10+ Things to Do Near Fenway Park and Back Bay During Your Trip to Boston

Even if you aren’t a fan of baseball, you’ve probably heard of iconic Fenway Park. But did you know that this neighborhood has much more than just a baseball stadium to explore?

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
Fenway Park

From world-famous museums to boutique shopping to top restaurants and bars, there’s something to fit every vacation style near Boston's Fenway and Back Bay neighborhoods.

Check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...
 

  • Museum of Fine Arts
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  • View Boston Observation Deck
  • Swan Boats of Boston
  • And more!

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The Museum of Fine Arts is the place in Boston for your art fix. It's one of the best museums in the country, according to a recent TripAdvisor poll. With an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and decorative arts, you can spend all day in this lovely institution.

They also host special exhibits on world-renowned artists, compelling subjects and beloved topics. Some exhibitions may come at a small additional cost. 

Boston Museum of Fine Arts

Here's a glimpse of the classic works you'll find inside.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Gardner Museum is another top option for art lovers. So much more than just a museum, it combines the appeal of a fascinating historic home with luxurious gardens alongside an impressive collection of artwork.

With more than 2,500 works of art from masters like Titian, Rembrandt, Manet, Degas, Sargent and more, you’re bound to find a favorite here.

Isabella Stewart Gardner museum

Discover a Venetian palazzo filled with plants and trees, a stunningly unique museum backdrop.

Panopticon Gallery

If you prefer photographs to paintings, then a visit to the Panopticon Gallery may be for you.

One of the earliest fine art photography galleries in the country, it houses a remarkable collection of beautiful works of art that you can purchase or just admire and enjoy. A visit here is a nice complement to the MFA or the Gardner.

Kenmore Square

The home of a nearby T stop, Kenmore Square is also the heart of a lively community filled with students, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Here you’ll find everything from the renowned Eastern Standard to local favorite Cornwall’s pub. There’s also a bookstore, a few boutique shops and plenty of chain restaurants for those looking to save money for souvenirs. 

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Classical music lovers should not pass up the chance to hear a performance from one of the country’s best orchestras, the Boston Symphony Orchestra. With a variety of performances put on in a majestic hall, you’ll love the entire experience. For a more affordable ticket, try attending an open rehearsal. A performance by the BSO is a top cultural thing to do near Fenway. 

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Things to Do in the Back Bay

View Boston Observation Deck

Located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Center, View Boston offers a breathtaking 360° look at the city skyline.

From this lofty vantage point, you can spot Boston’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods stretching out in every direction. After soaking up the views (and snapping plenty of photos), head to The Beacon bar or Stratus lounge for a cocktail and light bites with a view that’s truly worth it.

Boston observatory

Head to the skies for unbeatable Boston views.

Swan Boats of Boston

Take a ride aboard one of Boston’s best beloved historic treasures – the Swan Boats of Boston.

First invented in the 1870s by innovator Robert Paget, these ingenious vessels are propelled by your own pedaling feet. Their recognizable swan shape has also inspired great children’s literature like Make Way for Ducklings. So, the swan boats are an important cultural artifact as well!

Swan boats

Paddle power meets postcard views!

Mary Baker Eddy Library & Mapparium

A unique attraction nestled in Back Bay, Boston, the How Do You See The World?® experience with the Mapparium® globe is a fascinating place for kids and adults alike.

Mary Baker Eddy was a significant person in early Boston’s history, working as a teacher, businesswoman, publisher, and religious leader, and the institution today reflects her wide-ranging vision for human knowledge.

Do not miss a visit to the Mapparium itself, a massive painted glass globe that visitors can actually walk through! 

How Do You See The World?® experience with the Mapparium® globe

Take a trip inside this awesome globe!

Freedom Trail of Boston

Follow in the footsteps of history along Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile path, marked by a distinctive red line, winds through the city past 16 of its most important historical landmarks — from Boston Common and the Old State House to Paul Revere’s House and the site of the Boston Massacre.

