The 45 best things to do in Boston

What is it? This verdant, mile-long ribbon of grassy parks and outdoor resting places invites the weary traveler (or office warrior) to stop and take a break. 

Why go? The expansive park covers 15 acres connecting the Chinatown Gate with the iconic Zakim Bridge. During the day, people stroll, bike and lounge along its length, which is dotted with fountains and serviced by food trucks, making the area the perfect warm-weather hangout.

Don’t miss: Keep an eye out for the periodic festivals, events and parades taking place on or near the park.

Need some guidance? Book a tour. 

What is it? A time-honored, New England culinary tradition.

Why go? There are few things that scream "spring in Boston" more than grabbing a belly-warming bowl of the good stuff after a breezy day outside.

Don’t miss: Chowderfest, an annual event that occurs each summer when you can sample some of the city's best chowders.

What is it? Running alongside the Charles River, this public park is the perfect place to sit down and catch some rays.

Why go? With a refreshing breeze continuously coming off the water, the Esplanade attracts runners, cyclists or anyone looking to take a stroll. If you’re lucky, you can snag one of the highly coveted benches that are peppered throughout this pedestrian paradise. Otherwise, you can seek shade under one of its many trees and haul out some packed picnic supplies.

Don’t miss: The Boston Public Dock, where people come to stretch out on towels and try to get a tan.

What is it? Boston is blessed with so many historic buidlings open to the public, such as the Old State House and Faneuil Hall. 

Why go? Learn more about the city's—and the country's—rich history, in some cases for free.

Don’t miss: Walking the entire Freedom Trail, so you can enjoy the outdoors while seeing national landmarks.

What is it? The Charles River, which runs from Boston Harbor out towards Hopkinton.

Why go? Our city loves that dirty water, especially now that isn't quite as dirty anymore. On warm days, the Charles is flowing with activity, with everyone from the Harvard Crew Team to casual kayakers putting their watercrafts into the river. 

Don’t miss: If you want a piece of the aquatic action and don’t own a boat, rentals are available from organizations like Community Boating Boston. 

What is it? A neighborhood tradition, where local yuppies finish the weekend strong with long, boozy brunches. 

Why go? In more recent years, South Boston has become known for its high concentration of young professionals who are always down for a good time. Sundays are no exception, and nearby restaurants cater to the crowds with creative brunch specials, buckets of bubbles and lots of beer. Kick off your Sunday Funday festivities at popular brunch spots like Lincoln, The Broadway and Loco. True troopers continue their day drinking at bars like Stats and Lucky’s Lounge. 

Don’t miss: Hydrating, especially if you’re over the age of 25 and have work on Monday morning. 

What is it? Perhaps the ultimate seafood treat, lobster rolls are found on menus across town for you to enjoy any time of the year.

Why go? The best lobster dishes in Boston feature this beloved crustacean in a variety of ways, but a fresh lobster roll is a solid option any time of the year. Sourced from cold waters along the New England coast, chunks of sweet lobster meat are removed from the shell, allowing diners to enjoy all of the flavor with none of the mess. Classic versions, like the famed roll at Neptune Oyster, are served hot or cold on a humble toasted bun, while more modern versions—see Eventide Fenway's brown butter lobster roll on a Chinese-style bun—are a bit more upscale.

Don’t miss: For a low-key, no-frills lobster roll experience, head to Belle Isle Seafood in quiet Winthrop. 

What is it? Serious hikers may travel to the White Mountains or the Appalachian Trail, but when you just need a little bit of nature, there are plenty of quality hikes near Boston.

Why go? Whether it’s climbing scenic wooded preserves or exploring waterfront trails, these Boston hikes are perfect for walking off the chaos of downtown.

Don't miss: Just a few minutes outside of Boston proper is the 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation with 125 miles of pristine hiking trails. Climb to the top of Great Blue Hill and enjoy an unmatched view of the Hub's skyline.

What is it? A stroll along the Freedom Trail is a great way to take in local history and culture.

Why go? While the Freedom Trail isn’t the only historical walk in town, it's the most famous for a reason. The self-guided, 2.5-mile tour provides a sightseeing starting point for newcomers, and locals always spot something new to appreciate along the way.

