Things to do in Boston
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Top 10 attractions in Boston
Boston Duck Tours
Boston Duck Tours is a highly recognizable amphibious sightseeing attraction on the streets of Boston. The vehicles used are dual-purpose, modeled after the amphibious landing vehicles of the US military during World War II. They can navigate through city streets and directly enter the river, allowing travelers to experience both a city tour and a cruise in one itinerary. This makes it especially suitable for first-time visitors who want to get a comprehensive impression of Boston in a short time. The itinerary features live commentary by the driver and on-site guide, passing landmarks such as the golden-domed State House, Boston Common and Public Garden, the shop-lined Newbury Street, Copley Square, Trinity Church, the Prudential Tower, and the historic districts around Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall. Just when you think you've seen all of Boston, the driver makes a splashdown into the Charles River—the moment the vehicle hits the water is the highlight of the tour. The vehicle then cruises slowly along the river, offering views of the skylines of Boston and Cambridge, which is also a great time for photos. A signature interactive tradition on board involves every passenger receiving a duck-bill-shaped "quacker" whistle. When encountering another duck tour vehicle or waving crowds on the street, everyone blows their whistles in response. The chorus of quacking has been a hallmark of this tour for years, and families with children particularly enjoy this playful experience.Boston · 2.2 km from downtown
Harvard University
Harvard University is one of the world's most famous institutions of higher learning and a tourist destination rich in history and culture. The campus centers around Harvard Yard, where red-brick walkways, ivy-covered walls, and classical buildings constructed over the centuries intertwine. The Johnston Gate on the west side of Harvard Yard is considered the main entrance, and a short walk into the yard brings you to the John Harvard Statue. This statue is known as the "Statue of Three Lies" because the inscription on its base contains three inaccuracies. Many tourists touch the statue's left foot for photos, a habit that has polished the bronze foot to a shine. Across the lawn from the statue stands The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, a grand building donated by the mother of an alumnus who perished on the Titanic. Memorial Church is the only building in the yard with a spire, and its walls are inscribed with the names of Harvard students who died in World War I. Memorial Hall is famous for its ornate stained-glass windows, and its freshman dining hall is often compared to the Hogwarts dining hall in "Harry Potter". Massachusetts Hall, built in the early 18th century, is one of the oldest surviving buildings on campus. Harvard Square is one of the bustling neighborhoods in Cambridge, packed with bookstores, cafes, and various shops. The area around the campus also features the Harvard Art Museums, which house a collection of European and American art ranging from classical to modern works, including self-portraits by Van Gogh and paintings by Monet.Cambridge · 5.1 km from Boston
Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a historic sightseeing line in Boston. The road surface is paved with red bricks, winding all the way, extending in three kilometers of streets. In 1951, the citizens of Boston preserved this unique street of red brick. The right way to open up American history is to set foot on the road to freedom. The Freedom Trail begins at the Visitor Center in Boston Common and ends at the towering Penga Hill Monument across the Charles River, with 16 attractions and many 17th and 18th century houses, churches and Independence War sites along the way. It takes about half a day to walk the entire freedom road, but if you want to visit carefully, it may take at least a day.Boston · 614m from downtown
Quincy Market
Quincy Market is located in downtown Boston, right next to Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and is also a stop on the Freedom Trail. In the 1820s, Boston's expansion overwhelmed the old market at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Then-mayor Josiah Quincy oversaw the construction of this new market, which was named after him upon its completion in the 1820s. The market consists of three long buildings. The central two-story granite building features porticos at both ends supported by stone columns with triangular pediments, and a dome in the middle. Designed by architect Alexander Parris, it is a classic example of Greek Revival style. The North and South Markets on either side were originally built by merchants and now mostly house clothing, jewelry, and gift shops. Inside the central building is a food hall running from east to west, lined with stalls offering New England specialties like lobster rolls and clam chowder, as well as international snacks. It is a popular choice for tourists to take a break and grab a bite after walking the Freedom Trail. The plaza in front of the market is often filled with street performers, creating a lively atmosphere. The stone columns and pediments of the east portico, as well as the domed hall in the center of the building, are great spots for photos.Boston · 347m from downtown
