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Top 50 Boston Attractions and Fun Things to Do
NOV 13, 2024 5 MIN READ CITY GUIDE HOLIDAY TRAVEL
Top 50 Boston Attractions and Fun Things to Do
PreFlight is proud to call Boston one of our homes. And what better way to celebrate Bean Town than to show off the outstanding features of our great city by compiling a list of the top 50 Boston attractions and fun things to do for tourists and locals alike. Whether you're seeking historical landmarks, cultural experiences, or thrilling adventures, our compilation promises to provide an extensive array of options that will undoubtedly captivate and delight all who explore this remarkable city.
Public Spaces Throughout Boston
We're kicking off our list with the oldest park in the United States, Boston Common. Presidents George Washington and John Adams walked these hallowed grounds following the Revolutionary War. The park also saw recruitment and anti-slavery events during the Civil War and victory gardens after World War I.
A contemporary of Boston Common, Boston's Public Garden is almost half the age but holds the distinction of America's first botanical garden. An oasis in the middle of the bustling, hardworking Boston, the Public Garden is a perfect spot for a relaxing getaway from the daily grind.
Beacon Hill
Like many other notable places in and around Boston, Beacon Hill is storied with a rich history and glorious past. The hill was populated long before the Founding Fathers signed the U.S. Constitution, and the current Massachusetts State House resides atop the hill.
This stretched-out attraction is a beautiful example of urban life's ability to integrate nature and art. The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is a relatively new addition to the old town aesthetic, spanning 17 acres along the east side of the downtown area.
North End
An already vintage town, Boston's oldest residential community resides in North End. In fact, residents have been living on these lands since 1630, almost 150 years before the Founding Fathers ushered in a new government.
Back Bay
From the oldest community to a newer neighborhood, Back Bay was built in the latter part of the 1800s and consists of some gorgeous Victorian-style homes. It also houses the Boston Public Library, the Boston Architectural College, and the John Hancock Tower, Boston's tallest building.
An extension of Harvard University, Arnold Arboretum is the oldest public arboretum in North America, celebrating its 150th year in 2022. Sitting on 281 acres of land, the site is a botanical research institute, while also free and accessible to the public.
Unfortunately, the famed Boston Tea Party site no longer exists due to landfills around the city. The closest you may get to the 250-year-old event is Boston Harbor, where you are allowed to toss "boxes of tea" off a replica 1700s ship and into the harbor.
Boston Harbor Islands is one of the coolest natural features of this coastal town, referring to 30 islands that reside in or just outside of the harbor. While some have been incorporated into the mainland, many remain and are accessible by ferry.
Recently designated as an official Boston Landmark in 2009, the Charles River Esplanade is home to many walkways, statuary, playgrounds, and the Hatch Memorial Shell performance stage. Isolated from nearby neighborhoods by Storrow Drive, this strip of land is a perfect getaway oasis.
Boston Museums
Containing an astounding 8,000 paintings and over 450,000 works of art, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is one of the largest art museums in the world. Standing for over 150 years, including the last 113 at its current Fenway location, the museum welcomes more than a million visitors annually.
Museum of African American History
Housed in the Abiel Smith School, the oldest public school built to educate African American children, the Museum of African American History resides in Beacon Hill. The area is also home to the 1806 African Meeting House, which is the oldest standing black church in the U.S.
Boston Tea Party Boats and Museum
Witness and experience one of the catalysts of the American Revolution by visiting the Boston Tea Party Museum. You will be ushered there by a colonial host, which includes live actors, interactive exhibits, and a full-scale replica of an 18th-century ship.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library
The Presidential Library and Museum of John F. Kennedy, the site was constructed in 1977, situated just beside the University of Massachusetts at Boston, a comprehensive collection of personal and official artifacts.
New England Holocaust Memorial
A stoic site dedicated to those lost in the Nazi Germany Holocaust, the New England Holocaust Memorial consists of six opaque glass towers, each standing 54 feet tall. Each tower is etched with numbers on the outside, representing the six million Jewish people who perished, with quotes from survivors on the interior walls.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Known for a famous theft, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum was robbed in 1990. Thirteen works of art were stolen, with the collection valued at an estimated $500 million. To this day, the works of art have yet to be found, and there remains a $10 million reward for information leading to their recovery.
Located near the ship it is named after, the USS Constitution Museum is housed in a restored shipyard building. The museum aims to tell the story of the Constitution and the people who designed, built, and sailed the vessel.
A one-stop shop for many attractions, the Museum of Science in Boston is both a science museum and an indoor zoo. The location contains over 700 exhibits, including a Planetarium and a domed IMAX screen. Over 100 animals also reside on the museum premises, many of which were rescued.
An incredible hub for contemporary art, the Abigail Ogilvy Gallery showcases emerging and mid-career artists across the globe. While paintings are the focus, the gallery also displays works of photography, sculptures, and mixed media.
One of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike, the New England Aquarium not only has many exotic aquatic species but also is associated with the Simons Theatre and the New England Whale Watch, which operates during the warmer months.
