50 Essential Things to Do in Boston Before You Move Away
When:
Tuesday, Sep 03, 2024 12:00p -
Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 12:00a
Tuesday, Sep 03, 2024 12:00p -
Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 12:00a
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Varies (mostly FREE)
Categories:
Date Idea, Drinks, Festivals & Fairs, History, Nature, Outside, Rainy Day Ideas, Shows, Sports & Active Life, Tech, University
Whether you are visiting for a short stay or calling this city home for a while, this list is your guide to experience Boston like a local. We want to make sure you’re getting to see the best of this city while you’re here, down to every last sip of iced Dunkin, whether it’s 97 degrees or 15. So we’ve rounded up the 50 most essential things to do in the city before you move away. Happy adventuring!
Created by Kenneal Patterson, Celina Colby, and Yelena Salvador
1) Explore the Freedom Trail
Where: Downtown
Info: Some would argue that Boston is the most historical city in the nation, from Paul Revere’s famous ride to our little tea party by the Harbor. You can travel back through time on the Freedom Trail, which stretches throughout Boston’s most famous 18th-century sites.
2) Check off this list of 30 hidden and secret places in Boston
Where: Back Bay
Info: One of Boston’s hidden gems is tucked away in Back Bay and disguised as a convenience store. Bodega is one of the coolest shoe stores in the city and hidden in plain sight. For more secret gems around the city, check out this list!
3) Watch a game or a concert at Fenway Park
Where: Fenway
Info: Go Sox! There’s nothing more classic Boston than grabbing a bucket of popcorn and cheering for a home run at Fenway Park. It truly is America’s favorite pastime. Don’t forget to take a tour of the historic ballpark too which has served as the set for famous movies, concerts, and of course, monumental sports moments!
4) Ride on the Boston Public Garden swan boats
Where: Downtown
Info: In the center of the city lies an oasis. The Public Garden is the perfect place for a summer picnic under the gigantic willow trees or just a casual stroll on a sunny day. Catch a ride on the swan boats and watch the landscaping change with each season.
5) Marvel at Boston’s “Museum of Trees”
Where: Jamaica Plain
Info: The Arnold Arboretum is one of the largest and oldest havens for plant life. Find a shady spot under one of the hundreds of trees that grow on the grounds, and you’ll be amazed by the natural beauty.
6) Visit the Boston Public Library
Where: Copley Square
Info: Decades of students, researchers, and academics have graced the halls of Boston Public Library. If you need a break from the buzz of city life, this is the perfect place to find a little peace. Plus, you can take a free architecture tour to learn about the art and intricacies of this historic building, and watch a free concert at their stunning courtyard. Be sure to get a library card, it gives you access not only to books but to free museum tickets and many more perks.
7) Visit Boston’s iconic museums—for free
Where: City-wide
Info: The Museum of Fine Arts offers free admission on select holidays, unlocking access to over 450,000 captivating works of art and rich history. Discover the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on the first Thursday of each month—it's not just a museum, but a unique piece of architecture, the setting of a famous art heist, and an almost botanical wonderland. Make Thursdays your artistic adventure days at the Institute of Contemporary Art. Plus, explore the free and open-to-all Harvard Art Museums from Tuesday to Sunday. There are many free and fun museums to explore throughout the city.
8) Stare in awe at a Fourth of July Fireworks display
Where: Boston Harbor
Info: Nothing beats summer in Boston, and what’s summer without a July 4 celebration? The City of Boston hosts a spectacular fireworks show each year with dazzling lights exploding over the harbor. There’s plenty of places to catch a colorful show in the night sky so take a look at our recs of where to catch Fourth of July illuminations.
9) Enjoy Boston’s iconic desserts
Where: Newbury Street
Info: The only thing that’ll warm up a bitter Bostonian is a warm cup of LA Burdick's rich hot cocoa or North End’s own Vittoria Café’s delicious hot chocolate. Order a slice of the legendary Boston Cream Pie at the Omni Parker House on the Boston Common where it was invented. And decide for yourself which cannoli is better, Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry.
