Our guide to staying safe while visiting Boston!

City traveling can be scary – here’s our advice on how to stay safe and still have the best time while exploring Boston!

Is Boston Safe?

Boston is a fantastic city dripping with culture, and a great place to spend your vacation. But how safe is it? Find out in our handy guide below!

Including:

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">How safe is Boston?</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Common threats to safety in Boston</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Neighborhoods to avoid</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Is Downtown Boston safe?</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Is public transport safe in Boston?</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">and more!</li>
</ul>

Like many cities and cultural hubs, Boston has its fair share of crime. However, it&#39;s nowhere near the worst city in the country regarding crime. And, while having a crime rate that is about double the national average might seem noteworthy, that&#39;s taking into consideration the myriad of rural cities across America&#39;s less populated states.

It&#39;s worth shining a little perspective on this too. Comparatively, Memphis, the city with the country&#39;s highest crime rate, is four times that of Boston.

As such, treat Boston like you would treat living in any city. Keep your belongings with you at all times, avoid carrying around valuables like expensive cameras, your passport, expensive jewelry and watches, and try to keep your carry cash to a minimum. Rely on your common sense, and you&#39;ll be fine.

&nbsp;

How safe is Boston?

Theft is Boston&#39;s biggest issue, especially in the tourist-heavy parts of the city. As mentioned above, common sense will win you the day here. Leave your more expensive belongings in your accommodation. If that&#39;s not an option, keep them with you at all times. Avoid getting up to pay a bill or buy a ticket and leaving your bags behind.

Pickpockets do operate in tourism-centric areas. Like other historic cities with a lot of attractions, this is sadly just a fact of life. To beat them at their own game, do not keep any cash or wallets in your back pockets, and be aware of your handbag or purse when walking through crowds. Keep those bad boys shut and grip them tightly in your clenched fist.

Other issues you may run into in the safer areas are scams. Again, this is the same for many, many cities with a large tourist footfall. Be on the lookout for distraction scams, such as when someone spills a coffee or sauce on your and insists on cleaning you up. If this happens to you, simply walk away. ATMs may be tampered with, so you&#39;re best off walking into a bank to withdraw money, or using your card instead of cash while you visit.

Homeless people may also become agitated or aggressive if you choose not to give them money. Again, use common sense and walk away. You&#39;ve got this.

As far as violent crimes go, they can be almost entirely avoided if you simply don&#39;t visit some neighborhoods. But which are these?

&nbsp;

Common threats to safety in Boston

Boston has a handful of neighborhoods you should avoid. Thankfully, most of them are pretty far from the center and, as such, have little for tourists to explore. Here are the ones you shouldn&#39;t visit.

Roxbury

South of South End is Roxbury, a relatively large neighborhood with over 60,000 residents. There is a proportionally high amount of violent crime here compared to many other Boston neighborhoods, but it has improved over the past thirty years. If you need to visit the area, you should do so during the day, and women are also advised to travel with a partner or group.

Mattapan

One of the most run-down neighborhoods in Boston, Mattapan is another area we&#39;d recommend you avoid. Bordering on Roxbury&#39;s southern side, its location even further from the city center means there&#39;s probably no reason for you to venture that far. Gang and drug issues are commonplace, so if you absolutely need to go there, do so during the day.

Jamaica Plain

Another potentially dangerous area of Boston is Jamaica Plain. There is a large police presence here to control it, but the rise in gang violence there means it should be avoided if possible. Bordering South End and not far from Back Bay, just be aware that if you&#39;re going for a walk from either neighborhood, you don&#39;t stray too far south.

Hyde Park

Arguably the safest neighborhood in this district, Hyde Park boasts a proportionally higher petty crime rate than the others on this list. So, while you may be less likely to experience violent crime, you may have your pockets picked. It&#39;s also a very quiet area with very little to do, so perhaps it&#39;s best to simply avoid it altogether.

&nbsp;

Neighborhoods to avoid

Downtown is generally considered a very safe neighborhood in Boston! There are still areas you should avoid, such as Park St and Downtown Crossing. At night, these attract vagrants and addicts. Anywhere else, however, is safe enough to walk around at night.

As mentioned above, pickpockets congregate in the more central, touristy neighborhoods like Downtown. So be aware of your surroundings and follow the usual rules of stashing valuables and not flashing cash.

&nbsp;

Is Downtown Boston safe?

Of course, the easiest way to get around the city and see the sights is via public transport. The subway connects many of the city&#39;s most affluent and interesting neighborhoods. However, as it connects to the less desirable areas of the city, it is recommended you plan your journey and make sure you get off at the right stop. Especially at night time. The last thing you want is to catch the last train home, miss your stop, and end up stranded in the wrong part of town!

But remember, this is the same for countless cities around the world. There are probably areas where you live you wouldn&#39;t visit at night! Speaking of...

&nbsp;

Is public transport safe in Boston?

Yes, Boston is safe at night. Stick to the central, better areas, and you&#39;ll be fine. However, that doesn&#39;t mean you should leave your front door unlocked or wear some sort of suit made up with all your dollar bills. Always be aware of your surroundings, just like in any city. Here are a few tips to bear in mind when traveling the city:

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">If you&#39;re by yourself, don&#39;t use earbuds when walking or on the train, especially after dark.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">If you&#39;re getting about by car, keep all valuables hidden. Even a cellphone charging cable could clue a thief into a pricey phone.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Stay in well-lit areas at night. That alley might be a great shortcut, but you&#39;re better off walking the long way around.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Keep your bag or purse held tight or wrapped around your arm.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">If anyone asks for money and you feel uncomfortable, simply walk away.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Know where you&#39;re going ahead of time and plan your route. Using GPS or a map will single you out as a tourist. If necessary, use a single earbud for GPS directions.</li>
</ul>

Is Boston safe at night?

And that&#39;s our guide to staying safe in Boston! Why not make the most of your trip? Grab a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston" target="_blank">Boston pass</a> and save while you sightsee!

Is Boston safe? Find out in our handy guide to the city!

Is Boston Safe? | Go City®

Don’t miss out on the best of Boston’s Chinatown!

Dive into the cuisine and sights of Chinatown – here’s why we think it’s not one to be missed!

Things to do in Chinatown, Boston

Picture the scene. You&#39;re planning your vacation to Boston. You&#39;ve mapped out all the places you want to see, all the things you want to do, and then it hits you. What about Chinatown? Understandably, you pause, wondering how you could possibly miss one of Boston&#39;s best districts. It&#39;s okay; we all make mistakes. There&#39;s still time to fix things. And fix them we shall. Just sit there, yes, there, and chill out. Scroll down and discover the district&#39;s delights. Here begins our guide to the best things to do in Chinatown, Boston!

Including:

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Where to eat</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Where to drink</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">What to see</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">What to do</li>
</ul>

Chinese cuisine is one of the world&#39;s favorites, so it&#39;s no wonder residents and visitors travel to Chinatown for chow. But with so many options, which are the best? These are our picks.

If choice paralysis isn&#39;t a thing for you, then <a href="https://ordertaiwancafe.com/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Taiwan Cafe</a> should be top of your list. They have over 200 items on the menu, so you&#39;re literally spoiled for choice. However, don&#39;t sleep on the pork chop. It&#39;s good. Real good.

Fancy a dumpling? Don&#39;t worry; they&#39;ve got a cafe dedicated to them, the aptly-named&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dumplingcafe.com/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Dumpling Cafe</a>. Alongside a mouth-watering number of soup dumpling dishes, they also do sides like teriyaki sticks, which every customer should try once.

Like your dishes with a little spice? <a href="https://www.chinagourmetboston.com/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">China Gourmet Restaurant</a> offers Fukienese options with a hefty dose of fiery spices. Check out their spicy chicken wings to see what you&#39;re made of!

Or, if you fancy another Eastern cuisine, why not try <a href="https://penangboston.kwickmenu.com/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Penang&#39;s</a> Malaysian menu? Chicken and rice are the way to go here, and you&#39;ve got plenty of options as far as both are concerned! Or, try the Malaysian national dish, nasi lemak, if you&#39;ve never had it before.

Chinatown's best eating

Of course, you might be looking for something lighter, or want to eat on the go. Thankfully, Chinatown&#39;s got a few amazing pastry joints that&#39;ll fit you like a crispy glove.

Ho Yuen Bakery makes all their pastries on site, with plenty on offer in their humble Chinatown abode. You&#39;ll find sweet and savory buns, as well as bao and other traditional gems on offer. Check out their curry bun; you&#39;ll never know buns could be so much fun.

Another one is the savory-focused Hing Shing Pastry, which sits just a stone&#39;s throw from Chinatown&#39;s impressive gate. Does a hot dog bun sound appealing? Well, it should, because it&#39;s awesome. Partner it with a delicious almond cookie, and you&#39;re good to go.

