20 Top Things To Do in Boston, Where to Stay, Dine and Explore

My Boston travel guide has the top things to do in Boston, the best places to stay in Boston, restaurant recommendations and the best day trip ideas!

Boston is steeped in history, a Mecca for sports fans and a seafood lovers dream. Its waterfront setting gives the city a relaxed, almost holiday-like atmosphere, which was far from the big-city feel that I was expecting. There are many top things to do in Boston, but I found its real beauty lies in its walkable diverse neighbourhoods and welcoming vibe that permeates the city.

About Boston

The birthplace of the American Revolution, history is in Boston’s DNA. It is home to America’s oldest university, public library and market. Everywhere you turn Boston has a different story to tell.

Bostonians like to say that “Boston was found but has never settled”. This is summed up perfectly in Boston’s 23 distinctive neighbourhoods. Boston is home to the largest population of Irish outside of Ireland, and the diversity in food and culture can be seen in Little Italy, Chinatown and Dorchester, as well as affluent areas like Beacon Hill and Cambridge. Boston is also considered a Sanctuary City – it enacts policies that are welcoming to migrants and limits cooperation with the federal government in enforcing immigration law.

Although Boston is a major US City, it has such a charming small town feel. Between Massachusetts Bay, Boston Harbor and Charles River, 46% of Boston is water, so the city centre is actually quite small. It is roughly one-tenth of the size of New York and once you stay in a centrally located hotel, you shouldn’t be more than 30 minutes walk from its top attractions.

However, the beauty of Boston can be seen in its parks and harborwalk. No matter where you are in the city you will be no further than 10 minutes walk to one of its many parks. And, the near-continuous 43-mile linear park along Boston’s shoreline connects Boston’s waterfront neighbourhoods to each other. That being said, despite its size, there are many top things to do in Boston!

I recommend purchasing the Boston CityPASS®. This gives you admission to four different attractions including the Boston Harbor City Cruise, View Boston and Museum of Science, while saving 48% of the cost in the process.

Boston has many more top attractions that you should not miss – I have listed 20 of my favourites below.

1. Walk The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is pretty much at the top of every top things to do in Boston list, and for very good reason. Boston was the birthplace of the American Revolution, and you simply have to learn about its  history in order to fully appreciate its multi-cultural society.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red brick path lined with 16 historic landmarks, churches and meeting halls that highlight Boston’s revolutionary history. The trail starts in Boston Common (which is a must visit in its own right – see more below), and culminates at USS Constitution and Bunker Hill. 

We took a one-hour guided tour which highlighted the events that led up to the start of the war, and ultimately American independence from Britain, such as the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. There are many to choose from but this is the most top rated:

Note some tours don’t visit all the landmarks on the Freedom Trail – if you want to visit all 16 landmarks you can pick up a free map at the tourist office in Boston Common, download a free guide book, or download the Freedom Trail App for $9.95 and visit at your leisure.

If you want to mix history and fun, check out this Freedom Trail History Tour with Pub Crawl!

2. Book a Boston Duck Tour

Boston’s famous Duck Tour is one of the best sightseeing tours in Boston. The Duck is a World War 2 amphibious vehicle that can traverse on land and water, and passes by most Boston’s historical landmarks.

This fully narrated tour will tell you about the history of Boston as well as getting the opportunity to cruise on Charles River and get great views of the Boston skyline. This is a popular family attraction too and, together with the New England Aquarium, they are the top things to do in Boston with kids.

3. Cruise Boston Harbor

Boston’s stunning location on Massachusetts Bay lends itself to water activities, and there are many to choose from. There are 34 islands in the harbour ranging from 1-274 acres including a military fort and the USS Constitution – the world’s oldest commissioned warship.

Depending on your mood, you can choose a speed boat or sailing trip, or a traditional Boston Harbor cruise. Codzilla is a high-speed thrill ride that is popular with adrenaline junkies or teenagers, while the Boston Harbor cruise is a more relaxed affair.

We booked the Boston Harbor Cruise on the day we arrived, and it was a nice introduction to the city. This one-hour narrated tour gave us a brief history of the world-famous harbour and gave us the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the sea views.

The Boston Harbor Cruise is one of the many activities included Boston’s City Pass.

