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Unique Experiences
Things to do in Boston

Things to do in  Boston

Welcome to Boston

With a brassy revolutionary spirit, Boston invites visitors to explore America’s past and vibrant culture. Trace the Freedom Trail through the heart of the city, where colorful neighborhoods are dotted with historic sites and parks. Try the chowder at Boston’s oldest restaurant, head to the Italian-accented North End for cannoli and pizza, or snack on hot dogs in the stands at Fenway Park. Browse collections of masterpiece artwork in the city’s many museums, then get beyond the city limits on a day trip to old-fashioned villages, Cape Cod’s sandy beaches, or one of New England’s top shopping destinations.

Learn more

Top 10 attractions in Boston

#1
Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library

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Founded in 1848, the Boston Public Library contains over 23 million items, making it the second largest public library in the U.S., after the Library of Congress. Of those millions, about 1.7 million are rare books and works, including medieval manuscripts and incunabula (a book or pamphlet printed prior to 1501 in Europe). Among the rare books are also the personal library of John Adams, early editions of works by William Shakespeare, drawings from Thomas Rowlandson and musical archives from the Handel and Haydn Society.The McKim Building, with its vast research collection, and the Johnson Building, where you can find the circulating collection, are two of the most important parts of the library. The McKim Building is even a National Historic Landmark. And while the library system technically includes a whopping 24 branches, the original Copley Square location offers plenty to see, including Bates Hall, the Chavannes Gallery, the Abbey Room and the Sargent Gallery.More
#2
Boston North End

Boston North End

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Boston’s oldest residential neighborhood, the North End has been inhabited since the 1630s and is now the city’s Little Italy. Visit to see a variety of historical and cultural attractions, such as the Paul Revere House (the starting place of his famous “midnight ride” in 1775) and enjoy Italian-American fare.More
#3
Boston Common

Boston Common

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The starting point of the Freedom Trail, Boston Common is the oldest park in the country. At 50 acres (20 hectares), it is the anchor for the Emerald Necklace, a system of connected parks that winds through many of Boston’s neighborhoods. The historic park was once a campground for British troops during the Revolutionary War.More
#4
Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

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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.More
#5
Massachusetts State House

Massachusetts State House

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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.More
#6
Boston Public Garden

Boston Public Garden

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The Boston Public Garden is a 24 acre (10 hectare) botanical oasis of Victorian flowerbeds, verdant grass, and weeping willow trees shading a tranquil lagoon. At any time of the year, it is an island of loveliness, awash in seasonal blooms, gold-toned leaves, or untrammeled snow.A statue of George Washington, looking stately atop his horse, greets visitors at the main entrance on Arlington Street. Other pieces of public art in the park, however, are more whimsical. The most endearing is Make Way for Ducklings, always a favorite with tiny tots who can climb and sit on the bronze ducks. But it’s the peaceful lagoon that draws visitors and locals a like to the Public Garden. For it is hear, you should take on the slow-going swan boats, a serene relic of bygone days.More
#7
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

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Relive the events of December 16, 1773 at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Located in Boston Harbor, this floating museum provides visitors with an immersive experience, complete with full-scale replica tea ships, live costumed actors, a multi-sensory documentary, interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and more.More
#8
Freedom Trail

Freedom Trail

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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.More
#9
Quincy Market

Quincy Market

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The main hub of Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Quincy Market has attracted locals and visitors alike for nearly 200 years. The historic food hall located within a Greek Revival-style building is packed with more than 50 shops, 14 restaurants, and 40 food court stops—plus stalls and pushcarts selling everything from exotic coffee to fresh seafood and artisanal bread.More
#10
Granary Burying Ground

Granary Burying Ground

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Founded in 1660, the Granary Burying 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 Burying Ground, thinking of the times before ours, and, perhaps, the time to come afterwards.Notable burials among the Granary Burying 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.More
See more Boston attractions

Explore Boston by interest

Trip ideas

How to Experience Fall Foliage in Boston

How to Experience Fall Foliage in Boston

While destinations like Vermont and New Hampshire can get crowded during the seasonal spectacle, tree-filled cities like Boston offer an alternative for autumn leaf peeping in the area.
Sightseeing on a Budget in Boston

