Top 50 Best Things to Do in Boston
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Boston

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Museum of Fine Arts, Bostontop_1
    󰺂7.9
    484716
    Boston.Downtown Boston3.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Regular international artist exhibitions
    󱓊Neoclassical main & modern glass
    󱨠Saved by 117 users󱨠159 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    悠悠悠悠

    It was a wonderful and unforgettable trip. I was lucky enough to come across the Van Gogh "Portraits of the Roulin Family" exhibition, the Qi Baishi calligraphy and painting exhibition, and admire the paintings of my favorite French painter, Monet, as well as many other amazing works!

  • Boston Duck Tourstop_2
    󰺂7.5
    Boston.Downtown Boston2.2 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊1940s captain humor & Boston history
    󰋄Duck-shaped amphibious boat ride
    4.8/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    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

  • Harvard Universitytop_3
    󰺂7.2
    Cambridge.Harvard University5.1 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Stroll along campus paths and enjoy the natural scenery
    A picturesque fall scene on the Charles River
    󱨠Saved by 107 users󱨠159 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    一个爱出去的人一个爱出去的人

    The Harvard Art Museums are an essential part of any Harvard trip. We took our children there twice; the first visit was unforeseen, but the second was a perfect opportunity. While the museums aren't large, the galleries are interconnected, and the exhibits are strategically arranged, allowing you to fully explore Harvard's century-long collection without having to backtrack. Admission is free, but registration is required. There's a small but welcoming dining area on the first floor. It's best to avoid meal times, or enjoy brunch before entering, followed by coffee and snacks between visits. We spent a full day exploring the museums and were deeply impressed by the endless charm of this world-class university. A trip to Harvard offers even more possibilities for our children's growth and development. Here are some authentic world-famous paintings from the museums' long-standing collection, ready for everyone to explore and appreciate.

  • New England Aquarium
    4
    󰺂6.8
    563579
    Boston.Boston City Center815m from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Boston Harbor skyline view platform
    󱨜Penguin feeding & close-up viewing
    󱨠Saved by 107 users󱨠100 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    วรินทร์พัชร เบญจพิพัฒน์กุลวรินทร์พัชร เบญจพิพัฒน์กุล

    It is a cute aquarium and perfect for a little family visit. However it is kind of small and there weren’t as many interesting exhibitions as I expected. If you only need to spend an hour or two then it’s perfect.

  • Quincy Market
    5
    󰺂5.9
    Boston.Boston City Center347m from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Boston's historic sightseeing hub
    󱓊Lobster rolls & clam chowder
    󱨠Saved by 139 users
    4.3/5
    BeachButterflyBeachButterfly

    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.

  • Freedom Trail
    6
    󰺂5.9
    Boston.Boston City Center401m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄360° view atop Bunker Hill
    󰋄Bunker Hill's Charles River view
    󱨠Saved by 102 users󱨠156 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    西行阿里西行阿里

    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~

  • Faneuil Hall Marketplace
    7
    󰺂5.9
    Boston.Boston City Center320m from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Cradle of American Independence History
    󱓊Market, gathering & museum space
    󱨠28% positive reviews
    4.1/5
    西行阿里西行阿里

    Faneuil Hall, located on Boston's Freedom Trail, was built in 1742 by the wealthy businessman Peter Faneuil. It was originally used as a market. Before the outbreak of the War of Independence, it was used as a place for Boston citizens to gather and have free discussions. It has witnessed countless meetings and speeches by patriots, so it is also called the "Cradle of Freedom" and has played an important role in American history. This is a solemn, three-story red brick building with a Greek-style duplex. After a large-scale renovation, it was reopened to the public in August 1976. When you enter the hall, you can see the words on the wall: This is where the important moment of the founding of Boston was witnessed.

  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
    8
    󰺂5.9
    Boston.Fenway Kenmore4.1 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Regular exhibitions showcase masterpieces
    󱨜Art & nature in harmony
    󱨠52% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    evermoreevermore

    It's hard to believe that this is a privately-run museum, as there are so many great pieces and the atmosphere is so great. It's a place with a botanical garden? garden concept, so it's great for taking pictures :) It's one of the museums I want to visit again because they say the garden concept changes every time!

  • Berklee College of Music
    9
    󰺂5.8
    Boston.Downtown Boston2.9 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Music shops & small venues
    Historic buildings & riverside museums
    󱨠33% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    palettes_nypalettes_ny

    I discovered this campus by chance while shopping in Back Bay. It looks very low-key from the outside, and I never thought that the famous Berklee College of Music is hidden inside. The campus is not big, with a teaching building hidden in the downtown area. The school name flag fluttering shows the true identity of this building. It is the largest independent modern music school in the world, famous for American pop music and jazz. I heard that it is easy to meet celebrities if you eat and shop around here. There are also MFA Art Museum and Boston Symphony Hall nearby. If you have enough time, you can check in together.

  • View Boston
    10
    󰺂5.7
    500000
    Boston.Downtown Boston2.4 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄360-degree panoramic view of Boston
    High-powered telescope identifying city landmarks
    5.0/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    I highly recommend seeing the exhibition hall.

Best things to do in Boston (2026)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Boston? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Boston offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Boston

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Boston experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

• Boston.Downtown Boston | 3.7 km from downtown

• : Regular international artist exhibitions,Neoclassical main & modern glass

Boston Duck Tours

• Boston.Downtown Boston | 2.2 km from downtown

• : 1940s captain humor & Boston history,Duck-shaped amphibious boat ride

Harvard University

• Cambridge.Harvard University | 5.1 km from downtown

• : Stroll along campus paths and enjoy the natural scenery,A picturesque fall scene on the Charles River

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Boston

If you want to explore attractions just outside Boston, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Boston, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Boston special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Boston

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Boston

Ready to explore the best of Boston? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What are the best things to do in Boston?
The best things to do in Boston include: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston|Boston Duck Tours|Harvard University|New England Aquarium|Quincy Market. These activities offer a mix of cultural experiences, sightseeing, and entertainment suitable for all types of travelers.
How much do the top attractions in Boston cost?
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston:From IDR 484,716|Harvard University:Free|New England Aquarium:From IDR 563,579|Quincy Market:Free|Freedom Trail:Free
What amenities or facilities can I expect at top attractions in Boston?
Most attractions in Boston provide facilities such as visitor centers, guided tours, parking, rest areas, dining options, and accessibility features to ensure a comfortable experience.
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