Salem Witch Trials Judge) and many others.
Practical INfo
The Granary Burial Ground is located at 101a Tremont Street and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 101a Tremont Street, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
From $ 20
Hard Rock Caf e Boston
The Hard Rock Café Boston has been providing good food and music in Boston’s Faneuil Hall entertainment district since its debut in 2003. Faneuil Hall is Boston’s premier entertainment district, close to popular sites such as Paul Revere’s house, the New England Holocaust Museum, and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Be sure to enjoy the Hard Rock’s signature food offerings, found at cafes around the globe. The cafes feature classic American fare, for which prix-fixe options are also available.
The Hard Rock Café in Boston has over 16,000-square feet of space, with 514 seats in the restaurant area. The Cavern Club features live music and holds special events.
Like other Hard Rock Cafes around the world, the Hard Rock Café Boston features music memorabilia on the walls. Be sure to tour the restaurant and see the unique guitars, platinum records, and more.
Practical Info
The Hard Rock Café Boston restaurant and bar are open Sunday – Thursday from 11AM to 12AM and 11AM to 2AM Friday and Saturday. The Rock Shop opens at 10AM daily, with the same closing times as the restaurant.
Address: 22-24 Clinton St., Boston, Massachusetts 02109, USA
Hours: Restaurant and bar are open Sunday – Thursday from 11AM to 12AM and 11AM to 2AM Friday and Saturday.
From $ 40
New England Aquarium
Teeming with more than 15,000 sea creatures of all sizes, shapes, and colors, the New England Aquarium is a giant fishbowl of sea life, and it’s one of Boston’s most visited family attractions.
The Basics
Pre-book your aquarium admission tickets to enjoy skip-the-line entrance, or opt for a combo ticket including entrance to the Simons IMAX Theatre. For a full experience, upgrade to a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium. If you’re sightseeing in Boston, consider investing in a Boston CityPASS, a Boston Explorer Pass, or a Go Boston Card, which offer discounted entrance to the aquarium alongside a host of other attractions, or even just admire the aquarium’s futuristic facade on a cruise around Boston Harbour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The New England Aquarium is a must-see for families with kids.
- Large bags are not permitted inside the aquarium but storage lockers are available.
- The New England Aquarium is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and entrance is free for wheelchair users and visitors with visual impairments.
How to Get There
The New England Aquarium overlooks the Boston Inner Harbor from its location on Central Wharf, off State Street and Atlantic Avenue. The aquarium is accessible via the MBTA subway, or the T, which has a stop on State Street.
When to Get There
The New England Aquarium is open daily all year round, although opening times vary throughout the year. The busiest time is during the middle of the day, so opt for an early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid the crowds.
Marine Animals at the New England Aquarium
The aquarium’s star attraction is the awesome 4-story, 200,000-gallon (760,000-liter) Giant Ocean Tank, a Caribbean coral reef swirling with sea turtles, sharks, cownose rays, eels, and exotic fish. Elsewhere, spot harbor seals, California sea lions, penguins, and sea otters. Learn about conservation efforts at the Olympic Coast Exhibit; visit the Edge of the Sea touch tank; and discover fascinating exhibits such as Amazing Jellies and Science of Sharks.
Address: 1 Central Wharf, Boston 02110, USA
Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm (until 6pm on weekends)
Admission: Varies
From $ 10
Massachusetts State House
Newcomers to the city of Boston often refer to it as “the city of history” because while walking along the Freedom Trail, you encounter so many important historical points—points that were instrumental in the founding of America. It makes for an incredible walk through time, and one of the highlights on this Freedom Trail is a visit to the Massachusetts State House.
Built in 1788, the “new” Massachusetts State House is built across from the Boston Common on the top of Beacon Hill. Known far and wide for its gilded gold dome (it’s actually made of wood and copper, but topped with 24-karat gold), the State House symbolizes what the founding fathers had envisioned upon landing at Plymouth Rock – to build a city upon a hill. Inside, the working State House houses working government officials, beautiful murals depicting colonial times of war, spacious marble-filled corridors, and other historical items that reflect the heritage of the Boston area – a pinecone high atop the dome pays homage to Boston’s logging industry, and the “Sacred Cod” is a nod to the fishing industry—both paragons of the early industry that made Boston one of the most influential cities in America.
