Being one of the oldest towns in the United States, Boston has a rich history and diverse neighbourhoods combined with a legacy of culture, arts and education. Given its vast history, there is so much to discover including the Boston African American National Historic Site and the Fenway Park, home of the eight-time World Champion Red Sox. While you are in Boston you will also be exposed to a wide variety of free walks and trails where you can take beautiful photos creating unforgettable memories. Boston also offers a wide verity of dining and shopping options including the famous Newbury street where you will find some of the most fashionable stores in Boston. If you are planning to visit Boston, you should check out the top instagrammable tours and spots in Boston.
1. Sunflower Castle tour
Amongst the darker brick buildings of Beacon Hill, this colorful house stands out like a cheerful bunch of sunflowers. Constructed in 1840 and later reinvented in English architecture, this Queen Anne-style house is located at the intersection of Mt. Vernon and River Street.
Once the home of the famous artist Frank Hill Smith who is credited for the painting of the ceiling frescoes in the Representatives Hall of the Massachusetts State House, this house is worth stopping by even if you can’t see the interiors. Of the many Instagrammable spots in the city, this unusual house with the large wooden carving of a sunflower under the eave above the front door is well worth your time and camera.
Sunflower Castle
Address: 130 Mt Vernon St, Boston, MA 02108, United States
2. Boston Athenæum tour
Founded in 1807 inside a landmark building, The Athenæum is a unique library, museum, and cultural center all at once. One of the country’s oldest and independent libraries, it showcases special collections of rare books, maps, manuscripts, and 100,000 works of art ranging from paintings and sculptures to prints and photographs.
You can plan a fun day here and buy a day pass to explore the historic reading rooms and bookshelves spread over 12 floors in the building. Truly an Instagrammable spot in Boston, you can create your Insta reel amongst well-lit tables, cozy reading nooks, and picturesque views of the vibrant cityscape.
Boston Athenæum
Address: 10-½ Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108, United States
Website: Boston Athenæum
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 40 USD (day pass)
3. Boston photo walking tour (from USD 55.0)
This is a two-hour walking tour which will enable you to capture the beauty of Boston’s must-see attractions. The tour begins with two historical sites on the Freedom Trail as you head to the 19th-century English-inspired neighbourhood. After you are satisfied with this position, your guide will lead you to the nation’s first Public Garden and Back Bay. You will also have the chance to take photos of the architectural landmarks in the Grand Victorian brownstones and Copley Square. Your guide, who is also a professional photographer will give you important photography tips and tricks which will improve your photography skills. This tour is ideal for all age groups.
Beacon Hill, Public Garden, Back Bay History + Photo Walking Tour(Small Group)
Duration: 2 hours
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4. Freedom Trail tour (from USD 45.0)
Boston’s red-brick Freedom Trail is an educative tour that will take you through the sites where historical revolutions were held against the British rule. In this walking tour, you will be able to visit famous sites including the Old State House, Boston Common, and Park Street Church as you take photos. Your guide will also educate you on the historical background of the buildings and what role they played during the revolutions. With the help of your guide, you will also be able to enhance your photography skills by learning how to adjust your camera settings. This tour is ideal for all age groups and it is done in small groups to ensure a more personalised atmosphere.
Explore Historic Boston: Freedom Trail Walking Tour (Small Group)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Boston Tour Guide
Naim Benmayor
As a Boston tour guide, I have the added experience of being a world traveler. For many years, I frequently visited Europe, Asia, and Latin America on business. During this time, I also organized tours of the USA, Europe and Asia for my business clients. I now bring this passion, excitement and expertise to the Boston area.By exploring the globe, I was exposed to various cultures, and this uniq... Read more
5. Beacon Hill tour (from USD 45.0)
In this photo tour, you will spend approximately 90 minutes exploring the picturesque streets of Beacon Hill as you take photos of the 19th-century English inspired neighbourhood. Your tour guide who is a professional photographer who will teach you how to take amazing pictures by adjusting your angles and the camera settings. After mastering the art of taking pictures, you will be able to capture pictures of Beacon Hill’s diverse architecture, the antique gas lamps found on the sidewalks, the colourful flowers spilling out of the window boxes, and the famous Acorn Street. The tour is done in small groups and it is ideal for all age groups.
