What To Do On Rainy Days? 10 Best Things To Do In Boston When It Rains

What To Do On Rainy Days? 10 Best Things To Do In Boston When It Rains
Tenissa
Tenissa 
Updated
| 4 min read

If you are unprepared, rainy days can quickly ruin a vacation. But you shouldn’t let a rainy day stop you from having a wonderful vacation. If you are in Boston and the rain starts to fall, no need to be sad, angry, or disappointed, because a little bad weather doesn’t have to ruin your Boston travel plans. Check out our list of 10 best things to do in Boston when it rains:

1. Enjoy a theater performance at Boston Opera House

2010 BostonOperaHouse Massachusetts 5999978487
Source: Photo by user Ruthanne Reid used under CC BY 2.0

When it rains, it is best to stay indoors. Luckily, in Boston, you can find plenty of fun indoor activities, such as enjoying a theater performance. Bostonians have a keen interest in watching theater, so there is a superb selection of performances to choose from in Boston. One of the best theaters you can find in Boston is the Boston Opera House. The opera house offers a selection of top programs including amazing ballet performances to Broadways shows, concerts, and cultural presentations.

​To get to the Boston Opera House, it is best to take public transportation. Check the T map at your accommodation, but for a quick tip, the Green Line can be taken to Boylston Street and the Red Line can be taken to Park Street Station.

Boston Opera House

Address: 539 Washington St., Boston, Massachussets

Contact: +1-6172593400

Website: Boston Opera House

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2. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts

Boston, Museum of Fine Arts, salle espagnole
Source: Photo by user Sebastien93430 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Museum of Fine Arts is not just any museum, it is the fourth largest museum in the United States, so it is massive and of course, magnificent! Whether you love going to museums or not, the Museum of Fine Arts is truly worth visiting, promise! The newest collection features a timely gallery entitled “Political Intent” and “Beyond Limits.”

Museum of Fine Arts

Address: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115

Price: Ticket prices are varied, but adults cost 25 USD and children under 6 are free. Other discounted ticket prices for senior citizens, students, and children apply.

Opening Hours: The MFA is open 7 days a week. Monday and Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm. Wednesday to Friday: 10 am to 10 pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm.

Contact: +1 6172679300

Website: Museum of Fine Arts

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3. Say hi to aquatic animals at New England Aquarium

Starfish Underside New England Aquarium Boston
Source: Photo by user Kunstlerbob used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Watching animals is both fun and educational. When it rains in Boston, it is a great idea to visit the New England Aquarium located on the Boston waterfront. Say hello to thousands of aquatic animals in the aquarium. What aquatic animals do you want to see? Little blue penguins, Caribbean creatures, or the giant Pacific octopus? The New England Aquarium has it all! Other than meeting the animals, you can enjoy a wide range of exhibits and other fun activities such as painting with the seals and going behind the scenes.

New England Aquarium

Address: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

Opening Hours: Winter hours are from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 6 pm on weekends. In the summer, the New England Aquarium is open one hour later on weekdays and weekends.

Website: New England Aquarium

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4. Go bowling at South Boston Candlepin


Move your body and go bowling or learn to bowl in Boston. If you can bowl, why don’t you show off your bowling skills? Turn a game into a fun competition with friends or family.

The South Boston Candlepin is an old bowling alley that promises you a fun bowling experience. The friendly staff will make you want to stay for hours. Moreover, the bowling alley is highly recommended for its affordable price.

South Boston Candlepin

Address: 543 E Broadway

Contact: +1 6174644858

Website: South Boston Candlepin

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Boston Tour Guide

Naim Benmayor

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 unique perspective has taught me what appeals to people when visiting a new part of the country or a new part of the world. My fluency in English and Turkish, and my advanced skills in Spanish and intermediate skills in French, also help me to service a wider range of tourists and business people.I moved to Boston, Massachusetts several years ago, and I now reside in Brookline. I have three children, so I develop my tours to accommodate families with kids, couples, and individuals who want to visit and learn about the rich history and culture of Boston. As a parent, I know that Boston is a great place for higher education, and I have knowledge of the colleges and universities in the area.I customize tours to suit the needs and preferences of my customers. Whether you want a walking tour, a riding tour, or a little of both, I can create an itinerary that showcases the best of what Boston has to offer.My one day tours are educational and entertaining, and include the history, culture, personalities, architecture and, even the shopping areas of this renowned city. At the end of the tour you will be happy and satisfied when you realize you've seen so much in just a short time.I am here to share my knowledge of Boston, Cambridge and all of New England with you, and help you to enjoy your visit so you can explore the must-see parts of this great city. I look forward to meeting you and guiding you around the city, so please send me a message if you have any questions.Thank you for reading.