Don’t miss: After seeing Paul Revere's House, take a break and refuel with a slice of pizza from Galleria Umberto.

What is it? Ask Bostonians for a special occasion recommendation and they’ll likely tell you to get out on the water by taking one of the city’s harbor cruises.

Why go? Nautical types will argue that the best way to truly see Boston in all of its glory is by boat excursion. Longtime local favorite Odyssey Cruises offers a variety of yachting experiences, most of which feature food, drink, live music and dancing. 

Don’t miss: If time on the water has you fiending for fish afterwards, seek out one of Boston’s best seafood restaurants.

What is it? A National Historic Landmark and one of the best preserved landscapes designed by the famous Frederick Law Olmsted. 

Why go? With thousands of trees, shrubs and woody vines, it's also recognized as one of the most comprehensive and well documented of its kind worldwide. 

Don’t miss: Taking a stroll on a nice day to see bursts of green, blooming flowers and plenty of chirping birds.

What is it? Boston is famous for its fresh seafood, so enjoying a dozen local oysters at one of the city’s top raw bars is a must.

Why go? Ever since the Union Oyster House opened in 1826, raw oysters have been integral to Boston’s culinary scene. Today, these briny bivalves appear on restaurant menus throughout the city. You'll find locally-sourced varieties including Wellfleet, Cotuit and Glidden Point as well as popular imports like Kumamotos. Oyster happy hours are a great way to sample these goodies at a lower price.

Don’t miss: Cozy spots like B&G Oysters and North Square Oyster offer oyster-friendly wine pairings, while Row 34 can provide the perfect beers.

What is it? New England’s largest aquarium and one of Boston’s most popular attractions.

Why go? More than 80 African, rockhopper and little blue penguins live in the New England Aquarium’s first-floor display. Watch them go wild during feeding time in front of the Giant Ocean Tank, a massive coral reef exhibit that's home to a myriad of other marine creatures, including sharks and loggerhead sea turtles. The building is designed in such a way that the penguins can be seen from multiple vantage points. 

Don’t miss: Be sure to say hi to the harbor seals in their enclosure outside, which is free and open to the public.

What is it? Founded in 1870, the Museum of Fine Arts—whose globe-spanning collection encompasses more than 500,000 objects—continues to grow.  

Why go? Noteworthy pieces include: its selection of American art, including Paul Revere’s Liberty Bowl and paintings by John Singleton Copley; its Egyptian exhibit, much of which was acquired through excavations in conjunction with Harvard University; its Japanese collection (the first in America, and one of the finest in the country); and its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist galleries, which includes one of the largest collections of Monet's work outside Paris. 

Don’t miss: The museum offers one of the city’s best deals on Wednesdays after 4pm, when admission is by voluntary contribution. 

Save money on tickets with a Boston Explorer Pass

What is it? Encore Boston Harbor is the mega-casino resort we've been waiting for.

Why go? The 210,000-square-foot complex—which cost nearly $3 billion—includes 15 dining and lounge venues, 671 guest rooms and suites, 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, and an ultra-premium spa.

Don't miss: The four-season, six-acre Harborwalk features pedestrian and bike paths, a picnic park, a gazebo, viewing decks, waterfront dining and lush green space with magnificent floral displays.

What is it? Boston’s premier retail strip is perfect for both shopping and people-watching.

Why go? Between Arlington Street and Massachusetts Avenue, there are eight blocks of beautiful brick townhouses housing ultra-luxe designers like Chanel and Burberry, chic boutiques (Intermix, Rag & Bone) and international chains. With a never-ending assortment of galleries, salons, cafés, bars and eateries to explore, you can easily spend an entire afternoon browsing, relaxing and indulging here.

Don’t miss: If you’re more interested in unique, indie finds, head to the neighboring South End. 

Need some guidance? Book a tour. 

What is it? Head west to suburbs and visit the former estate of Massachusetts merchant Julian de Cordova. 