Practical Info
The Massachusetts State House is located on Beacon Hill, in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. Free 30 to 45-minute tours are given weekdays year-round from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Address: Beacon Hill, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm
From $ 54
Institute of Contemporary Art
Located in Boston, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is an art museum and exhibition space that has seen a number of changes over the years. It was founded in 1936 as the Boston Museum of Modern Art and has undergone both name and location changes since. It currently sits in the South Boston Seaport District, where it was built in 2006 and designed with the idea of “from the sky down,” with contemplative space for viewing contemporary art, and “from the ground up,” with areas for public enjoyment.
The ICA is 65,000 square feet, and its design resembles a dramatic folding ribbon with a cantilever that reaches to the water’s edge. Galleries have movable walls and ceilings with adjustable skylights. The Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater seats 325 people and is located on the second and third floors. The Charles and Fran Rodgers Education Center is a two-story education center, which includes Bank of America Art Lab.
The ICA exhibits include the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. The permanent collection of works by contemporary artists began in 2000 and features their work at seminal moments in their careers. Works from the permanent collection rotate approximately every 12 months. The ICA also features three other galleries of temporary exhibits, usually including at least one featured artist quarterly in the West Gallery.
Practical Info
The ICA is open Tuesday through Sunday.
Address: 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Admission: General Admission: $15; Seniors $13 Children under 17 are free.
From $ 26
Lexington
Seemingly every city in Massachusetts holds a sort of historical significance, but few are as well-known as Lexington, one of America's oldest towns. Dating back to 1642, it's best known as ground zero for the American Revolutionary War, where the first shot was fired in 1775.
Armchair historians will relish the town’s rich history, which can be seen on just about every building, every street and in every park. Minute Man National Historical Park is a commemoration of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War, while the Revolutionary Monument is one of Lexington's most significant points of interest and the oldest war memorial in the United States. It is also the final resting place for colonists killed during the Battle of Lexington.
There are countless other historical landmarks of note, including the Old Burying Ground with original stones dating to the late 17th century; Munroe Tavern; the USS Lexington Memorial; the Centre Depot; and Follen Church. It's also worth stopping at Mullikan White Oak, one of Lexington's oldest trees.
Modern day Lexington also offers much to visitors, as in the heart of Lexington’s town center sits a variety of restaurants, art galleries, shopping opportunities, the Minuteman Bikeway and Depot Square.
Practical Info
Lexington sits about 15 miles northwest of Boston.
Address: Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
From $ 56
Freedom Trail
Taking in 16 of Boston’s most famous cultural and historical sites, the 2.5-mile-long (4-kilometer) Freedom Trail winds through downtown Boston, from southerly Boston Common, the nation’s oldest public park, to the Bunker Hill Monument on the north side of the Charles River. The red-brick path and its designated stops, including colonial-era churches, museums, and meeting houses, make for an excellent introduction to Boston and its role in the American Revolution and United States history.
The Basics
Visitors can easily spend a full day independently exploring the Freedom Trail’s many stops, but most travelers simply wander the trail, choose a couple sites to fully experience, or join one of the daily 90-minute walking tours led by guides in 18th-century garb to cover the trail and some of the historic sites’ exteriors in sections. (These run hourly, except from November to March when they are less frequent.) It’s also possible to visit via group and private Freedom Trail tours and Boston city sightseeing tours that also stop at other top attractions such as the Boston Navy Yard and the Boston Tea Party site. The Freedom Trail is a suggested route, so independent travelers can choose where to start and end.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most choose to walk from site to site rather than drive. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
- Though the Freedom Trail itself doesn’t charge admission, fees are required to enter some of the designated stops: the Old State house, the Old South Meeting House, and the Paul Revere House.