&nbsp;

Chinatown's best pastries

While most of Chinatown&#39;s drinking spots are eating spots too, we&#39;ve split the list to better focus on each separately. You&#39;re very welcome. Here are our picks for Chinatown&#39;s best watering holes.

Enter the Ritz Carlton, and you&#39;ll find the swanky, suave <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/boston/dining/avery-bar?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Avery Bar</a>. Along with a decent food menu (compared to most hotels at least), you&#39;ll find a world of delicious craft cocktails, an exhaustive wine list, and pro-shakers who will mix you up whatever you desire.

Want something loud? Looking for more of a vibe? <a href="http://shojoboston.com/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Shojo</a> is one of Chinatown&#39;s best, with big music, big drinks, and big bar snacks to boot. Whiskey lovers will be enamored with their surprisingly verbose menu. So, if you need to drown it down with brown, Shojo&#39;s probably your jam.

Yearn the leather, bike chains, and bandanas of a dive bar? Swayze over to <a href="http://cornerpubboston.net/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Corner Pub</a> and experience your own Roadhouse, minus all the violence. Literal buckets of beer are on offer, along with a riffing jukebox and some decent pub food if you get the beer munchies.

Looking for some Asian food while you down your shots? <a href="https://cravechinatown.com/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Crave Chinatown</a> has a wide selection of bites, from sushi to Korean fried chicken, along with some Asian-inspired cocktails. Anything with sake is the one here. Nice.

Chinatown's best drinking

Of course, Chinatown isn&#39;t just about food and drink. It&#39;s about the culture too. So keep an eye out for these landmarks when you visit!

China Trade Gate is the first thing that greets you when you enter Chinatown. Donated to Boston by the Taiwanese government in the &#39;80s, its jade-green roof and white frame are quite the sight!

Have a look around Chinatown, and you&#39;ll find a myriad of colorful murals. They&#39;re created by different groups, but all tell the generational story of Chinatown&#39;s residents throughout Chinatown&#39;s existence.

&nbsp;

Chinatown's best sights

And finally, let&#39;s end with the best things to do in Chinatown.

Go check out some artwork at Pao Arts Center, where you&#39;ll find a rotation of exhibitions on show from some of Chinatown&#39;s own artists. They also hold classes there too, if you need to brush up on your skills. That was a pun, and it was absolutely intended, just like all puns are.

Want a keepsake to bring home, or looking for a gift to give that special someone? Essex Corner has all manner of wonderful Asian crafts inside. They sell all manner of authentic products, like handmade fans, lanterns, and candles, among many others.

Ever tried acupuncture? If not, go check out <a href="https://www.tamhealing.com/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Lea Tam Acupuncture Center</a> and get pricked in all the right places. We&#39;re talking about pressure points here, so get your mind out of the gutter. If you&#39;ve got any lingering or chronic issues, this family-run joint could be just the thing. One ticket to relief town, please! That sounded way better in our heads.

Or, if you want to find out more about the women who helped make Chinatown the district it is today, take a Boston Women&#39;s Heritage Trail tour of the area. It&#39;ll take you all around the area and teach you a lot about what women have done to Chinatown!

&nbsp;

Chinatown's best activities

And that about rounds out our list of the best things to do in Chinatown when you visit Boston! Eager for more Boston-related fun? Check out<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/blog/best-museums-boston" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank"> our guide to the city&#39;s best museums</a>. Not sure where to stay during your visit? We&#39;ve collated <a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/blog/where-stay-boston" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">all the best spots</a> just for you! So grab a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston" target="_blank">Boston pass</a> and save while you sightsee!

Visiting China when you're in Boston? Here are the best thing to do there!

Things to do in Chinatown Boston | Go City®

Check out our must-see Boston sights list!

Upcoming week in Boston? Here are our picks to ensure your vacay is packed full of fun activities and historic sights!

A Week in Boston Itinerary - 5 to 7 Days in Boston for a Fun Filled Vacation

Planning to spend a week in Boston and wondering how to make the most of your time? We&rsquo;ve put together a great itinerary for 5 to 7 days in Boston that will show you the best of the city in just one week! From guided sightseeing tours and museums to historical buildings and beyond, Boston has a ton of fun things to see and do - we&#39;ve grouped them by neighborhood.

Must-see places include:

<ul>
	<li>Fenway Park and Back Bay</li>
	<li>Faneuil Hall, the Waterfront, &amp; Noth End</li>
	<li>Cambridge, MA</li>
	<li>Salem, MA</li>
</ul>

Planning to visit lots of Boston attractions? With Go City&reg; you won&#39;t miss a thing, plus with a pass, you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do - winning!

☀️<a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/passes?days=3&amp;choices=3&amp;duration=3" target="_blank">Compare Boston passes</a>☀️ &ndash; 🌏 <a href="http://gocity.com/en/" target="_blank">Explore other destinations</a> 🌏 &ndash; ✈️ <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/passes?days=3&amp;choices=3&amp;duration=3" target="_blank">Buy a pass</a> ✈️

<h2>Fenway Park and Back Bay Area</h2>

<h3>Fenway Park Tour</h3>

If visiting &quot;America&#39;s favorite baseball stadium&quot; appeals to you, a guided tour of Fenway Park is the way to go. This behind-the-scenes look at Fenway&#39;s features and typically off-limits-to-the-public sites provides an in-depth look at this Boston landmark. Some of the famous stadium areas you&#39;ll visit on the tour include Pesky&rsquo;s Pole, the Green Monster, the Lone Red Seat, and more.

Visit the <a href="https://www.mlb.com/redsox">Boston Red Sox website</a> for more information on games.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

<h2>Boston Public Library (free)</h2>

The Boston Public Library is one of the most architecturally stunning buildings in Boston and worth stepping into even if just for a glimpse of their beautiful reading rooms. A visit to the library is one of the top things to do in Back Bay.

<h2>Salem area</h2>

Explore historic Salem, known for the infamous witch hunts of the late 1600s. 
&nbsp;

<h3>Salem Witch Museum</h3>

Learn all about the evolution of witches, or the belief in witches, throughout history at Salem&#39;s most visited museum. The museum explores the presence of witches in various cultures with of course a particular focus on the witch hysteria of 1692 in a way that is both educational and entertaining.

Tip: check out the museum&#39;s gift shop - they sell tons of fun souvenirs, crafts by local artists, and some of the most fun Halloween costumes and decorations around.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

<h2>House of the Seven Gables</h2>

Built in 1668, New England&rsquo;s oldest wooden mansion was once home to Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter. Take a guided tour of the famous home, stroll through the well-kept gardens, and enjoy the waterfront views.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is only available on the All-Inclusive Pass.

<h2>Peabody Essex Museum (PEM)</h2>

The PEM has a fascinating history of its own worth exploring. It&rsquo;s home to a collection of one million artifacts and treasures, collected by sea captains who brought back interesting treasures and rare finds from their adventures overseas, and which make for a unique representation of world history. In addition to its permanent collection, the PEM dedicates a lot of resources to its temporary exhibits -- be sure to check their site before you go to see what&#39;s going on.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

<h2>Save on admission to top Boston attractions with Go City&reg;</h2>

Discover our full line-up of <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/attractions" target="_blank">Boston attractions</a> including the USS Constitution Museum, Salem Witch Museum, Paul Revere House, and more.

🤩 &gt;&gt; If you want to see and do as much as you can, our <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/passes?duration=3" target="_blank">All-Inclusive Pass</a> is for you.

😎 &gt;&gt; If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/passes/explorer?duration=3" target="_blank">Explorer Pass</a> is the perfect option.

Whichever <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston" target="_blank">Boston attraction pass</a> you pick, you&#39;ll get to see all the city&#39;s best bits and save along the way!

<h3>Share your adventure with us</h3>

Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we&rsquo;ll feature you on our page. Follow the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gocity" target="_blank">Go City Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoCityOfficial/" target="_blank">Facebook channels</a> for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels.

<h2>Faneuil Hall and North End area</h2>

<h3>Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market (free)</h3>

This busy shopping destination is a must for Boston visitors. Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are both historic buildings. Faneuil Hall was where America&#39;s first town meeting was held, and is now home to souvenir shops and tourist information booths. Quincy Market was once a commercial center and is now home to tourist-friendly restaurants and popular stores.

<h2>Boston Children&rsquo;s Museum</h2>

If you&#39;re traveling with kids to Boston, the Boston Children&#39;s Museum is a must-see. Designed specifically to entertain, engage, and spark curiosity about the world we live in, this museum is packed with tons of interactive and informative exhibits.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

<h2>Cambridge area</h2>

<h3>Harvard University</h3>

Explore the grounds of the school that attracts some of the best and brightest students from around the world - Harvard University. Get the most out of your visit by taking a walking tour, led by a current student, for a true insider&#39;s perspective on all the highlights and important history behind some of the campus&#39; stunning architecture, beautifully landscaped green spaces, and famous sites.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

<h2>Harvard Museum of Natural History</h2>

Located on the Harvard University campus and showcasing earth science, and biology, this museum is packed with natural gemstones, fossils, skeletons, artifacts, and more. You&#39;ll get to see over 12,000 specimens from around the globe &ndash; including dinosaurs!

