45 Best Places and Things To Do in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts, offers a plethora of attractions and activities that cater to various interests. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Boston:

1. Boston Common and Public Garden

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Relax in the heart of the city at Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States. Adjacent to it is the picturesque Public Garden, famous for its swan boats and vibrant flowerbeds.

2. New England Aquarium

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Delve into the underwater world at the New England Aquarium. Explore captivating exhibits, including the Giant Ocean Tank, home to a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles and sharks

3. Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

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Relive a pivotal moment in American history at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Step aboard a replica ship and participate in an interactive reenactment of the famous protest.

4. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

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Discover a stunning collection of art and architecture at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Admire the eclectic mix of European, Asian, and American artworks displayed in a recreated Venetian-style palace.

5. Museum of Science

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Discover interactive exhibits and engaging displays at the Museum of Science. Learn about astronomy, physics, biology, and more through hands-on activities and live presentations.

6. Franklin Park Zoo

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Take a trip to the Franklin Park Zoo and encounter a wide range of animals from around the world. The zoo also features interactive exhibits and educational programs.

7. Freedom Trail

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Located across from the State House, the Park Street Church is a prominent landmark known for its role in social reform movements. Visit the Granary Burying Ground, one of Boston’s oldest cemeteries. It is the final resting place of notable figures such as Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams.

8. Boston Public Garden

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The park is known for its meticulously maintained gardens and vibrant flowerbeds. Stroll along the winding paths and admire the colorful array of flowers, including tulips, roses, and seasonal blooms.

9. Museum of Fine Arts

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The MFA boasts an extensive and diverse collection of artworks spanning various periods, cultures, and mediums. You can explore galleries showcasing ancient Egyptian artifacts, European paintings, American art, Asian art, contemporary works, and much more.

10. John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library

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The museum offers a comprehensive look at the life, political career, and presidency of John F. Kennedy. Through exhibits, photographs, documents, and multimedia presentations, you can gain insights into Kennedy’s personal and political journey.

11. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

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The museum itself is a work of art. Housed in a stunning Venetian-style palace, designed to resemble a 15th-century Venetian palazzo, the building is a masterpiece of architectural beauty. The museum’s courtyard, adorned with lush greenery and a central fountain, is a tranquil oasis.

12. Old North Church & Historic Site

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The Old North Church is famous for being the starting point of Paul Revere’s midnight ride in 1775. Revere and William Dawes set off from the church to alert the colonial militia about the movement of British troops, marking the beginning of the American Revolution.

13. Waterfront

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The Harborwalk is a public walkway that stretches along the waterfront, providing an excellent opportunity for a scenic walk or bike ride. The path takes you through various neighborhoods, parks, and attractions, offering different perspectives of the city and the water.

14. New England Aquarium

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The aquarium houses a diverse range of marine life from around the world. Explore captivating exhibits that showcase various ecosystems, including the Giant Ocean Tank, which is a four-story Caribbean coral reef teeming with marine species such as sea turtles, sharks, tropical fish, and stingrays.

15. TD Garden

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TD Garden serves as the home venue for both the Boston Celtics (NBA) and the Boston Bruins (NHL). Catch an electrifying basketball or hockey game and immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere created by passionate fans.

16. Charles River Esplanade

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The Esplanade offers stunning panoramic views of the Charles River, with the Boston skyline as a backdrop. Take a leisurely stroll or find a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy the beauty of the river, its sailboats, and the surrounding greenery.

17. HarborWalk

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The HarborWalk takes you past numerous historical landmarks and sites that showcase Boston’s rich maritime heritage. These include the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, the USS Constitution Museum, and the Old North Church.

18. Trinity Church

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Trinity Church is renowned for its exquisite architecture, designed by Henry Hobson Richardson in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. The church’s exterior features rough-cut granite, intricate carvings, and a distinctive clay-tiled roof. The interior showcases a stunning blend of stained glass windows, decorative stonework, and a soaring central nave.

19. Rose Kennedy Greenway

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The Greenway spans 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) and is a lush and beautifully landscaped park. It features gardens, lawns, and tree-lined pathways, providing a peaceful and refreshing escape from the surrounding urban environment.

20. Castle Island

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Castle Island features a sandy beach along Pleasure Bay, offering a picturesque setting for sunbathing, picnicking, or playing beach games. Take a dip in the water during the warmer months or enjoy a leisurely walk along the shoreline.

21. Boston Children’s Museum

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The museum features numerous hands-on exhibits designed to stimulate children’s curiosity and creativity. From the Construction Zone where kids can build and experiment with tools to the New Balance Climb, a three-story climbing structure, children have the opportunity to engage in active play and exploration.

22. Paul Revere Statue

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The statue commemorates the famous American patriot, Paul Revere, who played a vital role in the American Revolution. Revere is best known for his midnight ride on April 18, 1775, to warn the colonial militia of the approaching British forces.

23. Nichols House Museum

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The Nichols House Museum is housed in a four-story Federal-style townhouse that dates back to 1804. It was the home of Rose Standish Nichols, a prominent Bostonian and landscape architect, and her family. The museum preserves the original architecture and design of the house, offering visitors a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

24. The Gibson House Museum

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The museum showcases the architectural beauty and design elements of the Victorian era. The townhouse features ornate woodwork, intricate moldings, grand staircases, and period furnishings, reflecting the elegance and opulence of the time.

25. Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

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The park is home to a prominent statue of Christopher Columbus, a tribute to the Italian explorer who is credited with discovering America. The statue serves as a focal point of the park and a symbol of Italian heritage in the North End.

26. Boston Fire Museum

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The Boston Fire Museum offers interactive displays that engage visitors of all ages. You can try on firefighter gear, simulate the experience of using a fire hose, and learn about fire safety through hands-on activities. These interactive exhibits make the museum a fun and educational experience for families and individuals alike.

27. Museum of African American History

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The Museum of African American History is centered around the African Meeting House in Boston, which is the oldest extant black church building in the United States. This historic building served as a hub for religious, educational, and social gatherings within the African American community. Guided tours of the African Meeting House offer insights into its significance and the stories of the individuals who congregated there.

28. John Hancock Tower

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The John Hancock Tower is a notable landmark in the Boston skyline and one of the city’s most recognizable buildings. Designed by architect I.M. Pei and completed in 1976, the tower is known for its sleek and modernist design, featuring reflective blue glass panels that give it a distinctive appearance.

29. Jamaica Pond

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Jamaica Pond is a serene and scenic spot, surrounded by lush greenery and walking trails. The pond itself covers an area of about 68 acres, providing a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its tranquil atmosphere and natural surroundings make it an ideal destination for relaxation and outdoor activities.

30. Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge

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The Zakim Bridge is a prominent landmark in Boston and is recognized for its unique and striking design. It is a cable-stayed bridge, featuring a distinct diamond-shaped tower and a series of suspended cables that support the roadway. The bridge’s design, by architect Miguel Rosales and engineer Theodore Zoli, has won numerous awards and is considered a modern engineering marvel.

31. The First Church of Christ, Scientist – The Mother Church

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The Mother Church serves as the global headquarters for the Christian Science religion, a Christian denomination founded by Mary Baker Eddy in the late 19th century. Christian Science emphasizes spiritual healing and the understanding of God’s presence and love in everyday life.

32. Park Street Church

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The church is known for its beautiful architectural design. The current building, constructed in 1810, features a Federalist style with a white facade, a tall steeple, and graceful columns. Its elegant and iconic appearance has made it a recognizable landmark in the city.

33. Piers Park

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Piers Park is situated on the edge of Boston Harbor, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline, the waterfront, and the nearby Boston Harbor Islands. Its location provides a peaceful and picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the harbor and the surrounding area.

34. Arlington Street Church

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The Arlington Street Church was founded in 1729 and has a rich history spanning over two centuries. The current church building, constructed in the late 19th century, is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. Its beautiful exterior features intricate stone carvings, stained glass windows, and a prominent tower.

35. The West End Museum

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The museum features a variety of exhibitions that explore the history of the West End. These exhibitions highlight different aspects of the neighborhood’s past, including its architecture, immigrant communities, urban renewal, and the impact of redevelopment on the area.

36. Commonwealth Museum

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The Commonwealth Museum was established in 1987 by the Massachusetts Archives and Commonwealth Museum Commission. Its primary mission is to educate and engage visitors by telling the stories of Massachusetts’ past, highlighting significant events, people, and contributions to the nation’s history.

37. Norman B. Leventhal Park

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The park is situated in the Financial District of Boston, adjacent to Post Office Square. Its central location makes it easily accessible to residents, office workers, and visitors in the downtown area.

38. James P Kelleher Rose Garden

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The James P. Kelleher Rose Garden is situated in the Back Bay Fens, a beautiful parkland located in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood of Boston. It is easily accessible and attracts visitors from both the local community and tourists.

39. Edgar Allan Poe Statue

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The Edgar Allan Poe Statue was dedicated in 2014, on the occasion of the 205th anniversary of Poe’s birth. The dedication ceremony was attended by literary enthusiasts, city officials, and admirers of Poe’s work.

40. Martin’s Park

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Martin’s Park is situated in the Seaport District of Boston, adjacent to the Boston Children’s Museum and Fort Point Channel. Its waterfront location offers beautiful views of the harbor and the city skyline.

41. Charlestown Bridge

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The Charlestown Bridge is situated at the northern end of the Charles River Dam, near the mouth of the river. It is a vertical-lift bridge, which allows the center span to be lifted to accommodate the passage of larger vessels on the river.

42. Brewer Fountain

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Brewer Fountain is situated in the center of Boston Common, near the intersection of Park Street and Tremont Street. Its central location makes it easily accessible and a focal point within the park.

43. Bobby Orr Statue

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The Bobby Orr Statue was unveiled on May 10, 2010, in a ceremony attended by Orr himself, as well as Bruins fans, officials, and fellow players. The statue was created to honor Orr’s remarkable career and his impact on the sport of ice hockey.

44. City Square Park

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City Square Park holds historical significance as it is located near the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill, a key event during the American Revolutionary War. The park serves as a reminder of Charlestown’s rich history and its role in the country’s fight for independence.

45. Rings Fountain

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Rings Fountain is situated in the Wharf District section of the Rose Kennedy Greenway, near the intersection of Milk Street and Atlantic Avenue. It is conveniently located and easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

this list only scratches the surface of what Boston has to offer. The city is also known for its thriving food scene, lively sports culture, and numerous parks and gardens. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, art lover, or simply want to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, Boston has something for everyone.