4. Shop & Dine on Newbury Street

Boston is brimming with beautiful streets, and Newbury Street is up there with the best of them. This mile-long street is lined with historic 19th-century brownstone buildings that contain upmarket shops and trendy restaurants. 

As well as luxury brands such as Chanel, Marc Jacobs and Maje, you will also find locally owned boutiques and cafés. 

TOP TIP: Visit in the morning and have breakfast or lunch in Stephanies on Newbury.

5. Stroll Through Boston Common

Boston Common is America’s oldest public park and has 50 acres of green space, historical landmarks, and pretty pathways. It is adjacent to Boston Public Garden so you can easily stroll between the two.

Make sure to sit on the famous bench that Matt Damon and Robin Williams sat on in Good Will Hunting (a quick search on Google Maps will bring you right to it), and don’t miss Boston’s newest piece of public art – The Embrace. This monument is dedicated to Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King. Its aim is to spark public conversation on racial and social justice in Boston.

Boston Common is a place I highly recommend you visit and is one of the many free things to do in Boston.

6. Have Breakfast in Tatte

Tatte Bakery and Cafe was recommended by many of my Instagram followers, and when we visited it we could see why. You will find a massive array of fresh pastries, soups, sandwiches, and great coffee. There are numerous Tatte locations in Boston, and the prices are reasonable too. 

7. View Boston from Above

View Boston is a 360 observation deck with a large indoor and outdoor viewing platform offering superb views of the city.

I have visited a variety of observation decks on my travels and I was very impressed with View Boston. It was interesting to see Boston’s brownstones, Charles River and the city’s skyline from a different perspective. It offers great value too and is free of charge if you have purchased a Boston City Pass.

8. Have Lunch at Quincy Market

Quincy Market is one of America’s oldest markets and a must visit in Boston. There is a huge array of food vendors offering everything from Boston’s famous clam chowder and lobster rolls, to pizza, oriental cuisine and a host of sweet treats.

It is not only the food that is impressive here, the historic building has a beautiful rotunda in the centre, with musicians adding to the lively vibe.

Quincy Market is located in the centre of the city in an area surrounded by shops and restaurants, and is opposite the famous Faneuil Hall. Faneuil Hall was a meeting place which played a vital role in revolutionary politics and is now a marketplace with souvenir shops.

Top Tip: Try Boston’s famous bread bowls, which have tasty clam chowder inside – they taste better than they look!

9. Marvel at the Museums

Boston is home to almost 60 museums, so if culture is what you seek, you have come to the right city! There is a great variety to choose from including the John F Kennedy Library and Museum, and the famous Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – which is considered one of the best museums in Boston. As well as a vast art collection, this show-stopping museum is located in a Venetian-style palace with a beautiful courtyard and gardens.  

There are many other art museums including the Museum of Fine Art and the Harvard Art Museums, there is even a Museum of Bad Art! 

Some of the other must see museums in Boston are the Boston Tea Party and Ships Museum, where you board a replica 18th century vessel with live actors, and even dump some tea into the sea! This, and the Museum of Science, are two of the best museums in Boston with children.

10. Go Whale Watching

During the summer months whales migrate to Massachusetts. You can expect great sightings of humpback and finback whales from May to October. There are many different tours available, including Boston Harbour Cruises and high-speed catamaran cruises.

11. View Fenway Park

When I asked friends about the top things to do in Boston, a game at Fenway Park was always mentioned! Unfortunately there were no matches on during our visit, (they play from March to October), but it is also a popular concert venue during the summer months, and the behind-the-scenes tour which is offered off-season was also highly recommended.

12. Go Italian in North End

Boston’s Little Italy is one of Boston’s oldest neighbourhoods and is packed with Italian restaurants and cafés. Carmelina’s was highly recommended – I tried to get a reservation every day but to no avail, so make sure you book well in advance!

Reginas is Boston’s original Pizzeria, and has been open since 1926, but be prepared to queue outside. Don’t miss Mike’s iconic bakery which is famous for its oversized cannoli.

We arrived without any reservation as we were told by locals that “You can’t get a bad meal in North End”. They were right! We got a table in Cantina Italiana, and all enjoyed delicious pasta and its lively ambiance. We were even treated to The Godfather tune by a violinist!