Sightseeing on a Budget in Boston

Boston may rank as one of the most expensive US cities to visit, but there are still ways to enjoy it on a budget. Here’s how to get the most for your buck in Beantown.
Must-See Museums in Boston

Must-See Museums in Boston

Boston’s museums span everything from the key sites along its American Revolution–tracing Freedom Trail to top-tier art and natural history collections. Check out our top picks.
Top Parks and Gardens in Boston

Top Parks and Gardens in Boston

From waterfront gardens filled with attractions and art to leafy oases that provide a peaceful refuge from the city’s hustle and bustle, find out where to get outside—and what to do when you're there—in Boston.

Top activities in Boston

Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

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1868
From
$49.35
Martha's Vineyard Daytrip from Boston with Round-Trip Ferry & Island Tour Option
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Martha's Vineyard Daytrip from Boston with Round-Trip Ferry & Island Tour Option

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1086
From
$110.00
Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark

Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark

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665
From
$27.00
Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran
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Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran

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From
$62.85
Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston
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Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston

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$107.00
Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River
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Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

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6580
From
$53.35
Boston Ghosts & Gravestones Night-Time Trolley Tour

Boston Ghosts & Gravestones Night-Time Trolley Tour

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424
From
$45.15
Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise with Up-Close View of USS Constitution

Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise with Up-Close View of USS Constitution

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331
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$36.71
Boston Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet
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Boston Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet

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$104.67
90-Minute Boston Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise
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90-Minute Boston Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise

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$38.80
Boston Codzilla High-Speed Thrill Boat Ride

Boston Codzilla High-Speed Thrill Boat Ride

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$38.80
Boston Small-Group Food & History North End Freedom Trail Walking Tour

Boston Small-Group Food & History North End Freedom Trail Walking Tour

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$104.00
Boston Odyssey Dinner Cruise
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Boston Odyssey Dinner Cruise

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$159.69
Boston to Salem One-Way or Round-Trip High Speed Ferry

Boston to Salem One-Way or Round-Trip High Speed Ferry

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74
From
$25.00
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission

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455
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$29.95
Sunset Sailing Cruise on a Tall Ship in Boston Harbor

Sunset Sailing Cruise on a Tall Ship in Boston Harbor

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$51.00
Boston's North End "Little Italy" Pizza, Cannoli, and History Walking Food Tour
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Boston's North End "Little Italy" Pizza, Cannoli, and History Walking Food Tour

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351
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$49.00
Boston to Plymouth Day-Trip with Plimoth Plantation, Mayflower II, Plymouth Rock
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Boston to Plymouth Day-Trip with Plimoth Plantation, Mayflower II, Plymouth Rock

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$125.00
Boston to Provincetown & Cape Cod High Speed Ferry One-Way

Boston to Provincetown & Cape Cod High Speed Ferry One-Way

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$63.00
Tour of The Freedom Trail

