Downtown Boston is a haven for numerous freedom attraction sites like the Old State House and Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Financial District not forgetting the City Hall which is known for its aged architecture. There are several other attractions in downtown Boston including the Boston Common and the Public Garden. Department stores and fashion chains dot Downtown Crossing, while steakhouses mix with seafood spots and classic pubs. The nearby Theatre District has some of the most historic stage venues. Planning a visit soon? For comfy accommodation, you can book one of the many staycation spots. If you would prefer a homey experience, the serviced apartments in Boston are your best bet. As for things to do, there are a number of things which you can venture into while staying here. Continue reading to learn more about the best things to do in downtown Boston, Massachusetts.
1. Cruise Boston Harbor on board an 80-foot schooner (from USD 57.75)
Wondering about the things to do in Boston on vacation? You can begin by hopping aboard this 90-minute adventure in which you’ll sail through Boston Harbor on a sleek and comfortable sailboat. What makes this tour so exciting is that you get to actively participate in sailing the vessel. However, if you prefer a laid-back experience, you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride as you take in the stunning skyline views, including iconic landmarks such as the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, the USS Constitution Museum, and the Boston Fish Pier.
To complete the trip, the knowledgeable and friendly crew provides fascinating insights into Boston’s maritime history.
Boston: Downtown Harbor Sailing Cruise
Duration: 1.5 to 2.0 hour
2. Explore elegant neighborhoods and historic streets (from USD 45.0)
Book this fascinating tour if you are looking forward to enjoying sightseeing in Boston. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this 2.5-hour walking tour takes you on a scenic exploration of some of Boston’s most iconic neighborhoods. Starting from Copley Square, you’ll venture through the picturesque streets of Beacon Hill, known for its charming cobblestone lanes and Federal-style architecture. Along the way, you’ll hear intriguing tales of the city’s storied past, from the American Revolution to literary legends.
The tour culminates as you join the renowned Freedom Trail, a red-brick path that winds through the city’s historic sites, including the Massachusetts State House and the Old Granary Burying Ground. This informative tour is ideal for history buffs and curious explorers, offering a deeper understanding of Boston’s rich heritage and its role in shaping American history.
Guided Walking Tour of Copley Square to Downtown Boston Freedom Trail
Duration: 2 hours
3. Learn about the Boston Tea Party at Old South Meeting House
Old South Meeting House is a historic Congregational church that is famous for being the place where a certain group of Sons of Liberty members met up shortly before they commenced with the Boston Tea Party.
Walk through this old church’s hall and learn not only about the first sparks that led to the American Revolution but also the history of protest and free speech. You can go on a tour around the church and its halls, participate in on-demand programs, and even watch a reenactment of the famous Boston Tea Party.
Old South Meeting House
Address: 310 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108, United States
Website: Old South Meeting House
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD
4. Enjoy a harbor cruise with brunch (from USD 92.4)
Enjoy a two-hour cruise along the Boston Harbor in a 1920s New England Commuter Yacht. Perfect for groups, this tour treats its guests to a narrated water adventure, teaching its passengers many facts about the city. You’ll be taken to see many of Boston’s famous landmarks including the harbor islands, Fort Independence, Bunker Hill Monument, and USS Cassin Young.
There is also a gourmet brunch buffet that guests can enjoy throughout the cruise and the menu includes pastries, smoked salmon, bagels, fruits, scrambled eggs, potato hash, bacon, salad, and dessert, among many others.
Downtown Boston Harbor Weekend Cruise with Brunch
Duration: 2.0 hour
5. Join a quest for the best donuts (from USD 70.0)
With Boston being famous for its delicious donuts, you may want to go on a quest and join the tour of the best donuts downtown. This fun activity is the perfect opportunity to sample some hidden gems that are tucked away from places where tourists usually go.
The route will take you through the Boston Public Market, the historic neighborhood of North End, and Union Square where you will not only try donuts but also learn about the rich history of these neighborhoods.
Boston Underground Historical Downtown Donut Tour
Duration: 2 hours
6. Treat your family to a fun day at New England Aquarium (from USD 30.4)
Visiting Boston with your family or friends? Whoever your companion is, don’t miss your chance to visit New England Aquarium. It is a public aquarium that features a multi-level walkway in a spiral formation. It is home to different marine animals, including green sea turtles, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, penguins, and more. It also features Atlantic Harbor Seals Exhibit, New England Aquarium Whale Watch, and Simons IMAX Theatre. Book a ticket to New England Aquarium in advance to avoid long queues.
