Boston is a city steeped in history and culture, known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming neighborhoods. From exploring the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill to sampling local cuisine in the North End, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant destination. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we’ve compiled a list of the must-see attractions and activities that showcase the best of Boston. Join us as we take a journey through this historic city and discover its hidden gems.

The 19 Best Interesting Things To Do In Boston

1. Boston to New York Day Trip by Rail
2. Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour
3. Boston Waterfront Bike Tour
4. Boston American Revolution Guided Walking Tour
5. Boston Highlights Sightseeing Tour
6. Boston Donut Underground Walking Tour
7. The Original World Famous Boston Duck Tour
8. Boston Shore Excursion Boston Hop on Hop Off Trolley Tour
9. Boston Historical New England Harbor Cruise
10. Old Town Trolley Tour of Boston
11. Boston Explorer Pass With 3 4 or 5 Attractions
12. Everyone Tours of Freedom Trail First 11 Historic Sites
13. Freedom Trail to Copley Square Walking Tour in Boston
14. Boston Citypassr
15. Go Boston Card
16. Newport Mansions Small Group Day Trip from Boston
17. Boston Sunset Cruise
18. Boston Bike Rental
19. Boston Explorer Pass

The 19 Best Interesting Things To Do In Boston

1. Boston to New York Day Trip by Rail

All aboard for a day trip from Boston to New York! Relax on a comfortable Amtrak Regional train and arrive in Pennsylvania Station New York for a mid-morning pick-up of your hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets. Discover the best of New York and Brooklyn with a variety of loop tours that cover nearly every famous attraction in the city. Visit museums, observatories, theaters, zoos, boat rides, and even a WWII aircraft carrier and a space shuttle. Make a stop at the new One World Trade Center Observatory and pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial. There’s something for everyone on this family-friendly tour of the Big Apple!

2. Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour

Bring your favorite films to life on this interactive walking tour of the Boston Movie Mile. Led by a local actor, this walking tour will take you to some of the most exclusive locations in Boston, featured in a plethora of movie blockbusters and TV shows. Sit on the famous park bench from Good Will Hunting and have a drink at the original Cheers. Discover one of Jack Nicholson’s mob hangouts in The Departed and see the street of the famous car crash in Blown Away. These are the ultimate photograph locations in Boston.

Throughout the tour, you’ll get insider information on the secrets behind the filming of Fever Pitch, Legally Blonde, Mystic River, and more. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, pop culture aficionado, or traveler interested in seeing Boston from a unique angle, this tour is sure to be informative and fun.

The tour meets at the Boston Common Visitor Center, so grab your ticket and join the local actor guide to explore the Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour.

3. Boston Waterfront Bike Tour

Explore Boston in a unique way with a leisurely 2.5-hour guided bike tour along the Charles River waterfront. With an expert guide to navigate you, you will enjoy stunning views of Boston and Cambridge, including the Esplanade and Hatch Shell, the Zakim Bridge, and the USS Constitution. The route is almost entirely on bike paths, making it a relaxing way to spend time with family and friends. Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will pick up your helmet, water, and a bicycle or electric bike (for riders over 16). From the serene bike paths to the historic Charlestown Navy Yard, this tour offers a unique perspective on Boston’s waterfront.

4. Boston American Revolution Guided Walking Tour

Explore historic Boston during a half-day guided walking tour that delves into the story of the American Revolution. Led by an expert guide, this small-group tour offers an intimate and immersive experience. Follow a curated route that weaves together the sights, events, and characters of the Revolution into one epic story. Visit 14 of the 16 Freedom Trail sights and gain insights and interpretations from prestigious scholarship. Unlike other tours, this one places less emphasis on facts and dates and focuses more on the passions, personalities, and psychologies driving the events. Take a break to visit Faneuil Hall (when open) and enjoy the guide’s sense of humor. This tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues, and it does not include costumed actors, scripts, kitsch, partisan bias (then or now), dry lecturing, or gratuities.

5. Boston Highlights Sightseeing Tour

Explore the best attractions and things to do in Boston with our Boston Highlights Sightseeing Tour. This tour offers a great opportunity for you to experience the city’s highlights and learn about its fascinating history. The tour starts with a hotel pickup in downtown Boston, followed by a visit to the Bunker Hill Monument, where you’ll learn about one of the first battles in the American Revolutionary War. After that, you’ll take a narrated driving tour, passing multiple points of interest, including MIT, Harvard University, and Fenway Park.