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

<h2>Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology</h2>

Located right next to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology is another great museum to visit in the Cambridge area and focuses on exploring ancient world cultures. From Native American art to Mayan architecture, you&rsquo;ll find a fascinating range of artifacts and ancient objects on display.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

<h2>Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Tour</h2>

Explore the campus of another world-renowned school, guided by one of the students. This hub of innovation - where the internet itself was invented - served as the setting for Good Will Hunting, and it&rsquo;s the place where Buzz Aldrin got his doctorate in astronautics. Get a glimpse into campus life, learn more about what studying at MIT is like, and see key locations throughout.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

The area surrounding the famously historic baseball stadium - which you should also check out - has evolved in recent years with lots of apartment developments and trendy restaurants, shops, and boutique fitness studios that come along with it.

<h2>Back Bay Area</h2>

So named because it was once a bay before the city of Boston filled in the bay to create more land, Back Bay is largely considered the cultural hub of Boston with multiple museums, one-of-a-kind boutiques, brick row houses, trendy restaurants, cafes, and more.

<h2>Museum of Fine Arts</h2>

The highly regarded Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is home to 450,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, furniture, and more that span from ancient Egypt to the present day. It&rsquo;s known for a rotating series of temporary exhibits that always offer a fresh take on relevant topics in culture today.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

<h2>Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum</h2>

The Isabella Steward Gardner Museum is another popular museum space for Boston visitors. More than a museum, the building itself was the former estate of Isabella Stewart Gardner (1840-1924) herself before she gifted the estate to the museum.

You&#39;ll get to learn all about the fascinating and progressive lifestyle led by the art collector, philanthropist, and active member of Boston&#39;s high society, as you tour the picturesque mansion, complete with an indoor courtyard/garden. You&#39;ll even get to see the tragically blank walls where the pieces of art that were stolen during the infamous art heist of 1990 once hung.

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

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

<h2>Swan Boats of Boston</h2>

One of Boston&rsquo;s best-loved historic treasures, is located in Boston Public Garden. If there&#39;s a line, it usually moves pretty fast! Be sure to spend some time walking around the paths that take you throughout the gardens, you&#39;ll stumble upon some beautiful scenery and great photo ops.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

<h2>Freedom Trail Walking Tour</h2>

You&#39;ll literally &#39;see&#39; the trail winding through Boston, marked by a double brick line (or sometimes red painted line) that punctuates the sidewalk and takes you past major points of historical and cultural interest. While visitors often walk along the line at their own pace, we recommend taking a guided tour to make sure you see all the major highlights so you can learn about each stop and its significance to Boston&rsquo;s history as you go.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

Looking for a week in Boston itinerary? We've put together a list of popular attractions in Boston to help you make the most of your time.

A Week in Boston Itinerary: 5 to 7 Fun-Filled Days in Boston

First time in Boston? Here’s what not to miss!

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

Boston Itinerary - 3 Days in Boston for First Timers

In Boston for a brief vacation but unsure how to maximize your time? If you only have 3 days in Boston, we have some great suggestions for what to do on your trip. This Boston itinerary encompasses tons of activities and attractions to help you see the best of Boston.

We&#39;ve also included both indoor and outdoor options, so you can make the most of your trip regardless of which time of year you&#39;re visiting.&nbsp;

This 3-day itinerary includes:

<ul>
	<li>Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Trolley</li>
	<li>Fenway Park Tour</li>
	<li>Freedom Trail Walking Tour</li>
	<li>Old State House</li>
	<li>Institute of Contemporary Art or&nbsp;USS Constitution Cruise</li>
	<li>Boston Children&#39;s Museum or Boston Whale Watch Cruise</li>
	<li>New England Aquarium</li>
	<li>Mary Baker Eddy Library</li>
</ul>

Only have a few days in Boston? We&rsquo;ve also put together a&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/blog/one-day-in-boston/">1-day</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/blog/weekend-in-boston/">2 day itinerary</a>.

The dynamic, interactive&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/boston-childrens-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Boston Children&rsquo;s Museum</a>&nbsp;is the perfect place for kids to play and learn. All exhibits are designed to make your kids think as they explore and grow as they engage with unique objects and interfaces. For example, children love the Art Studio, where they can create to their heart&rsquo;s content.

They will learn about shapes, colors, tools, and forms while they express themselves artistically. Another popular area is the New Balance Foundation Climb. It&#39;s a 3-story climbing sculpture that&rsquo;s part activity, part puzzle, and all fun! They also offer a wide variety of special programming and unique activities. Be sure to consult their operating calendar before you visit to see what&rsquo;s going on during your trip.

<h2>Stop #3: Swan Boat Ride (outdoor option)</h2>

The&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/swan-boats-boston" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Swan Boats of Boston</a>&nbsp;are among the most iconic characters in the city. The pond and the boats are found in Boston&#39;s gorgeous public gardens. Many Bostonians consider this their favorite part of the city.

Made famous in stories like&nbsp;Make Way for Ducklings&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Trumpet of the Swan, the Swan Boats are the only vessels of their kind in the world. Ride on this historic vessel with your sweetheart or your friends, and enjoy the opportunity to soak up the beauty of the surrounding gardens.

<h2>Save on admission to top Boston attractions with Go City&reg;</h2>

Jam-packed with everything that a first-time visitor to Boston really shouldn&#39;t miss, this itinerary should give you a great starting point on how to spend three days in this exciting city.

Discover our full line-up of Boston attractions including the Fenway Park Tour, the View Boston Observation Deck, the Boston Children&#39;s Museum, and more.

🤩 &gt;&gt; If you want to see and do as much as you can, our <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/passes/all-inclusive?duration=3">All-Inclusive Pass</a>&nbsp;is for you.

😎 &gt;&gt; If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/passes/explorer?duration=3">Explorer Pass</a>&nbsp;is the perfect option.

So grab whichever <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston" target="_blank">Boston attraction pass</a> suits you, and go see the city&#39;s best bits!

<h2>Stop #1: New England Aquarium Whale Watch (outdoor option)</h2>

This New England Aquarium Whale Watch cruise will take you out into the Atlantic Ocean. Cruise out to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, home to various species of whales and dolphins. You&rsquo;ll spot many seabirds, but the highlight will be the wide variety of whales, from humpback whales to finback and minke whales.

If you have a video camera or a smartphone, we recommend bringing it along on this cruise. We also recommend making reservations in advance and be sure to mention that you have a Go City Boston pass while making reservations. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your cruise time; the cruise will take approximately four hours.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/new-england-aquarium" rel="noopener" target="_blank">New England Aquarium</a>&nbsp;is bound to be a favorite with the kids, and adults will find so much to explore as well! The four-story Caribbean coral reef is one of the most popular exhibits, filled with tons of tropical fish and other exotic creatures. Be sure to visit the Shark and Ray Touch Tank and take the opportunity to interact with those fascinating creatures.

And don&rsquo;t forget about the Aquarium&rsquo;s stars &ndash; the lovable, goofy penguins! There&#39;s also a delightful IMAX movie available onsite (rotating regularly), which comes at a small additional cost. Since there&rsquo;s so much to see and do here, we recommend reserving at least two hours for this attraction.

Before you go, read our guide for&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/blog/new-england-aquarium-guide/">New England Aquarium top tips</a>.

<h2>Stop #3: Mary Baker Eddy Library (indoor option)</h2>

Another excellent place for the family to expand their minds is the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/mary-baker-eddy-library-mapparium">Mary Baker Eddy Library and Mapparium</a>. This attraction offers the resources and exhibits of a research library alongside the fun and excitement of an interactive museum. Visit the Hall of Ideas, where you can follow an interactive exhibit that traces inspirational quotes from historical figures. Then, head to the Quest Gallery, which focuses on the life and times of Mary Baker Eddy herself.

Don&rsquo;t forget about the stunning Mapparium! This massive painted glass globe illustrates the circulation of knowledge throughout the globe with colored lights and shapes. Honor a woman who fought for education and women&rsquo;s rights in the nineteenth century with a visit to this fascinating attraction.

This is one of the stops along the Freedom Trail Walking Tour, but Boston&#39;s&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/old-state-house-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Old State House</a>&nbsp;is worth a special shout-out in this itinerary. Explore at your own pace and enjoy tours and performances (every thirty minutes) led by fun, interactive guides or fully costumed Revolutionary characters.

Highlights include John Hancock&rsquo;s lavish red velvet coat, arms and ammunition from Revolutionary War battles, and tea salvaged from the Boston Tea Party.