10) Hike near Boston
Where: Milton
Info: If you’re craving a nature fix, you won’t have to look far: the breathtaking Blue Hills Reservation is less than ten miles from downtown Boston. Here, you can hike through 7,000 acres of wilderness. There’s even more places to get your steps in and for spectacular views with this list of hiking trails around Boston.
11) Hear Shakespearean's famous words on the Common
Where: Downtown
Info: Each July and August, Bostonians converge on the Common for captivating evenings of free Shakespeare on the Common. From enchanting performances of Cymbeline to the mesmerizing tales of Macbeth, the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company has brought it all to life. Pack a picnic for an evening showing, all for free. And check out these other amazing outdoor performances!
12) Explore Boston’s concert venues
Where: City-wide
Info: Boston’s music scene is electric, and music lovers of all types can find their niche here. From Cambridge’s cozy Sinclair, Somerville’s gritty Jungle, Allston’s rowdy Paradise Rock Club, Brighton's brand new Roadrunner, or downtown's historic Royale, smaller venues will give TD Garden a run for its money. There’s even a ton of free outdoor concerts along the waterfront and all over the city in the summer.
13) Listen to a world-famous orchestra
Where: Back Bay
Info: The Boston Symphony Orchestra puts on shows year-round, where esteemed musicians from around the world perform impressive compositions with string quartets and flute solos alike.
14) Stroll through Mount Auburn Cemetery
Where: Harvard Square
Info: One of Boston’s most beautiful arboretums is hidden in plain sight– as a graveyard. Mount Auburn Cemetery is the burial place of dozens of famous Bostonians like Isabella Stewart Gardner, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Oliver Wendall Holmes, Charles Sumner, and more.
15) Visit Boston's independent bookstores
Where: City-wide
Info: Boston has a reputation as a smart city and that’s evidenced in the many incredible local bookstores around the city. At these places, you can pick up a new read, have a cocktail, listen to an author talk, and give back to the community. A picturesque favorite is the idyllic Brattle Book Shop, known for the carts of discounted used books it wheels out into an alley.
16) Spend a Sunday at SoWa
Where: South End
Info: SoWa is the go-to shopping spot for art lovers, thrifters, bargainers, and foodies alike. The market serves as a farmer’s and art market in the summer, a holiday market in the winter, and a vintage flea market and open gallery year-round. Meet the artists during SoWa’s First Fridays too. If you love the outdoor shopping experience, check out these other local outdoor markets as well.
17) Stroll through the Kelleher Rose Garden at peak bloom
Where: Fenway
Info: The iconic Kelleher Rose Garden in Back Bay Fens flourishes around June every year, with peak bloom anticipated during the third week of June. It’s a beautiful sight to see. While you’re in the neighborhood, check out the Fenway Victory Gardens. They’re the oldest continuously operating victory gardens in the country.
18) Grab a Guinness at an Irish pub
Where: City-wide
Info: Boston’s Irish roots stretch far back, so the city is home to the coziest and classiest pubs in the country. Listen to live Celtic tunes at The Bebop, Burren, or the Druid as you sip your pint.
19) Taste your way through Chinatown
Where: Chinatown
Info: Chinatown is home to some of the city’s best restaurants. Your mouth will be watering just thinking about the amazing soup dumplings tucked within family-owned stores.
20) Watch the sunset from iconic Boston places
Where: West End
Info: One of the best places to catch vivid cotton candy skies and gorgeous sunsets is at the Museum of Science's garage on the fifth floor overlooking the Charles River. No tickets required. Make sure to tackle these community recs for even better secret places to catch golden hour.
21) Picnic on the Esplanade
Where: Back Bay
Info: The Esplanade is one of Boston’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. Situated right on the Charles River overlooking Cambridge on one side and Boston on the other, it’s an ideal spot for a picnic. Pack a snack and check out these other picnic spots too.
22) Explore the Charles River and the Boston Harbor
Where: City-wide
Info: There’s nothing quite like basking in the sun on a kayak along the Charles River. With such a short summer season in Boston, this is one of the best ways to enjoy the nice weather while we have it. You can even learn to sail, rent a boat, or paddleboard too! Plus, you can catch free and cheap ferries to explore the Boston Harbor.
