19 fun things to do in Boston

Whether you're keen to explore culture and history or searching for epic things to do at night in Boston, there's no shortage of fun things to do in this gorgeous city.

As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston has a rich heritage with plenty to discover. Walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers and explore the birthplace of the American Revolution. Once you're done learning, Boston's diverse culinary offerings and thriving cultural scene are ready and waiting. Need some help putting together an itinerary? This guide explores the most fun things to do in Boston.

Fun things to do in Boston as a couple

1. Take a walk through history along Boston's Freedom Trail

Walk in the footsteps of America's Founding Fathers along the Boston Freedom Trail, where you're free to explore some of Boston's most iconic spots, at your own pace.

Highlights:

It's a great activity to do with your partner as you discover Boston's unmissable landmarks, like Park Street Church and Robert Gould Shaw Memorial.

Address and opening hours:

Beacon Hill, Boston. Opening times vary.

2. Get your weekend off to a great start with a Boston Harbor Cruise

With a weekend harbor cruise in Boston, you can feast your eyes on those breathtaking panoramic views and mingle with locals and fellow travelers.

Highlights:

Choose a brunch cruise where everything is taken care of, and you can enjoy an early morning breeze with food and drinks.

Address and opening hours:

Downtown, Boston. Open daily, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM.

3. Enjoy a day trip to America's smallest state

Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, the smallest US state, is a 35-minute drive from Boston. in Rhode Island, you'll discover magnificent mansions dating back to America's Gilded Age.

Highlights:

Drive further south to see the Elms and Breakers mansions and brush up on local history.

Address and opening hours:

Providence, Rhode Island. Open 24/7.

4. Take in all the sights with the Boston Trolley

Take to the trolley and see the city in style. This hop-on hop-off trolley tour has 14 stops scattered throughout the city, meaning you're only a short stroll away from some of Boston's hidden gems and iconic landmarks.

Highlights:

With your Hop-on Hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour, you’re free to explore Boston at your own pace. Jump off at stops at Boston's Historic North End, Beacon Hill, North Station, and more.

Address and opening hours:

Hop on at any boarding location. Tour times vary.

5. Sip champagne as you watch the sun go down over Boston Harbor

A sunset sail experience from Rowes Wharf is the perfect way to admire the skyline and is a great way to celebrate a big anniversary or enjoy a date night.

Highlights:

Sail past famous landmarks like the Moakley Federal Courthouse, Castle Island, and the Inner Harbor Islands.

Address and opening hours:

Rowes Wharf, Boston. Tour times vary.

Fun things to do in Boston with kids

6. Go whale and dolphin watching

Grab the kids and head out on an adventure cruise to see if you can spot humpbacks, finbacks, and minkewhales. You might even see the occasional dolphin.

Highlights:

Some cruises offer multiple viewing decks, along with a cutting-edge audiovisual system, enhancing the experience even more.

Address and opening hours:

1 Long Wharf, Boston. Start times vary.

7. Immerse yourself in history at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

Looking for cool things to do in Boston with kids? Journey back to the time of the American Revolution at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Little ones will love this immersive museum experience.

Highlights:

Rejoice in your kids' reactions to live reenactors and 3D holograms that keep them entertained while they learn.

Address and opening hours:

Congress Street Bridge, Boston. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

8. Uncover an underwater world at the New England Aquarium

With more than 800 marine species on show, the New England Aquarium is a must for every nature lover. The Giant Ocean Tank is unmissable, while the California sea lions are guaranteed to raise a smile.

Highlights:

Check out the Amazon Rainforest enclosure that contains fierce beasts like anacondas and piranhas.

Address and opening hours:

1 Central Wharf, Boston. Open Saturday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, and Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

9. Learn about New England's heritage at the Pilmoth Patuxet Living History Museums

At the Pilmouth Patuxet Living History Museums, visitors can trace the steps of the first English settlers to arrive in this corner of the country and discover fascinating insights into the region's indigenous heritage.

Highlights:

The highlight is the immersive experience with two major living history exhibits, as well as a craft center and Nye Barn, which houses several rare animal breeds native to the region.

Address and opening hours:

137 Warren Ave, Plymouth. Open daily, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Fun things to do in Boston on your own

10. Learn more about America's most beloved baseball ground

Even if you're not a baseball fan, there's plenty to discover at Boston Fenway Park. This stadium has been around for more than a century and has played host to some of the most famous players of all time, including Babe Ruth and Ted Williams.

Highlights:

Discover more than 170,000 unique artifacts and photographs of famous players.

Address and opening hours:

40-20 Jersey St, Boston. Open Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

11. Peek behind the curtain at Boch Center Wang Theater

The Boch Center Wang Theater is one of Boston's most celebrated landmarks. If you're a theater lover, a visit to this corner of the city is a must. Opened in 1925, it's one of the most recognized live venues on the planet, with multiple events and shows at the theatre throughout the year.

Highlights:

Discover the rich heritage of one of Boston's most iconic cultural destinations, and wander through the first-ever Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame.