- Self-guided audio tours are available for purchase at the Boston Common Visitor Center.
- While the Freedom Trail is wheelchair accessible, some of the sites are not.
- It’s best to allot at least 30 minutes inside each Freedom Trail site.
How to Get There
The Freedom Trail is accessible at any point along its length and winds from Boston Common to Beacon Hill, downtown, the waterfront, the North End, and across the Charles River. Many choose to start at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center, in the heart of downtown Boston, where 10 of the 16 sites are clustered within a mile-long section of the trail. Several Freedom Trail stops can be reached by bus or subway (locally called “the T”), including Boston Common (via Park Street Station on the green and red lines).
When to Get There
The Freedom Trail is accessible year-round, but the most pleasant days for exploring are sunny ones in spring and fall. The trail can be walked any hour of the day, but most stops are only open to the public between 9am and 4 or 4:30pm. The USS Constitution is always closed on Mondays, and the Boston Common Visitor Center is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Tours typically do not sell out.
Things to See on Boston’s Freedom Trail
The trail features Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, the Park Street Church, the Granary Burying Ground (final resting place of John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere), the King’s Chapel and Burying Ground (established in 1686), the Boston Latin School, the Old Corner Bookstore, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall (a popular spot for lunch), the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground (with its grand views across the river to Charlestown), the USS Constitution, and the Bunker Hill Monument. Each official stop is indicated by a circular brass marker embedded in the sidewalk.
Address: Boston, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts houses one of the world’s most comprehensive art collections, with nearly 450,000 works ranging from ancient Egyptian sculptures to contemporary masterpieces. With more than 1 million yearly visitors, the MFA is a true Boston highlight and must-see attraction for art lovers and first-time city travelers.
The Basics
Visitors to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts can admire works from around the globe, including one of the richest Edgar Degas collections in the world and a 13-foot-tall (4-meter-tall) statue of the Roman goddess Juno—the largest Roman-era statue in North America. Other highlights include the Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art and the Art of the Americas wing, which contains four levels of American art ranging from ancient artifacts to modern installations.
To gain insight into the museum’s vast collection, stroll through the galleries on a small-group tour and benefit from the knowledge of an art historian guide. Or, visit independently with a Go Boston Card or Boston Explorer Pass—both of which include admission to the MFA along with visits to such city highlights as the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, and Fenway Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Four on-site restaurants offer a range of options, including a family-friendly cafeteria and a gourmet dining spot.
- Guided tours are included in admission and offered daily.
- Two free coat check rooms are located on the ground floor.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible; wheelchairs and walkers are available at all entrances on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Get There
The museum is located on Huntington Avenue in downtown Boston, just south of Kenmore Square. Visitor parking is available for a fee but can fill up quickly during popular exhibitions, holidays, and school vacation weeks. During these times, take advantage of the museum’s valet parking or take the subway (or “T”) to the Museum of Fine Arts stop, located directly in front of the building.
When to Get There
The MFA is open daily year-round, and is busiest on weekends and holidays. Opt for an early morning or weekday visit to avoid crowds. A late-night visit is also a good option—the museum is open until 10pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Exploring the Museum
From the art of the ancient world to impressionist masterpieces, the MFA’s treasure trove of artwork spans many centuries of human history. Museum highlights include the largest collection of Monet paintings outside of Paris, numerous works by American painter John Singer Sargent, Asian and African collections, Japanese art, and a large collection of musical instruments.
Address: 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
Hours: Monday–Tuesday, Saturday–Sunday: 10am–5pm. Wednesday–Friday 10am–10pm
Admission: Adults: US$25
From $ 40
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall is a bustling marketplace best known for its ever-changing lineup of street performers and its central location on Boston’s historic Freedom Trail. Tourists and locals alike flock to the complex’s shops and Quincy Market, featuring 30-plus food stalls selling everything from exotic coffee to fresh seafood and artisanal bread.