Why go? Even during the peak of winter or dog days of summer, the deCordova Museum & Sculpture Park attracts art lovers to its a 35-acre spread in leafy Lincoln. Open year-round, the region’s premier outdoor sculpture park is the perfect place to get some fresh air while checking out world-class art. The ever-changing indoor exhibits provide shelter from the sometimes-fickle elements.

Don’t miss: Check the museum’s calendar to learn about special outdoor events.

Boston has plenty of opportunities for you to indulge, but with the holidays approaching it may be wise to check out a few healthy spots along the way as well. These are the best and tastiest places for a light meal. 

What is it? Located inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library, the Mapparium is essentially a three-story model of the globe built to scale. 

Why go? Calling all geography nerds: The Mapparium, the world’s largest walk-in globe, is among the city’s quirkiest landmarks. This colorful sphere runs 30 feet in diameter and can be crossed by means of a glass bridge bisecting its interior. Inside, sound bounces off the room’s rounded walls, amplifying it ten-fold, so keep in mind that there are no secrets in the sphere—no matter how softly you may whisper.

Don’t miss: The 608 stained-glass panels recreate the world as it was in the mid-1930s, when the project was completed. So keep keen eyes on those outdated borders.

Save money on tickets with a Go Boston Pass

What is it? Seeing a game at Fenway Park has been a rite of passage amongst many locals since it opened in 1912.

Why go? As the oldest ballpark in the majors, Fenway is also one of the smallest, with a capacity of around 38,000. That means tickets can be hard to come by for big games. Fortunately, public tours are offered year-round, so baseball fans and history buffs alike can hear all about the park's past and present. 

Don’t miss: If you get the chance, take a seat atop the stadium’s most distinctive feature, the 37-foot-high left-field wall known as the Green Monster. Before or after the game, check out the great restaurants, bars and other activities in the Fenway neighborhood.

The best part about Fenway Park is that it is a blast even if the Red Sox aren't playing! 

Take a 60-minute guided tour of Fenway Park using Go City Boston to see where Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore filmed scenes for their 2005 romance drama film, Fever Pitch! 

What is it? As the city’s premier artistic hub, the 450 Harrison building is a veritable hive of creative activity. 

Why go? Many artists open their doors a few times a month for open studio events, where they greet South End residents and visitors. First Fridays (5-9pm) is the space's flagship event, where more than 200 artists, galleries, shops and showrooms welcome the public for an evening of art, wine, cheese and mingling each month.

Don’t miss: Once you’ve had your fill of art, get your fill of locally grown produce and artisinal foods at SoWa's Farmer's Market.

What is it? The BPL contains approximately 19 million volumes and electronic resources, making it the second-largest public library in the U.S.—coming right behind the Library of Congress.

Why go? At nearly 1 million square feet, the BPL impresses in a way that few libraries can. The original structure, designed by Charles McKim and completed in 1895, now serves as the research library, while an extension (opened in 1972) functions as the general library. Talks, performances and tours delight culture vultures from near and far.

Don’t miss: At the center of the library is a cloistered courtyard, one of the city’s most beautiful, tranquil places to read a book.

Want to see more in the area? Book a tour. 

What is it? The city’s quaint zoo is a kid-friendly local favorite.

Why go? As fascinating as animals seem on the TV screen, they’re far more impressive in real life. The zoo—whose mission is to inspire people to protect and sustain endangered species—is home to zebras, gorillas, giraffes and a host of other exotic animals that you definitely wouldn’t normally see in the wilds of New England. 

Don’t miss: Little visitors can be easily entertained at the children’s zoo, which features everything from a prairie dog neighborhood to a grass maze.

What is it? The food hall trend is exploding here in Boston, with a wealth of food halls popping up around the city.

Why Go? Food halls are a great dining choice when you’re with a group of friends with different tastes—there’s something for everyone. Boston food halls offer all types of food—spanning numerous genres and cuisine types—all in one spot. They make for a great anytime meeting spot; just show up and see what kind of mood you’re in.

Don't Miss: Eataly is a haven for Italian food enthusiasts. The Boston Public Market has fresh produce in addition to prepared foods.

What is it? Not all of the best things in life come for free. But gratis enjoyments can be found all around Boston, a city known for its high cost of living.