Beacon Hill Boston History + Photo Walking Tour (Small Group)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
6. Waterfront tour (from USD 38.0)
This waterfront tour will give you the chance to spend 1.5 hours taking pictures of the historic Boston Harbour. With the help of your guide, you will be able to learn about the soldiers and revolutionaries who clashed along the shoreline as you take pictures of some of the most important landmarks in Boston. Your guide will also advise you on how to improve your photography skills by adjusting your camera setting and composing shots. You will have plenty of spots to take pictures as you walk past parks, gardens, wharves and historic buildings. The tour normally begins on the front steps of the Old State House Gift Shop entrance and ends at the city’s iconic Custom House.
PhotoWalks Waterfront Tour
Duration: 90 minutes
7. Little Italy photography tour (from USD 45.0)
This amazingly fun tour will give you the opportunity to Explore Boston’s oldest neighbourhood. With the help of a professional photographer as your guide, you will be able to discover the hidden gems of the North End, also known as Little Italy. The tour guide will give you professional tips on how you can adjust your camera settings in order to improve your photography skills. After mastering the tips, you will be able to take clear pictures of historical landmarks in the area such as the Old North Church and the Paul Revere House. This tour is ideal for all age groups but children are required to bring an adult along.
Boston's North End-Little Italy History + Photo Walking Tour (Small Group)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
8. Public Garden tour (from USD 80.0)
In this activity, you will spend 1.5 hours practising your photography skills while taking pictures of Boston’s iconic public garden. Your guide will give you several tips on how to adjust your camera settings and composing shots in order to take quality pictures. Your guide will also walk you through the garden giving you the chance of discovering the most photogenic spots in the garden. You will be impressed by the numerous scenic photo opportunities including the blooming rows of bright flowers and shorelines overhung with willow trees. You will also get the chance of visiting the ‘Make Way for Ducklings’ sculpture and enjoy the panoramic view of the Charles River from the Esplanade. This activity is appropriate for any age group but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Wang Theatre History + Photo Tour
Duration: 2 hours
9. Back Bay tour (from USD 55.0)
This 90-minute tour will enhance your photography skills as you learn to take photographs of Boston’s architectural gems. Your guide who is also a professional photographer will give you artistic guidelines as you photograph various historical places including the Trinity Church, the John Hancock Tower, the Boston Public Library and the brownstones of Commonwealth Avenue. During this activity, you will also be given the PhotoWalks Guide to Creative Photography which is included in the tour price. PhotoWalks Guide to Creative Photography is an e-booklet which will give you valuable information on how you can maximize your photography skills. The tour is appropriate for any age group but children should be accompanied by an adult.
Boston's Architectural Landmarks, History + Photo Walking Tour (Small Group)
Duration: 2 hours
10. New Hampshire's countryside for fall foliage (from USD 115.0)
This activity will award you with unforgettable scenic views as you enjoy a relaxing tour of New Hampshire’s gently rolling countryside. The activity lasts for nine hours and it will give you the opportunity to enjoy the various instagram-worthy spots rich in beautiful scenery including the quaint colonial homes, weathered roadside taverns, the white church steeples and the green villages. The last stop is normally at Brookdale Farm where you will be treated with baked treats, apples and complimentary cider. This tour is appropriate for any age group, come along and don’t forget your camera.
Boston: Fall Foliage Spectacular with Buffet Lunch
Duration: 9 hour
11. Tour of the historic Fenway Park (from USD 33.0)
During this 60-minute tour, you will get the chance to learn about the history of Fenway Park as you take pictures. Fenway Park is home to the city’s American League baseball team and the only Major League Baseball franchise. You will also get the chance to revisit careers of the most famous Red Sox players including the likes of Carl Yastrzemski, Babe Ruth and Ted Williams as you celebrate the club’s numerous World Series titles. For more interesting picture spots, you can also head to the famous stadium locales like Fenway Park Living Museum, Green Monster and the Pesky’s Pole where you will find more than 170,000 stadium artefacts and 150,000 photographs. This tour is perfect for history lovers, baseball fans and Boston aficionados.
Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark
Duration: 1 hour
The following content is contributed by Gabriel Abad, Trip101 Writer
12. Acorn Street (from USD 595.0)
So why is Acorn Street considered by many as one of the most, if not the most, photographed street in Boston? Simply put, it is beautiful and historical. Step back in time as you walk along the cobblestone path of this unique street. The stones come in their natural shapes and colors. What is astonishing about this site is that the stones you see here are the originals that the settlers put on this street. Then there are the walls and sidewalks that are made from red bricks. This adds so much beauty and history in every shot you take of this street.
Boston Private Walking Tour
Duration: 120 to 150 minutes
13. Boston Public Library (from USD 45.0)
The beauty of this historic edifice is absolutely astonishing. Constantly drawing passersby to stop for photo ops, The Boston Public Library is one of those historic structures that will take your breath away. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has the distinction of being the first municipal library in the country, supported by the state. While the original structure was built in 1852, the McKim Building of the library opened in 1895 and has been in every traveler’s to-do lists. The amazing structure has a dramatic façade and interiors which resemble a palace. It is considered the third largest state-funded library in the country and is named after its architect, Charles Follen McKim.
Guided Walking Tour of Copley Square to Downtown Boston Freedom Trail
Duration: 2 hours
14. Boston Common (from USD 55.0)
Boston Common’s name is etched deep in the history of the United States. It has the distinction of being the oldest open public park in America. It was opened in 1634 and encompasses 50 acres of city land. Some of the most famous Americans in history are buried in the Central Burying Ground part of the park. Today, it has become a relaxing place for people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also a perfect place to jog or go on family picnics during summer. In the winter, Frog Pond becomes a popular place to ice-skate.
Comfort Hybrid Boston City Bike Rental
Duration: 1 day
15. Charles River (from USD 57.0)
Charles River is known as the longest river that is totally located in Massachusetts. Running more than 80 miles (128 kilometers) around Boston and its’ suburbs, people come over to take part in activities like canoeing, kayaking, sculling, rowing, and sailing. Known as The Charles by locals, Harvard’s and MIT’s sailing centers are located on the lower basin of the river. Along its banks is a bike path where people ride their bicycles while some take a stroll or jog. This path allows you to see the great campuses of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since July of 2013, visitors have been allowed to take a swim in its waters.
Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
16. Boston Harbor (from USD 47.25)
Boston Harbor is one of the most scenic waterfronts you will ever see. It was one of the dirtiest harbors in the country. However, because of a massive clean-up and the construction of the Deer Island Sewage Treatment Plant, it is now one of the cleanest harbors in the nation. Despite this, swimming is still not permitted in its waters except in Lovell’s Island. There are quite a number of islands located on the harbor. Of these, only 34 of which are included in the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreational Area. The harbor is where the Boston Port is located.
Boston: Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise
Duration: 2.0 hour
17. The Reflecting Pool
If you are looking for a place where you can get away from stress, the Reflecting Pool is where you should go to. You get to spend time with yourself in peace and quiet. There are no maddening crowds or long lines to cue at. Just prop yourself up in one of the seating areas and enjoy the calming water. It is so clear that everything around it is reflected in it. Aside from that, you can sample several dishes as a number of recommendable food trucks are parked nearby. This pool is located just between the Christian Science center and The Prudential Shopping Center.
The Reflecting Pool
Address: 210 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115-3012
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm
Price: Free
18. Skywalk Observatory (from USD 74.0)
The best way to start your sightseeing visit in Boston is to climb to the 50th floor of the Prudential Center. Here, you will find the city’s highest viewing loft. From here, you get to see sights as far as 100 miles (160 kilometers) away on a sunny day. Among the important landmarks you will get to see from this vantage point are the Charles River, Boston Common, Fenway Park, the Hancock Tower, Boston Public Garden, Logan International Airport, Harvard University, and MIT to name a few. The in-house Dreams of Freedom Museum will take you back in time where you get to see Boston’s rich immigration history.
Boston CityPASS®
Duration: 9 days
Boston is a city filled with beauty
Instagrammable! That is one word that best describes Boston’s tourist destinations. Join tours so you get to see all these picturesque places and take as many photos as you want. Colorful, meaningful, and historical, these are the best places to get your cameras working.
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