You can easily stroll the trail at your own pace, but joining a guided tour brings the city’s revolutionary past vividly to life. Expect fascinating stories, local insight, and a whole new appreciation for the birthplace of American independence.

Freedom trail

Travel back in time (no time machine required).

Boston Public Library

Although you can certainly feel free to sign up for a library card if you’re a local, it’s also worth it as a visitor just to step inside the Boston Public Library for a glimpse of their beautiful, legendary reading rooms.

Then, you can step back outside and marvel at the BPL’s distinctive architecture. Be sure to get a photo of yourself on the library steps – it’s a Boston tradition and one of the top things to do near Back Bay. 

Boston public library

Emerald Necklace Parks

If you love a good stroll surrounded by nature, Boston’s Emerald Necklace is your perfect escape. Designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, this 1,100-acre chain of connected parks winds through the Fenway–Kenmore area and beyond, linking some of the city’s most beautiful green spaces.

Wander tree-lined paths, stop to admire the ponds and bridges, and keep an eye out for local wildlife — it’s a favorite spot for birdwatching, picnics, and snapping those picture-perfect Boston moments. Visit in fall for a spectacular show of autumn color, or in spring when the blossoms make the parkland glow.

The best of Boston beyond the ballpark

From world-class art and architecture to leafy park paths and skyline views, Fenway and Back Bay show off Boston at its most vibrant. Whether you’re catching a concert, wandering through a museum or relaxing by the water, this part of the city is packed with culture, charm and plenty of local flavor.

So take your time, explore a little further and see why these neighborhoods are among Boston’s best-loved. And if you want to make the most of your trip, grab a Go City Boston pass – you’ll save on top attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts, View Boston, and more, while exploring at your own pace.

Boston’s calling — and this is the perfect place to start your adventure.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Beacon Hill, Boston