New England Aquarium Ticket Boston, USA - Klook
7. Indulge in delicious Chinese food at Downtown Boston's Chinatown
One of the best places to visit in downtown Boston is Chinatown. Serving as a remarkable and traditional entrance to Boston’s Chinatown, Chinatown Gate welcomes tourists and locals alike who wish to indulge in the tempting oriental offerings of this vibrant area. It leads to a place where tradition, culture, and cuisine merge together. Next to San Francisco’s Chinatown and the one in New York, Boston’s Chinatown is the third-biggest Chinese district in the country. This area is lovely all year round, but it is even more magical during the Chinese New Year. Some of the best Asian dining spots in Boston’s Chinatown include Gourmet Dumpling House, Shojo, and The Q.
Chinatown Gate
Address: John F Fitzgerald Surface Rd, Boston, MA 02111, United States
8. Join a historical walk on Black Heritage Trail
Are you the type of tourist who is into sightseeing and city walks? Do you like learning about the history of the cities you visit? If so, Black Heritage Trail should be on your Boston holiday itinerary. It is a 2.5-km (1.6 mi) route that winds through the neighborhood of Beacon Hill and landmarks that are significant to the 19th-century African-American heritage and history. Some important sites along the way include Abiel Smith School, African Meeting House, Lewis & Harriet Hayden House, George Middleton House, and more.
Black Heritage Trail
Address: 14 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108, United States
Website: Black Heritage Trail
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
9. Fall in love with nature at Boston Public Garden
Boston is not only home to museums and upscale shopping districts but also natural parks—one of which is Boston Public Garden or casually known as The Public Garden. It nestles in the center of the city, within close proximity to Boston Common. Besides its perfectly landscaped green spaces, this park’s main attraction is its beautiful pond where ducks swim playfully. Also, the pond has swan boats that are available for rent and activities that couples on a date like to do at Boston Public Garden. Besides its natural wonders, the park features fascinating structures such as Equestrian statue of George Washington, Mary E. Moore’s “Small Child Fountain,” The Ether Monument, and Bashka Paeff’s “Boy and Bird,” to name a few.
Boston Public Garden
Address: 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02108, United States
Website: Boston Public Garden
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Go on a gastronomic adventure at Rose Kennedy Greenway
A linear park that snakes through a number of neighborhoods in Boston, Rose Kennedy Greenway represents the vibrant culture of the city. It is a vast park filled with landscaped lawns, lush blooms, fascinating artwork, a carousel, food trucks, and a lot more. It has all the recipes for a wonderful time, from a beautiful venue for relaxation to delicious snacks. There are excellent dining spots around the area, perfect for tourists who want to go on a complete gastronomic adventure. Rose Kennedy Greenway is also a popular venue for festivals and events in Boston.
Rose Kennedy Greenway
Address: Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110, United States
Website: Rose Kennedy Greenway
Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)
11. Admire vintage pieces at Gibson House Museum
Gibson House is mid-19th and early 20th-century home that turned into a museum that has been in its pristine nature since its construction. It was turned into a museum in 1957 and hosts a number of antiques, for example, the rugs, the decor of the entire home, paintings of the family members who owned the place, and many other vintage pieces. I would say this place is a must-see for anyone visiting Boston.
Gibson House Museum
Address: 137 Beacon St Boston, MA 02116
Website: Gibson House Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 9 USD
12. Take a tour of the amazing Boston Common (from USD 42.0)
Boston Common is must-visit if you’re looking for fun-filled activities in Boston for kids. a neighborhood on the south end of the Beacon Hill. It hosts the MBTA subway which enables you to access various places in Boston. There are a variety of things like on-site information kiosk which is a great source of information and maps. This busy spot is a haven of events and it’s visited by tourists all year round giving the spot a great name for itself. Make sure to check out this amazing place while visiting this great city.
Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 14 Stops
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
13. Learn local history at Museum of African American History
Formerly known as Abiel Smith School, this building now serves as a history museum where it showcases the history of African Americans. There is a small gift shop with a few unique items and books with the upper deck holding a photo-biography of Frederick Douglass. There is a rotation of every piece displayed due to limited space so you will have to plan another visit to this place to see what new pieces have been put up on display.