<h2>Stop #3: Institute of Contemporary Art (indoor option)</h2>

Art lovers will find much to admire in&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/institute-contemporary-art" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Boston&rsquo;s iconic Institute of Contemporary Art</a>. From the gorgeous and distinctive building itself to the astonishing works within, you won&#39;t be short of inspiration. Home to some of the most cutting-edge works in contemporary art across the globe, the ICA offers only the most thought-provoking and inspiring works of art to visitors.

Even if you&#39;ve been before, the ICA features frequently changing exhibitions alongside a well-curated permanent collection, so there&#39;s always something new to see. Located in a completely revitalized waterfront neighborhood in Boston, the ICA is also an excellent stop on a larger itinerary that includes dining, shopping, and other top attractions.

The ICA also offers some special programming, so be sure to consult the event calendar before your visit to see if anything interests you.

The gift shop also features both upscale and affordable goods that reflect a modern art aesthetic, so it&#39;s a great place to find presents and souvenirs. We recommend reserving 2-3 hours of your day to explore the ICA.

💰 &gt;&gt; See how you can save up to 50% on <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/attractions">Boston attractions</a>

<h2>Stop #3: USS Constitution Cruise (outdoor option)</h2>

Who doesn&rsquo;t love historic vessels, especially in a waterfront city like Boston? The USS Constitution Cruise brings you up close and personal with &quot;Old Ironsides.&quot; Visit her home in the Charlestown Navy Yard and disembark for a tour of the famous ship and adjacent Naval Museum. If you choose not to get off and explore, you can just sit back and relax on this delightful and informative cruise through the Boston Harbor.

Either way, it&rsquo;s a great opportunity for some photos of the iconic Boston skyline! This cruise is sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours run seasonally (typically late March through early November) and run multiple times per day, so they are easy to schedule.

Getting in: 🎟️ Admission is available on all <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston" target="_blank">Go City&reg; Boston passes</a>. Just show your pass at the admission desk and you&#39;re in.

<h2>Day 3 Stop #1: Boston Children&#39;s Museum (indoor option)</h2>

<h2>Day 1 Stop #1: Boston trolley ride</h2>

This&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/cityview-boston-trolley" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hop On Hop Off Boston Trolley Tour</a>&nbsp;is the perfect introduction to Boston. It will take you all around the city and past all the big landmarks and highlights. It&#39;s a convenient way to get to some of the major attractions, or a fun and easy way to see the city.

Some highlights of your trolley tour include the historic North End, Quincy Market, the USS Constitution, and the Bunker Hill Monument. Plus, you will see the Theater District and Chinatown, the Boston Public Gardens, and more!

Your onboard guide will narrate your tour, so you will learn all about Boston&#39;s unique history as you ride. Be sure to pick up your ticket in advance at any of the designated pickup locations. Time on the trolley will vary according to your plans. It can take one to two hours to ride the entire route, depending on traffic, so keep that in mind when planning your day.

Sports fans will not want to leave Boston without taking the opportunity to tour Fenway Park, the home of the world-famous Boston Red Sox. Truly a magnificent and historical stadium, Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.

You will learn all about the park&#39;s history on the one-hour tour. Highlights include the famed Green Monster wall, the Fisk Pole, Duffy&rsquo;s Cliff, The Triangle, the Lone Red Seat, and more. Don&rsquo;t forget to stop for souvenirs - there&#39;s an excellent gift shop.

Of course, watching a baseball game is always a fun addition to any seasonal vacation. Why not pick up a few tickets while you&#39;re in town?

<h2>Day 2 Stop #1: Freedom Trail walking tour</h2>

Another must-do Boston attraction, the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/freedom-trailr-walk-history-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Freedom Trail Walking Tour</a>&nbsp;is a great on-foot perspective of the city&rsquo;s historical hotspots, hosted by actors in eighteenth-century costumes. Your guides will teach you about the stories and secrets of the main figures and significant events of the American Revolution.

Plus, you&#39;ll hear some insider info about Boston&rsquo;s history as a whole. You could also opt to walk the red brick line throughout the city without a guide &ndash; it will give you more flexibility in time and distance but without the background info.

Be sure to check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/blog/freedom-trail-tour-guide/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">post on all the Freedom Trail sites</a>&nbsp;and locations that you will see during your tour. Tours run throughout the day, but hours vary seasonally and by day of the week.

This popular Boston itinerary includes the best things to do during your 3 days in Boston vacation. Save on admission & more. Enjoy!

Boston Itinerary - 3 Days in Boston for First-timers

Here’s how to explore Boston like a pro!

Get from A to B in no time with our extensive guide to traveling around the dynamic city of Boston!

Getting Around Boston - How to Get Around Boston for Tourists

Shipping up to Boston? We&#39;ve put together a go-to guide packed with information for getting around the city and beyond, including getting to and from the airport. Downtown Boston is easy to navigate. It&rsquo;s compact and walkable with an abundance of taxis and an accessible public transportation system.

Driving downtown can be a challenge with its dated road layout and limited parking options but it&rsquo;s the most convenient option for travel outside of the center.

<h2>Parking</h2>

Depending on where and when you&rsquo;re looking to park in Boston, securing a spot can be difficult. Most street parking downtown is metered with time limits and restrictions are strictly enforced. Parking garages are easy to find but can be pricey. If you park in a garage, check to see if it offers validated parking (for example, guests of a hotel or nearby attraction).

<h2>Other Options</h2>

You can also take a Hop On/Hop Off Trolley Tour&nbsp;to see Boston&#39;s best sights at your own pace - enjoy fully narrated luxury rides around the hottest spots for a full 48 hours.

🚍<a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/attractions/cityview-boston-trolley">See the best of Boston with City View&nbsp;</a>🚍

Why not make the chore of moving about the city more exciting with a&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/boston-duck-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">2-in-1 Duck Tour trip</a>, which combines a guided bus and boat tour of the city? These fabulous aquatic buses will pick you up on dry land in a World War II-style landing craft that will cruise past Trinity Church, Faneuil Hall, and the Holocaust Memorial.

Then, just when you think you&#39;ve seen it all, your tour bus will transform into a boat, and you&#39;ll glide right into the Charles River to get a duck&#39;s-eye view of Cambridge and Boston.

<h2>Getting To Boston</h2>

<h3>By Plane</h3>

Boston&rsquo;s airport, Logan International Airport, is located in East Boston. Travelers can easily grab a cab, reserve a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gobostonshuttle.com/google?gclid=CPHt4YWEocQCFfLm7AodNioAyQ" rel="noopener" target="_blank">GO Boston Shuttle</a>, or take public transportation. To get a taxi, simply follow signs to ground transportation. Rush hour traffic can add a significant amount of time to your trip so plan accordingly.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.massport.com/logan-airport/to-and-from-logan/public-transportation/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Public transportation</a>&nbsp;to and from Logan&nbsp;is an affordable alternative to a taxi and a great way to avoid traffic. Look up the MBTA stop closest to your destination to determine which bus to take. The Silver Line connects with the Red Line and Commuter Rail at South Station while the Blue Line connects to the Green Line, Orange Line, and Commuter Rail at North Station.

It&#39;s free to ride the Silver line when inbound from the airport, but keep in mind that you&#39;ll need to pay the fare when returning to the airport.

&nbsp;

<h3>By Train</h3>

Amtrak services 3 train stations which are also T stops: South Station (700 Atlantic Ave), Back Bay Station (145 Dartmouth Street), and North Station (On Causeway Street, under the TD Bank North Garden -- trains departing from this station are northbound only, heading to Maine and points north).

To get downtown from South Station, take the Red Line to Park Street. 
From Back Bay Station, take the Orange Line to Downtown Crossing. 
From North Station, take either the Orange Line to Downtown Crossing or the Green Line to Park Street.

<h3>By Bus</h3>

The bus is typically used by travelers coming from other New England cities and towns. The bus terminal is located on Atlantic Ave, next to South Station. 
From South Station, take the Red Line inbound to connect with the Orange Line or Green Line.

<h2>See the best of Boston&nbsp;</h2>

Planning to visit lots of Boston attractions? With Go City&reg; you won&#39;t miss a thing, plus with a pass, you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do. So grab a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston" target="_blank">Boston pass</a> and see the city&#39;s best bits!

☀️<a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/passes?duration=3" target="_blank">Compare Boston passes</a>☀️ &ndash; 🌏 <a href="https://gocity.com/en" target="_blank">Explore other destinations</a> 🌏 &ndash; ✈️ <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/attractions" target="_blank">Discover Boston attractions</a>✈️

<h2>Boston Public Transportation</h2>

The MBTA is Boston&rsquo;s public transportation system, and it&rsquo;s a great way to get around quickly and cheaply. The &ldquo;T&rdquo; refers to the subway, which runs throughout Boston, into Cambridge and nearby suburbs, providing access to the main Boston attractions. Just look for the big &quot;T&quot; in a circle to find a stop.

