Choose from 83 Fun Things to Do in Massachusetts
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 83 listings.
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
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
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
Copley Place
Copley Place is the premier high-end shopping destination of Boston. With 75 shops spread out over 9.5 acres, there is something for every shopper at the massive mall. The two levels of shopping are joined by a dining area, four office buildings, and two hotels. Apparel shops include brands such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Christian Dior, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co, and Barney’s New York, alongside lifestyle stores like William & Sonoma and Sur La Table.
Named for American artist John Singleton Copley, it was designed by the Architects’ Collective. The building’s center atrium and skylight lets in a ton of natural light and creates an airy feeling inside. The Westin and Boston Marriott Copley Place hotels offer maximum proximity to the center’s many shops. Special events are held frequently in the space as well. Copley Place is a luxurious, central place to shop, eat, work, and play in historic Boston.
Practical Info
Copley Place can be found in heart of the Back Bay area of Boston. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 12 to 6 pm. The closest public transportation station is Back Bay, and garage parking is available on site. It connects directly to the Shops at Prudential Center via skybridge.
Address: 100 Huntington Ave, Boston, Massachusetts, USA 02116, USA
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm and Sun 12pm-6pm
From $ 40
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
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
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
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
Harvard University
Harvard University in Cambridge, located just north of Boston, is synonymous with prestige and accomplishment. This Ivy League university accepts only the best and provides a curriculum to students that challenges and inspires them to succeed (faculty and alumni hold over 45 Nobel Prizes!). The country’s first institution of higher learning ever established, Harvard University is a historical school that is also constantly looking toward the future and creating new innovations in education, science, technology, the arts and beyond. Looking at a list of notable graduates of Harvard University -- some of which include Barack Obama, Theodore Roosevelt, Rashida Jones, Norman Mailer, Helen Keller and John Quincy Adams -- it’s easy to see that the school has a rich and diverse heritage.
Luckily, you don’t need to be a straight A student to explore the campus, which is full of historic buildings, monuments, beautiful architecture and scenic green spaces. Head to the Harvard Yard to see the iconic John Harvard Statue -- with its inscription of “John Harvard • Founder • 1638” -- which has been a part of the campus for centuries. Interestingly, some call it the “Statue of Three Lies,” which represents the fact that John Harvard was not the founder of Harvard (he was a major donor), Harvard was not founded in 1638 (it was 1636) and the statue is not actually of John Harvard (the model for the statue was a man named Sherman Hoar).
The Memorial Church is also worth a stop, built in 1932 to commemorate soldiers who had lost their lives in WWI. Today it stands as a place to not only worship, but to remember. Additionally, Memorial Hall is a striking High Victorian Gothic that pays homage to Boston’s defense of the Union and the country’s abolitionist movement during the Civil War. Harvard University is also home to one of the world’s most impressive bookstores, open since 1932. The bookstore hosts a large array of events like panels, book discussions and science fairs. On the Harvard University campus you’ll also find a number of interesting museums, some of which include the Peabody Museum, Sackler Art Museum, Fogg Art Museum and the Busch-Reisinger Museum. Continue exploring the area in Harvard Square, which is full of shops, bars and restaurants.
Luckily, you don’t need to be a straight A student to explore the campus, which is full of historic buildings, monuments, beautiful architecture and scenic green spaces. Head to the Harvard Yard to see the iconic John Harvard Statue -- with its inscription of “John Harvard • Founder • 1638” -- which has been a part of the campus for centuries. Interestingly, some call it the “Statue of Three Lies,” which represents the fact that John Harvard was not the founder of Harvard (he was a major donor), Harvard was not founded in 1638 (it was 1636) and the statue is not actually of John Harvard (the model for the statue was a man named Sherman Hoar).
The Memorial Church is also worth a stop, built in 1932 to commemorate soldiers who had lost their lives in WWI. Today it stands as a place to not only worship, but to remember. Additionally, Memorial Hall is a striking High Victorian Gothic that pays homage to Boston’s defense of the Union and the country’s abolitionist movement during the Civil War. Harvard University is also home to one of the world’s most impressive bookstores, open since 1932. The bookstore hosts a large array of events like panels, book discussions and science fairs. On the Harvard University campus you’ll also find a number of interesting museums, some of which include the Peabody Museum, Sackler Art Museum, Fogg Art Museum and the Busch-Reisinger Museum. Continue exploring the area in Harvard Square, which is full of shops, bars and restaurants.
Practical Info
Free hour-long campus tours of Harvard University are led by students and begin at the Harvard Information Center in the Holyoke Center Arcade. Dates and times of tours vary. Another option is to purchase a tour pamphlet at the Information Center and do a self-guided walking tour of the campus at your own pace.
