30 Must-See Attractions in Boston
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and remnants of its rich history – and role in founding the nation – are still easy to find today while wandering around the city streets.
One of the most wonderful things about Boston is that it is very walkable, making many of these must-visit attractions best seen on foot. Even if you’re only visiting for a few days, you should still be able to fit in lots of the places that have helped shape Boston into one of the most amazing, and beautiful, cities in America.
Boston Common and Public Garden
Natural Feature
The Boston Common and Public Garden lie next to each other and together make one of the largest green spaces in the downtown area. The garden features walking paths, statues, flowers and willow trees dripping over a quaint pond. Feed the ducks, and ride a swan boat. Alternatively, have a picnic near the hundreds of blooming tulips in the spring.
The Freedom Trail
Historical Landmark
Museum of Fine Arts
Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Building, Museum
Old North Church
Church
Fenway Park
Stadium, Park
North End
Historical Landmark
Faneuil Hall
Historical Landmark
New England Aquarium
Aquarium, Theater, Museum
Boston Waterfront
Architectural Landmark
The Boston waterfront offers spectacular views of the city skyline, for free! It is protected along the harbor, so take advantage as it is open to the public. The Harborwalk is currently 38 miles (61.1 kilometers), and when complete, it will be 47mi (75.6km), stretching from East Boston to the Neponset River. See the best views by starting near the New England Aquarium and following the walk to the front of the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse.
Charles River Esplanade
Park
Another walk in the city is along the Charles River Esplanade. The approximate 3mi (4.8km) leafy path offers views of Cambridge from the Boston side of the Charles River. Walk, jog or bike along the trails with the locals, or rent kayaks and paddleboats to see the river up close. Also, check out the Hatch Memorial Shell for events.
USS Constitution Museum
Building, Museum
Old State House
Museum
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
Museum
Boston Public Library
Library
Beacon Hill
Historical Landmark
Museum of Science
Museum, Park
Newbury Street
Shop
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway
Park
The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway was once a highway that ran through the city. After the Big Dig, the 15-acre (six-hectare) area was repurposed to become public space. It now features greenery, walking paths, public art and food trucks. Occasionally, there are concerts or events, so check the calendar.
Samuel Adams Boston Brewery
Distillery
With intelligent and witty tour guides, the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery tour provides a chance to view the brewery process first-hand. Afterward, you can sample specialty malts and smell whole-leaf noble hops. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the Sam Adams: brewer, patriot and cousin of President John Adams.
Massachusetts State House
Building, Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
Skywalk Observatory
Building
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Concert Hall
Harpoon Brewery
Brewery
If you’re a fan of great beer and pretzels, Harpoon Brewery is a must-visit. Grab a beer on draft in the open beer hall, or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the brewery to learn more about the making of the local brew.
Underground at Ink Block
Art Gallery
Home to Boston’s first outdoor mural project, the Underground at Ink Block was created in 2017 in the South End. It is home to more than a dozen large-scale street-art pieces. Working with MassDOT, National Development and Street Theory Gallery, the city transformed the area under the I-91 overpass into a small park and recreational area. It’s open daily and also plays host to several summertime events, including yoga, basketball and food-truck festivals.
Boston Duck Tours
Architectural Landmark
It can be hard to see everything Boston has to offer, so to see as much as possible, participate in one of the city’s famous sightseeing tours. One option is the Boston Duck Tours, an 80-minute ride around the city in a replica World War II-era amphibious landing vehicle. The daily excursion, guided by quirky ConDUCKtours, will take you to a variety of different historic landmarks before taking a 20-minute trip around the Charles River. If you want to have a little more independence on your tour, check out one of Boston’s hop-on, hop-off rides. These trolley tours will lead you around the city and give you the chance to get off or on at a variety of locations. If you get off, you can get back on at any time. Recommended by Garrett Callahan.
Walk Boston’s Black Heritage Trail
Historical Landmark
Similar to the Freedom Trail, Boston’s Black Heritage Trail explores the 19th- and 20th-century history of Boston’s black community. The trail, which extends around 1.5mi (2.4km) and mainly travels through the Beacon Hill neighborhood, hits 14 landmarks, such as the African Meeting House, Abiel Smith School, Robert Gould Shaw Memorial and other parts of the Underground Railroad in Boston. Also, check out the Museum of African American History, located near the Massachusetts State House, or take a tour from the National Park Service. Recommended by Garrett Callahan.
Boston Harbor Islands
Natural Feature
Boston has a total of 34 harbor islands located just off the city’s coastline, and many of them are available for public access. During the warmer months (it varies by island), catch a public ferry to the open islands, where you can walk around, camp, check out one of the historic sites or view local wildlife. For those more interested in a guided tour, Boston Harbor Cruises has various water excursions, including whale-watching, lighthouse tours and much more. Recommended by Garrett Callahan.
Copley Square
Park
Located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, Copley Square is a bustling yet charming city center with shopping, sightseeing and beautiful architecture. Some must-see sights include the historic Boston Public Library (Central Branch) as well as the Trinity Church (a grand Episcopal church erected between 1872 and 1877). The finish line for the Boston Marathon sits steps away on Boylston Street while Newbury Street, with high-end dining and shopping, is only a block away. While you’re here, take a picture in front of the famous Tortoise and Hare statue, based on the well-known fable and dedicated to the Boston Marathon. Recommended by Garrett Callahan.
Parker's Restaurant
Restaurant
Relax with dinner at Parker’s Restaurant at the Omni Parker House, located in Downtown. The restaurant, which serves classic New England food, is the birthplace of the Boston cream pie. It’s here where Malcolm X worked as a busser and John F Kennedy supposedly proposed to Jackie. Also, across the street is a historic graveyard where Paul Revere and Samuel Adams are buried. End your evening with a nightcap at 21st Amendment, jm Curley or Bostonia Public House. Recommended by Garrett Callahan.
Dana Forsythe contributed additional reporting to this article.