Explore Colonial Boston Attractions

As far as historical attractions go, Boston’s got almost every other city in the country beat. If you’re interested in learning about one of the first successful colonies in the New World, check out Plymouth. To see where the Revolution began with the Boston Massacre, stop by the Faneuil Hall and the Old State House. To experience for yourself the spirit of the first stirrings of Revolution, pay a visit to the Old South Meeting House. When you’re ready to explore the places where the Revolutionary War was fought, head out to Lexington and Concord for more historical attractions. With so much history, it can be hard to fit it all in one weekend, or even one trip. So we've put together a special package to help visitors to Boston interested in the history and culture of our fair city save on their explorations. The Colonial Boston package provides admission to four top historical Boston attractions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Paul Revere House, the Old South Meeting House, and the Old State House. Together, these attractions will give you a detailed picture of life in Colonial Boston and the momentous history of the period.

While there’s plenty of contemporary art at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the recently opened Art of the Americas wing has one of the best collections of Colonial-era art and artifacts in the country. In the painting galleries, you’ll find everything from detailed portraits of the Founding Fathers and their families, local businessmen, and famous women known for their charitable works or political support, to scenes from renowned battles depicted on a grand scale. The American wing also boasts an extensive collection of carefully restored and preserved furniture, china, clothing, and other decorative items from homes in eighteenth-century America. This is one of my personal favorite historical Boston attractions. The Paul Revere House, located in Boston’s North End neighborhood, is the perfect way to learn about the famous silversmith and his monumental role in the American Revolution. His home is preserved today as a National Landmark and it remains much they way it would it would have been during his lifetime. The tour also includes contextual material on his profession, his daily life, and his participation in the burgeoning American Revolution. The location of the Paul Revere House also makes it a great starting point for exploring the historical North End, which is full of churches, graveyards, homes, and waterfront monuments that all hail from the colonial period. The Old South Meeting House is among the most important colonial landmarks in America. As the largest building in Boston at the time, it was an early venue for colonists to meet in 1773 to being to voice protest against what they perceived to be unjust British rule. Once a church that boasted among the members of its congregation the famous African-American poet Phyllis Wheatley and innovator Benjamin Franklin, it’s a good representation of beautiful colonial architecture. The Old South Meeting House also offers a number of historical programs, tours, and re-enactments to get you in the historical spirit. As far as a larger tour of Boston goes, it’s very centrally located in Downtown Crossing, just between the Boston Common and the Waterfront areas, making it easily accessible via public transit. Nestled among modern skyscrapers in the Financial District, the Old State House is one of the most striking colonial landmarks in Boston. Like the Old South Meeting House, it’s a popular stop on the Freedom Trail and is a must-see for any historical tour of the city. This museum has several interactive exhibits that tell the story of how this building played a crucial role in the American Revolution – we especially recommend their star exhibit, “Revolutionary Boston.” The building itself is located just steps from the site of the historic Boston Massacre, one of the tipping points in American history that led to the Revolution. Each of these attractions on the Colonial Boston pass is perfect for individuals, families, and class trips for children of all ages. As a Go Select Package, visitors have 30 days from the first use to visit all included attractions: ideal for a weekend trip with family or two short school trips. The Paul Revere, the Old South Meeting House, and the Old State House are also within comfortable walking distance of one another for those of you interested in stretching your legs. So pick up a Colonial Boston pass today for your next vacation or class trip, and save big on four great historical Boston attractions!