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall, located on Boston's Freedom Trail, was built in 1742 by the wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil. Originally a marketplace, it later became a venue for Bostonians to gather and engage in free discussion. It has witnessed countless meetings and speeches by patriots, earning it the nickname "Cradle of Liberty," playing a significant role in American history.Boston · 319m from downtown
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library was founded in the mid-19th century. Its main branch is located next toCopley Squareand consists of the older McKim Building connected to the adjacent Johnson Building: the McKim Building is an Italian Renaissance-style palace, known as a palace for the people when it opened; the Johnson Building was designed by modernist architect Philip Johnson and, like the old building, features a granite facade. One ancient and one modern, one ornate and one simple, they form a compelling architectural contrast in the Back Bay neighborhood. It is both a place for Bostonians to read daily and a destination for tourists who visit specifically for the library's extensive art collection. The interior of the McKim Building is full of highlights: the marble floor of the vestibule is inlaid with 12 zodiac patterns, stone lions commemorating the Massachusetts infantry regiments of the Civil War stand beside the grand staircase, and the walls of the staircase are adorned with murals by French painter Pierre Puvis de Chavannes on the themes of poetry, history, science, and philosophy; the long Bates Hall on the second floor, with its soaring barrel-vaulted ceiling, oak tables, and rows of lamps, creates the library's signature scene; the Sargent Gallery on the third floor houses "The Triumph of Religion," a work completed by American painter John Singer Sargent over nearly 30 years, while the murals covering the walls of the Abbey Room are by Edwin Abbey and depict the legend of the Holy Grail; the rare book exhibition also features the private collection of John Adams. In the center of the building is an Italian-style courtyard, surrounded by arcades with a fountain in the middle, which is a quiet corner where both readers and tourists love to linger. The adjacent Johnson Building, after a comprehensive renovation, is bright and airy. It focuses on lending services and also houses spaces such as the Children's Library, the Teen Central, and the Leventhal Map Center.Boston · 2 km from downtown
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is located at the end of Congress Street, with a replica of the historic tea merchant ship named "Beaver II" docked beside the museum. The museum is small but displays a collection of original artifacts and souvenir replicas from the event, including reproductions of the original cargo ships. Additionally, the museum offers tea to visitors. After touring the museum, visitors can sign in to board the nearby "Beaver II" merchant ship and step onto the deck to relive the historic moment. After the visit, you can walk along the waterfront promenade or relax in the leisure area while enjoying the scenic views of Boston Harbor.Boston · 1.1 km from downtown
Chinatown
Chinatown is the last remaining Chinatown in the New England region, with a history of Chinese settlement dating back to the late 19th century. The neighborhood is not large, but it is one of the most densely populated residential areas in Boston and an important center for local East Asian and Southeast Asian cultural life. Chinese signs, street dialects, and the aroma of dim sum intertwine, creating a vibrant, bustling atmosphere. The Chinatown Gate at the entrance is the neighborhood's landmark, inscribed on the front with the four characters "Tian Xia Wei Gong" (The World is for All). Passing through the gate marks your official entry into the neighborhood. The streets are lined with Cantonese tea houses, roast meat shops, Chinese bakeries, and Asian supermarkets. In addition to Chinese cuisine, Southeast Asian restaurants serving pho, Malaysian flavors, and more can be found everywhere, many of which are long-established shops. During the Lunar New Year, the annual lion dance parade passes through the neighborhood, filling the entire street with the sound of gongs and drums and crowds of onlookers—a long-standing traditional event. Just outside the gate is Chinatown Park, where you can take a break after exploring the neighborhood. This area is within walking distance of the downtown shopping district and the Theater District.Boston · 1.2 km from downtown
Boston Common
Boston Common was built in 1643 and is located in the center of Boston. It is the oldest park in the United States and the starting point of the Freedom Trail. Today's Boston Common has become a green park open to the public for people to enjoy. At the main entrance of the park stands a majestic statue of a war hero, Washington on horseback.Boston · 782m from downtown
Boston Harbor