23) Eat at Boston’s oldest restaurant
Where: Haymarket
Info: Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in Boston and the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. They’ve been shucking up oysters for Bostonians since 1826.
24) Watch the Boston Marathon
Where: Hopkinton to Copley Square
Info: Nothing says Boston Pride quite like the crowds cheering along the Boston Marathon route. This is an incredible event when the whole Greater Boston community comes together to celebrate our strength.
25) Attend the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Where: Southie
Info: Like the Marathon, the Saint Paddy's Day Parade in Southie is a classic Boston experience. Over a century of history is packed into that annual cultural celebration, not to mention many gallons of Guinness.
26) Spend a weekday in Boston's Little Italy
Where: North End
Info: If you live in Boston, you know it's almost impossible to secure a seat at the renowned Daily Catch. Here's a pro tip: visit on a Monday or Tuesday, about an hour before the lunch rush. And when you're done, treat yourself to a delectable cannoli and a glass of wine at either Caffé Vittoria or Modern Pastry.
27) Boat out to the Harbor Islands
Where: Boston Harbor
Info: Boston Harbor is home to 34 islands and many of them can be visited by a regular ferry that runs from spring to fall. Go for a hike, experience cool art installations, and bask on the beach, all while overlooking the city skyline. Look out for free ferry weekend and community day cruises to enjoy live music and exploration of the islands!
28) Decide for yourself who serves the best pizza slice
Where: Eastie
Info: Every true Bostonian knows and loves Santarpio’s pizza. A city institution, the hot spot still has the feel of a hometown hub despite its immense fame. Their secret? A cornmeal crust. You’ve got to try it for yourself. But make sure to also visit local faves competing for the title of best Boston pizza slice like Pinnochio, Galleria Umberto, and other community recs.
29) See a concert at the Hatch Shell
Where: Back Bay
Info: Boston’s oceanside concert venue, the Hatch Shell, is nestled on the Esplanade and makes for an out-of-this-world concert experience. In the summer under the stars, you’ll never want the music to end. Listen to the Boston Landmarks Orchestra during their free summer concerts as you enjoy the sunset and waterfront views.
30) See a movie at Boston’s unique theaters or outdoors
Where: Coolidge Corner
Info: Experience the movie-going days of old at the Coolidge Corner Theater, a historic theater showing art house movies and classic films. There are even more fun movie experiences with 6 other unique theaters and free outdoor movies all over the city during the summer months.
31) Shop the by-the-pound pile at Garment District
Where: Kendall/MIT
Info: Garment District is a well-known Cambridge thrift store that serves up fabulous Halloween costumes, unique thrift finds, and a by-the-pound pile where you can dig for cheap sartorial treasure. Check out this list of Boston thrift shops to make a whole day adventure.
32) Participate in a citywide dance party
Where: City Hall Plaza
Info: Every June, the City of Boston celebrates hometown girl Donna Summer with a rockin' roller disco party. Skate it out or just dance to Donna’s hits under the Boston stars. Don’t put those dancing shoes away since there’s free outdoor dance parties all summer long, from salsa to afrobeats.
33) See a show at a local theater
Where: Theater District
Info: Boston hosts tons of productions, from Broadway shows and performances by the Boston Ballet to comedians and singers at the Boch Center Wang Theatre to local, professional theater productions.
34) Pahk the cah in Hahvahd Yahd (or just stroll through it)
Where: Harvard Square
Info: Soak up some knowledge with a stroll through the famous Harvard Yard. Bonus points if you grab an ice cream from Berry Line and read a book on the sprawling lawn, or grab a spicy marg and some guacamole at Felipe's rooftop if that's more your speed.
35) Dig for treasure during Allston Christmas
Where: Allston
Info: Every year around September 1st, Boston experiences Allston Christmas when students throw their unwanted belongings on the street for anyone to grab. The iconic city-wide moving day means there are treasures to be found, but don’t forget to bring your antiseptic.
36) Ice skate on the Boston Common Frog Pond
Where: Boston Common
Info: Gliding across the Frog Pond in the middle of the Boston Common is a magical winter experience in the city. Top off the outing with a cup of hot cocoa.