Museum of African American History
Address: 46 Joy St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
Website: Museum of African American History
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 10 USD
14. Unwind at the scenic Charles River Esplanade
The Charles River Esplanade is a great area to unwind and enjoy some outdoor activities in Boston. Here you can go for a run, walk, or even just sightseeing. It is nicely laid out for various lengths for running and it comes alive in the spring, summer, and fall where free concerts are held for families and couples. Bring your blanket and a picnic basket for an easy old school picnic in the park with a great sea view.
Charles River Esplanade’s Hatch Shell
Address: 47 David G Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02108, USA
Website: Charles River Esplanade’s Hatch Shell
Opening hours: 24 hours
Price: Free
15. Sign up for a walking tour of Downtown Freedom Trail (from USD 30.0)
Walk along the famous red line with the Freedom Trail Players and 18th-century costumed guides where tours come both in as public tours and private tours. This tour consists of the most famous cultural and historical sites, a 2.5-mile-long (4-kilometer) Freedom Trail which winds through Downtown Boston, to the nation’s oldest public park, to the Bunker Hill Monument on the north side of the Charles River. The path stops at colonial-era churches, museums, and meeting houses which make an excellent tour of the great historical traits of Boston.
Walking Tour of the Downtown Boston Freedom Trail - History & Architecture
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
16. Check out beautiful houses at Louisburg Square
This is a private square located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, maintained by the Louisburg Square Proprietors. It is one of the most expensive streets in Boston with a great number of private residences in this area that make everything pretty high-valued. Make sure to take a tour of this amazing place and check out the great landscaping and houses on this prestigious street.
Louisburg Square
Address: 10 Louisburg Square, Boston, MA 02108, USA
Website: Louisburg Square
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
17. Go on a food tour at Quincy Market
This is a busy hall with numerous eateries in Faneuil Marketplace, where you will find a mix of mouth-watering international options such as Italian, Greek, Mexican, Asian, blended with some amazing selection of pastries from the local cuisines. There is a variety of fresh local food to choose from, New England seafood, and even the excellent Boston pizza. You can also check out the local bars in the vicinity where you can sample several types of craft beer especially the Irish beer which is popular here.
Quincy Market
Address: 4 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109, USA
Website: Quincy Market
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
18. Attend a mass at Park Street Church
Situated in Downtown Boston, this active Conservative Congregational Church has a huge attendance with half of the congregation sitting outside. This vintage facility boasts of having an amazing finishing that has lasted a whole century with great preservation that gives the place great fame. Make sure to visit this divine establishment and check out the history that lingers around as you have your spiritual nourishment.
Park Street Church
Address: 1 Park St, Boston, MA 02108, USA
Website: Park Street Church
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 5pm - 9pm; Sun: 8am - 9pm (closed on Mon & Sat)
19. Explore Cape Cod aboard a ferry (from USD 64.0)
Take a 90-minute tour on a luxurious ferry to Cape Cod, where the restaurants, beaches, and nightlife awaits. While on the trip you will get to see the magnificent views of the Boston Skyline and Boston Harbor Islands. During your sail, There is a help desk on the ferry to help plan your trip to Cape Cod if you are a first timer and you are looking for the right spots to have fun.
Provincetown & Cape Cod High Speed Ferry to/from Boston
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
20. Visit the buzzing Fanueil Hall market (from USD 54.0)
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a haven of in-town visitors to walk through history and experience this magical place in the center of Boston. It is as alive today as it was in 1742 when our nation’s fathers proclaimed it and you can enjoy shows from world-renowned street performers. Tour around as you shop over 75 locally loved shops and specialty pushcarts with the smell and taste of wonderfully diverse ethnic food lingering in the nearby market which is the largest international food hall in New England.
Shop Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston
Visit Boston, Massachusetts, for an epic holiday experience
There are plenty of things Boston is famous for. For lovers of scenic views, historical tours, and the thrill of learning more about new cities, this is your right spot. For foodies, there are amazing Japanese and Italian restaurants in Boston as well. Visit this amazing city and indulge in the most amazing sightseeing treat you will ever come across for the rich heritage this city has will blow you away. Plan a trip and head to Boston, Massachusetts, and have a holiday of your life as you go about the best things to do in the city.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in downtown Boston
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