The Boston Bay is close to Boston's North District, facing the General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport and facing the Boston Common. It is a must-see attraction for tourists in Boston. There are many boats docked in Boston Bay, including private yachts, coast guard patrol boats, and antique sailboats. These sporadic boats have become a beautiful landscape in Boston. The way to get around the Boston Sound is by boat. You can choose to take a small boat on the azure sea at Long Wharf near Quincy Market and enjoy the beauty of the sky and water. You can also take a cruise to explore the Boston Bay, where you can overlook Boston's financial district. Views of the cable-stayed bridge connecting Boston to the Bay and planes taking off and landing. From Long Wharf, you can walk to the nearby Boston Tea Party Ship Museum, an antique merchant ship that is now a museum. After visiting, you can stroll on the walking path by the bay. This is a leisure area and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Boston Harbor. The scenery is very pleasant. In the evening, when night falls, the bay is also a good place to enjoy the sunset. Here, even if you are not playing at sea, walking on the shore and the gust of sea breeze can be enchanting.Boston · 7.3 km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Boston
Featured Cultural experiences in Boston
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![Boston, Cambridge and Harvard University tour [Depart from New York|English-speaking guide, admission ticket not included]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0356x12000sefyqkv8DA0_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
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Free things to do in Boston
Boston Duck Tours
Boston · 2.2 km from downtownBook now for todayHarvard University
Cambridge · 5.1 km from BostonFreedom Trail
Boston · 614m from downtownBook now for tomorrowQuincy Market
Boston · 347m from downtownFaneuil Hall Marketplace
Boston · 319m from downtownBook now for tomorrowBoston Public Library
Boston · 2 km from downtownBoston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Boston · 1.1 km from downtownChinatown
Boston · 1.2 km from downtownBoston Common
Boston · 782m from downtownImmediate access, Book now for todayBoston Harbor
Boston · 7.3 km from downtown
More ways to travel from Boston
Boston Cruises
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Private Tours in Boston
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What travellers say about Boston
Anonymous userOctober 8, 2024
5.0
The experience was very good. The tour guide kept talking for an hour and entertained everyone. You can experience all the city views on land and water. The moment you got into the water, everyone was recording. When you met other duck boats during the journey, everyone would imitate the duck's call to greet each other
Boston Duck Tours
中西南北东September 14, 2026
4.0
Most universities abroad don't have walls, and Harvard is no exception. The first picture shows the visitor center, where you can use the restrooms. The campus is divided into several sections by city streets, but overall it remains quiet and orderly.
Harvard University
西行阿里May 22, 2021
5.0
The terminal of the Freedom Trail
This granite monument in Charlestown, Boston, is said to be one of the earliest monuments in the United States, used to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill between the British Army and the North American Colonial Militia (OK, I admit that I checked it recently
)
Now this is the terminal of Boston's Freedom Trail. If the weather is good, you can walk all the way from Boston Park~
The only way to get to the top of the monument is to climb the stairs
There are a total of 294 steps, and numbers are marked every few steps, so that people who are panting and climbing the stairs can have a number in mind
There is actually only a small space on the top of the monument, but looking out through the small windows on all four sides, I immediately feel that climbing the stairs is worth it~
Freedom Trail
BeachButterflyApril 18, 2024
5.0
This place has a great selection of food and treats to choose from. You can get some good stuff to take home to friends too.
Quincy Market
东张西望望东西February 29, 2020
5.0
Faneuil Hall is a building on the Freedom Trail. Its red brick exterior is easy to recognize. Faneuil Hall was a historically significant place during the American Civil War. If you are interested, you can visit it.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Jessica I’dNovember 29, 2023
5.0
A Boston essential. Not only good for book lovers, but fans of art and history will love this refuge right in the heart of the city. Be respectful if you visit just for some photos, it is an active community resource hub and welcoming event space year round.
Boston Public Library
palettes_nyNovember 13, 2021
4.0
A museum located by Boston Harbor. The classical architecture is unforgettable. The staff at the ticket office are also dressed in classical costumes. There are also cruise ships in the museum that sail by the harbor.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
ロジャーNovember 26, 2021
5.0
It is no exaggeration to say that this place is the center of Boston. If you stay in a hotel near here, you can get to anywhere quickly. There seem to be many Chinese restaurants, but there are also Japanese restaurants and they are very delicious.
Chinatown
fooler0809October 26, 2020
5.0
It's a nice city park, quite rich and large, with lush trees and spacious pedestrian paths. It also has a lot of content. It's located in the center of the city, not too crowded, and is a good place to relax.
Boston Common
素素77February 24, 2020
5.0
Boston Harbor is a breathtakingly beautiful harbor, perfect for enjoying the city's beauty. Cruises are usually offered as part of group tours, costing $20 per trip and lasting about half an hour. The shore itself is bustling with activity, and exploring on your own is also enjoyable.
Boston Harbor
