Looking for the best things to do in Boston? Locals point visitors to the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall and the North End, a game at Fenway Park, Boston Common and the Public Garden swan boats, and the Museum of Fine Arts — plus a quick trip across the river to Harvard Square. Here’s how Bostonians actually spend their time, by neighborhood, by night, by budget, and by who you’re with.
Things to do in Boston, by neighborhood
Downtown & the Freedom Trail
The 2.5-mile red-brick Freedom Trail links Boston Common, the State House, Faneuil Hall and more — the best intro to the city on foot.
North End
Boston’s Little Italy: cannoli, red-sauce classics, Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church.
Back Bay & Beacon Hill
Brownstones, Newbury Street shopping, the Public Garden, and the postcard cobblestones of Acorn Street on Beacon Hill.
Fenway & the Museums
Fenway Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Seaport & Cambridge
The modern Seaport waterfront for dining and views, and Harvard Square across the river in Cambridge.
Things to do in Boston at night
Seaport rooftops, Back Bay dining, North End dessert runs, a Fenway crowd, and Faneuil Hall pubs. A Charles River Esplanade walk at dusk is free and gorgeous.
Indoor & rainy-day things to do in Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the New England Aquarium, and the Museum of Science. Faneuil Hall and Newbury Street cover indoor shopping.
Free things to do in Boston
- The Freedom Trail
- Boston Common and the Public Garden
- The Charles River Esplanade
- Harvard Square, Cambridge
- Newbury Street window-shopping
Things to do in Boston for couples
Swan boats in the Public Garden, a North End dinner, a harbor cruise, an Esplanade stroll, and Newbury Street make a classic date day into night.
Things to do in Boston with kids
Family wins: the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Science, the Boston Children’s Museum, the swan boats, and Franklin Park Zoo.
What Boston locals actually recommend
Which North End spot is worth the wait, where to watch the game, the walks tourists miss — that comes from people who live here. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ Boston community, real Boston neighbors answer “what should I actually do this weekend?” Join your Boston neighbors free →
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Boston?
Locals send visitors to walk the Freedom Trail, explore Faneuil Hall and the North End for Italian food and history, catch a game at Fenway Park, stroll Boston Common and the Public Garden (swan boats), and see the Museum of Fine Arts — with a hop across the river to Harvard Square in Cambridge.
What is there to do in Boston at night?
Boston nights range from Seaport rooftop bars and Back Bay dining to North End cannoli runs, a Fenway crowd, and pubs around Faneuil Hall. A walk along the Charles River Esplanade at dusk shows the skyline.
What can you do in Boston when it rains?
Head to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the New England Aquarium, or the Museum of Science. Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the shops on Newbury Street keep you dry.
What are free things to do in Boston?
The Freedom Trail, Boston Common and the Public Garden, the Charles River Esplanade, Harvard Square, and window-shopping on Newbury Street are all free — as is much of the city’s walkable history.
What are the best things to do in Boston for couples?
Ride the swan boats in the Public Garden, dinner in the North End, a harbor cruise, a walk on the Esplanade, and Newbury Street shopping make a classic Boston date.
What are fun things to do in Boston with kids?
Family favorites include the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Science, the Boston Children’s Museum, the swan boats, and Franklin Park Zoo.