Address: 1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, USA
From $ 12
Harvard Square
This popular square is a thriving hub for street musicians and performers thanks to pedestrian-friendly streets and a deep-rooted history in the American literary scene (colonial Poet Anne Bradstreet once lived here). Travelers will find plenty of local life, as well as restaurants, shopping, an old-school newsstand and some public art installations, which make it easy to spend an afternoon here experiencing local life.
Skateboarders and punk-inspired high school kids can be found hanging out near a sunken area of Harvard Square known as “the pit”, while a lively outdoor café hosts chess matches for willing passersby. A plethora of benches, sidewalks, terraces and cafes make it the perfect place to people watch in Cambridge.
Practical Info
Harvard Square is located near the center of Cambridge, Massachusetts near the intersections of Massachusetts Avenue, Brattle Street and John F. Kennedy Street. It is accessible via the MBTA Red Line subway and several buses.
Address: Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
From $ 12
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
John Harvard Statue
Historians aren’t exactly sure what the founder of Harvard University looked like, so artist Daniel Chester French used one of his descendants as inspiration for this iconic statue. Although few locals can agree on whether he was solely responsible for the creation of the university, they can all agree that his image is among the most recognized in the city of Cambridge, even today.
The bronze statue, which sits at the center of Harvard Yard, is a frequently visited site for both travelers and prospective students, but it’s also been the target of dozens of pranks since its unveiling. Whether it’s covered in tar, paint or some other substance, John Harvard remains at the heart of this school.
Practical Info
The statue is located in Harvard Yard and was created in 1883. Tourists have been known to rub the left toe of the statue for good luck.
Address: Harvard Yard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
From $ 12
John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum
The JFK Museum in Hyannis offers a fascinating insight into the life of America’s 35th president. Dedicated to preserving the legacy of John F. Kennedy, who spent many summers on Cape Cod, the museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Kennedy: the man and the president.
The Basics
The Kennedy family has owned a summer compound in Hyannis Port since the 1920s. JFK spent a lot of time in and around town, so it’s fitting that a museum devoted to the former president is located here. The facility brings together personal artifacts, candid family photographs, oral histories from friends, and detailed panels exploring Kennedy’s rise to success, untimely death, and connection to Cape Cod.
Hyannis’ former town hall houses the museum, which is marked with a bronze statue of Kennedy by David Lewis . Many people combine a trip to Cape Cod and its charming towns with a visit to Boston and its many attractions, such as Fenway Park and the New England Aquarium. Multi-attraction sightseeing cards allow discounted entry into many area monuments, attractions, and museums (including the JFK Museum).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the museum is via paid ticket.
- Discounts are available for students, seniors, and youths. Children under 5 go free.
- Active military can visit for free with up to five guests, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Private tours can be arranged outside of the usual opening hours.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- Free parking is available on-site.
How to Get There
The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum is at 397 Main Street in Hyannis Port, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. If driving from Boston and points north, take Route 3 across the Sagamore Bridge and then follow Route 6 and local roads to Hyannis Port. Bus services run to Hyannis Port from New York, Providence, and Boston, while local routes connect Hyannis with nearby towns.
When to Get There
The museum is open seasonally from mid-April to late November. Core opening hours are 10am–4pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm–4pm on Sundays. Hours are extended slightly in spring and summer. The ticket desk closes 45 minutes before the museum shuts.
Cape Cod Melody Tent Show
One of only two continuously operated tent theaters in the US, the Cape Cod Melody Tent has been delighting audiences since 1951. With a capacity of 2,300 people, every seat is within 50 feet (15 meters) of the rotating stage, guaranteeing a great view of the show. The theater hosts music and comedy performers, and theatrical shows.
Address: 397 Main St, Hyannis, Massachusetts 02601, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
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
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
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
Kendall Square
Since the city’s inception, Kendall Square has served as a transit hub for travelers venturing between Boston and Cambridge. In 1793 this Massachusetts icon offered the first direct wagon route between these cities and today, it’s become a thriving industrial center. Tech firms and offshoots of nearby MIT have made Kendall Square their home, but travelers will also find plenty of accommodations, restaurants and shopping in the vicinity as well.
Visitors can wander the busy farmers’ market seeking out fresh produce and homemade goods, then hire a canoe or kayak and paddle through the Charles River before touring the Constellation Center. In warmer months live concerts take place in early evenings and in cooler months an outdoor ice rink offers a winter wonderland of fun.
Practical Info
Kendall Square is located at the intersection of Main Street, Broadway, Wadsworth Street and Third Street. The popular business district, which goes by the same name, is east of Portland Street, northwest of the Charles River and north of MIT. The Red Line subway and the Kendall/MIT Station are located in the square and it is accessible using the 68, 85 and CT2 buses.
Address: Main Street, Broadway, Wadsworth Street and Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
From $ 150
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
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
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