13. Explore Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is one of Boston’s prettiest neighbourhoods, and is famous for its narrow streets and historic homes. I enjoyed checking out the beautiful townhouses as well as the gorgeous cafés. We visited over Halloween and the lavish decorations were greatly appreciated by all of us.

Walk down the elegant Mount Vernon Street, and make sure to find Acorn Street. This is one of the most photographed streets in America, although be prepared to battle with serious Instagrammers to get good shot! 

Charles Street is another must visit. This is a lively street that is lined with boutiques and cafés, notably Tatte Bakery & Cafe, which I mentioned previously.

Cheers Bar is located close by, so make sure to get the obligatory photo when you pass by. If you want to pop in for a pint make sure to go to the top floor where the replica of the original Cheers Bar is located.

14. Bring the Kids to the Aquarium

If you are visiting Boston with kids, check out the New England Aquarium. Home to 20,000 sea creatures including a variety of breeds of penguins in an open air exhibit, and a large floor-to-ceiling salt water ocean tank, this is one of the top family attractions in Boston. Make sure to visit Myrtle the famous sea turtle who is between 70-90 years old.

The Aquarium is free to visit if you purchase the Boston City Pass.

15. Visit the Boston Public Library

In a city with so much to see and do, you might think it’s strange that I have a library listed as one of the top things to do in Boston. However, even if you are not a book lover, it is worth visiting America’s oldest public library for its remarkable interior. 

Dating back to 1848, it is an architectural masterpiece that has regular free events and self guided art and architecture tours. The main library was packed with students during our visit, and despite the massive room, you could hear a pin drop! 

Top Tip: The Boston Public Library is located beside Newbury Street, why not pop in when you are in the area.

16. Have Seafood in Seaport

Boston is renowned for its superb seafood. You are likely to see lobster and clams on most menus, but why not dine in Boston’s iconic waterfront restaurant, Legal Harborside?

Located in the modern Seaport neighbourhood, this three-storey restaurant boasts stunning harbour views and an outdoor patio which I’m sure would be fabulous on a sunny day.

We had a delicious meal here. The menu has everything from clam chowder and lobster rolls to sushi and spaghetti with clams – my personal favourite!

If you fancy a seafood tour in Boston, this is the most recommended:

The Best Day Trips from Boston

17. Feel Inspired in Harvard

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sarah Slattery – The Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert)

I can’t recommend visiting Harvard enough – it was certainly our top thing to do in Boston! America’s oldest university is easily reached by train, bus or taxi from central Boston in 15 minutes. Make sure you allow plenty of time to explore the beautiful neighbourhood of Cambridge, and take the superb student-led guided tour. 

The hour-long tour is fascinating for both adults and teens. We loved hearing about the principals of Harvard as well as learning about some of its famous past pupils such as Barack Obama and Matt Damon – we also saw where Mark Zuckerberg lived when he started Facebook. You can see more on my Instagram highlights.

There are art and natural history museums in Harvard too, as well as gorgeous boutiques, upmarket restaurants and the oldest bookshop in the country. You could easily spend the day in Cambridge – it is a must see in Boston.

18. Get Spooky in Salem

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sarah Slattery – The Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert)

The spooky town of Salem is easily reached from Boston by taxi, train or boat. The train is the fastest way to get there and takes about 30 minutes, but if the weather is nice, I suggest taking the 60 minute ferry, arriving as the early settlers did! 

We were fortunate to be visiting close to Halloween so the annual Haunted Happenings festival was on. However, Salem is worth a visit at any time of year. Visit the Salem Witch Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum and learn the story behind the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. 

Even if you don’t want to visit museums or attractions, you will enjoy rambling around this town where Halloween is celebrated year-round, and locals and visitors dress up in costumes.

Top Tip: If visiting close to Halloween make sure you pre-book activities and events as it will be extremely busy.

19. Shop the Outlets

Boston has a huge choice of shopping outlets, both in the city centre and outside. You can find upscale city malls at Copley Place and Prudential Center, and they even have a large Primark on Summer Street in the centre of Boston.