One of the highlights of the tour is the one-hour narrated boat cruise, which will allow you to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of Boston. You’ll also pass by the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat. This tour includes a visit to MIT Dome and John Harvard Statue, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about Boston’s fascinating history from our informative guide.

The Boston Highlights Sightseeing Tour includes pickup and drop-off from anywhere in downtown Boston, a boat cruise, a narrated driving tour of Boston, and a visit to various historic landmarks. Food and drinks and gratuities are not included. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience the best of Boston!

6. Boston Donut Underground Walking Tour

Celebrate the glory of the donut while exploring Boston’s historic downtown on this underground walking tour. Along the way, you’ll sample a curated selection of Boston’s finest donuts while learning about the city’s local history. Take a stroll through the Public Market and explore its many vendors, including a stop for delicious apple cider and more delightful donuts. Walk through Little Italy, one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, and visit the Old North Church, then continue to a local bakery to try a uniquely Bostonian treat. You’ll finish back at the Public Market, enjoying the tastes of the city and the memories of your tour. Don’t miss the chance to experience the best of Boston’s culture and cuisine on this unique and unforgettable walking tour!

7. The Original World Famous Boston Duck Tour

On this 80-minute Boston Duck Tour, you will experience the unique heritage of the city that gave birth to freedom from the land and water. Enjoy breathtaking views of Cambridge and Boston from the river and drive past Boston Common and Quincy Market. You’ll splash into the Charles River aboard a WWII amphibious vehicle and discover the many sights of Boston from a different perspective. Your tour will be narrated by a legendary “ConDUCKtor®” who will provide you with interesting facts throughout the journey. Don’t miss this fun and informative tour of Boston’s highlights. The tour includes the amphibious landing vehicle, views of many Boston sights, taxes, conference center fee, supplier online convenience fee, live English guide, and multilingual audio commentary from the Museum of Science.

8. Boston Shore Excursion Boston Hop on Hop Off Trolley Tour

This shore excursion in Boston offers a hop-on hop-off trolley tour that allows you to explore the city’s top attractions on a loop around town. With live onboard commentary from a professional tour conductor, you will get to know Boston’s history and culture. Along the route, you can hop on and off at any of the stops as often as you like, giving you the freedom to customize your own itinerary.

The tour covers many famous landmarks, including Beacon Hill, the Cheers bar, and Cambridge. Plus, enjoy discounted admission to the Boston Tea Party Ships and the Old North Church. The tour includes narration by a professional tour conductor, and gratuities, food, and drinks are not included.

This hop-on hop-off trolley tour shore excursion is available between March and April according to the published schedule. Disembark your ship and take a short walk from Cruiseport Boston to begin your Boston exploration without needing to worry about transportation.

9. Boston Historical New England Harbor Cruise

Boston Harbor is full of unique and rich history, with 34 islands each telling their own stories. You can experience it all with the Boston Historical New England Harbor Cruise. As you cruise along the waterfront, take in the perfect skyline pictures of Boston and view the steeple of the Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument, USS Cassin Young, and USS Constitution. You’ll also pass by Fort Independence and take in views of Boston’s Seaport District.

Notable things to see include the Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument, USS Cassin Young, USS Constitution, Fort Independence, Boston’s Seaport District, and Spectacle Island. The motor yacht’s design was inspired by classic New England 1920s style steamships, making it one of the most comfortable and versatile cruise vessels in the Boston Harbor. It is 115-feet in length, features six bathrooms and provides ample seating throughout the ship. Don’t miss the chance to see all that Boston Harbor has to offer on this unique and historical cruise.

10. Old Town Trolley Tour of Boston

Enjoy a convenient and flexible way to discover Boston’s most iconic landmarks and attractions with the Old Town Trolley Tour of Boston. With a 1-day or 2-day ticket, you can hop on and off the charming orange and green trolley at any of its 14 stops located in downtown Beacon Hill and beyond. The tour covers over 100 points of interest, including historic sites like Paul Revere House, Faneuil Hall, and the Old North Church, as well as popular spots like the bar where the TV show Cheers was filmed and the locations of the Boston Tea Party. Live narration will accompany you throughout the journey, providing interesting and informative commentary about the city’s rich history and culture. As an added bonus, the tour includes discounted entry to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, making this a comprehensive and affordable way to explore Boston on your own terms.