The Basics
To experience this bustling restaurant and shopping complex—housed in a refurbished 19th-century building—stop by on a hop-on hop-off bus tour and watch street performers execute jaw-dropping acrobatic and musical feats. Grab a bite to eat at Quincy Market or one of Faneuil Hall’s many restaurants, park at a streetside café or bar, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Let a guide show you the best hidden spots on a city bike tour or, for a taste of history, visit on a guided Freedom Trail walking tour. Because of its central location, Faneuil Hall is an excellent jumping-off point for visiting other Boston attractions such as the New England Aquarium, the Children’s Museum, Boston Public Garden, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring some change and a few dollar bills if you want to tip the street performers.
- If you have questions about the square, need directions, or are curious about nearby attractions, visit the information kiosk located in the plaza between the South Canopy and South Market building.
- Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market both have free Wi-Fi, but it may be slow due to the volume of tourist traffic.
- Faneuil Hall is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
The marketplace is centrally located next to Boston’s financial district, the waterfront, and the North End. Limited parking is available nearby and some marketplace vendors offer validation coupons. The easiest way to get to Faneuil Hall is via the subway, also known as “the T.”
When to Get There
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is open year-round. Summer, fall, and springtime visitors can enjoy outdoor seating at bars and restaurants, and the weather can be ideal for walking and bike tours. Winter visitors can cozy up indoors and see seasonal events such as ice sculpture contests and holiday light shows.
The Freedom Trail
Boston is rife with historic sights and remnants from America’s revolutionary past. Highlights include Old North Church, where the famous “one if by land, two if by sea” signal was sent to warn minutemen of approaching British forces; the colonial home of patriot Paul Revere; the site of the Boston Tea Party; and the Old State House—the oldest surviving public building in the city.
Address: Between North, Congress, and State Streets and Atlantic Avenue, Boston 02109, USA
Hours: Mon - Thurs: 10 am - 7 pm, Fri - Sat: 10 am - 9 pm,
Sun: Noon - 6 pm
Admission: Free
From $ 20
Mayflower II
The story of America’s first settlers comes to life on a visit to the iconic Mayflower II. Travelers can venture aboard a life-size replica of the famous ship and interact with costumed characters who describe what life was like on the high seas.
Visitors can learn about early navigation techniques and explore exhibits that highlight the lives of the ship’s first passengers. Experts will share stories about ancestors and crew while still leaving plenty of time to comb through artifacts and photos, too. And perhaps most impressive of all, the Mayflower II provides travelers with the chance to see just what it was like aboard what is arguably the world’s most famous ship.
This iconic boat is the perfect way to bring history to life and an ideal stop for families with children on a journey through New England. Whether it’s visiting the ship on its own, or combining a tour with the Plimoth Plantation and the Living Museum, a stop at the Mayflower II is bound to be a memorable part of any American history-themed vacation.
Practical Info
The boat is berthed at the State Pier in the Plymouth Waterfront. Tours are led by costumed guides. The ship is currently under restoration until 2019 at Mystic Seaport.
Address: Plymouth, USA
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
From $ 28
Gibson House Museum
This popular historical attraction located in the heart of the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston is home to four floors of furniture, artifacts and decor that date back to the 1800s. Visitors can explore this popular attraction on guided tours that detail the life and times and the famous Gibson Family. The home is essentially untouched, making it the perfect place to see how early aristocratic Americans lived.
Travelers can venture through the formal dining room and learn about the Italian Renaissance style that’s evident throughout the home. The brownstone and red brick façade was designed by the iconic architect Edward Clarke Cabot and remains one of the city’s most pristine nods to a long gone era of a life gilded in family heirlooms and European style.
Practical Info
The Gibson House Museum is located at 137 Beacon Street in Boston near the Public Garden. Tours are essential for entry and take place Wednesday through Sunday year-round at 1, 2 and 3pm. Admission costs $9 for adults and $6 for seniors and students. The museum is not wheelchair accessible, as there is no elevator.
Address: 137 Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, USA
Hours: Tours run Wed–Sun 1, 2, 3pm
Admission: Adults $9; seniors/students $6
From $ 629