However, if you have time, I highly recommend a trip to Wrentham Premium Outlets. With everything from Nike to North Face, Guess to Gucci, you will be spoilt for choice. It takes about 45 minutes by car or 1 hour by bus to get there, but it is worth the journey if you are planning on buying a lot of sports or designer wear. You can also arrive in style by private guide.

Top Tip: Join the VIP Club ( it’s free ) and download the App before you go to get even more discounts on listed prices.

20. Chill out in Cape Cod

Cape Cod is still on my bucket list, unfortunately we didn’t have the time to visit during this trip. I plan to return to Boston and spend a week visiting Martha’s Vineyard, Providence and Hyannis – I can’t think of a better combo!

The drive takes just 90 minutes from Boston to Falmouth on the south end of Cape Cod, but it will feel world’s apart from the bright lights of Boston. My colleague Christine Callinan visited recently – you can read her guide to visiting Boston and Cape Cod here:

Read: Boston and Cape Cod travel guide

Where to Stay in Boston:

Boston is a very walkable city and most of the key neighbourhoods and attractions are easily accessible on foot or by subway. I have selected some of the best Boston hotels to suit all tastes and budgets.

Best 5 Star Boston Hotels

We stayed at the Boston Harbor Hotel and loved its idyllic waterfront location, stunning views and super service. The wellness area has undergone an $8m renovation and houses an extensive fitness area, gym, and golf simulator, and the expanded pool area is due to open in April 2025.

I love that breakfast pieces are priced individually so if you just fancy some tea and toast, you don’t have to purchase a large American-style breakfast. Complimentary tea, coffee and water is also available in the lobby. Don’t miss the weekly Grandé Wine Day in the intimate Dark Room, where you can purchase exclusive wine by the glass. 

The Langham, Boston is another top hotel in Boston. It is a landmark hotel in the city and offers a luxurious stay in superb surroundings. The Langham was originally the Federal Reserve Bank, and was renovated to combine modern comforts with old-world style perfectly. There is a choice of dining options including the popular Italian restaurant, Grana, and The Fed, a trendy cocktail bar.

The modern Intercontinental Hotel is beautifully situated on Boston’s waterfront, and just 1km from Boston Common and Faneuil Hall. All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and the hotel has a spa, a fitness centre and an indoor lap pool on site.

Best 4 Star Boston Hotels

The Godfrey Hotel is located just 200 metres from the Freedom Trail and minutes from Boston Common. Its central ocation and excellent service has made it one of the best value hotels to stay in Boston. It was a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award winner this year, and is rated as Excellent by previous guests.

Within walking distance of Faneuil Hall, the citizenM Boston North Station hotel offers a modern stay with comfort and tech at the forefront.

Bedrooms have a fridge, rain showers, large beds, and smart TVs with free movies, and everything is controlled with your bedside MoodPad tablet. It’s stylish outdoor terrace offers beautiful views of the Boston skyline.

Family Hotels in Boston

The Club Quarters at Faneuil Hall is superbly located in the city and offers great value one-bedroom suites with kitchenette which are ideal for families. There is a lounge and Elephant & Castle Pub which offers a range of International and American dishes.

The Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston is a great choice for a family holiday in Boston, or if you are looking to stay somewhere close to Boston’s cruise terminal.

Its spacious suites have a kitchenette with full size fridge, dishwasher and microwave, and there is a swimming pool and fitness centre on site. A complimentary breakfast is also included.

How to get to Boston

A short seven-hour outbound flight and six-hour inbound flight makes Boston the ideal city break destination. We flew direct with Aer Lingus from Dublin airport, fares start at €199 each way. You can also fly with JetBlue from Dublin airport and Aer Lingus from Shannon airport.

Boston city is located just 15 minutes drive from Logan airport. The quickest and most efficient way to get to your hotel is by taxi, which costs approximately $25, but there are cheaper subway and bus options available. Some hotels offer a water taxi service but you will need to get a complimentary shuttle bus to the Water Transportation Dock.

I hope my post on the top things to do in Boston will inspire you to book a trip there soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, attractions, prices and services. are subject to change.

A special thanks to Meet Boston kindly organised our hotel stay and some of our activities. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you. 

Like holidays to America? See more here.