11. Boston Explorer Pass With 3 4 or 5 Attractions

Explore Boston at your own pace with a Boston Explorer Pass that grants you access to 2, 3, 4, or 5 top attractions of your choice at a discounted price. This pass eliminates the need for redemption and is immediately accessible on your smartphone or can be printed out from home. The pass is valid for 60 days from the date of the first attraction visit. Utilize the included free digital guide to get detailed information about the attractions you choose, including opening times and directions. With this pass, you can skip the line at the Museum of Science attraction. Choose from 20 top Boston experiences, including visiting the New England Aquarium, riding around the city on a hop-on-hop-off trolley, or taking a Boston sunset cruise. Satisfy your hunger and thirst with food and drinks from a variety of places. With the Boston Explorer Pass, save time and money compared to buying individual admission tickets.

12. Everyone Tours of Freedom Trail First 11 Historic Sites

Cover the most important parts of Boston’s Freedom Trail on this walking tour. Begin at Boston Common and follow your guide on a journey focused on early American history and the Revolutionary War. As you walk, your guide will provide in-depth commentary about the historic sites. This comprehensive tour covers the top 11 sights on the Freedom Trail, and you will skip the lines at each attraction. This express walking tour frees up the rest of your day for other activities. The meeting point is located at 139 Tremont St, which is easily accessible from the Green, Red, or Orange subway lines, or with parking available in the Underground Garage under Boston Common via Charles Street. The tour includes a professional guide, guaranteed skip-the-line access to attractions, gratuities, and the TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee. This tour is perfect for those with limited time who want to experience Boston’s early American history.

13. Freedom Trail to Copley Square Walking Tour in Boston

This walking tour will take you along Boston’s famous Freedom Trail, showcasing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and providing you with a glimpse into American history. Join a professional guide on this 2-hour journey as you explore colonial-era attractions like the Old and New State Houses, Faneuil Hall, and the site of the infamous Boston Massacre. You’ll also get to see modern Boston, including the towering John Hancock Tower. Finish your tour in picturesque Copley Square, having gained an understanding and appreciation for the rich history of this great city. Book now for a fascinating and educational adventure.

14. Boston Citypassr

Boston CityPASS has curated a selection of the must-see and must-do attractions in Boston, and at a significant discount of 47% compared to buying separate tickets. With the CityPASS, visitors can get instant delivery of mobile tickets and gain access to the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science. Additionally, visitors can choose to visit two of the following: a Boston Harbor City Cruise, Franklin Park Zoo, or the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Enjoy four top Boston attractions while enjoying significant savings with the Boston CityPASS.

15. Go Boston Card

The Boston All-Inclusive Pass provides access to over 40 of the area’s top activities and attractions for a single low price. With a 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7-day pass, you’ll enjoy incredible savings on retail admission prices and free admission to some of the most popular Boston-area activities, attractions, and tours. Take a Trolley Tour, visit the New England Aquarium, explore the Museum of Science, and more—all for one unbeatable price. Your pass includes admission to all activities, and a free digital guide helps you plan your itinerary and navigate the city like a pro. Get instant delivery of your pass, either directly for use on your phone or to print off at home, and start your Boston adventure today.

16. Newport Mansions Small Group Day Trip from Boston

Escape the hustle and bustle of Boston and embark on a small-group day tour to the charming coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island. Known as America’s First Resort, Newport is just a short 70-mile drive south of Boston and offers a peaceful getaway. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will take a self-guided tour of the opulent Breakers mansion, capture photos at the scenic Cliff Walk, and wander through the breathtaking Renaissance art of The Elms mansion.

In addition to these mansion visits, you will also see some of Newport’s major attractions like St Mary’s Parish, Fort Adams, and the Naval War College. Enjoy some leisure time to explore the town on your own at the end of the tour. This fantastic package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a snack, a guidebook, and a discount offer card. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the luxurious lifestyle of American high society in Newport!

17. Boston Sunset Cruise

Meet at Rowes Wharf and set off on a Boston sunset cruise. This guided boat tour offers unparalleled views of Boston’s famous landmarks. Escape the heat and admire Boston’s beautiful skyline and the historic USS Constitution as the sun sets behind the city. Your expert guide will give you a detailed history of some of the city’s landmarks.

As the evening sets in the sunset cruise will highlight popular and famous scenes set in Boston Harbor from both past and present. Cold beverages, including water, juice, and soda, as well as a full bar are available on every boat. Snacks are also provided.

This tour is a great opportunity to enjoy a beautiful evening with friends or family while admiring the breathtaking views of the city. Don’t miss the chance to drink at the onboard bar and enjoy a relaxing boat tour through one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Book now and enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience on this Boston sunset cruise.