Why go? A simple stroll throughout Boston makes for a pretty great cheap date, owing to the city’s ample history, architecture, museums, green spaces and exciting performances.

Don't miss: The city's museums are world-class, even more attractive on their various free days.

What is it? Food trucks are often a testing ground for new chefs, leading to popular brick-and-mortar locations. (Clover, now a local empire, started as a mobile kitchen peddling street eats).

Why go? Food trucks offer convenient, delicious fare that can be enjoyed just about anywhere. From gourmet grilled cheeses to ice cream cookie sandwiches, Boston's fleet of wheeled restaurants have a range of fast, fun bites for on-the-go eating.

Don't miss: Many trucks park themselves near the city's busiest picnic spots, like Copley Square, Government Center or the Rose Kennedy Greenway. But if you have your heart set on food from a specific vehicle, check to see if it's shared its daily route online.

What is it? For a city that’s often limited by its strict, booze-related blue laws, we sure have a fine collection of breweries. 

Why go? Historically, Boston's most recognizable brewer was Samuel Adams, the Revolutionary and “maltster” for whom the city's biggest beer brand is clearly named. Tourists are encouraged to visit the Samuel Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain, but also need to explore the Hub's booming craft brew scene. Join locals in tasting small-batch, farmhouse-style ales at Fort Point’s Trillium Brewing Company, or experimental suds at Somerville’s Aeronaut Brewing Company, founded by a science-focused trio with MIT connections.

Don’t miss: Any of the lively, beer-fueled festivities at the Harpoon Brewery.

What is it? Boston’s collection of cozy, welcoming Irish pubs might just be the most impressive—outside Ireland itself.

Why go? In a city chock full of proud Irish expats and Irish-Americans, it’s little wonder why Boston is brimming with an excess of quality pubs. To get the full experience, head in on a spirited trivia night, or during a live performance of authentic Irish music. Longtime favorites like The Burren and The Druid all but guarantee a lively night of big laughs and fun times.

Don’t miss: For a centrally-located option with nightly live tunes, look no further than the Black Rose.

We are lucky that there are plenty of waterfront restaurants in Boston to get your fix of sun, sea and salty air. Take advantage of the warm weather while it lasts and savor the sunshine at one of these fabulous restaurants with a view.

What is it? Head to one of these outdoor Boston bars where you can enjoy sun and fun as the weather improves.

Why go? From cheery terraces to waterfront views, these outdoor bars in Boston offer al fresco drinks and a good dose of fresh air. 

Don't miss: Some spots like SRV offer cozy outdoor space to enjoy both excellent drinks and delicious food.

What is it? As one of Boston’s most densely-packed and unique neighborhoods, Chinatown thrills gourmands with its array of authentic eateries. 

Why go? Many of the city’s best Chinese restaurants can be found in Chinatown. Rather than sticking to one spot and eating a single big meal, walk around the area and slowly snack along the way. Gourmet Dumpling House is a smart place to start, so you can let its soft steamed dumplings with spicy dipping sauce fire up your palate. Next, stamp your culinary passport at Taiwan Cafe, where you can sample a selection of the island's specialities. Finish off with a bang at Peach Farm, where you can select seafood straight from the tanks.

Don’t miss: Exotic hand-pulled noodles at Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe.

Want to see more of the area? Book a walking tour.  

What is it? Harvard’s history and status has allowed it to cultivate one of the most impressive university art collections. 

Why go? Following a lengthy expansion project, Harvard’s three art institutions—the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum—were united under one Renzo Piano–designed glass roof. Visitors are able to peruse highlights from the Ivy League institution's collection of roughly 250,000 pieces—from Neolithic sculptures to 21st-century conceptual installations. 

Don’t miss: Harvard’s Museum of Natural History, which houses the famous Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants.

Want to see more of Harvard? Book a tour. 

What is it? If you can't make it to the game in person, our slew of sports bars are the next best thing when it comes to watching the Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Bruins.

Why Go? Of all the fantastic things to do in Boston, catching the game has to be at the top of the list—whether it's hearing the roar of Red Sox fans at Fenway, braving the cold to cheer on the Patriots in Foxborough or celebrating a Celtics' or Bruins' win at TD Garden. While you can't always make it there in person, especially with away games, but good beer, lively company and big screens make our bars a great alternative.