You can also take buses to get all over the city, and the Commuter Rail is an easy way to get to points outside of Boston. You can buy paper &ldquo;Charlie Tickets&rdquo; for single or multiple subway rides at vending machines in most stations and also pick up a free reloadable &quot;Charlie Card.&quot;

Fun fact:&nbsp;They&#39;re called Charlie Tickets because of a 1949 campaign song for Mayoral candidate, Walter A. O&#39;Brien. It was about a subway rider stuck on a train because he couldn&#39;t pay an exit fare.

When your ticket runs low, visit a fare vending machine to add value. A single basic fare for the T is $2.40 with a Charlie Ticket. You can load the Charlie Card with an amount of your choosing. Charlie Cards are available at almost every T stop and are free to get, so it&#39;s definitely the smart way to explore Boston.

Once on board, hang on! Being one of the oldest public transportation systems in the country, the T is not always the smoothest ride.

<ul>
	<li><a href="http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/subway/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Visit MBTA</a>&nbsp;for the most up-to-date fares.</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/subway/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">View a map of the T system</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">View the Commuter Rail Map</a></li>
</ul>

You&rsquo;ll be amazed at how small the city really is &mdash; you can walk across the heart of Boston in about an hour! It&rsquo;s worth taking a stroll along the Charles River Esplanade or across the river to Cambridge, where you&#39;re rewarded with amazing views of the city skyline.&nbsp;

Explore the city by neighborhood and you&rsquo;ll find that many attractions are near one another and easily walkable.

Consider&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/boston-bike-rental" rel="noopener" target="_blank">renting a bike for the day</a>&nbsp;for a fun and memorable way to get around the city and experience Boston&#39;s enthusiastic biking culture.

<h2>Taxis &amp; Ride Share</h2>

Taxis are widely available, easy to flag down, and a great option for getting around the city after the T&rsquo;s operating hours. Popular ride-sharing services are also available in Boston as an alternative to taxis, with services like Lyft and Uber easy to use and access. Keep in mind that you will need to download the app of your chosen service in advance, so do some research before your trip.

The best ways of getting around Boston to explore the city during your vacation. A quick how to get around Boston guide for tourists.

Getting Around Boston - How to Get Around for Tourists

Discover the gems of Boston’s Little Italy with our helpful guide!

From restaurant recs to local hotels and historic attractions, there’s plenty to do in Boston’s Little Italy!

Guide to Boston's Little Italy

Boston&rsquo;s Little Italy, known to locals simply as the North End, is always a popular neighborhood to explore. The local population in this area is largely Italian&nbsp;&mdash; many have been in Boston for generations.

The North End is a neighborhood filled with sumptuous authentic cuisine, engaging cultural events, and historic buildings. We hope our guide to Little Italy will help you get the most out of this slice of Boston.&nbsp;

<h2>Where is Little Italy in Boston?&nbsp;</h2>

For starters, remember that it&rsquo;s really called the North End. Locals don&rsquo;t refer to it as &ldquo;Little Italy&rdquo;. Asking for directions to that neighborhood may get you a few blank stares. The North End is in the area of the peninsula north of where Highway 93 runs through and under the city.&nbsp;

Bordered by Massachusetts Bay on the other three sides, the North End is a small but densely-packed neighborhood, with very narrow streets and barely any parking. To get there, we recommend taking the T (the local subway train system) to Haymarket Station.&nbsp;

<h2>Best Special Occasion Restaurant: Tresca&nbsp;</h2>

It doesn&rsquo;t get much more Bostonian than a high-end Italian restaurant owned by one of the most famous athletes in the city&rsquo;s history: NHL Bruins player Ray Bourque. The restaurant itself is elegant and upscale, offering mouth-watering cuisine with Tuscan inspiration. It&rsquo;s the ideal spot for a special treat.&nbsp;

<h2>Save on North End Attractions&nbsp;</h2>

Discover our full line-up of Boston attractions including the View Boston Observation Deck, the USS Constitution Museum and the Salem Witch Museum.

🤩If you want to see and do as much as you can, our <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/passes" target="_blank">All-Inclusive Pass</a> is for you.

😎If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/passes/explorer?duration=3" target="_blank">Explorer Pass</a> is the perfect option.

So grab whichever <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston" target="_blank">Boston pass</a> suits you and go explore the city&#39;s best bits!

<h2>Take a &quot;Little Italy&quot; food tour</h2>

Short on time, but still want to tuck into all the tasty treats the North End has to offer? Opt for a &quot;Little Italy&quot; food tour. You&#39;ll venture down&nbsp;old-world cobblestone streets, take in the aroma of fresh bread from bakeries, and taste some of the most authentic pasta dishes around.&nbsp;

🍴<a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/attractions/north-end-little-italy-food-tour" target="_blank">Book the tour</a>🍴&nbsp;

<h2>Share your adventure with us</h2>

Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we&rsquo;ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City <a href="http://instagram.com/gocity">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoCityOfficial/">Facebook</a> channels for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels.

<h2>Best Italian Pastry: Mike&rsquo;s Pastry&nbsp;</h2>

Another place with lines out of the door on weekend nights. Mike&rsquo;s Pastry is a legend on the Boston dining scene. It&rsquo;s a small bakery but the display cases are chock full of classic Italian pastries. You&#39;ll find everything from cookies and cannoli to zeppole and tiramisu. Founded in 1946, Mike&#39;s Pastry have since opened a couple more locations in the Boston area.

<h2>Best Chain Italian Restaurant: Maggiano&rsquo;s Little Italy&nbsp;</h2>

This is technically located south of the North End roughly in the Back Bay area. Maggiano&rsquo;s Little Italy is a reliable spot for family-style Italian cuisine. It&rsquo;s a relatively upscale place but not too expensive, offering what feels like an elevated dining experience in a beautiful downtown neighborhood.&nbsp;

<h2>Hotels Near the North End&nbsp;</h2>

The North End is also close to a number of hotels. A few include the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown / North Station, Boston Marriott Long Wharf, citizenM Boston North Station Hotel, Kimpton Onyx Hotel, The Boxer, and the Bostonian. You&rsquo;ll also find Bricco Suites in the North End itself. Just keep in mind that these hotels will come at a premium price due to their location.&nbsp;

<h2>Boston Attractions in the North End&nbsp;</h2>

As a historic neighborhood in Boston, the North End offers plenty to do before (or after) you&rsquo;re enjoying that special Italian meal. Want to make a day or a weekend of your visit to the North End? Check out a few of these popular spots.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	The&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/paul-revere-house" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Paul Revere House</a>: Home of the famed silversmith&nbsp;best known for warning the Americans of incoming British troops. This historic house is open for tours and serves as a museum of the American Revolution.&nbsp;
	</li>
	<li>
	Old North Church: Dating back to 1723, this is where Revere ordered two lanterns to be hung to signal that British troops were coming by sea. It&rsquo;s actually the city&rsquo;s oldest surviving church building.
	</li>
	<li>
	Copp&rsquo;s Hill Burying Ground: A 17th and 18th-century&nbsp;burial ground, you can find many historical&nbsp;graves here, including the Mather tomb. Iconic Bostonians were laid to rest here, including&nbsp;Prince Hall, the&nbsp;anti-slavery activist.&nbsp;Edmund Hartt, the master carpenter who owned the shipyard that housed the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/uss-constitution-cruise" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">USS Constitution</a>&nbsp;is also buried at Copp&#39;s Hill.
	</li>
	<li>
	Great Molasses Flood Plaque: Although it won&rsquo;t take you long to look at this memorial to one of the most bizarre tragedies in Boston&rsquo;s history, this plaque is also right near the waterfront, where you can see loads of ships sailing.
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>Best Restaurants in the North End&nbsp;</h2>

It&rsquo;s hard to narrow it down to just a few of the best Italian restaurants in Boston. But we&rsquo;ve picked a few to get you started. They range in price and vibe, with most falling somewhere in the mid-tier price point. Due to the historic nature of the neighborhood, most are in smaller structures, with unique layouts and cozy dining areas.&nbsp;

<h2>Best Pizza: Regina Pizzeria&nbsp;</h2>

Locals will wait in lines for over an hour after the bars close for a slice at this iconic Little Italy pizza joint. But if you time your visit well, you won&rsquo;t need to wait so long. Regina Pizzeria has been serving up delicious brick oven pizza in the North End since the 1920s. Keep in mind that it&rsquo;s a counter-serve place, so you won&rsquo;t find much seating indoors.&nbsp;

<h2>Best Southern Italian Restaurant: Antico Forno&nbsp;</h2>

Antico Forno is a modestly-sized venue with a relaxed vibe. It is a mouth-watering spot for Southern Italian cuisine and Neapolitan-style pizza. They also boast a great wine list and delicious cocktails. The atmosphere is a perfect mix of classic Italian d&eacute;cor and historic Boston charm.&nbsp;

<h2>Best Date-Night Spot: Mamma Maria&nbsp;</h2>

Mamma Maria is a romantic little venue in a beautiful townhouse. Travel experts regard it for its locally-inspired cuisine. The restaurant is organized around five private dining rooms, so it&#39;s an intimate setting for that special date. Local food critics love it too, making it a smart choice for visiting foodies.&nbsp;

A guide to Boston’s Little Italy for visitors to Boston looking to explore the North End. Save on Boston attractions with Go City.

