Boston Travel Guide

1. Stargaze at the Coit Observatory

Spend some time gazing at your favorite constellations at Boston University’s Coit Observatory. They offer free stargazing on Wednesdays throughout the year (pending clear skies, of course), starting at 7:30pm in the fall and winter, and 8:30pm in the spring and summer. Space is limited so book your free tickets in advance (and since the telescope is outside, if you’re going in the cooler months, dress warmly).

2. Climb the Bunker Hill Monument

The Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 was one of the first major battles of the American Revolutionary War. While the British eventually took the field, Americans wore the British forces down much more than anticipated. After the battle, the British were much more cautious in their advance, which gave the Americans more time to prepare for the coming war. The monument stands at 221 feet (67 meters), and you can climb the 294 stairs to the top free of charge. there is also a nearby museum Ih is also free. TIis is the best view of the Boston skyline, so don’t miss it. It’s at the end of the Freedom Trail.

3. See the Museum of Fine Arts

Founded in 1870, this museum is one of the best art museums in the country, as well as one of the largest art museums in the world. MFA Boston boasts over 450,000 pieces of fine art covering everything from the pre-Columbian era to Italian Impressionists. There is also a sizable collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and the largest collection of Japanese artwork outside of Japan. The museum also runs all types of classes and workshops throughout the year, from single-day to multi-week offerings. Admission is $27 USD.

4. Hang out at Faneuil

Faneuil Hall is one of the most visited sites in the entire country. The hall itself has been a meeting place in the city since the 1740s, and many speeches were given here about American independence before the Revolutionary War. The Faneuil Marketplace (which is comprised of 4 historic buildings, including Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market) is a popular place for locals to hang out, shop, and eat. There are many events held here throughout the year that are open to the public. There are more than eighty businesses in the marketplace so there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a great place for people-watching.

5. Check out Beacon Hill

This is one of Boston’s most picturesque and historic neighborhoods, once home to the likes of John Adams (Founding Father and second US President) and John Hancock (President of the Second Continental Congress and first governor of Massachusetts). Its steep, winding streets are lined with Victorian brick row houses and old-fashioned lanterns, making for a charming afternoon stroll. The Massachusetts Statehouse is also here, which was completed in 1798 and is a National Historic Landmark. There are a few interesting museums in the neighborhood as well. The Boston Athenaeum is one of the oldest libraries in the country where you’ll find more than half a million books along with other events, concerts, and lectures. The Museum of African American History is also in this part of the city. This museum showcases the stories of notable African Americans from the 18th and 19th centuries.

6. Visit Castle Island

Castle Island is located in South Boston. It’s famous for Fort Independence, a British fort built in 1634 that became a US prison (which was in use until 1805). The island extends into the harbor and has excellent beaches as well as running trails that are popular with locals. There is a picnic area here too and you can explore the old fort for free (there are free tours in the summer). It was connected to the mainland in 1928, meaning that it’s now technically a peninsula, and you can walk or drive here. During the summer months, the place is filled with locals enjoying the beaches and eating at Sullivan’s (great seafood spot).

8. Hang out in Copley Square

Named after the painter John Singleton Copley, Copley Square is a cool little park where you can buy discount theater tickets, listen to musicians, and admire Hancock Tower (New England’s tallest building). You can also pop into Boston’s Trinity Church, which is one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful buildings. It was built in the 1870s after the original building burned down in the Great Fire of 1872. The style is known as Richardsonian Romanesque, which embraces the use of clay roofing, rough stones, and a massive tower. The Boston Public Library, built in 1895, is also here. It was the country’s first public library. In the McKim Building, which is a National Historic Landmark, you can see murals, sculptures, and paintings from famous artists. The library offers free tours through the space as well.

9. Visit the Museum of Science

Though many of the interactive exhibits are intended for kids, this is still one of the best museums in the country. Their permanent exhibits showcase dinosaurs, energy conservation, cartography, wind and weather, nanotechnology, and, of course, space. Special areas of interest include a butterfly greenhouse that you can walk through and a planetarium. Admission is $29 USD which also gives you discounted rates to shows at the Planetarium, Omni, or 4D theater. The famous Boston Duck Tours depart from here as well. These are historical tours of the city in which you ride in replica World War II amphibious vehicles (tours cost $53 USD).