Don't miss: For fans of memorabilia, The Fours (in Quincy and Norwell... RIP its Boston location) has its walls plastered with photos, jerseys, balls and other collectables from all of our teams.

What is it? Boston’s best clubs might not compare to the nightlife in Miami or Vegas, but there are plenty of popular options for late-night fun.

Why go? With hot spots such as Royale, Venu and Icon, the Theatre District hosts’s biggest concentration of nightclubs. Newcomers like The Grand, Big Night Live and Mystique offer elevated late-night options similar to those you'd find in other cities. A far cry from the Top 40 club-banging hotspots on the other side of the river, Central Square offers an eclectic assortment of places to shake it like there's no tomorrow. Popular options include house DJ nights at the Middlesex Lounge, the eclectic throwback and hip-hop parties at Phoenix Landing.

Don’t miss: If toe-tapping along to live jazz is more your speed, check out Darryl's Corner Bar and Kitchen for soul food and some smooth music. 

What is it? Given the area’s renowned reputation for the sciences, it’s no surprise that Boston has a bevy of talented mixologists.

Why go? Why go out for a simple beer when you can order an immersive sensory experience in a glass? For a truly mind-blowing cocktail, head to local trailblazers like Drink and Better Sorts Social Club, both of which offer an expansive list of truly unexpected drinks.

Don’t miss: For a next-level experience, try cocktails featuring house-made tinctures and shrubs at Parla. The North End spot even offers a dice game that lets you gradually unlock a secret drink menu.

What is it? Get your fill of sticky-sweet, fried goodness at Boston’s top donut shops.

Why go? The antithesis of mass production (sorry, Dunkin'), Boston’s best donuts are lovingly made by hand, satisfying even the most discerning sweet tooth. Stick with the classics if you must—cake donuts and honey glazed are local favorites—but we recommend tearing into exotic options, such as sea salt bourbon caramel or blackberry lavender, found at popular new-wave spots Union Square Donuts and Blackbird Doughnuts.

Don't miss: For an old-school, no-frills option, head to Allston’s Twin Donuts.

What is it? There are many opportunities to laugh your socks off—either at one of Boston's veteran comedy clubs or during one of our bars' regular comedy nights.

Why Go? Some of America’s most popular contemporary comedians (e.g. Conan O’Brien, Bill Burr) honed their craft in Greater Boston. In the Theater District, big name comedians hold court at a variety of venues. Spending your evening yucking it up is a great way to unwind and boost your mood.

Don't miss: The Improv Asylum in the North End has a loyal following, especially when it comes to the more risque late-night shows.

What is it? There’s a lot more on the grounds of Harvard University than elite pupils and posing tourists.

Why go? These iconic red brick walls contain some truly stunning stories, and a visit will connect you to a Who’s Who of American history. The Yard and overall campus features striking architecture designed by such luminaries as Bulfinch, Le Corbusier (his only American building) and Sert.

Don’t miss: Steps from campus, Harvard Square contains some of the best eating and shopping in the city.

Puritan reserve be damned—Boston’s romantic restaurants cater to every predilection

Whether you’re fighting a hangover or fueling up before shopping or taking in a few museums or galleries, these are the best places for brunch in Boston

Many of the best Boston restaurants have a signature version on the menu, but cheap-eats legends are also staking their claim for "the best"

Boston has a great selection of restaurants for vegetarians, and many of the best Boston restaurants offer vegetarian options or are happy to modify their dishes for the meat-free

Read our essential guide to Boston’s best vegetarian and vegan restaurants—with insider tips and recommendations, written by local experts

From a Victorian townhouse to—yes—an actual lighthouse, these Airbnb properties make a trip to Boston all the more special.

Our guide to the best hotels in Boston includes top picks for vacations and staycations.

Here’s your guide to the best negihborhoods and accomodations to make you fall in love with Boston.

Music, art, food, nature and the year’s biggest parties—these are very best things to do and see right now, anywhere in the world.