18. Boston Bike Rental

Explore the historic city of Boston on your own with a 2-hour or 24-hour bike rental. This is a great way to see the city’s iconic attractions at your own pace. Start near the North End and enjoy a scenic ride through the picturesque wharfs and explore the winding neighborhoods of the city.

With this bike rental, you will be able to see and visit top attractions including the dignified brownstones of Beacon Hill, the iconic Fenway Park, and the downtown public park of Boston Common all within minutes. The price of the rental includes all necessary equipment such as a helmet, lock, and a bike map to help you navigate your way through the city.

The meeting point is at Urban AdvenTours which is located on 103 Atlantic Ave Boston MA 02110 USA. After your bike exploration, you will return to the same location where your tour started.

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking and the tour operates in all weather conditions. So jump on a bike and get ready to explore the city of Boston on your own with this amazing bike rental tour.

19. Boston Explorer Pass

The Boston Explorer Pass offers an overview of the city’s best attractions at one low price. With the pass, visitors can choose two, three, four, or five activities from a wide array of options, including a Fenway Park Tour, Boston Sunset Cruise, Freedom Trail Walking Tour, New England Aquarium, and more. The included digital guide helps in planning the perfect itinerary, allowing visitors to explore Boston attractions at their own pace. With direct entry to attractions, visitors can easily enjoy highlights of the area, such as the Franklin Park Zoo or the Museum of Science. The pass is valid for two years from purchase date and becomes activated with the first attraction visit, remaining valid for 60 days and/or the remaining number of attraction choices purchased.

Frequently Asked Questions About the City of Boston

Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in the United States. It attracts millions of tourists every year because of its rich culture, historical significance, and bustling economy. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions by tourists about the city of Boston.

1. What are the best places to visit in Boston?

Boston is famous for its historical landmarks, prestigious universities, museums, and parks. Some of the must-visit places in Boston are:

• The Freedom Trail: This 2.5-mile long trail covers 16 significant historical sites related to the American Revolution.
• The Boston Common and Public Garden: Two of Boston’s oldest and most beautiful parks. The Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States.
• The Museum of Fine Arts: One of the largest art museums in the country with a vast collection of artwork from different cultures, periods, and styles.
• The Fenway Park: The home stadium of the Boston Red Sox, one of the oldest baseball franchises in the MLB.
• The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: A stunning art museum that features beautiful gardens, courtyards, and a renaissance-style villa.

2. What is the best way to get around Boston?

Boston is a walkable city with a well-connected public transportation system. The best way to get around Boston is by using the subway system known as the “T”. It consists of four lines (red, green, blue, and orange) and covers most of the city’s neighborhoods and attractions.You can also use the bus system, which connects areas not covered by the subway. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in the city.

3. What is the best time to visit Boston?

The best time to visit Boston is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). The weather during these seasons is pleasant, and there are many outdoor activities and festivals to enjoy.However, Boston is a year-round tourist destination, and each season offers unique experiences. Summer (July to August) is the busiest and most expensive season with a lot of tourists and high temperatures. Winter (December to February) is the least visited season due to its cold and snowy weather.

4. What is Boston’s famous food?

Boston is famous for its seafood, particularly its lobster dishes, clam chowder, and fish and chips. Some of the best places to try seafood in Boston are:

• Legal Sea Foods: A chain of seafood restaurants that has been serving fresh seafood since 1950.
• The Barking Crab: A casual seafood restaurant that overlooks the Boston Harbor and serves delicious seafood platters and sandwiches.
• Neptune Oyster: A small seafood restaurant that serves some of the best lobster rolls in the city.

Apart from seafood, Boston is also known for its baked beans, Irish soda bread, and Boston cream pie.

5. What are the best places to shop in Boston?

Boston offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from high-end department stores to independent boutiques. Here are some of the best places to shop in Boston:

• Newbury Street: A vibrant and trendy street that features high-end designer boutiques and upscale shops.
• Faneuil Hall Marketplace: A historic indoor-outdoor market that houses over 100 shops, restaurants, and specialty stores.
• The Prudential Center: A shopping mall that features over 75 retailers, including high-end fashion brands such as Gucci and Saks Fifth Avenue.
• The Copley Place: A luxurious shopping center that features high-end fashion brands such as Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., and Jimmy Choo.