Address and opening hours:

Biewend Building, 260 Tremont St, Boston. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 12:00 PM-6:00 PM.

12. Find out what goes on at one of America's most prestigious colleges

You don't have to be a graduate student to take a stroll through the Harvard University campus. Wander through the school grounds to get a handle on college life and walk in the footsteps of famous research scientists, celebrated authors, and Nobel laureates.

Highlights:

Explore corners of the campus like Memorial Hall and the Widener Library, and stop at points of interest like the John Harvard statue.

Address and opening hours:

27 Holyoke St, Cambridge. Open 24/7.

13. Get away from it all with a day trip to Martha's Vineyard

This beautiful corner of New England is Martha's Vineyard, home to quaint boutiques, stunning coastal scenery, and inspiring architecture.

Highlights:

Unwind as you take a picturesque ferry journey from Woods Hole Terminal to Cape Cod.

Address and opening hours:

Boston South Station. 6:00 AM-12:00 AM.

14. Discover the spookier side of Boston with a ghosts and gravestones tour

For unique things to do during your stay in Boston, a graveyard tour is a great idea. Some of the graves in this city date back as far as 400 years. Discover which famous faces from history are buried just below your feet and learn more about the scandalous grave-robbing heritage of Boston.

Highlights:

Look for famous people's graves, like Samuel Adams and John Hancock, and walk the footsteps of infamous murderers like the Boston Strangler.

Address and opening hours:

296 State St, Boston. Tour times vary.

Fun things to do in Boston for food and drinks

15. Indulge your sweet tooth with a donut tour of historic Boston

Start from Kane's Donuts in the Financial District and work your way through the city sampling various bakery treats like the Chicago donuts, ending at Boston's Public Market. Donuts are some of the must-try food items in Boston.

Highlights:

Stroll along the scenic city waterfront as you devour your treats from Boston's Public Market.

Address and opening hours:

Boston Public Market. Open Sunday-Tuesday, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM, and Wednesday-Saturday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM.

16. Discover fabulous street food in Boston's North End

Boston's North End offers some of the best culinary experiences in the city. Here, you'll find authentic pizzerias and delicious cannoli made fresh in Boston's very own Little Italy.

Highlights:

With your Boston's North End: Secret Food Tour, you'll make six different stops as you explore more than 400 years of Bostonian history.

Address and opening hours:

North End. Open 24/7.

17. Savor some of Boston's best seafood

Boston's seafood is famous across the United States and beyond. Start at Independence Wharf to take in the sights before moving on to iconic landmarks like the Seaport District and Fort Point.

Highlights:

Try all those Bostonian favorites you've always dreamed of trying. Tuck into classics like clam chowder and lobster rolls.

Address and opening hours:

Independence Wharf. Open 24/7.

18. Visit some of the oldest pizzerias in the city

Boston's culinary scene isn't lacking in options, but its pizza is often considered some of the best in the world. Dine out as you discover more about this historic city with a guided tour offering several stops at some of the finest pizzerias in the country.

Highlights:

Try Regina Pizzeria, one of the oldest pizzerias in Boston.

Address and opening hours:

Regina Pizzerias has a few locations around Boston. Open daily, 11 AM-9 PM.

19. Get acquainted with Boston's craft beer scene

If you're a fan of craft beer, there's plenty to enjoy in Boston. This city is home to some of the finest breweries in the country, including Samuel Adams, Night Shift, Aeronaut Connery, and more.

Highlights:

Head to Sam Adams Brewery for a brewery and tasting tour.

Address and opening hours:

Sam Adams Brewery. Open daily, 11 AM-9 PM.

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in Boston at night?

There are plenty of things to do to keep you occupied during your stay in Boston. Head to Fan Pier Park and enjoy breathtaking views as you gaze over Boston Harbor. Looking to party? Boston's Downtown, Cambridge, and North End districts all offer an eclectic range of clubs, bars, and late-night coffee houses.

Are there any fun day trips from Boston that I should consider?

There are plenty of day trips on offer. Think about getting away from it all with a day trip to Martha's Vineyard. This enchanting corner of New England offers beautiful coastal scenery, as well as many dining and shopping destinations.

What are some popular festivals or events in Boston?

Visiting Boston in July? The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular doesn't disappoint. Spanning five days, this annual event is one of the biggest 4th of July festivals in the United States. Sports fans will also want a front-row view of the Boston Marathon, while the Boston Calling Music Festival is a must for music lovers.

What are some family-friendly activities to do in Boston?

There's plenty to keep enquiring minds happy during your stay in Boston. The Museum of Science and New England Aquarium are both great stops on any family day out. Meanwhile, there are plenty of unique things to do if you're looking to put an educational twist on your trip. Take the little ones to one of several living museums in the city, or head to the Rose Kennedy Greenway if you're looking to escape the crowds.

What are some fun outdoor activities in Boston?

Boston might be a big city, but you're only a short trip away from the majesty of New England. You'll find several parks and green spaces within the city limits, while the Boston Harbor Islands are the perfect destination for a maritime adventure.