15 Quintessentially Boston Things to Do
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Boston is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country for many reasons! The city of Boston has a rich history, and many tourists come to visit sites such as the Freedom Trail, which takes visitors on a walking tour of the city’s most significant historical landmarks, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere House, and the Old North Church.
Boston is home to several professional sports teams, including the Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics. Sports fans from all over the world come to Boston to catch a game and experience the excitement of Boston’s sports culture. Some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including Harvard and MIT, were founded in Boston centuries ago. Many people visit Boston to explore these campuses and learn more about the city’s academic culture. Lastly, Boston is a city with a rich cultural scene, from its museums and art galleries to its thriving theater and music scenes.
If you’re planning a trip to the northeast, here are the best things to do in Boston!
Paul Revere House
Paul Revere’s House is a historic house in Boston, Massachusetts, that was once the home of American patriot Paul Revere. The house is located in Boston’s North End neighborhood and is one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to the late 1600s.
Paul Revere was a silversmith and a key figure in the American Revolution. He is best known for his midnight ride in April 1775, when he warned fellow patriots that British troops were advancing on Lexington and Concord, saying “The British are coming!”
Revere was born in Boston in 1735 and grew up in the city’s North End neighborhood. He learned the trade of silversmithing from his father and eventually opened his own successful business, producing a range of goods from silverware to church bells. In addition to his work as a craftsman, Revere was also involved in politics and was a member of the Sons of Liberty, a group of American colonists who opposed British rule.
Freedom Trail
To visit the Freedom Trail in Boston, start at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center located at 139 Tremont Street. From there, you can purchase a Freedom Trail passport and map. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path that takes you to 16 historic sites related to the American Revolution.
As you walk the Freedom Trail, you will get to explore some of Boston’s most iconic sites, such as the USS Constitution, the Old North Church, and the Paul Revere House. Be sure to take your time to stop at each site and take in the history. It is also important to follow the red line painted on the ground and remain on the path. At the end of the walk, you will have completed the Freedom Trail and can be proud of a job well done!
See the Boston Massacre Site
The Boston Massacre Site is located in downtown Boston on the corner of State and Congress Streets. The site marks the place where British troops opened fire on a crowd of colonists on March 5, 1770, killing five and injuring six others. The site is a National Historic Landmark and a reminder of the American Revolution that followed. It is also a reminder of the tensions between the colonies and Britain in the lead-up to the war. Today, the site is marked by a large plaque and a statue of a colonial militiaman, commemorating the event and its significance.
Old State House
The Old State House is a historic building in Boston, Massachusetts, that served as the seat of the Massachusetts colonial government from 1713 to 1776. It is located in the heart of downtown Boston, at the intersection of Washington Street and State Street.
Today, the Old State House is a museum that tells the story of Massachusetts’ colonial history and its role in the American Revolution. You can see the restored Council Chamber, where the Massachusetts colonial government conducted its business and where John Adams defended British soldiers after the Boston Massacre in 1770.
The Boston Massacre exhibit brings to life the events of March 5, 1770, when British soldiers fired on a crowd of Bostonians in front of the Old State House.
The Revolutionary Boston exhibit tells the story of Boston’s role in the American Revolution and features artifacts such as Paul Revere’s lantern and John Hancock’s coat. The historic rooms take you inside the budding nation’s Representatives’ Chamber and the Senate Chamber.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to learn more about Boston’s past, the Old State House is a must-visit destination.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts is a unique and remarkable art museum worth visiting. Founded in 1903 by Isabella Stewart Gardner, the museum is home to a vast collection of over 2,500 objects spanning from ancient to contemporary art. The museum is known for its historic building and unique, intimate atmosphere. Gardner’s legacy is still alive today, and the collection she gathered during her lifetime, including European, Asian, and American art, is still intact and on view.
The museum is located in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood of Boston, and the building itself is a work of art. Isabella Gardner designed the building to evoke a 15th-century Venetian palace, and her vision has been preserved to this day. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum offers a variety of educational and engaging programs, artist visits, and performances, and is a great destination for art lovers and history buffs.
Unfortunately, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum was the victim of an infamous art heist in March of 1990. Two men posing as police officers broke into the museum in the early morning hours and proceeded to steal 13 works of art, including pieces by Rembrandt, Manet, and Vermeer. Despite a $10 million reward and intensive investigation, the art has not yet been recovered. Despite the tragedy, the museum still stands as a testament to Gardner’s legacy and continues to be an important institution in the cultural life of Boston.
Eat at the Oldest Tavern in America
You must stop by the oldest tavern in America, The Bell In Hand Tavern, found in central Boston! Its first pour was in 1795.
Old South Meeting House
The Old South Meeting House is a historic building located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, that played a key role in the American Revolution. Built in 1729 as a Puritan church, it was the largest building in Boston at the time and could accommodate up to 5,000 people.
