There are so many things to do in Boston. The historic city is brimming with history, public green spaces, unique neighborhoods, and architecture, making it a popular destination among both American and international travelers. From historic walking trails to beautiful gardens to delicious cuisine, there’s something for just about everyone in Boston.
1. The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is considered to be one of the best things to do in Boston. This historic, 2.5-mile trail travels past more than a dozen historically significant sites throughout the city, such as the Granary Burying Ground, the Massachusetts State house, and the Boston Common. While you can join a walking tour of The Freedom Trail, you can also explore on your own by following the red line marking the route. The walking tours provide deeper insight into the significance of the places along the trail, but some groups can include up to 40 people and don’t always walk the entire route.
2. Wander the Back Bay Neighborhood
The Back Bay neighborhood in Boston is a great place to explore for any foodie visiting the city. Be sure to check out the independent shops and stalls along Newbury Street, as well as have a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes. Luke’s Lobster Back Bay is an excellent choice for a bite of East Coast seafood, such as lobster rolls and clam chowder.
3. Catch a Game at Fenway Park
If you’re a baseball fan and the Boston Red Sox are in town, catch a game at Fenway Park. Even if there’s not a game happening, it’s still worth it to visit the oldest major league baseball park still used today and is home to the Green Monster, the iconic 37-foot left field wall.
4. Explore the Boston Public Garden
The Boston Public Garden is a great spot to relax and is famous for being the first public botanical garden in America. There are plenty of colorful flowers to see throughout the gardens, as well as swan boats you can rent during the summer.
5. Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
The Faneuil Hall Marketplace combines shopping with history. Made up of four buildings (Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market), the historic market is full of little food stalls, unique shops, and more. You can also often find street performers outside.
6. The Paul Revere House
Located along the Freedom Trail, the Paul Revere House is a must for history buffs. The house still looks much like it did back during the late 1700’s. Inside you’ll find period pieces, original furnishings, several pieces of fine silver, and more. Overall, there isn’t too much to see at the Paul Revere House, but it gives you a small glimpse of America’s history.
7. Visit the Boston Common
While the Boston Public Garden is the oldest public botanical garden, the Boston Common is the country’s oldest public park. Perfect for a stroll or a picnic, the park also sometimes hosts music or theatrical performances. During the winter months, the Frog Pond offers some good ice skating.
8. Granary Burying Ground
The Granary Burying Ground may not be for every visitor to Boston, but it’s an important part of history. Dating back to the 1600’s, this cemetery is part of The Freedom Trail and is the final resting place of several notable people, such as Paul Revere, Sam Adams, Peter Faneuil, James Otis, and John Hancock.
9. Stroll through Beacon Hill
The architecture of Beacon Hill is reminiscent of the Federal era, the unique colonial American style that makes up the Boston aesthetic. One street you need to see here is Acorn Street, considered to be one of the most photographed streets in America. Beacon Hill is mostly a residential area, however, there are several local shops, cute faces, and upmarket Italian restaurants on Charles Street.
10. Museum of Fine Arts
With more than 450,000 pieces of artwork, the Museum of Fine Arts is the place to go in Boston for art enthusiasts. (I wouldn’t suggest you go if you couldn’t care less about art.) The collection here includes early American art, Egyptian and Asian works of art, and Impressionist paintings. There are also changing exhibitions throughout the year.
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