aventuro
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.
- 5
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.
-
181
Venues Hidden gem
Boston Playwrights' Theatre
Boston Playwrights' Theatre is a professional theatre venue specifically dedicated to the production of new works by con...
-
182
Places of interest Hidden gem
Nantucket Lightship/LV-112
The Nantucket Lightship/LV-112 is a historic floating lighthouse designated as a National Historic Landmark, permanently...
-
183
Museums Hidden gem
McMullen Museum of Art, Boston College
The McMullen Museum of Art at Boston College is a premier university art museum housed in a repurposed 1927 Renaissance...
-
184
Places of interest Hidden gem
Bill Russell Bridge
The Bill Russell Bridge, officially named the North Washington Street Bridge, serves as a critical connection between Bo...
-
185
Temples Hidden gem
St. Stephen's Catholic Church
St. Stephen's Catholic Church is the only remaining original Bulfinch church standing in Boston. Designed by Charles Bul...
-
186
Venues Hidden gem
Parsons Field
Parsons Field is the primary outdoor athletic facility for Northeastern University, located in Brookline, Massachusetts....
-
187
Museums Hidden gem
Otis House Museum
The Otis House Museum is a striking 1796 Federal-style mansion designed by the renowned architect Charles Bulfinch for H...
-
188
Historical places Hidden gem
Boston Vendome Hotel Fire Memorial
The Hotel Vendome Fire Memorial commemorates the nine Boston firefighters who died on June 17, 1972, while battling a fo...
-
189
Temples Hidden gem
St. Mary - St. Catherine of Siena
St. Mary - St. Catherine of Siena is a Roman Catholic parish located in the historic Charlestown neighborhood of Boston....
-
190
Parks Hidden gem
Greene-Rose Heritage Park
Greene-Rose Heritage Park is a neighborhood green space in the Port neighborhood of Cambridge, Massachusetts, designed t...
-
191
Parks Hidden gem
Old Morse Park
Old Morse Park is a neighborhood green space located in the Riverside area of Cambridge, Massachusetts. It serves as a c...
-
192
Parks Hidden gem
Clark Playground
Clark Playground is a community-focused public recreational space located in Brookline, Massachusetts. The park features...
-
193
Parks Hidden gem
University Park Commons
University Park Commons is a landscaped public green space situated within a multi-use development in Cambridge, Massach...
-
194
Historical places Hidden gem
Old Bear Dens
The Old Bear Dens are the abandoned remains of the original zoological exhibits within Franklin Park, designed by landsc...
-
195
Parks Hidden gem
Copp's Hill Terrace
Copp's Hill Terrace is a historical public park situated on a steep incline overlooking the North End and the Charles Ri...
-
196
Temples Hidden gem
Our Lady of Assumption Parish
Our Lady of the Assumption Parish is a historic Roman Catholic church located on Sumner Street in the East Boston neighb...
-
197
Parks Hidden gem
The Common at CX
The Common at CX is a 2-acre urban park located in the heart of the Cambridge Crossing mixed-use development. The park f...
-
198
Historical places Hidden gem
Franklin Park - Overlook Ruins
The Overlook Ruins in Franklin Park consist of the weathered granite foundation of the original Overlook Shelter, which...
-
199
Beaches and ponds Hidden gem
M Street Beach
M Street Beach is a popular urban stretch of sand located in South Boston along the South Boston Pleasure Bay and Harbor...
-
200
Places of interest Hidden gem
Graffiti Alley
Graffiti Alley is a legally sanctioned, ever-changing urban canvas located on Richard B. "Rico" Modica Way in Cambridge,...
-
201
Places of interest Hidden gem
Maurice J. Tobin Memorial Bridge
The Maurice J. Tobin Memorial Bridge is a 2.3-mile long cantilever truss bridge carrying US Route 1 over the Mystic Rive...
-
202
Temples Hidden gem
St. George Albanian Orthodox Cathedral
-
203
Places of interest Hidden gem
The Boston Stone
-
204
Temples Hidden gem
Our Lady of the Annunciation Melkite Catholic Cathedral
-
205
Temples Hidden gem
St. Joseph Catholic Church
-
206
Temples Hidden gem
Greater Love Tabernacle Church
-
207
Museums Hidden gem
Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists
-
208
Venues Hidden gem
Boston University Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre
-
209
Parks Hidden gem
Clement Morgan Park
-
210
Places of interest Hidden gem
Black Heritage Trail
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Boston on the map
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.