Boston Landmarks
Are you looking to take a walk steeped in American lore? The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path through Boston that will take you to the doorsteps of many significant locations in U.S. history. The brick trail will take travelers from Boston Commons to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charleston.
The oldest surviving public building in Boston, the Old State House was built in 1713 and was the home to the Massachusetts General Court until 1798. It is now surrounded by contemporary buildings, leaving it a sight-to-be-seen in its urban setting.
His midnight ride, warning American colonists of the looming British threat, made Paul Revere one of the most famous members of the Revolution. His house, a three-story building built in 1680, remains in North Square.
Shelving nearly 24 million items, the Boston Public Library is the third largest public library in the United States, behind only the Library of Congress and the New York Public Library.
No longer technically an island, Castle Island is a peninsula in South Boston on the shore of Boston Harbor. Since 1928 it has been connected to the mainland. The property is home to Fort Independence, which is a star-shaped building that once defended the harbor.
One of the earlier battles took place on this hill between the British and the Patriots during the American Revolutionary War. Technically located in Charlestown, Massachusetts, the 221-foot granite obelisk was completed to commemorate the site in 1843.
Copley Square
This city block is in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood and is known for its collection and proximity to many cultural institutions. It is also the finish line for the Boston Marathon, and it has been for over 100 years.
Paul Revere's final resting place is at these hallowed grounds, the third oldest cemetery, founded in 1660. Visitors can also find three signers of the Declaration of Independence: Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine.
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge
Also known as Lenny or The Zakim, the 20-year-old bridge presents a picturesque snapshot as travelers approach the downtown Boston area.
Top Boston Activities
The green monster…Pesky's Pole…Fenway Park has many unique features, accentuated by the fact it is Major League Baseball's oldest stadium. Home of the Red Sox for nearly 70 years, the team has won six World Series while playing in the snug confines.
Knowing where to go while visiting a city is essential, and being able to capture the memories is equally important. PhotoWalks is a walking tour that brings tourists around the town with insightful commentary and photo tips.
A hub for local retailers and office tenants, the Faneuil Hall Marketplace occupies 200,000 square feet and has been standing since 1742.
Fan of suds? History buff? The Ye Olde Tavern Tours will satisfy both hobbies and allow you to grab some beers at the city's most revered sites.
Samuel Adams is a global brand and is beloved by many. Take a tour of where it all started and where it comes from.
Home to the New England Patriots as well as many concerts and events, Gillette Stadium is a major attraction and has been since it opened in 2022.
Much like Gillette Stadium, T.D. Garden is a multi-purpose arena. However, the T.D. Garden is enclosed and is the home of the Boston Bruins and Celtics. It also hosts events and concerts.
Situated on Children's Wharf, the Boston Children's Museum is the second oldest in the United States. Established in 1913, the Museum has many permanent exhibits to amaze and entertain children of all ages.
On the eastern edge of Boston, the Waterfront is a series of walkway-lined Wharves lined with marinas, restaurants, and hotels.
This indoor, year-round marketplace is a perfect place to find fresh food, handcrafted art, and other specialty items.
Best Places for Food and Drinks in Boston
One of the most popular spots for a morning cup of coffee (a pretty high bar to clear in a town known for its caffeine consumption), Thinking Cup is sure to start your day right.
Pouring pints and serving Irish Pub fare since 1909, this family-owned restaurant is a local favorite and gives customers an incredible meal.
With a fun outdoor patio, weekend brunch, and seasonal cocktails, the Bowery Bar is an excellent choice for a relaxed evening of food and drinks.
Initially built in 1780 and one of the first rebuilt after Charlestown was leveled by the British, the Warren Tavern has been frequented by George Washington and Paul Revere.
Similar to Warren Tavern, Bell in Hand Tavern has been around a long while, offering its first pour in 1795 and still serving fare to this day.
Situated on the Freedom Trail, this is America's oldest restaurant, first serving food in 1826. If you’re in need of chowder or seafood, this is the spot.
This cash-only spot is one of the top dive bars in the Boston area and is easily found right in the middle of the Theatre District.
Another vintage locale, Amrhein's Restaurant is located in South Boston and has been around since 1890.
The first Italian Cafe to open its doors in Boston, Caffe Vittoria has four floors, three bars, and coffee, and is only a 1-minute walk from the Paul Revere House.
A more recent staple on the Boston foodie scene, O Ya is striving for a Michelin star with its Suchi and Omakase menu.
We close with a fine dining option with a Chef's Table that allows patrons a clear view of the open kitchen, perfect for a small gathering.
Off-Site Airport Parking at Logan International Airport
Whether you are traveling to take in the top 50 Boston attractions as a tourist or local, reserving your parking space in advance means you have one less thing to worry about when it is time to fly. With open-air, covered, and even valet parking, PreFlight can get you the off-site airport parking spot you need to make your trip that much easier. We're located in Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, and Phoenix.
For additional travel tips for airline travel, see our Top Places to Visit in Chicago and Top Places to Visit in Phoenix
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