Tour of The Freedom Trail

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$26.00
See all experiences

Recent reviews from experiences in Boston

star-5
Amazing Tour
Diane_D, Jul 2021
Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops
We felt like family and got to see and learn so much about Boston.
star-5
Very informative
Jason_F, Jul 2021
Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River
It was wonderful to see and learn the history of the city.
star-5
Great
Ciff_K, Jul 2021
Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops
We were able to see the sights we wanted
star-5
Different and fun!
Kristin_R, Jul 2021
Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River
Great way to see some of Boston!
star-5
Fun
Luisdiego_Q, Jul 2021
Boston Codzilla High-Speed Thrill Boat Ride
Good way to see the boston skyline!
star-5
Frequent Doughnut Eater
Ashley_S, Jul 2021
Underground Donut Tour - Boston Historic Downtown Tour
A great way to see Boston and chow down on wonderful treats.
star-5
Must do in Boston
Leigh_C, Jul 2021
Boston Ghosts & Gravestones Night-Time Trolley Tour
Awesome way to see Boston at night.
star-5
Fun time in a great city!
Carolee_A, Jul 2021
Boston Ghosts & Gravestones Night-Time Trolley Tour
Never being in Boston before it was a great way to see some sights and learn a few things about the city in a short amount of time.
star-5
Best time
Kathy_M, Jul 2021
Sunset Cruise
There is so much to see that people don’t even know about.
star-4
Great way to explore
Debbie, Jul 2021
Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option
Seeing all the areas around Boston and hearing how things came to be was a great way to see multiple things that make up the city without having to walk and exhaust oneself.
star-5
North End is Magical, Bob H. is Wonderful!
Randy_N, Jul 2021
Boston Small-Group Food & History North End Freedom Trail Walking Tour
I've always wanted to see Boston's North End and this tour with Bob Hornstein didn't disappoint.
star-4
Great experience
nicholas_d, Jul 2021
Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River
Great tour to see and hear about Boston.
star-5
Great day in Boston!
Angie_D, Jul 2021
Boston City view Bicycle Tour
Awesome way to see all of Boston.
star-5
Amazing experience!
Cynthia_K, Jul 2021
Small Group Tour of Freedom Trail History (Evening)
We got to see so much of Boston and learned an impressive amount of the history here during the two hour tour.
star-5
AAA+++
Anita_H, Jul 2021
Sunset Cruise
The oldest military ship blew a cannon effect sound, to see the city of Boston and how much it has changed over the 100s of years that now we are in the 21 Century with new technology an skills,like communication with the community and nationsl plus Worldwide connections with other people.
star-5
Great way to see Fenway Park!
Carlyn_R, Jul 2021
Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark
We were able to see the ballpark from many different vantage points and our guide provided us with a lot of great historical information as well.
star-5
Wiggles
Bill_M, Jul 2021
Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops
It was a perfect way to see the city In a short time!
star-5
5 stars
Grace_R, Jun 2021
The Revolutionary Story Tour
In addition to the Revolutionary War history, you get to see so much of Boston and learn about the city as it is now.
star-5
Would recommend to anyone in the Boston area
Connor_M, Jun 2021
Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran
We were able to see 3 whales and the cruise was smooth despite warnings of high winds.
star-5
An Evening upon Boston Harbor
Phillybill59, Jun 2021
Sunset Sailing Cruise on a Tall Ship in Boston Harbor
This is a perfect way to see Boston (June 23, 2021) Bill & Ling - Philadelphia

All about Boston

When to visit

After a bone-chilling winter, Boston knows how to party once summer arrives. Peak season prices come with perks such as baseball games at Fenway Park and festivals including Boston Pride, Harborfest, and Comic Con. Visit in early autumn for discounted rates and a chance to admire New England’s famous fall foliage before the freeze sets in.

A local’s pocket guide to Boston

Angelica Pella

A native New Englander, Boston-based Angelica spends as much free time by the ocean as possible, and her favorite coastal town is Newport, Rhode Island.

The first thing you should do in Boston is...

explore each of the downtown neighborhoods on foot. Walking the Freedom Trail, either independently or on a tour, is a good way to get started.

A perfect Saturday in Boston...

starts with brunch at Lincoln Tavern and includes a walk along the Waterfront or Seaport, shopping at Faneuil Hall, and an Italian dinner in the North End, with espresso martinis at Caffè Vittoria afterward.

One touristy thing that lives up to the hype is...

Fenway Park. It's the oldest ballpark in America and great even for non-baseball fans. Take a stadium tour or catch a Red Sox game during baseball season.

To discover the "real" Boston...

stop by some of the historical sites, such as the Paul Revere House or Bunker Hill Monument, or catch a Red Sox, Bruins, or Celtics game. It doesn’t hurt to try a lobster roll either!

For the best view of the city...

take a harbor cruise, get drinks at a rooftop bar (try the Envoy Hotel), or walk across the Harvard Bridge and see Boston from the Cambridge side of the Charles River.

One thing people get wrong...

is not visiting other parts of New England, like Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Newport, Cape Cod, Salem, Portsmouth, Portland, or Kennebunkport.

Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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What are the top things to do in Boston?
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