10. Walk around Back Bay

Boston’s Back Bay is like a version of New York’s SoHo and West Village. This is where Boston’s elite and wealthy live, and nearby Newbury Street is our Madison Avenue, with lots of expensive shopping and high-end eateries. It’s a beautiful area to stroll around, with pretty brownstones and tree-lined streets. You can still see plenty of old Victorian homes in this neighborhood that date back to the 19th century.

11. Drink at Sam Adams Brewery

Sam Adams, named after the Founding Father, is a major brewer in Boston, and locals drink it widely and frequently. Tours and tastings take place Monday-Saturday, with dates and times varying by the day. The signature tour costs $10 USD. There are also several in-depth specialty tours ranging between $25-50 USD, which include some generous beer tastings. In the summer, you can even take a yoga class in the beer garden!

12. Explore the North End

The historic North End is the heart of Boston’s Italian community. You hear just as much Italian here as you do the Boston accent. In the mornings, little Italian grandmas can be seen shopping at the markets while the grandpas sit and have their morning espresso. It’s almost like being in Italy. The best gelato outside of Italy can be found here too.

13. Visit the Arnold Arboretum

These 281 acres of free public space are open from sunrise to sunset. Located south of the city, it’s the oldest public arboretum in the country (it was founded in 1872). The arboretum puts a particular focus on plants from the eastern parts of both North America and Asia. There are running trails, gardens, lawns, and tons of flowers from all over the world. Relax among the plants and take a step back from the fast pace of the city. This place is much quieter than the Public Gardens and offers a wider variety of plant life. They also have a great bonsai tree collection too.

14. Take a walking tour

Boston has a plethora of awesome walking tours that will help you know the city better. Bites of Boston offers four different food tours around town, each in a distinct neighborhood, starting from $95 USD per person while history buffs can check out Cambridge Historical Tours for in-depth history tours ($20 USD). If you’re on a tight budget, Free Tours by Foot offers free walking tours around town. They’re a great way to get oriented and see the major sights without breaking the bank. Just be sure to tip your guide!

15. Visit Forest Hills Cemetery

This serene Victorian-era cemetery sits on almost 300 acres of land. It’s the resting place of a few noteworthy individuals, such as the playwright Eugene O’Neill and the poet E.E Cummings. In 2006, as part of an exhibition, sculptures, including miniature buildings, were added to the cemetery. The cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places.

16. Take a day trip to Salem

Salem, Massachusetts, is the perfect destination for a day trip out of Boston. The town is most famous for the Salem Witch Trials of the late 1600s and there are plenty of museums around town dedicated to sharing this history, like the Salem Witch Museum. You can reach the town in about an hour via train or, during the warmer months, a scenic ferry ride along the coast. There are also a number of walking tours available, covering everything from colonial history to witches to food. If witchcraft isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities as well. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is free to visit and situated on the waterfront. It’s spread across nine acres and highlights the maritime history of the area. For something more modern, check out the Punto Urban Art Museum, an open-air museum with seventy-five murals in a three-block area. The murals are free to visit, though donations are appreciated.

17. Visit Paul Revere’s house

The midnight ride of Paul Revere comes to life in this historic building where he lived on that night in 1775. It’s also one of the last 17th-century homes still standing in the city. Though you’ll pass by it on the Freedom Trail, it’s worth stopping for a visit. The building has been restored to look like it did during that time. The visit is self-guided though there is information posted as you move through the rooms. You’ll see four of the original rooms as you learn more about Paul Revere’s family and colonial life in Boston. The museum hosts events throughout the year so check their website to see what’s happening. Admission is $6.

18. Take an Art Walk

Boston has an incredible public art program with multiple art walks around the city. Starting in 2015, the city worked with artists to create colorful murals that show the diversity and stories of those who call Boston home. More than 100 murals are spread throughout the area, so you can find them no matter what part of the city you’re in. The Art Walk Project website has downloadable maps to help you find them all.

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