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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
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Boston is home to the oldest operating subway system in the United States, which opened in 1897.
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The city does not use a traditional grid system, with many streets in older neighborhoods following colonial-era cow paths.
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Boston hosts the oldest annual marathon in the world, which has been held every year since 1897.
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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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151
Historical places Known locally
Parkman Bandstand
The Parkman Bandstand is a neoclassical structure located in the heart of Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U...
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152
Historical places Known locally
Soldiers and Sailors Monument
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a prominent Civil War memorial situated atop Flag Staff Hill in Boston Common. Desi...
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153
Museums Known locally
Gibson House Museum
The Gibson House Museum is a preserved 1859 Victorian row house located in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. It remains on...
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154
Parks Known locally
Robin Williams Park Bench From "Good Will Hunting"
The Robin Williams Park Bench in Boston Public Garden marks the exact filming location of the iconic bench scene from th...
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155
Parks Known locally
Coolidge Park
Coolidge Playground, commonly referred to as Coolidge Park, is a neighborhood recreational space managed by the Town of...
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156
Parks Known locally
Kevin W. Fitzgerald Park
Kevin W. Fitzgerald Park is a terraced, hillside public space in the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts....
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157
Playgrounds Known locally
Hemenway Playground
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158
Places of interest Hidden gem
Brewer Fountain
The Brewer Fountain is a prominent bronze and iron landmark located in the historic Boston Common along the Freedom Trai...
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159
Museums Hidden gem
Commonwealth Museum
The Commonwealth Museum, located at 220 Morrissey Blvd in Boston, serves as a prominent cultural and historical institut...
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160
Parks Hidden gem
Fiedler Dock
Fiedler Dock is a prominent wooden floating dock located on the Charles River Esplanade in Boston, specifically position...
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161
Museums Hidden gem
The West End Museum
The West End Museum is a specialized cultural institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Boston's hi...
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162
Temples Hidden gem
Tremont Temple Baptist Church
Tremont Temple Baptist Church is a historic congregation located at 88 Tremont Street in downtown Boston, renowned for i...
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163
Museums Hidden gem
Nichols House Museum
The Nichols House Museum is a historic Victorian-era home located at 55 Mount Vernon Street on Boston's Beacon Hill. Des...
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164
Beaches and ponds Hidden gem
Tenean Beach
Tenean Beach is a small, neighborhood-oriented sandy beach situated along the Dorchester Bay waterfront. It serves as a...
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165
Parks Hidden gem
Rose Kennedy Greenway - Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park
Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park is a segment of the Rose Kennedy Greenway located at the gateway to Boston's Chinatow...
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166
Parks Hidden gem
Hunnewell Visitor Center
The Hunnewell Visitor Center serves as the primary gateway to Boston's Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Located a...
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167
Parks Hidden gem
Riverside Press Park
Riverside Press Park is a waterfront green space located at the corner of River Street and Memorial Drive in Cambridge,...
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168
Historical places Hidden gem
Charles Street Meeting House
The Charles Street Meeting House is a historic building located at the foot of Beacon Hill that served as a center for t...
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169
Parks Hidden gem
Old Harbor Park
Old Harbor Park is a waterfront public space located in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston along the shores of Dorche...
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170
Historical places Hidden gem
Ether Monument
The Ether Monument in Boston is a granite and red marble structure located in the Public Garden, commemorating the first...
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171
Temples Hidden gem
Boston University Marsh Chapel
Marsh Chapel is a prominent interdenominational religious center located at the heart of the Boston University campus. D...
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172
Museums Hidden gem
The Sports Museum
The Sports Museum in Boston is a half-mile-long educational institution dedicated to the history and heritage of Boston...
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173
Parks Hidden gem
Harriet Tubman Square
Harriet Tubman Square is a prominent public space in Boston's South End dedicated to the memory of the abolitionist and...
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174
Temples Hidden gem
Twelfth Baptist Church
Twelfth Baptist Church is a historic African American congregation located at 160 Warren Street in the Roxbury neighborh...
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175
Parks Hidden gem
McLaughlin Playground
McLaughlin Playground is a neighborhood park located in the Mission Hill section of Boston, situated on a sloped site al...
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176
Parks Hidden gem
Savin Hill Park
Savin Hill Park is a 7.5-acre urban park situated on a prominent drumlin that offers elevated views of the Boston skylin...
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177
Parks Hidden gem
Billy Ward Playground
Billy Ward Playground is a neighborhood park located in Brookline, Massachusetts, maintained by the local municipal recr...
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178
Venues Hidden gem
Henry G. Steinbrenner '27 Stadium
Henry G. Steinbrenner '27 Stadium serves as the primary outdoor athletic facility for the Massachusetts Institute of Tec...
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179
Parks Hidden gem
Elliot Norton Park
Elliot Norton Park is a compact urban green space located at 295 Tremont Street in Boston's Theater District. Named in h...
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180
Places of interest Hidden gem
Mayor Kevin White Statue
The Mayor Kevin White Statue is a bronze public sculpture located at 19 North Street in Boston, Massachusetts, honoring...
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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.