During the 18th century, the Old South Meeting House was the site of many important public meetings and protests. One of the most famous events was the meeting that took place on December 16, 1773, when a group of patriots gathered at the Old South Meeting House to protest British taxes on tea. The meeting culminated in the Boston Tea Party, when the patriots dumped British tea into Boston Harbor in an act of rebellion against British rule.
Today, the Old South Meeting House is a museum and National Historic Landmark that is open to the public. Visitors can explore the historic building and learn about its role in the American Revolution. It remains a bastion for free speech and public debate in society today.
Explore Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is worth visiting because it is a historic neighborhood in Boston that is steeped in American tradition and culture. It is also noted for its elegant townhouses, cobblestone streets, gas-lit lamps, and window boxes overflowing with flowers. The neighborhood is characterized by the State House, which is located at the peak of the hill.
Beacon Hill has a long and storied history, dating back to the late 17th century when it was first settled by the Puritans. The neighborhood was an important center of the Revolutionary War, and continues to be an important part of the city’s history. It is a great place to explore the rich history of Boston and to experience the unique architecture and beauty of the neighborhood.
See the Red Sox at Fenway Park
The Red Sox have been playing in Fenway Park since 1912 and have become one of the most beloved teams in Major League Baseball. Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in the majors and is known for its unique features and atmosphere. Many legendary players have played for the Red Sox over the years, making it a great place to experience the storied history of the team. Fenway Park also hosts many special events throughout the year, such as concerts, fireworks nights, and other festivities. The Red Sox are also a perennial contender in the American League, making games at Fenway Park all the more exciting.
Walking Tour of Harvard University
Harvard University is the oldest university in the United States. It dates back to 1636 when it was established. The university has played a major role in the development of the United States, producing many influential figures such as John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and numerous Nobel Laureates.
A free, student-led walking tour of Harvard University will allow visitors to explore the university’s many historic buildings, such as Harvard Hall, the oldest academic building in the nation, and Harvard Yard, which was the original site of the university. Visitors can also learn about Harvard’s many contributions to the country such as its involvement in the American Revolution and its part in the development of the United States educational system. Through a walking tour, visitors can gain a better understanding of the university’s past, present, and future.
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston is worth visiting for its impressive collections of art and artifacts from around the world. Founded in 1870, the MFA was the first public art museum in the United States. It houses more than 450,000 works of art from ancient times to the present day, including paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, furniture, textiles, and other decorative art objects. The museum also has a renowned collection of Asian art, with works from Japan, China, India, and Southeast Asia. Additionally, the MFA has numerous special exhibitions throughout the year, along with educational programs and interactive activities for families.
Boston Opera House
The Boston Opera House is worth visiting for its stunning architecture, rich history, and world-class performances. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful theaters in the United States. It was designed by the renowned architect Clarence Blackall in 1928 and boasts magnificent decorations, ornate ceilings, and grand chandeliers. Additionally, the theater hosts a variety of world-class performances, from ballets to operas. The Boston Opera House is a must-see for any theater enthusiast or history buff.
Watch a show at the Huntington Theatre
The Huntington Theatre in Boston will delight thespians with its rich history, impressive architecture, and wide array of popular plays, musicals, and other performances. Established in 1982, the Huntington Theatre Company is Boston’s leading professional theater and a major regional theatre in the United States. It is named after philanthropist and arts patron Archer M. Huntington, who donated the building and money to create the theater.
Located in the South End of Boston, the Huntington Theatre has two stages – the main stage, the Huntington Avenue Theatre, and the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA. Its main stage is a historic venue, having been the home of the Boston Museum Company in the 19th century, and the Boston Opera House in the early 20th century. The Huntington Theatre has been home to a number of acclaimed productions, including the world premiere of August Wilson’s Two Trains Running and the Broadway hit The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
The Huntington Theatre is a must-visit destination for any theater lover, as it offers a unique experience with its history and a wide variety of performances.
Shops and restaurants in the North End
The North End of Boston should be on your list of things to do in Boston because it is the oldest residential neighborhood in the city. The North End is known for its Italian-American roots and its rich cultural and historical heritage. The North End’s history dates back to 1630 when it was first settled by Puritan settlers.
The neighborhood is home to several historic sites, including the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. The area has also been home to many Italian immigrants, who have contributed to the culture, history, and cuisine of the area. A walking tour of the North End will give visitors a glimpse into the past and the present of this vibrant and unique Boston neighborhood.
Spend the day at the New England Aquarium
If you have kids, take them to the New England Aquarium in Boston to see an amazing array of creatures and the building’s beautiful architecture. The Aquarium was founded in 1969 and is one of the oldest public aquariums in the United States. It has grown over the years to include over 20,000 animals from more than 500 species.
Home to the popular Giant Ocean Tank, a four-story Caribbean coral reef, and the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center, visitors can learn about whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals. You can also take a tour of the Aquarium’s Harbor Seal and Penguin exhibits, view a variety of sea creatures in the Tropical and Coldwater galleries, and explore the Marine Mammal Center’s research lab.
Now you know wall the best things to do in Boston!
