
We’ve covered the main bases when it comes to things to do in Boston. Whether you’re spending 24 hours or 24 years in Boston, there are some foundational Bostonian experiences that need to be on your bucket list. From camouflaging into a lively crowd of Boston sports fans at a league game, to tasting your way through Boston history—you must try the things below at least once during your time in Boston.
An estimated 25 million people visit Boston each year. That is crazy considering our population is under 1 million! Boston is synonymous with American history and boasts many exiciting tourism activities no matter your interests.
Without further ado, these are the best things to do in Boston!
1. Boston Duck Tour
Operating since 1994, Boston Duck Tours are a city staple. They are perhaps one of the most “touristy” things you can ever do in the city. But that’s because you get the most in-depth debriefing on the major hubs of Boston. The amphibian vehicles tour the streets before descending into the Charles River for a boat tour of the city!
2. Pahk yah cah in the Harvard Yahd (but don’t actually)
Boston is an effervescent city! Marked by an astounding education system and some of the best colleges in the world. Most famously, Harvard, is a must visit! Technically it is in Boston’s sister city, Cambridge, which is also a must visit while in Boston!
Tour the campus grounds, law school if you’re a Legally Blonde fan, and make sure to enjoy some food in Harvard Square!
3. See the city from above at View Boston
A popular attraction with locals and tourists alike, View Boston allows for a city vantage point 750-feet above with indoor and outdoor viewing! It’s especially stunning at sunset. Plus, check out their skyline dining options for the perfect views of the city while you enjoy an enchanting meal.
4. Grab high tea at the Boston Public Library
America’s third largest public library, the Boston Public Library or BPL for short, boasts an impressive collection of 24 million media. Hidden inside is a refined tea experience adjacent to the courtyard. It’s a hidden gem and a must for tourists and locals alike!
Pro tip: Open a free Boston Public Library card if spending a prolonged time in Boston and enjoy 20 miraculous perks!
5. Follow the Freedom Trail
A Boston classic. 40,000 people travel this 2.5-mile-long trail each year.
It was first conceived in 1951 and takes you through 16 historical sites of Boston, including the Boston Common and Bunker Hill monument. While just 2.5 miles, if you plan to stop and observe all 16 sites, you can allot about 2 hours to complete the entire Freedom Trail.
6. Have a picnic in the Boston Public Garden
The Boston Public Garden is America’s first public garden, and a great one at that! It’s stunning during all four seasons, from the foliage ablaze in the fall to the first blooms of spring to the snowflake dusted trees of winter and the vibrant billowy gardens of the summer! We love the nearby cheese board purveyor, Kured and refreshments from DeLuca’s on Charles Street for the ideal picnic in the garden.
7. Reenact the Boston Tea Party
It’s been over 250 years since the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum has everything you need to blast into the past. Explore their tea tasting room and throw some tea overboard* where the actual event took place centuries ago.
*Don’t worry the tea crates are affixed to the boat.
8. Learn about all of Boston’s great pioneers on the Innovation Trail
A new addition to Boston is the 21-stop Innovation Trail. Many revolutionary items were invented in Boston, from the telephone to medical anesthesia. The Innovation Trail is a self-guided tour that takes you on the journey to explore them all and energize your inner inventor!
9. Attend an enchanting Candlelight concert
If you’re big on concerts, the magical Candlelight series is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite tunes in a whole new light. Illuminated by the glimmer of thousands of candles, these live music performances are enough to take your breath away. Talented musicians take to the stage in historic Boston venuesto work their magic on tunes from Coldplay, ABBA, Taylor Swift, Adele, The Beatles and many more.
10. Cheer on the Red Sox at Fenway Park
What is Boston if not the greatest sports city in the world? Our teams are legendary, and we’ve got over 40 titles to prove it! Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, a day at Fenway is a necessity. The baseball season runs from late March through October.
Between the competition, weather, color-coordinated crowd in red, white, and blue, and stadium food, Fenway is a quintessential Boston experience! If you really can’t get behind baseball or visit in the offseason, the concerts at Fenway are just as spectacular.
11. Bleed green at a Celtics game at TD Garden
Basketball in Boston is elite. Celtics fans are loyal, and a bit spicy! The energy in-person at a Celtics game is contagious! If you can’t get tickets to a game, these nearby restaurants are another great place to watch or grab a post-game bite!
12. Watch the Bruins battle it out at TD Garden
Basketball and hockey season run at about the same time, so you can catch a Celtics game one day and an ice hockey game featuring Boston’s Bruins the next! We know…it’s magic!
13. Voyage to Gillette Stadium for a Patriots game
Then there’s of course, football. If you’re a Bostonian and you still haven’t made it out for a Pats game in Foxboro, this is your sign! You can get there via Commuter Rail or hitch a ride. According to a recent study, Patriots fans are 11% “more passionate” than any other NFL fans.
14. Awe at rowers during the Head of the Charles Regatta
Head of the Charles happens every year in October. It is the largest regatta in the world, and it takes place right on Boston’s Charles River. The best rowers in the world compete on Boston’s waters for three days of sports, style, and delicious food!
15. Cheer on Boston Marathoners (or complete it yourself)
One of the world’s most prestigious marathons, the Boston Marathon has been around since 1897. It takes place every Patriot’s Day and over 30,000 participants compete. Cheering is so fun, but if you’re feeling bold, try the 26-mile race for yourself!
16. Get a lobstah roll
Lobster roll, pronounced “lobstah roll,” is a heavenly toasted bun surrounding a cascade of hot or cold lobster. We prefer them hot with butter, fyi! These are the best lobster rolls in New England, according to Bostonians.
17. With a side of clam chowda
And claw chowder is an essential New England dish. Pretty much any place that serves New England seafood will also have a trustworthy clam chowder.
18. And don’t forget the Boston Cream Pie!
Boston Cream Pie originated at the Parker House Hotel in 1865 Boston. The hotel still serves the same recipe to this day!
19. Determine who has the better cannoli on Hanover Street
Mike’s? or Modern?
It’s an open-ended question that simply doesn’t have an answer, until you give them both a try! Grab a cannoli in the North End at these Italian pastry shops and determine for yourself who makes the better cannoli! If you like Italian food and want to take some more bites of Boston, this North End food tour is a foodie dream!
Insider secret: Bostonians actually think Bova’s Bakery is the best cannoli in the city.
20. Go ice skating at Frog Pond
Repeatedly recognized as one of America’s premiere outdoor ice-skating rinks, Frog Pond is the perfect wintertime activity in Boston. Show off your moves on the ice or do your very best not to fall down, and enjoy the ice.
Pro tip: holiday weekend lines are insane! Try to go at night to catch the winter lights, but during a weekday when it is less busy!
21. Take the Charles River Esplanade
Despite our insufferable and ever-changing weather, Boston is actually a great city for the outdoorsperson! Every season offers a new activity whether it be skiing in winter or exploring New England beaches in summer!
The Charles is gorgeous throughout each season and right in the city’s backyard. Walk, bike, kayak, or just relax on one of the docks. The esplanade is a Boston treasure. And it never gets old.
No wonder it was selected as one of “America’s best riverwalks.”