6. What are the best neighborhoods to explore in Boston?

Boston has numerous neighborhoods that offer different atmospheres and attractions. Some of the best neighborhoods to explore in Boston are:

• Beacon Hill: A historic neighborhood that features brick streets, colonial-era buildings, and gas lamps.
• Back Bay: A trendy and upscale neighborhood that features high-end boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.
• South End: A diverse and vibrant neighborhood that features Victorian brownstones, art galleries, and a thriving restaurant scene.
• North End: A historic Italian-American neighborhood that features brick buildings, narrow streets, and some of the best Italian restaurants in the city.

7. What are the best tours to take in Boston?

Boston offers numerous tour options to explore the city’s history, culture, and architecture. Some of the best tours to take in Boston are:

• The Freedom Trail Tour: A 2.5-mile walking tour that covers 16 historical sites related to the American Revolution.
• The Boston Duck Tour: A tour that takes you around the city’s landmarks and also on the Charles River on an amphibious vehicle.
• The Ghosts and Gravestones Tour: A nighttime trolley tour that takes you to Boston’s haunted places and cemeteries.
• The Harvard Campus Tour: A tour that takes you through the historic Harvard University campus and its famous landmarks.
• The Fenway Park Tour: A tour that takes you behind the scenes of the historic Fenway Park baseball stadium.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and has a rich history, culture, and heritage. There is plenty to see and do in this vibrant city that would keep visitors engaged and entertained throughout their stay. In this guide, we will take a detailed look at how to spend your time as a tourist in Boston.

1. Visit the Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a must-visit attraction for anyone who is interested in American history. This 2.5-mile long trail takes you through 16 historically significant sites that played a significant role in the American Revolution. The trail starts at Boston Common and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument. While walking along the trail, you will see several important landmarks, including Paul Revere’s House, King’s Chapel, and the Massachusetts State House.

2. Explore Harvard University

Harvard University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Visitors can join a guided tour or explore the campus on their own. The Harvard Art Museums, Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology are all located within the university’s campus.

3. Visit Fenway Park

Fenway Park is a historic baseball stadium and home to the Boston Red Sox, one of Major League Baseball’s oldest franchises. Visitors can take a guided tour of the stadium or attend a game during the baseball season. Fans of the sport will undoubtedly be impressed by the park’s intimate feel and rich history.

4. Walk around the North End

The North End is Boston’s oldest residential neighborhood and is known for its excellent Italian food, narrow streets, and historic architecture. The neighborhood is home to several historic sites, including the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. Visitors can take a food tour to sample some of the best Italian dishes the neighborhood has to offer or explore the narrow streets on their own.

5. Explore the Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library is the third-largest public library in the United States and has an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and artwork. Visitors can join a guided tour of the library or explore it on their own. The library’s McKim Building is a Beaux-Arts masterpiece with stunning artwork and a 210-foot-long reading room.

6. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts Boston

The Museum of Fine Arts Boston is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the United States, with over 450,000 works of art from ancient times to contemporary art. The museum’s collection includes works from some of the most prominent artists in history, including Monet, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt. The museum also hosts several temporary exhibits throughout the year.

7. Take a Duck Tour

A Duck Tour is a unique way to explore Boston by land and water. The tour takes visitors through the streets of Boston and then into the Charles River, where the vehicles transform into boats. Visitors will see several of the city’s top attractions from a new perspective, including the Prudential Tower, the USS Constitution, and the Bunker Hill Monument.

8. Visit the New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is home to over 20,000 animals from over 600 species. Visitors can watch sea lions perform, catch a glimpse of a giant ocean sunfish, or dive into the four-story Giant Ocean Tank, which is home to Myrtle, a 90-year-old sea turtle. The aquarium also hosts several interactive exhibits and a 3D IMAX theater.

9. Explore the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is an interactive museum that brings to life one of the most significant events in American history. Visitors will travel back in time and step onboard the reconstructed ships that were destroyed during the Boston Tea Party. The museum also features several interactive exhibits, a tea room, and a gift shop.

10. Walk along the Charles River Esplanade

The Charles River Esplanade is a beautiful park and pathway that stretches along the Boston side of the Charles River. The park features several walking trails, a large playground, and a hatch shell amphitheater that hosts several concerts and events throughout the year. The park also offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and the river.

The Bottom Line

Boston is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or sports, you’ll find plenty to do and see in this vibrant city. Make sure to plan your itinerary carefully so that you can see as much as possible while you’re here. Whether you have a few days or a few weeks, Boston will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you.