Looking to spend your vacation in Boston, but not sure where to set up your home base? Why not try Beacon Hill? This affluent area of the city has plenty of things to see and do, as well as places to eat and drink. Take our word for it and read on, as we've done all the research for you! So sit back, relax and read on as we talk about the best things to do in Beacon Hill, Boston! Including: Parks Freedom Trail Walking Tour Massachusetts State House Weird gifts Dinner ideas and more! Common People Sometimes, even on vacation, you just want to relax in the great outdoors, breathing in the fresh air as birdsong fills your ears. Well, you're in Boston, so it's not like there are rolling hills of green or grandiose canyons to look upon. Instead, you'll need to go to one of Boston's great green spaces to get your fill of mother nature. Thankfully, Beacon Hill has some fantastic parks to prowl. Don't actually prowl them. You're not a cat. Firstly, why not stop by the country's oldest public park? Since the 1630s, Boston Common has been a popular destination for tourists and locals. Its 50 acres touch five of the city's main streets, two of which are in Beacon Hill. So it counts. Be sure to check out Brewer Fountain Plaza for some sweet social snaps. Or, if you like your plants more exotic and fancy stretching your legs a little bit more, Boston Public Garden is a stone's throw from the Common. The country's original botanical gardens, it's become rather famous for it swan-like boats, which many romantic comedies have used throughout the years. Besides all the amazing flora and the big swan boats, there's plenty of history to discover too, so feel free to take a guided tour if that's your thing. Or just sit down, relax, and drink it all in. Up to you. On the trail of freedom Boston's famous Freedom Trail also snakes its way into Beacon Hill. So, if you're feeling historical, curious about the nation's history, or just want to experience talking to someone in funny old-timey clothing, why not take a tour? This 90-minute, one-mile historic city tour follows Boston's world-famous red brick path. Participants will hear over 250 years of history come to life as they pass by Boston's historical sites, such as Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, the Boston Massacre Site, and King's Chapel. Famous historical faces like Josiah Quincy, Henry Knox, and Phillis Wheatley will tell you their own stories and share lively anecdotes about the places, events, and drama of the American Revolution and beyond. Well, not really them. It's actors. Those guys are all long gone. If you even have just a fraction of interest in the country's independence or history, the Freedom Trail Tour is easily one of the best things to do in Beacon Hill when you visit Boston! The State of play If all the tasty history wasn't enough, why not make room for another course? Our dessert menu only has one historical item on it, a braised Massachusetts State House that's simply dripping with historical intrigue and information. The large, golden dome is visible from many parts of the city. As such, it's a beacon you should not miss. And how can you miss a beacon when you're in Beacon Hill? They offer free tours to all visitors, so why not go and learn some things? Oddities We've all been there. You're on vacation, and the expectation from your congregation is to bring them back gifts that will cause elation. But what gift do you get? Do you even know what they like? Don't worry about any of that. Go with your gut and head down to Black Ink. Inside, you'll find a world of curious oddities, from shot glasses to dinosaurs, weird baby toys to cat-themed chopstick rests. If it sounds strange and disparate, that's because it is. But it wears that randomness on its sleeve. Some of it is Boston-themed, and some of it is not. Well, it's better than a cheap postcard with a tacky tagline, isn't it? Winner winner get some dinner Let's move swiftly onto food, now. Beacon Hill has some banging restaurants to sate your well-earned hunger. These are our favs. Start your day off with a bang at Beacon Hill Bistro. Yes, it's a restaurant in a hotel, but after you've tasted their winning delights, you'll wish you had booked a room. Their crispy chicken hash with eggs is sublime, and a great way to pack your body with protein to power the day ahead. Looking for a nice lunch spot? Hit up Grotto for some classic Italian dishes with a twist. The Gnocchi with short ribs, mushrooms, and gorgonzola in a red wine sauce is something else. But they do steak too, if you're not feeling like a little Italy. For a classy dinner, fork out for No.9 Park. Diners are welcomed by a pricey tasting menu and wine pairing, as well as a dress code. No jeans and tank tops here. However, the food is as delightful as the elegant decor, with its nouveau-cuisine spin on Italian classics. Liquid Bold After all the dining and exploring, end the day with a couple of drinks. These are our picks for Beacon Hill's best boozers. For an unassuming pint or three, the Seven Ale House has you covered. Bringing some of that Boston dock attitude to this gentrified area, you can settle in for a drink and overhear the locals talking about the ball game or something. Or, enjoy the speakeasy vibe of Carrie Nation Cocktail Club. Cocktails are the name of the game here, mostly created with craft vodkas, gins, and whiskeys. Grab a couple, play a game of pool, and forget about all your troubles, if only for a few hours. And those are our picks for the best things to do in Beacon Hill, Boston! Want some more East coast goodness? Check out Boston's best museums.
Dom Bewley
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Boston Itinerary - 3 Days in Boston for First Timers

Our jam-packed guide will help you make long-lasting memories during your short stay in Boston!
Katie Sagal
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Best Museums in Boston