5. Have a massage at Massage Envy

Massage Envy
Source: Photo by user Mr. Blue MauMau used under CC BY 2.0

Rainy days are the best time to pamper yourself, and there is no better way of pampering than getting yourself a massage. A great massage parlor to try in Boston is Massage Envy. It should not be difficult to find a Massage Envy branch near you as it has multiple locations throughout Boston. Relax your body, calm your mind.

Massage Envy

Address: 102 Beverly Street Boston, MA 02114

Opening Hours: 8 am - 6 pm daily

Contact: +1 6175730000

Website: Massage Envy

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6. View beautiful Boston from above at Top of the Hub Restaurant & Lounge


How about a drink on a rainy day? Why not? If you want to have a cocktail (or maybe two) and sip it slowly while enjoying the view of beautiful Boston, you should go to the Top of the Hub Restaurant & Lounge located in the Prudential. After you enter the Prudential (and take a look around at the great shopping) head to the 52nd floor, the best floor that offers the sweeping view of the city. The restaurant and lounge serve a selection of specialty cocktails for you to choose from as well as food and desserts. If you go at night, you can enjoy a live jazz performance, which usually begins after 8.00 pm on most nights.

Top of The Hub Restaurant & Lounge

Address: Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199

Opening Hours: varied

Contact: +1 6175361775

Website: Top of The Hub Restaurant & Lounge

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7. Laugh out loud at Laugh Boston


Make the most of your rainy day in Boston by laughing out loud. Boston is a city popular for its great comedy shows. Laugh the rain off at Laugh Boston, one of the best comedy clubs in the city. Enjoy a variety of shows for no more than 25 USD per show.

Show the weather that you refuse to feel miserable despite the rain!

Laugh Boston

Address: 425 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210

Price: from 25 USD

Contact: +1 6177252844

Website: Laugh Boston

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8. Brunch and read some books at Trident Booksellers & Cafe


Who says you cannot have a brunch with the company of some good books? While waiting for the rain to stop falling, drop by the Trident Booksellers & Cafe, the last independent bookstore in Boston! Breakfast is available all day long until midnight when the store closes. Free Wi-Fi and a wide selection of books and magazines, among other things, are available at the store, which makes Trident Booksellers & Cafe a perfect cozy place to kill time when it rains.

Trident Booksellers & Cafe

Address: 338 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115

Opening Hours: 8 am to 12 am.

Contact: +1 6172678688

Website: Trident Booksellers & Cafe

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9. Marvel at the Boston Public Library


Founded in 1848, the old Boston Public Library is an icon in the Boston area. Spending a few hours in the library is a must do when you are in Boston, especially on a rainy day. Admire the beauty of the library’s architecture and sit down to read a book. What is so cool about the library is that it does not offer only books to read, but also other fun activities such as tutorials and yoga classes.

Boston Public Library

Address: 700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

Price: free

Opening Hours: varied

Contact: +1 6175365400

Website: Boston Public Library

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10. Find treasures to take home at Cambridge Antique Market

Monsignor O'Brien mural Cambridge, MA
Source: Photo by user Jane Fox used under CC BY-ND 2.0

For another activity on a rainy Boston day, head inside to the Cambridge Antique market. With more than 150 dealers spread over five floors, you are sure to find something unique to take home. What are you looking for? The antique market sells everything from fine silver and china to vintage clothing, artwork, and lighting fixtures, all at affordable prices.

Cambridge Antique Market

Address: 201 Monsignor O'Brien Highway, Cambridge, MA 02141

Opening Hours: 11 am to 6 pm. Tuesday to Sunday.

Contact: +1 6178689655

Website: Cambridge Antique Market

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Having fun is possible when it rains in Boston!

So, you have no more excuse to feel sad, angry, or disappointed if you are in Boston and the weather chooses not to be friendly. You can do a few of the activities mentioned above if you get only one rainy day. But, if you have several rainy days, make sure you try all of the 10 best things to do in Boston when it rains. Just don’t forget to bring an umbrella and raincoat to avoid getting wet!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Tenissa is a content writer, translator and editor. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. She looks...Read more

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