Guide to Boston's Little Italy - Go City

Summertime really makes the city of Boston come alive

Boston is a great choice for a summer trip - from spending time at the harbor to experiencing the fun festivals throughout the season. Here are our favorite summer activities in Boston.

Things to Do in Boston in Summer

The streets are bustling with locals and visitors alike, as they make the most of the sunshine before sweater weather returns. Join them and bask in the Boston sun. There&#39;s so much to do from annual celebrations to outdoor activities in the sunshine.

If you&rsquo;re planning a visit and looking for things to do in Boston in the summer, check out our list of the top attractions, festivals, and activities going on this year, including...

<ul>
	<li>Boston Duck Tours</li>
	<li>Whale Watching Cruise</li>
	<li>Fenway Park Tour</li>
	<li>Bike along the Charles River Esplanade</li>
	<li>and more...</li>
</ul>

<h3>Boston Duck Tours</h3>

You might have seen members of the Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, or Red Sox riding on them on TV, but the experience of going on a Duck Boat isn&rsquo;t just reserved for professional athletes. The Boston Duck Tour is definitely the number one recommendation for things to do in Boston in the summer. It&#39;s a unique attraction and such a fun way to see the city&#39;s sights.

The tour will take you on a guided ride across both land and water, passing top tourist locations along the way. See Boston&#39;s top sites such as Trinity Church, the Hancock Tower, the Boston Common, the Holocaust Memorial, the Boston Public Garden, and even &ldquo;Cheers.&rdquo;

Check out our guide for&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/things-to-do/boston-duck-tours-guide" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tips for taking a Boston Duck Tour</a>.

If you love the idea of communing with nature but aren&rsquo;t sure a whale watch is right for you (or, conversely, if you couldn&rsquo;t get enough of the whales on your whale watch), head to the famous&nbsp;New England Aquarium, where you&rsquo;ll find maritime critters from around the world.

Be sure to scope out their famous colony of penguins, the exciting touch tank exhibit, their collection of Pacific ocean life, and exhibits featuring their conservation and rehabilitation efforts. Set along the harbor, enjoy a post-aquarium stroll on the pier, and watch the sailboats and ships pass by.

New England Aquarium

The Esplanade runs for a 3-mile stretch along the Charles River between the Boston Museum of Science and the Boston University Bridge. Here you will find swing sets, sailboats, sculptures, and more! During July and August &ldquo;Friday Flicks&rdquo; are held every Friday night with a free (kid-friendly) movie you can watch on the grass.

The movies start when the sun goes down, usually between 8-8:30pm. This waterfront park is very popular in the summertime and is one of the most beautiful places to walk and see views of the city.&nbsp;

Insider tip: Walk across the Boston University Bridge near sunset for amazing photos of the city!

The Charles River Esplanade

You could easily spend the day wandering around Faneuil Hall. There&#39;s always something to see in this area of town during the warmer months, and it&#39;s simply perfect for people-watching. Whether it&rsquo;s the shopping, historic bars, or tasty restaurants, Faneuil Hall is one of the most popular places to visit. You will find street performers, festival-style jugglers, and musicians all competing for attention and small change.

There are also a number of souvenir shops, restaurants, and outlet shopping as well. Those who love the historical side of Boston will want to know that this site has been a marketplace and meeting hall since 1742!

Faneuil Hall

<h3>SoWa Sunday Vintage Markets</h3>

Sundays are the best days to find outdoor festivals, markets, and activities happening during the summer months, and we Bostonians take full advantage of the warm weather. At the SoWa markets, you&#39;ll get to browse offerings from dozens of local vendors.

The market is organized into 3 sections. First up are the handmade craft stands, featuring everything from one-of-a-kind paintings to Boston-themed home goods. You&#39;ll also find produce and food stands from local farmers and artisans where visitors can sample gourmet foods, stock up on fresh produce, and more. Don&#39;t forget about the food trucks from some of the best local eateries.&nbsp;

Insider tip: The food trucks have become very popular so we recommend going before noon to avoid waiting in line, but either way, it&rsquo;s worth the wait!

This perennial favorite festival is outside of the immediate Boston area and takes place in Rhode Island, but it&rsquo;s well worth the trek. Previous celeb-studded lineups have featured folk legends and modern favorites from Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, Portugal. The Man, Sheryl Crow, and there are even more to be announced. You&rsquo;ll also find beer, cider, and wine gardens, available for the 21+ crowd. Bring a little extra cash for the merch tents, too, so you can go home with some souvenirs or T-shirts from your favorite bands.

Heading to the area to celebrate Independence Day? Then check out our post on&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/things-to-do/things-to-do-in-boston-on-4th-of-july/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">things to do in Boston 4th of July Weekend</a>.

Oh, and here are a few fun&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/things-to-do/things-to-do-for-labor-day-in-boston/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">things to do in Boston Labor Day Weekend</a>, if you&#39;re around town then.

Newport Folk Festival

<h3>Boston Scooper Bowl Ice Cream Fest</h3>

This uniquely Boston event offers locals and visitors alike the chance to consume as much ice cream as they&#39;d like. And it&#39;s for charity! (Proceeds go to benefit the Jimmy Fund at Dana Farber). What&#39;s not to love?

After you&#39;ve finished, you can also cast your vote for the best flavor out of 30 odd options. Plus, there&#39;s nothing that says you can&#39;t go back on every day of the event...

Held as one of the many 4th of July events in the Boston area, Boston Harborfest is a local tradition. Designed to highlight Boston&rsquo;s rich history, this festival features attractions, reenactments, and tours that emphasize the city&rsquo;s colonial and maritime history. Events can include Revolutionary War-era re-enactments, walking tours, displays by U.S. naval ships, concerts, cruises, museum exhibits, and more. Often, celebrations begin in June, meaning you&#39;ll be able to enjoy even more patriotic and historic events!

Boston Harborfest

If you&#39;re looking to explore a little bit of Boston&#39;s multicultural side, then a trip to the iconic Dragon Boat Festival is a must. It&#39;s now been running for over 40 years and is the longest-running dragon boat race in North America. You know there&#39;s some serious competitiveness going on! Trials occur on Saturday, and races will take place on Sunday. Visitors can also enjoy Asian arts &amp; crafts, dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and more at the festival on Sunday.

Insider tip:&nbsp;Watch the races from the Cambridge side of the river, because that&#39;s where the festival part takes place.

Dragon Boat Festival

<h2>Save on summertime Boston activities</h2>

So there you have it. Our picks for some of the top things to do in Boston in the summer. While we&rsquo;ve briefed you with a pretty extensive list, there are many more <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/attractions" target="_blank">Boston attractions</a> and popular events in the summer months,&nbsp;including USS Constitution Museum, Salem Witch Museum, Paul Revere House and more.&nbsp;Whether you are traveling solo, with your family or a couple of friends, we&#39;re sure you will have a great time.

🤩 &gt;&gt; If you want to see and do as much as you can, our <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/passes/all-inclusive?days=3&amp;choices=3" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">All-Inclusive Pass</a>&nbsp;is for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

😎 &gt;&gt; If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/passes/explorer?days=3&amp;choices=3" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Explorer Pass</a> is the perfect option.&nbsp;

Please note: the summer events may be separately ticketed and not included with a <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston">Boston pass by Go City.</a>

No summer trip to Boston would be complete without a trip to &ldquo;America&rsquo;s Most Beloved Ballpark&rdquo; &ndash; Fenway Park. You&rsquo;ll be hard-pressed to find another park in the country that is ingrained into a city as much as Friendly Fenway is into Boston (Wrigley Field in Chicago comes close, though). We suggest taking a behind-the-scenes&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/fenway-park-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fenway Park Tour.</a>

The tour takes about an hour and tickets are available for the day-of only on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability. During the walking tour, an experienced tour guide will bring you onto the field that Ted Williams, Carlton Fisk, Jim Rice, and Pedro Martinez called home. You can also opt to snag tickets to a game. What&#39;s a better summer activity than a leisurely afternoon spent enjoying America&#39;s favorite pastime &ndash; watching baseball with a beer in hand?

Fenway Park Tour & Ball Game

If you&rsquo;d prefer something a little more relaxed to do in Boston, head to the Public Garden &ndash; the first public botanical garden in the United States &ndash; to see the early summer flowers in full bloom. The lovingly landscaped Public Garden is known for its iconic&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/swan-boats-boston" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Swan Boats</a>, unique vessels with over a hundred years of history. Enjoy a ride around the pond, and make sure to bring your camera.

Exclusively available once the weather warms up, the historic Swan Boats are among the most iconic sites in the city. Hidden in the ponds of Boston&rsquo;s gorgeous public gardens, the traditional Swan Boats date back to the 1870s. Still run by the original owner&rsquo;s descendants more than 130 years later, the Swan Boats provide a relaxing, historic Boston experience.

