Boston might not be among the biggest cities in America, but it’s certainly one of the buzziest, with world-class museums, fun bars and historic sights to see on every street.
Narrowing it down to just seven of the best things to do in Boston is tough, but we’re ballsy like that. Whether you’re a local who needs to entertain out-of-towners or you’re visiting Massachusetts for the first time, these are unmissable things to put on your to-do list.
1. Catch a game at Fenway Park
The home of the Red Sox, this historic Boston ballpark should be top of your list.
You can take a quick 15 minute guided tour before a game for $15, which includes a visit to the Nation’s Archives at the Royal Rooters Club and the Right Field Roof Deck for a panoramic view of the ballpark and the Boston City Skyline.
2. Walk the Freedom Trail
The famous Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red-brick trail through Boston’s historic neighborhoods that tells the story of the American Revolution. There’s plenty of tour operators who do walking tours that will tell you all about the history, or you can do a DIY one using this map.
3. Play games at Lawn on D
When summer hits the city, there’s nowhere better than Lawn on D in the Seaport District. With interactive art exhibitions, plenty of free fun games such as bocce, giant chess and Connect4, Jenga and ping-pong, it’s a great space to soak up the sun.
There’s also a fully licensed bar for after-work drinks and regular outdoor movie nights.
4. Explore the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum
This unique, Venetian-inspired palazzo has works by Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, Degas, and Sargent. There’s often live music performances in the pretty gardens, and contemporary art exhibitions.
The museum was the scene of a famous art heist in 1990, where over $500 million of paintings were stolen. Empty frames hang in the Dutch Room gallery as placeholders for the missing works.
5. Take an Architecture Tour at the Boston Public Library
One of the most beautiful libraries in the country? Without a doubt. The Boston Public Library offers daily tours where you can learn all about it. The tours highlight the architecture of its famed Central Library buildings as well as the art treasures within, including works by Daniel Chester French and John Singer Sargent.
6. Catch lobsters in Boston Harbour
If you’re on a mission to eat your body weight in lobster, this is perfect. Hop on a lobster boat tour to learn about the lobster catching trade, handle your own traps, haul in your catch, and band the lobsters’ claws.
Each person on the tour will take home a freshly caught live and kicking lobster, which the crew will explain how to cook up at home.
7. Pretend you’re in the Ivy League at Harvard
Any trip to Cambridge isn’t complete without a proper stroll through the famous Harvard University campus – it’s too historic to ignore. Explore the campus and its many museums and wander across Harvard Square and its arthouse theatres and bookstores.
