Boston, Massachusetts, USA city skyline on the river.
Boston, Massachusetts, USA city skyline on the river.

Boston is a destination for history buffs and curious travelers eager to visit the oldest city in America. Founded in 1630, the capital of Massachusetts is packed with historical attractions that tell stories about key moments from the American Revolution, the abolition of slavery, and the founding of the first university in the US. 

Its winding streets will unavoidably lead you to fascinating attractions and majestic architectural gems, as well as to world-class museums and art galleries. However, don’t think the city is stuck in the past. Boston looks forward and remains a pioneer in many fields, encouraging intellectuals, scientists, visionaries, and artists from all over the world to break barriers and take humanity into the future. 

Pedestrians cross at the Old State House in Boston. The building dates from 1713.
Pedestrians cross at the Old State House in Boston. The building dates from 1713.

Things to see in Boston

Boston is not a big city allowing travelers to get pretty much anywhere by foot or public transportation. Despite its relatively small size, the city crams about 400 years of history within its limits. Start your journey of exploration with a walking tour of the city and stop at some of the most popular attractions in Boston

You can begin with a tour of the Boston Common, the first city park in the world, and continue with a walk on the alleyways of the Public Garden situated nearby. The Public Garden awaits in Beacon Hill and is the oldest botanical garden in the country. Here you’ll find plenty of fun things to do outdoor, like cruising on the pond in a Swan Boat or crossing the world’s smallest suspension bridge. Don’t leave Beacon Hill without first locating the picturesque and most photographed street in Boston – Acorn Street

If you want to be sure you’re not missing any of the most famous attractions in Boston, follow the route indicated by the Freedom Trail. An attraction per se, this 2.5-mile trail leads your steps to some of the best attractions in Boston. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to visit Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, King’s Chapel, and the Bunker Hill Monument

George Washington Monument at Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
George Washington Monument at Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

Add museums to your itinerary because no trip to Boston can be complete without delving into the city’s past. We recommend a visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, one of the most visited museums in the city. The “Tea Party” was an act of rebellion against British rule and this museum tells the full story on board a full-size replica ship with the help of 3D holograms, talking portraits, and actors dressed in Colonial period costumes. The actual Tea Party happened nearby in 1773.

Acorn Street in Boston, Massachusetts, US
Acorn Street in Boston, Massachusetts, US

Harvard has six museums in Boston, including the Harvard Art Museum that houses European, Asian, Islamic, and Indian Art, the Museum of Natural History, and the Peabody Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology. The Museum of Fine Arts enriches the cultural scene with collections that date from 6,000 BC to the present day, including masterpieces by Renoir, Monet, and Degas, as well as works of art created by Andy Warhol.

If you’re traveling with children, the Boston Children’s Museum will delight the little ones more than any video game. The museum enchants with interactive, educational exhibits that will take visitors into the world of science, arts, and culture. The Museum of Science keeps the entire family entertained with more than 600 interactive exhibits and the world’s largest lightning bolt generator, as well as the Charles Hayden Planetarium.

Boston, Massachusetts, USA historic skyline at dusk.
Boston, Massachusetts, USA historic skyline at dusk.

Things to do in Boston

Admire breathtaking views of Boston from the 50th floor of the Prudential Building where you’ll discover the Prudential Centre Skywalk Observatory. Spend a few hours in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park by taking part in a Boston Harbor Tour. The tour includes a ride to Little Brewster Island, one of the 34 islands that create this beautiful national park. Once you land on the Little Brewster Island, you’ll have the opportunity to climb the 76 winding steps of the first lighthouse in the US to admire superb views of the city’s skyline.

Autumn in Boston Public Garden
Autumn in Boston Public Garden

Cruise down the Charles River by kayak, canoe or duck boat, or join a tour and let other people due to the work while you admire the views. See a baseball game at Fenway Park even if you don’t know much about baseball. Catching a baseball game here is one of the must-do things when in Boston. 

Stop for lunch at Quincy Market, where you’ll find everything from clam chowder to burgers, and grab a beer at the Samuel Adams brewery, the most famous brewery in Boston, and the perfect place to learn about the brand’s history and beer-making process. Eat oysters at the Union Oyster House, the oldest continually run restaurant and oyster bar in the country, a beautiful example of Boston’s Georgian architecture. If you’re in the mood for pizza, head to the North End, also known as the “Little Italy” of Boston. Expect to find a food extravaganza! The streets are lined almost entirely with eateries and food spots, from Italian restaurants and bakeries to ice cream parlors and cafes.

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