37) Explore the night sky at the Museum of Science Planetarium
Where: West End
Info: The Museum of Science has a lot to offer, but their planetarium showcases and informs you about the night sky in a very unique way. You can also experience concerts and movies on this immersive screen. Check out all of their fun events.
38) Witness a storrowing on September 1
Where: Storrow Drive
Info: Every year without fail a too-tall truck or van gets stuck under a bridge on Storrow Drive during the September 1st move-in rush. Watching a “storrowing” in action (or dressing up as one) is a quintessential Boston experience.
39) See cherry blossoms bloom on Comm Ave
Where: Back Bay
Info: One of the telltale signs of spring in Boston is the cherry blossoms blooming on Commonwealth Avenue. But move quickly! They only last a week or two each year. But don’t fret if you miss them since there are plenty of beautiful spring blooms from magnolias to daffodils and tulips to catch around the city.
40) Attend Boston Calling Music Festival
Where: Allston
Info: Boston Calling Music Festival has ballooned from a few acts at City Hall to a nationally recognized festival boasting huge names in music. Jam out to your favorite bands, snack on local eats, and take a ride on the signature Ferris wheel.
41) Catch a North End Feast
Where: North End
Info: The whole month of August is full of multi-day Italian festivals! Enjoy traditional Italian food, music, dancing, and parades. You’ll feel like you’re in the heart of Italy without traveling very far.
42) Cheer on the Bruins or the Celtics
Where: TD Garden
Info: It’s not a Boston winter without cheering on our city’s iconic hockey team. Head to TD Garden for a big game and snap a photo with Blades, the mascot, if you get there early. Don’t worry if you can’t catch a game since you can watch the Bruins practice for free at the Boston Landing Warrior Arena. Make sure to also cheer on the beloved C’s and bleed green as you watch the team make history once again.
43) Head to spooky Salem
Where: Salem
Info: While we don’t necessarily recommend braving the crowds in Salem close to Halloween, we do think that Salem is a must-do for a fall day trip. Perfectly accessible by the Commuter Rail (especially with the $10 weekend pass), with views of orange trees, Salem is a charming and spooky town that will make you feel like it's fall season.
44) Visit America’s most photographed street
Where: Beacon Hill
Info: Beacon Hill is a picturesque area no matter what season it is in Boston. Wander through the red-bricked alley during the day and casually stroll through the romantically-lit streets at night. Don’t forget to stop at the most photographed street in America: Acorn Street!
45) Explore Seaport
Where: Seaport
Info: Seaport is the up and coming high-rise neighborhood of Boston. Enjoy their summer market and their winter wonderland market. Grab a delicious ice cream in a soft cone in the shape of a fish. And enjoy its nightlife scene!
46) Visit the Cape
Where: Cape Cod
Info: Take a trip to the beloved Cape for a real beach getaway. While you’re at it, venture all the way out to the very tip of Mass at the iconically queer and vibrant Provincetown. And guess what? You don’t need a car or get stuck in notorious traffic. Instead, take a fast ferry to catch a sunset, play on the dunes, and explore the town.
47) Snap a pic and explore the world in the Mapparium
Where: Back Bay
Info: You’re finally allowed to take personal photos in the Mapparium and experience the world as it was in 1935! Enjoy the vibrant colors and a 360-degree view of the globe at this special gem.
48) Read a book while sipping a drink
Where: Around Boston
Info: Boston isn’t considered an intellectual city for nothing, we love to read! Especially during cozy season, nothing feels as good as curling up with a new read and a festive cocktail or coffee. Check out a book from the Boston Public Library and have a drink at their on-site bar or visit any of these other spots to read and drink around the city.
49) Peep some beautiful foliage
Where: Throughout Boston
Info: New England is known for its gorgeous foliage and you can enjoy those autumnal colors right here in Boston. Stroll the scenic streets of Beacon Hill and other hotspots for fall foliage in Boston.
50) See Boston from above
Where: Back Bay
Info: See Boston from a different vantage point at View Boston where you can watch the whole city sprawl out beneath you or at these rooftop bars where you can watch the cityscape while sipping a cocktail.
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