Things to do in Boston
- Boston is home to the oldest operating subway system in the United States, which opened in 1897.
- The city does not use a traditional grid system, with many streets in older neighborhoods following colonial-era cow paths.
- Boston hosts the oldest annual marathon in the world, which has been held every year since 1897.
- The Great Molasses Flood of 1919 remains one of the most bizarre disasters in American history, involving a massive wave of syrup that flooded the North End.
- Before the land reclamation projects of the 19th century, much of the modern Back Bay neighborhood was a literal tidal marsh.
About Boston
Boston is the intellectual and historical anchor of New England, defined by its role in the American Revolution and its dense concentration of prestigious universities. Visitors can explore the nation's oldest public park at Boston Common or wander the meticulously landscaped paths of the adjacent Public Garden. The city’s maritime heritage remains central to its identity, showcased by the naval history preserved at the Boston National Historical Park - Charlestown Navy Yard. Cultural depth is provided by institutions like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which features a world-class collection displayed in a Venetian-style palazzo.
Highlights of Boston
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Venues
Experience a game at the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.
Parks
Walk through the heart of the city in this park established in 1634.
Museums
Explore interactive science exhibits and a massive digital planetarium.
Parks
Ride the iconic swan boats on the park's central lagoon.
Historical places
Tour historic maritime vessels and learn about the city's naval past.
Museums
Admire an eclectic art collection housed within a unique courtyard-centered mansion.
Museums
Step aboard replica 18th-century ships to learn about the revolutionary protest.
Parks
Enjoy riverside pathways perfect for cycling or walking with views of the Cambridge skyline.
Top things to do in Boston
The 365 highest-rated places in Boston, ranked by travellers.
1
Venues
Fenway Park is the oldest active ballpark in Major League Baseball, having opened in 1912. It is characterized by its ir...
2
Parks
Established in 1634, Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States. It spans 48 acres and serves as the o...
3
Museums
The Museum of Science in Boston is a prominent science center and indoor zoo located on a dam spanning the Charles River...
4
Parks
Established in 1837, the Boston Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in the United States. It spans 24 ac...
5
Historical places
The Charlestown Navy Yard is a core component of the Boston National Historical Park, preserving a naval shipyard that o...
6
Museums
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is housed in a purpose-built 15th-century Venetian-style palace designed by the patr...
7
Museums
The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is a floating historical attraction located on the Congress Street Bridge in Boston,...
8
Museums
The USS Constitution Museum is the primary educational resource for the USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissione...
9
Zoos
Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre zoological facility located within Boston’s historic Franklin Park, designed by Frederick...
10
Museums
The Boston Children's Museum is one of the oldest and largest children's museums in the world, founded in 1913. Located...
11
Parks
Castle Island is a 22-acre park situated on a man-made peninsula in South Boston, connected to the mainland by a narrow...
12
Venues
The Citizens Opera House, formerly known as the Boston Opera House and the B.F. Keith Memorial Theatre, is a historic ve...
13
Parks
Franklin Park is a 485-acre landscape designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, serving as the final and largest jewel in Bosto...
14
Parks
The Charles River Esplanade is a three-mile linear park stretching along the Boston side of the Charles River. It encomp...
15
Parks
The Arnold Arboretum is a 281-acre landscape designed by Frederick Law Olmsted that functions as both a public park and...
16
Museums
The Paul Revere House, built around 1680, stands as the oldest remaining wooden structure in downtown Boston and was the...
17
Parks
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park is a 4.5-acre public space located along Boston Harbor, connecting the North End to...
18
Museums
The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in Boston is defined by its dramatic cantilevered design that projects over the...
19
Venues
The Boch Center Wang Theatre is a historic 3,500-seat performing arts venue located in Boston's Theatre District. Origin...
20
Museums
The MIT Museum, located in the Kendall Square district, focuses on the intersection of science, technology, and art. The...
21
Museums
The Old State House is the oldest surviving public building in Boston, dating back to 1713. It served as the seat of the...
22
Venues
Agganis Arena is a 7,200-seat multi-purpose venue located on the Boston University campus. It serves as the primary home...
23
Natural attractions
World's End is a 251-acre peninsula in Hingham, Massachusetts, managed by The Trustees of Reservations. Designed by Fred...
24
Places of interest
The China Trade Gate, officially known as the Chinatown Gate, serves as the ceremonial entrance to Boston's historic Chi...
25
Museums
The Museum of Ice Cream in Boston is an interactive, multi-sensory art installation dedicated to the culture and history...
26
Parks
Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park is a collection of 34 islands and peninsulas located within the Boston Harbo...
27
Historical places
Fort Independence is a granite star-shaped fortification located on Castle Island in South Boston. It stands as the olde...
28
Parks
Larz Anderson Park is a 64-acre public space in Brookline, Massachusetts, recognized for its elevation providing panoram...
29
Places of interest
The Make Way for Ducklings sculpture consists of eight bronze figures depicting Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings as they a...
30
Parks
Fan Pier Park is a reclaimed waterfront space in Boston's Seaport District that offers an unobstructed, panoramic view o...
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Boston on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Boston
September through October, when the humidity of summer dissipates and the fall foliage provides a vibrant backdrop to the historic architecture.
3-4 days, which allows enough time to walk the Freedom Trail and explore major museum districts without rushing.
The city is highly walkable and served by the MBTA 'T' subway system, which provides reliable access to most major districts and neighboring cities.
Back Bay offers proximity to shopping and iconic architecture, while Beacon Hill provides a classic, historic atmosphere with brick row houses.
Boston is an expensive city, with accommodation and dining costs significantly higher than the national average.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 365 curated attractions in and around Boston, ranked by traveller ratings.
Fenway Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Boston right now.
The largest category is parks, with 122 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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