Things to Do in Boston

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is renowned as the fourth largest museum in the United States, housing over 450,000 pieces of artwork created by famous artists. The MFA attracts over a million travellers and art enthusiasts and is also ranked as the world's 55th most-visited art museum.  

Are you excited to immerse yourself in the vibrant city life of Boston? If you enjoy leisurely walks, exploring the Harborwalk in Boston is definitely a fun activity for you to consider. Stretching for up to 43 miles, with plans to extend it to 47 miles, this renowned public walkway provides breathtaking ocean views as it winds through beautiful beaches and charming harbors. Immerse yourself in the stunning urban setting of the Boston Harborwalk, where you can indulge in a delightful array of small boutiques, craft shops, and iconic exhibitions. This vibrant waterfront area offers a plethora of options to explore and enjoy. 

This 2.5-mile trail takes you through 16 historical sites that tell the story of the American Revolution and the nation's birth. You can start at the Boston Common and follow the red brick line to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.

This iconic baseball stadium is home to the Boston Red Sox and a beloved landmark for sports fans. You can take a guided tour of the stadium, visit the Red Sox Hall of Fame, or catch a game during the season.

This is the oldest public library in the United States and is a stunning example of Renaissance Revival architecture. You can browse through the collection of books, maps, and manuscripts or attend a lecture or concert.

You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats to experience the Charles River first hand. Boston has a strong affection for its once-polluted water, particularly since it has been significantly cleaned up. On warm days, the Charles River is bustling with activity as various individuals launch their watercraft into the river, ranging from the Harvard Crew Team to casual kayakers. 

Experience the awe-inspiring panoramic views of Boston's skyline from the exclusive vantage point of the Skywalk Observatory. Choose the audio tour and behold one of Boston's most iconic skyline views with your own eyes. Additionally, during your visit to the Skywalk, be sure not to overlook the opportunity to explore the Dreams of Freedom Museum and Multimedia Movie Theater. These attractions are considered among the top things to do in Boston. 

The Charles River, located in eastern Massachusetts, is a renowned and lengthy river that flows through a total of 23 cities. The river originates in Hopkinton and flows into the Atlantic Ocean in Boston, making it an ideal location for enjoying kayaking at its finest. You can rent a canoe or stand-up paddleboards from Charles River Canoe & Kayak to explore the beautiful River Charles and enjoy its mesmerizing views.

The Massachusetts State House, with its iconic golden dome, holds great significance for various reasons and is a notable landmark along the Freedom Trail. The land it is located on was initially utilized as John Hancock's cow pasture. The building was completed in 1798 and was designed by Charles Bulfinch. Samuel Adams laid the cornerstone in 1795. Paul Revere installed a copper dome in 1802, later covered in gold. Presently, the Commonwealth's business is carried out by senators, state representatives, and the governor in this location. 

After the death of Isabella Stewart Gardner's husband in 1898, she fulfilled their shared vision by purchasing land in Boston's Fenway area. She intended to establish a museum to showcase her remarkable Italian art collection. The museum, modeled after the Palazzo Barbaro in Venice, was finished in 1901. 

Gardner then moved into the fourth floor and started installing her collection. Today, you can visit a Boston museum to immerse yourself in the works of renowned Italian masters like Raphael and Titian. The building also houses a collection of exquisite furniture, photographs, sculptures, and rare books imported directly from Europe. The museum's New Wing, which Renzo Piano-designed, features a stunning glass atrium, greenhouses, and beautifully landscaped gardens. 

For history buffs or fans of our nation's 35th president, the library and museum dedicated to President John F. Kennedy is a must-visit. This exceptional establishment provides a comprehensive account of his life. The exhibits at the museum feature a collection of President Kennedy's papers, a wide array of Kennedy memorabilia, such as replicas of his desk in the Oval Office and the television studio where he debated Richard M. Nixon during the 1960 election, as well as various artifacts from the U.S. space program. A permanent display is dedicated to the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, along with numerous other artifacts and information about Kennedy's life and presidency. The building was designed by architect I. M. Pei is quite striking in its appearance. 

Cambridge, located approximately 3 miles northwest of Boston's city center, is renowned for being the home of prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and MIT. However, there are numerous attractions in Cambridge beyond just the schools themselves. The city boasts various cultural institutions that showcase collections and exhibitions, from fine art to technological innovations.

The Harvard Art Museums, comprising the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum, and Arthur M. Sackler Museum, offer a diverse collection that spans various periods, styles, and mediums. In this collection, you will discover diverse artistic works, including modern photography, sculptures from the 13th century, and paintings by renowned legends such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Picasso, and Jackson Pollock, among others. 

Boston is renowned for its abundance of captivating outdoor spaces, but the collection of parks and gardens spanning nearly 1½ miles stands out, offering an exceptional experience. The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway was created to connect Boston's neighborhoods by transforming a former highway tunnel into a collection of lawns, parks, and walkways. 

Since its opening in 2008, this sprawling green space has attracted numerous visitors who enjoy temporary public art displays, bubbling fountains, a variety of food vendors, and a carousel. Additionally, the park provides a variety of free weekly events, such as food and art festivals, summer concerts, and seasonal fitness classes. 

Even if you're not a classical music enthusiast, it is highly recommended that you experience one of the world-renowned performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall. The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) started its performances in 1881. Today, the symphony offers diverse performances, including family shows, traditional concerts, and the lively Boston Pops, which features singing and a wide variety of music. The Boston Symphony Orchestra performs at Symphony Hall from September to April, and during the summer months, they relocate to Tanglewood, which is approximately 130 miles west of Boston.