Roam the Boston Public Garden

Break out your walking shoes! The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile trek marked by a line of red brick that guides you around the city. The trail begins in the Boston Common, right near the Public Gardens, and takes you to many historic locations and destinations. It&#39;s easy to follow, and you can stop at any time if you get tired or want to wander elsewhere.

If you opt for a guided&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/freedom-trailr-walk-history-tour" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Freedom Trail Walking Tour</a>, you&#39;ll be treated to informative narration about 16 historically significant sights. Keep an eye out for markers that feature information about the American Revolution and historical significance of each stop. In advance, you should also be sure to download a helpful&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/visit/maps" rel="noopener" target="_blank">map and list of the stops</a>.

The Freedom Walking Trail

Bicycling is a big part of Boston culture, and though the fiercest among us are out on two wheels year round, the spring and summer months are when the fair weather bicyclists take to the roads and paths. No bike? No problem. A&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/boston-bike-rental" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Boston Bike Rental</a>&nbsp;from Urban AdvenTours is all you need to join the crowd of cyclists that ride along the Charles every day in the summer.

As one of the country&rsquo;s most bike-able cities, you&rsquo;ll find paved bike trails on the Esplanade that will take you all along the waterfront, trails in the parks, and well-established bike lanes on the roads &ndash; so you can ride feeling secure. Urban AvenTours will provide you with a bike lock, helmet, and a map of the popular Boston bike routes. See Boston&rsquo;s historical buildings, gardens, and modern vistas!

Bike Rides

The summer sun draws Bostonians to the harbor, where the piers are teeming with activity. Embark on a tasty harbor brunch cruise by Boston Harbor Cruises as you enjoy a fresh and diverse menu. There&rsquo;s always time for a little romance on your vacation. Embark on a spectacular sunset cruise to experience Boston Harbor at its most alluring.

Feel the breeze and take in the salty sea air as you experience unparalleled views of the Boston skyline. Three spacious outdoor and indoor decks provide you with plenty of climate options, as well as your ideal vantage point. Boston is a maritime city, so a trip to Beantown just isn&rsquo;t complete until you take to the seas!

Boston Harbor Cruises

Although it&rsquo;s not quite as famous as the Boston Common, Franklin Park is another marvelous green space in Boston that&rsquo;s not to be left out of any outdoor activities. Picnic, stroll, run, or even just lounge on their beautiful lawns. There&#39;s also a nice golf course, for those who enjoy the game.

Don&rsquo;t forget about a visit to the local favorite&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/franklin-park-zoo" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Franklin Park Zoo</a>! This family-friendly zoo is perfect for the little ones in your group, featuring a variety of exotic animals in several different authentic environments. They also host frequent special programming, so check their events schedule before you visit to see what&#39;s on.

Franklin Park

<h3>Museum of Science</h3>

In the evening, turn your eyes to the sky to experience &ldquo;Astronomy After Hours&rdquo; at the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/museum-science" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Museum of Science</a>&nbsp;on Friday nights. The Museum&rsquo;s best-kept secret is the Gilliland Observatory on top of the Museum&rsquo;s parking garage. This free-admission public event is one of the most unique Boston attractions, featuring a view that&rsquo;s hard to get anywhere else in the city.

If you want to visit the museum during the day to see its full scope of exhibits and offerings, there is more than enough to keep visitors of all ages occupied. Don&#39;t miss their landmark exhibit, the Hall of Human Life!

If you&rsquo;re more interested in the arts, there&rsquo;s no better place in the country than the&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/museum-fine-arts" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Museum of Fine Arts</a>. This prestigious institution specializes in American art, both modern and classical, including American craftwork, furniture, and portraiture. The Museum of Fine Arts also hosts an extensive collection of European and world art.

Don&rsquo;t miss out on the summer&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mfa.org/exhibitions" rel="noopener" target="_blank">special exhibitions</a>. There is an ever-changing roster of fantastic temporary exhibits you shouldn&#39;t miss.

Museum of Fine Arts

Check out these popular things to do in Boston in the Summer. Save on admission to many of these top attractions, fun seasonal activities, and more. Enjoy!

Things to Do in Boston in Summer - June Activities & More

How to spend some time on the waterfront and the North End in Boston

One of Boston’s most famous areas, Faneuil Hall, attracts visitors in droves each year. It's located right near the Waterfront and historic North End, so it's easy to build into a larger Boston itinerary. 

10+ Things to Do Near Faneuil Hall

There&rsquo;s a ton to do in this vibrant area, so understandably it can be hard to figure out what are the best attractions and activities. Whatever you choose to do, we are sure you and your family will have a great time in Boston. We put together a handy guide about things to do near Faneuil Hall during your trip, featuring the best local activities and attractions, including...

<ul>
	<li>New England Aquarium</li>
	<li>Whale Watch</li>
	<li>Boston Duck Tours</li>
	<li>Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour</li>
	<li>And more!</li>
</ul>

<h2>Save on admission to Faneuil Hall &amp; North End attractions</h2>

Planning to visit lots of Boston attractions? With <a href="https://gocity.com/los-angeles/en-us" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Go City&reg;</a> you won&#39;t miss a thing, plus with a pass you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do - winning!&nbsp;

☀️<a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Compare Boston passes</a>☀️ &ndash; 🌏 <a href="https://gocity.com/en" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Explore other destinations </a>🌏 &ndash;&nbsp; ✈️ <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/passes?days=3&amp;choices=3#choose-your-pass" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Buy a pass</a> ✈️&nbsp;

<h2>Things to do at the Boston Waterfront</h2>

Visit this lively waterfront aquarium for a chance to see all your favorite sea creatures, from playful seals to friendly penguins and colorful tropical fish. Their penguins in particular are quite famous locally, so don&#39;t miss out on a chance to pay them a visit!

A particularly popular exhibit is the shark and ray touch tank exhibit, which kids and adults of all ages love. Your visit also contributes to their conservation efforts, including research, and other important marine science developments.

Getting In:&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/new-england-aquarium" rel="noopener" target="_blank">New England Aquarium tickets</a>&nbsp;are included on all&nbsp;Go City&reg; Boston passes.

<h3>New England Aquarium Whale Watch</h3>

Do you never want your aquatic experience to end? Then hop aboard a New England Aquarium Whale Watch for the ride of a lifetime. Head out to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, where you&rsquo;ll find whales, dolphins, and plentiful sea birds. The entire experience is narrated by professional researchers from the Whale Center of New England, so you know it&rsquo;s bound to be educational, too.

For more information about&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/things-to-do/whale-watching-massachusetts">whale-watching in Massachusetts</a>, check out this post.

Getting In:&nbsp;Boston Whale Watch is separately ticketed.

<h2>Things to do Nearby at the Seaport District</h2>

<h3>Boston Children&rsquo;s Museum</h3>

This attraction is incredibly popular with local and visiting families. A kid-specific attraction filled with tons of interactive and traditional exhibits, the Boston Children&rsquo;s Museum is a must for those with young kids.

Don&rsquo;t miss the Science Playground exhibit! Families love this option among the many things to do near Faneuil Hall. The Boston Children&#39;s Museum also hosts many special events and family programming year-round, including play-dough sessions, art sessions, poetry workshops, and much more.&nbsp;

Getting In:&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/boston-childrens-museum" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Boston Children&rsquo;s Museum tickets</a>&nbsp;are included on all&nbsp;Go City&reg; Boston passes.

One of the city&rsquo;s best art institutions (and that&rsquo;s saying something in a city with the Boston Museum of Fine Arts), the ICA is immensely popular with art lovers. The gorgeous exhibit space is filled with inspiring art in both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. They also have a top-notch gift shop.&nbsp;

Getting In:&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/institute-contemporary-art" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Institute of Contemporary Art tickets</a>&nbsp;are included on all Go City&reg; Boston passes.

Institute of Contemporary Art

<h2>Save up to 50% on Boston attractions</h2>

Discover our full line-up of<a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/attractions" target="_blank"> Boston attractions</a> including the USS Constitution Museum, Salem Witch Museum, Paul Revere House and more.&nbsp;

🤩 &gt;&gt; If you want to see and do as much as you can, our <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/passes/all-inclusive?days=3&amp;choices=3" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">All-Inclusive Pass</a>&nbsp; is for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

😎 &gt;&gt; If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/passes/explorer?days=3&amp;choices=3" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Explorer Pass</a> is the perfect option.

When you&rsquo;re exploring a city with such a vibrant waterfront culture, you know you need something a little bit beyond your standard tour bus. So check out a Boston Duck Tour for a truly unique way to explore the city by land and by sea. It&rsquo;s the perfect way to tour Beantown!

These iconic vessels are such a part of Boston culture that you may recognize them from various victory parades of the Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, or Red Sox.