Heading to Boston on vacation, or a resident looking for some sweet, unadulterated culture? You've come to the right place. We're all about culture here, and we've plucked the finest of the city's museums out of the ether. So sit back, tune your eyes to reading mode, and prepare for an information overload. These are our picks for the best museums in Boston! Including: Museum of Science USS Constitution Museum Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Harvard Museum of Natural History Salem Witch Museum and more! Museum of Science Science. The ongoing answer to life's many questions. For millennia, it's helped us uncover more and more about our world and the many worlds around us. So, why not get hands-on with over 700 fascinating interactive exhibits at Boston's Museum of Science? Have your brain tickled by humankind's many mind-blowing discoveries, and ponder the things we're still only glimpsing. Walk among the many awesome exhibitions, like the Hall of Human Life, where you'll journey into the human body itself, find out how we work from the inside out, and learn more about how our choices make us who we are. Or, spark your imagination at the Theater of Electricity, a shrine to the wondrous energy found in nature and how we've learned to harness it. Learn all about electricity, magnetism, and the mechanisms we use it for, such as conductors and insulators. All of that, and the world's largest Van de Graaff generator await you! USS Constitution Museum Want to learn more about the country's seafaring history? Do yourself a favor and immediately head to the USS Constitution Museum. This famous ship, completed in 1797, even served in the War of 1812 against those evil Brits. We showed them, didn't we! Inside, you'll find two historic American vessels to explore, interactive exhibits that give you a hands-on with history, and learn about how these vessels worked. How exactly do you unfurl a 200-year-old sail? How did they fire their cannons? What everyday issues did sailors face back then? Find out the answers to all these questions and much more at the USS Constitution Museum, easily one of the best museums in Boston for the nautically curious! Museum of Fine Arts, Boston We all appreciate the finer things in life, whether it's extravagant furniture, meticulously-designed clothing, or a cheeseburger adorned with lashings of bacon. So, why not go look at some fine things at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston? One of the world's most impressive and comprehensive art museums, a whopping 500,000 works are held within. Good luck seeing half a million artworks in one visit! This mammoth collection is housed within more than 100 galleries that include paintings, sculptures, and myriad artifacts from throughout human history, as far back as ancient civilizations and all the way through to 19th-century painters like van Gogh. And, when you've explored as much art as you can physically manage in one day, rest your weary legs at the New American Cafe, where you can pick up small bites, a drink, or a fully-fledged meal. Nice. Harvard Museum of Natural History Boston is known for many things; baseball, basketball, its unique accent. But one of the jewels in the state's crown is undoubtedly Harvard University. One of the world's most renowned centers of higher education, it's no wonder they expanded into the museum business. At the Harvard Museum of Natural History, you'll find more than 12,000 natural artifacts, from dinosaur fossils to huge geodes. Given Harvard's renown as an education facility, it's no surprise you'll find so many amazing fossils and artifacts within. Explore the museum's many halls and exhibitions to learn all about Earth's natural history, from primordial ooze all the way to modern man. For inquisitive minds, this is easily one of the best museums in Boston! Salem Witch Museum Salem has become notorious in fiction for being a paranormal place where myths and monsters lurk around every corner. Really, all of this absolute make-believe stemmed from the sadly very real Salem Witch Trials. For those who don't know, here's a quick history lesson. Back in 1692, some bright sparks decided to accuse women of witchcraft, generally out of spite or petty disagreements. This idiocy soon snowballed into the trials themselves, where over 150 women were accused of being witches, resulting in 20 being put to death. It was a dark time in the nation's history, but an interesting one nonetheless. How did it happen? How could it happen? You'll find the answer to those questions and more at the Salem Witch Museum. Explore 13 life-sized sets that recreate the trials, learn about how the hysteria spread, and how perfectly normal people could be driven to such violent ends. Then, discover the fallout of the trials, the communities torn apart by them, and how colonists were left to pick up the pieces. One of the most fascinating and unique museums in Boston; it's best to see it yourself. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum How about seeing some inspiring art in an inspiring building? Look no further than the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Step inside this striking 19th-century building, and you'll immediately notice its Venetian influence. Within these historic galleries, you'll find works from world-renowned artists like Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. The museum contains over 2,500 such works, so you'll be plenty occupied seeing them all! Then, when you're all art-ed out, make sure you wander the fantastic grounds around the museum. Maybe you'll find some inspiration to dig out the watercolors. Boston Children's Museum It's often said that the children are our future. And that was as true in the past as it is today, because the Boston Children's Museum has been delighting and teaching kids for over one hundred years. Inside, kids will get the chance to wall-climb, escape a giant maze, and create their own artistic 'masterpieces,' all while being stealth taught. The perfect way to get them educated is when they don't even realize they're learning. With a focus on science, the environment, art, and health, it's a great platform for your kids to ensure they're the best they can be. And, best of all, it's good fun too. They even have special events going on throughout the year, so be sure to check ahead before you travel and see what's available. For those of you with little ones, it's one of the best museums in Boston. And that's our list of the best museums in Boston!
Dom Bewley

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