A city of redbrick and revolution, tea parties and trails, Boston is where America’s history was made and saved. So, naturally, it’s one of the country’s favourite cities (and destinations for a long weekend). Brimming with character and cobblestones, as well as a food scene that puts seafood centre stage, Boston truly feels like a home away from home. So, whether you're a history buff, foodie, sports fan or just a traveller wanting to be surprised, Beantown has you covered. From spectacular skyline views to steaming bowls of clam chowder that’ll make your taste buds sing, here are some of the best things to do in Boston. Read on for more.
- Trace history on the Freedom Trail
- Chow down on clam chowder
- Get lost in Beacon Hill
- Dive into Boston's Little Italy
- Catch a game at Fenway Park
- Soak in the skyline at View Boston
- Stroll through Boston Public Garden
- Relive the Boston Tea Party
1
Trace history on the Freedom Trail
Kicking off our list of things to do in Boston is the Freedom Trail. This red-bricked pathway winds its way through the city, connecting 16 historically significant sites including Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, Granary Burying Ground, Park Street Church and more. Follow in the footsteps of revolutionaries and soak up centuries of history, all while getting in your daily step count. You can either go on a walking tour or discover it at your own pace by following the red line that marks the route.
2
Chow down on clam chowder
What's a visit to Boston without tasting some of its world-famous clam chowder? While locals tend to have mixed opinions on which restaurant’s bowl is best, there’s no shortage of options. In fact, there’s a bowl of creamy goodness for all tastes, from hearty helpings in lively Irish pubs to quirky takes on the traditional soup at some of the city’s finest restaurants. We like The Banks Fish House best, where you can pick up a piping hot bowl of The Chowda, complete with crème fraîche, smoked bacon, clams, potatoes and oyster crackers.
3
Get lost in Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is Boston’s posterchild, home to cobblestone streets, gas lamps and streets upon street of historic town houses complete with picture-perfect stoops. While away an afternoon ambling across pretty Louisburg Square and down Acorn Street to Charles Street, where you'll find myriad restaurants, shops and bars. And if you're a fan of the TV show Cheers don’t forget Beacon Street and its bar, ‘Cheers’ (where everybody knows your name) that inspired the hit show.
4
Dive into Boston's Little Italy
Chances are you'll end up in the North End at least once during your time in Boston. It's the city’s oldest neighbourhood and is steeped in history (hello Paul Revere House and Old North Church). But what makes it a top point of interest is its melting pot of European culture. By 1930, the majority of its immigrants were Italian, giving the area the title Little Italy. While in this neck of the woods, it’s only right that you stop by one of its old-school trattorias for a plate of squid ink linguine, or head for one of its fine dining options such as Mamma Maria, Giacomo's, and Bricco.
5
Catch a Game at Fenway Park
Experience the thrill of America's favourite pastime at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912. Regardless of whether or not you're a baseball fanatic, if you want to see Bostonians at their most impassioned, you simply have to catch a game. Make sure to admire the ballpark's original architecture too. With one eye on the ball, let the other spot the ‘Green Monster’ wall and Pesky's Pole – the right field foul pole – named after former Red Sox player Johnny Pesky.
6
Soak in the Skyline at View Boston
For epic views of Beantown, climb to the top of the Prudential Center to View Boston for a 360° panoramic view of the city. Spread over three floors, View Boston includes an observatory, a wraparound roof deck, an indoor/outdoor cocktail bar called Stratus, plus an interactive floor with a projection-mapped 3D model of Boston. There's also a bistro offering seasonal bites and cocktails.
7
Stroll Through Boston Public Garden
A city of redbrick and revolution, tea parties and trails, Boston is where America’s history was made and saved. So, naturally, it’s one of the country’s favourite cities (and destinations for a long weekend). Brimming with character and cobblestones, as well as a food scene that puts seafood centre stage, Boston truly feels like a home away from home. So, whether you're a history buff, foodie, sports fan or just a traveller wanting to be surprised, Beantown has you covered. From spectacular skyline views to steaming bowls of clam chowder that’ll make your taste buds sing, here are some of the best things to do in Boston. Read on for more.
8
Relive the Boston Tea Party
Wrap up your Boston adventure by throwing it back to the days of the Boston Tea Party. Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum for an entertaining look at one of the city’s pivotal moments. You can toss (fake) tea overboard and even climb around replica ships. Located on Griffin’s Wharf, close to where the actual Tea Party occurred in 1773, the museum exhibits include 3D holograms, talking portraits and the Robinson Tea Chest, an authentic tea chest from the Boston Tea Party. You can also grab a cuppa in Abigail's Tea Room, which boasts one of the best views of the harbour around.