Be sure to check out our guide and&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/things-to-do/boston-duck-tours-guide" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tips for taking a Boston Duck Tour</a>&nbsp;before your visit.&nbsp;

Getting In:&nbsp;Boston Duck Tour is separately ticketed.

Boston Duck Tours

<h3>CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour</h3>

Another great option for exploring more of the city at your own pace is a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. This charming trolley option gives you the flexibility to explore at your leisure and hop off when something interests you. Of course, you always have the freedom to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the whole route. The trolley makes 9 stops including:

<ul>
	<li>The New England Aquarium/ Shuttle &amp; Ferry/ Quincy Market/ Faneuil Hall</li>
	<li>Paul Revere House/ Little Italy</li>
	<li>North End/ Old North Church</li>
	<li>USS Constitution &ldquo;Old Ironsides&rdquo;</li>
	<li>North Station/ TD Bank Garden Sports Museum</li>
	<li>Old State House / Faneuil Hall/ Boston Massacre Site/ Government Center</li>
	<li>Boston Common/ Public Garden</li>
	<li>State House/ Beacon Hill</li>
	<li>South Station/ Convention Center/ Children&rsquo;s Museum</li>
</ul>

As you can see, the trolley can take you to a number of top areas throughout the city, so it&#39;s a good complement to larger plans.&nbsp;

Getting In:&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/cityview-boston-trolley" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hop On Hop Off Boston Trolley tickets</a>&nbsp;are included on the Go City&reg;&nbsp; 
Boston All-Inclusive Pass only.

The USS Constitution Cruise is a perfect opportunity to incorporate historical sightseeing with waterborne fun. Sail out to Old Ironsides, one of the city&rsquo;s best-loved historical treasures, and scope out the Bunker Hill Monument and a Boston Tea Party ship. The tour itself is fully narrated and takes about 45 minutes. You&#39;ll enjoy informative background information on the sites you&#39;re sailing past, as well as on Boston&#39;s history and culture.&nbsp;

Getting In:&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/uss-constitution-cruise" rel="noopener" target="_blank">USS Constitution Museum </a>tickets are included on all&nbsp;Go City&reg; Boston passes, but the Constitution Cruise is separately ticketed.

USS Constitution Cruise

This eclectic shopping district is a must for those visiting the bustling neighborhood. Faneuil Hall is located smack dab in the middle of Quincy Market, so it shouldn&#39;t be too hard to find. In addition to your favorite chain stores with extensive offerings, you&rsquo;ll also find quirky boutiques including a store run by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

There are also plenty of delicious dining options, including the iconic New England pub Durgin-Park Restaurant. Another one of our favorite food options is the lobster roll sold at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace (the center building). You&#39;ll also find great ice cream and chowder, among scores of other New England favs.&nbsp;

Getting In:&nbsp;Admission to Quincy Market is free.

Quincy Market

This inspiring and thought-provoking outdoor space is a somber memorial erected by Holocaust survivors who moved to Boston. It&rsquo;s designed to honor those who lost their lives and to educate new generations about the history of the Holocaust. School groups in particular tend to visit this site.&nbsp;

Getting In:&nbsp;Admission to the New England Holocaust Memorial is free.

The New England Holocaust Memorial

All American school children learn about Paul Revere &ndash; now&rsquo;s your chance to visit his historic home! This National Historic Landmark provides insight into the way eighteenth-century people lived in Boston and is a popular tourist destination for those interested in the history of Paul Revere&rsquo;s famous Ride. A visit to the Paul Revere House is one of the top things to do in Boston&#39;s North End, not just for history buffs.&nbsp;

Getting In:&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/paul-revere-house" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Paul Revere House tickets</a>&nbsp;are included on all&nbsp;Go City&reg; Boston passes.

Paul Revere House

Want to explore the city more creatively? Hop aboard two wheels and get pedaling! Boston is a very bike-friendly city, with frequent bike lanes on major roads, as well as bike paths and trails throughout the city and along the waterfront. So feel free to paddle on the big roads or the waterfront trails. Use it to get around like Bostonians, or just for fun and exercise. You can&#39;t go wrong!&nbsp;

Getting In:&nbsp;<a href="https://gocity.com/boston/en-us/products/all-inclusive/attractions/boston-bike-rental" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Boston Bike Rental tickets</a>&nbsp;are included on all&nbsp;Go City&reg; Boston passes.

Boston Bike Rental

A great companion attraction to the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church is Boston&rsquo;s oldest surviving church building and is among the city&rsquo;s most-visited historic sites. The church itself has charming historic architecture, and there are other fascinating buildings on the campus as well.&nbsp;

Getting In:&nbsp;Admission to the Old North Church is separately ticketed. For more information, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://oldnorth.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">attraction website</a>.

Old North Church

Check out these great things to do near Faneuil Hall. Save up to 55% on combined admission to many of these top attractions & activities. Enjoy!

10+ Things to Do Near Faneuil Hall (#3 is a must visit)

Follow the Freedom Trail, spend sunrise at Boston Harbor, and ogle masterpieces by Rembrandt, Monet, Michelangelo and more in the city’s art museums. 

Beautiful Boston is at its most breathtaking in the morning, as fishing boats bob along the Charles River and the city’s parks and gardens are at their most restful. It’s also a fine time to check out Beantown’s most popular attractions – including the Freedom Trail and Paul Revere House – before the crowds arrive. Read on for our guide to all the best things to do in Boston in the morning...

Things to do in Boston in the Morning

Boston&rsquo;s historic Freedom Trail is a treat at any time of day or night. But if you want to explore landmarks like Boston Common, the 17th-century King&rsquo;s Chapel Cemetery and Old Corner Bookstore relatively unimpeded by fellow sightseers and tour groups, a self-guided morning tour of the trail&rsquo;s key sites is the way to go. Admire the soaring steeple of Park Street Church, snap the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House, and pay your respects to freedom fighter Paul Revere in Boston Common&#39;s 17th-century Granary Burying Ground.

Follow the Freedom Trail

Top tip: if you prefer your tours to come with in-depth historical narration and a dash of theater, you could do far worse than joining a guided tour led by the Freedom Trail Players in their signature period costume. Afternoon tours with the Freedom Trail Foundation are included with a Boston pass from Go City, which could save you up to 50% on this and dozens more <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston/attractions" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Boston attractions</a>, including Paul Revere&#39;s former home, the USS Constitution Museum, and a tour of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Click here to find out more and pick your pass!</a>

So you&rsquo;ve bagged your <a href="https://gocity.com/en/boston" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Boston pass</a> and you&rsquo;re ready to get your sightseeing on. Most of Boston&rsquo;s most popular attractions are already open by 9AM; all you need to do is strike while the iron&rsquo;s hot and beat the lines by hitting up the bucket-list biggies first thing, rather than waiting until late morning or early afternoon when they start getting really busy. We&rsquo;re talking behind-the-scenes tours of the beloved Boston Red Sox stadium, bird&rsquo;s-eye views of the city from the sky-high View Boston Observation Deck, and a peep into the past at the former home of Boston revolutionary Paul Revere. You can also take a hop-on hop-off trolley tour of the town, rent a bike to go solo, or take a ride on the iconic Boston Swan Boats &ndash;&nbsp;all with one handy pass.

Beat the Crowds at Top Boston Attractions

The mighty Charles River is as much an emblem of Boston as cream pie, baked beans and the Red Sox. Cutting a swathe through the city and out into the North Atlantic, this broad, picturesque waterway is perfect for mindful morning walks. Take a sunrise stroll along the Boston Harborwalk, as the early morning light dances on the water and colorful boats bob in the bay. Then there&rsquo;s the Charles River Walk, a 20-mile waterside stretch that connects the Museum of Science to Watertown. You&rsquo;ll find some of the most peaceful and picturesque city views along the Charles&nbsp;Esplanade&nbsp;at Back Bay, with plenty of park benches on which to rest wearing legs and kick back with a coffee while enjoying those fine river views.

If it&rsquo;s sunrise skyline views you seek, hop over to the Cambridge side of the River, where Memorial Drive has you covered. Find the sweet spot between the MIT Sailing Pavilion and Charles River Yacht Club for the best uninterrupted views of the sun coming up over Boston.

Or get the best of both worlds: kayaks are available to rent at various points along the waterfront, and calm morning waters mean even novices can have a go.

Take a Morning Walk by the Water

Our top picks for morning sightseeing in Boston include Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston Public Garden, Bunker Hill Monument and more.

Is Boston Safe?

Things to do in Chinatown, Boston

A Week in Boston Itinerary - 5 to 7 Days in Boston for a Fun Filled Vacation

Things to do in Boston

Boston Itinerary - 3 Days in Boston for First Timers

Getting Around Boston - How to Get Around Boston for Tourists

Guide to Boston's Little Italy

Discover more

We're kind of popular, but don't just take our word for it.

Feeling inspired? Start saving on your next vacation now!

Have a 5% discount, on us!