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United States of America
Things to do in Boston
382 attractions · United States of America
Photo: Rick Berry, Public domain
New England, United States of America · 42.358, -71.062
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.
Good to know
- 1
Boston is home to the oldest operating subway system in the United States, which opened in 1897.
- 2
The city does not use a traditional grid system, with many streets in older neighborhoods following colonial-era cow paths.
- 3
Boston hosts the oldest annual marathon in the world, which has been held every year since 1897.
- 4
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.
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Before the land reclamation projects of the 19th century, much of the modern Back Bay neighborhood was a literal tidal marsh.
Plan your visit to Boston
Best time to visit
September through October, when the humidity of summer dissipates and the fall foliage provides a vibrant backdrop to the historic architecture.
How many days
3-4 days, which allows enough time to walk the Freedom Trail and explore major museum districts without rushing.
Getting around
The city is highly walkable and served by the MBTA 'T' subway system, which provides reliable access to most major districts and neighboring cities.
Where to stay
Back Bay offers proximity to shopping and iconic architecture, while Beacon Hill provides a classic, historic atmosphere with brick row houses.
Budget
Boston is an expensive city, with accommodation and dining costs significantly higher than the national average.
Highlights of Boston
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Fenway Park
Experience a game at the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.
Boston Common
Walk through the heart of the city in this park established in 1634.
Museum of Science
Explore interactive science exhibits and a massive digital planetarium.
Public Garden
Ride the iconic swan boats on the park's central lagoon.
Boston National Historical Park - Charlestown Navy Yard
Tour historic maritime vessels and learn about the city's naval past.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Admire an eclectic art collection housed within a unique courtyard-centered mansion.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Step aboard replica 18th-century ships to learn about the revolutionary protest.
Charles River Esplanade
Enjoy riverside pathways perfect for cycling or walking with views of the Cambridge skyline.
Top things to do in Boston
The 382 most popular places in Boston.
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121
Venues Known locally
Central Square Theater
Central Square Theater is a specialized arts venue in Cambridge, Massachusetts, serving as the resident home for both Th...
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122
Places of interest Known locally
Boston University Bridge
The Boston University Bridge is a historic steel truss bridge carrying Route 2 over the Charles River, connecting Boston...
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123
Temples Known locally
Immaculate Conception Church
Immaculate Conception Church in Revere, Massachusetts, serves as a central parish for the local Catholic community. The...
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124
Parks Known locally
Menino Park
Menino Park is a waterfront green space located at 98 16th Street in Boston's Charlestown Navy Yard neighborhood. Named...
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125
Museums Known locally
ICA Watershed
The ICA Watershed is a satellite exhibition space of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, housed within a converte...
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126
Parks Known locally
Seaport Common
Seaport Common is a 14,000-square-foot public plaza located at the heart of Boston's Seaport District. It functions as a...
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127
Parks Known locally
Underground at Ink Block
Underground at Ink Block is an urban park and outdoor art gallery occupying eight acres of previously neglected space be...
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128
Temples Known locally
Yusuf Mosque
Yusuf Mosque is an active Islamic house of worship located at 186 Chestnut Hill Avenue in the Brighton neighborhood of B...
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129
Parks Known locally
Griggs Park
Griggs Park is a 3.6-acre neighborhood park located in Brookline, Massachusetts, functioning as a vital green space with...
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130
Historical places Known locally
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
The Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site preserves Fairsted, the world's first full-scale professional office es...
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131
Museums Known locally
MIT List Visual Arts Center
The MIT List Visual Arts Center serves as the contemporary art museum for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, ope...
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132
Museums Known locally
Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital
The Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation explores the evolution of healthcare through the lens o...
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133
Venues Known locally
Wheelock Family Theatre
Wheelock Family Theatre is a professional theatre and education institution located at 180 Riverway in Boston, operating...
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134
Places of interest Known locally
Edgar Allan Poe Statue
The Edgar Allan Poe Statue in Boston commemorates the author's complicated relationship with the city where he was born...
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135
Parks Known locally
Hall's Pond Sanctuary
Hall's Pond Sanctuary is a secluded 3.5-acre urban nature reserve located in Brookline, Massachusetts, centered around a...
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136
Parks Known locally
Fisher Hill Reservoir Park
Fisher Hill Reservoir Park is a 10-acre public recreational space situated on the site of a decommissioned 19th-century...
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137
Parks Known locally
Riverbend Park
Riverbend Park is a specialized recreational space located along the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, characte...
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138
Parks Known locally
Winthrop Square
Winthrop Square, located in Brookline, Massachusetts, is home to the Minot Rose Garden, a formal horticultural space est...
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139
Venues Known locally
Nickerson Field
Nickerson Field is a multi-purpose athletic facility located on the campus of Boston University, situated on the former...
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140
Historical places Known locally
Dorchester Heights Monument - Boston National Historical Park
Dorchester Heights Monument is a historic site within Boston National Historical Park situated atop Telegraph Hill in So...
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141
Temples Known locally
Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage
The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage is a Roman Catholic maritime parish located at 51 Seaport Boulevard in Boston, Mas...
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142
Temples Known locally
St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine
St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine is a Roman Catholic place of worship located at 1105 Boylston Street in Boston, Massachus...
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143
Parks Known locally
Armenian Heritage Park
Armenian Heritage Park is a contemporary public space located on the Rose Kennedy Greenway that honors the Armenian-Amer...
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144
Parks Known locally
Urban Park (UP) Roof Garden
The Urban Park (UP) Roof Garden is an elevated green space located at 325 Main Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, situa...
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145
Parks Known locally
Dorchester Park
Dorchester Park is a historic community recreation area in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 1891 and spanning rough...
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146
Parks Known locally
Emerson Garden
Emerson Garden, located at 101 Davis Avenue in Brookline, serves as a neighborhood community park primarily utilized for...
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147
Parks Known locally
Ceylon Park
Ceylon Park is a local neighborhood recreation site located in the Dorchester section of Boston. The park features a mul...
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148
Places of interest Known locally
Congress Street Bridge
The Congress Street Bridge crosses Boston's Fort Point Channel, connecting downtown Boston to the South Boston Waterfron...
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149
Temples Known locally
St. Francis Chapel inside the Prudential Center
St. Francis Chapel is a Roman Catholic chapel operated by the Order of Friars Minor, uniquely situated within the interi...
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150
Playgrounds Known locally
Corey Hill Playground
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Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Boston?
Aventuro lists 382 curated attractions in and around Boston, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Boston?
Fenway Park is the most popular place to visit in Boston right now.
What kind of attractions does Boston have?
The largest category is parks, with 129 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Chicago.
Explore more of United States of America
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
