Colorful geometric street art

Art Tours in Boston

Boston’s thriving art scene means plenty of world-class museums and galleries, plus fine public architecture and cutting-edge street art galore.
By Stuart Bak

Boston is an absolute trove of artistic treasures, from the vast Museum of Fine Arts to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to public buildings that showcase the city’s heady hotch-potch of Colonial, Georgian and Brutalist architecture. Read on for our guide to all the best art tours in Boston.

Museum of Fine Arts Tour

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston

Museum of Fine Arts Tour

Only one of the most comprehensive art museums on the planet, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts boasts a collection of some half a million paintings, sculptures, textiles and other priceless eye candy. We’re talking 100 galleries crammed with everything from ancient Egyptian sarcophagi to Nubian pottery to masterpieces by some of the world’s greatest-ever artists, among them Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Gauguin, Kahlo and Turner. The MFA’s collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art is one of the finest outside of France, and features landmark pieces by Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir and others. And be sure not to miss John Singleton Copley’s portrait of local hero Paul Revere, maker of the historic Sons of Liberty Bowl.

Monet paintings in the Museum of Fine Arts
Image: Museum of Fine Arts

The building that houses all this priceless treasure is something of a gem in itself, an imposing neoclassical confection complete with colonnades and a great dome adorned with elaborate frescoes by John Singer Sargent. You can learn all about the museum’s architecture and the art held within on daily tours. Tours with knowledgeable museum guides are free, but you’ll need to pay for general admission. Good news: tickets are included with a Boston pass from Go City, which could save you up to 50% on access to multiple Boston attractions, tours and activities. Hit the buttons below to find out more and bag your pass.

Public Art Walking Tours of Boston

George Washington statue in Boston's Public Garden

Public Art Walking Tours of Boston

Though you’ll find several guided walking tours of Boston’s public art if you look hard enough for them, the city’s excellent Art Walk Project has made it easy to do it all by yourself, thanks to a series of maps that cover Downtown, Boston Common, Seaport, Fenway and several other vibrant and colorful neighborhoods. If statues are your bag, hit up Boston Common and Public Garden for selfies with George Washington, Edgar Allen Poe, and artist David Phillips’ series of six playful frog sculptures. Check out Jamaica Plain, Central Square and the Rose Kennedy Greenway for some of the best badass graffiti and street murals in Beantown. And head to Downtown for the city’s top architectural landmarks, including the early-19th-century Park Street Church, historic Quincy Market, and the strange Brutalist beauty of Boston City Hall. 

Visit the Art Walk Project website for comprehensive walking maps.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Tour

Courtyard at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Image: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Tour

Built in the style of a Venetian Palace, this stunning museum surrounds a palatial courtyard, in which the ever-changing selection of seasonal blooms is almost the equal of the art held inside. Almost. The collection was started by Isabella Stewart Gardner over a century ago, with a view to displaying exquisite art in intimate spaces, and now boasts a collection of nearly 3,000 pieces, including priceless works by Botticelli, Titian, Michelangelo, Raphael, Degas, Sargent and more. An unsolved art heist in 1990 saw the theft of 13 works of art, including pieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. The empty frames that continue to hang in their place awaiting their return have become a symbol of hope and something of an attraction in themselves. You can learn more about the theft, Gardner and key pieces from the collection on regular guided tours of the museum.

Top tip: General admission to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is included with the Go City Boston pass. Tours cost extra and can be booked direct here.

Harvard Art Museums Tour

Statue at the Harvard Art Museums

Harvard Art Museums Tour

A short hop across the Charles River in Cambridge, the Harvard Art Museums comprises three separate museums with collections that run the gamut from ancient Byzantine pottery to Bauhaus design pieces via Old Masters including Rembrandt, Titian and Botticelli – and pretty much everything else in between! The museums – the Fogg, the Busch-Reisinger, and the Arthur M. Sackler – are part of Harvard University, so it stands to reason that tours here are run by the institution's brainbox students. The students come from a range of academic backgrounds including art history, literature and the sciences. As a result, their guided tours of the collections are always insightful, original and well-researched. 

Entry to the museums is free, as are the tours. You can browse a calendar of upcoming tours here.

Self-Guided Newbury Street Tour

Newbury Street in Boston

Self-Guided Newbury Street Tour

Upscale Newbury Street should rank highly on any art-lover’s list of places to visit in Boston, thanks to the proliferation of hipper-than-thou galleries that line this pretty Back Bay boulevard. Take yourself on a wander to ogle some of the most cutting-edge contemporary art in town at galleries including the minimalist Krakow Witkin Gallery with its chilled vibe and cool conceptual art. Then there’s Galerie d’Orsay with its visual potpourri of mediums and styles, and the ever-changing roster of modern art exhibitions at the (appropriately named) DTR Modern. Don’t miss Gallery NAGA, set at Newbury Street’s historic Church of the Covenant, which focuses on paintings by contemporary Boston and New England artists, but also showcases sculpture, photography and even studio furniture.

Institute of Contemporary Art Tour

Boston's striking Institute of Contemporary Art

Institute of Contemporary Art Tour

The ICA is where it's at for the latest avant-garde works by established and up-and-coming artists. Protruding out over the harbor in the trendy Seaport District, this striking industrial-style edifice is another of those buildings that’s as much a work of art as the pieces contained within; all glass corridors and elevators that seem to float above the water below. Inside, 65,000 square feet of gallery and performance space plays host to a rotating roster of installations and exhibitions that showcase the best of the contemporary international art scene, as well as a permanent collection that features pieces by past exhibitors, notably Cornelia Parker’s signature ‘Hanging Fire’ sculpture and a superb series of photographs by Boston’s own Nan Goldin.

Guided visits to the ICA can be booked in advance. Check the official website for more details.

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Things to do in South End, Boston

At first thought, you might not associate Boston with art. History? Sure. Boston was host to some massive moments in US history. The landing of the Puritans in 1630, the Tea Party in the 1770s, and the beginning of the War of Independence soon after, are all massive moments for this county. Sports? Again, yes, just look at the worldwide fandom for the Red Sox and the Celtics. Art? Not so much. But you'd be wrong. Dead wrong. Boston has grown into an artistic metropolis, far from its harsh harbor roots. Especially in South End, which is now a haven for the arts. So answer us this question - do you like art? Are you planning a vacation in Boston, or simply a resident ignorant of the city's art underbelly? If you said yes, or murmured unintelligibly, then South End might be the perfect place for you! Find out why below, as we tell you all the best things to do in South End, Boston! Including: Art museums Street art SoWa Market Eateries Nights out The Art of More We've talked the talk, so let's walk the walk. Art. What is it good for? Well, having your mind opened, emotions tugged, and world views questioned! So let's talk about South End's burgeoning art scene. We'll kick things off with the Griffin Museum of Photography, which showcases works from established shot-takers, as well as up-and-coming snappers. For thirty years, it's been a great place to explore and become mesmerized by fantastic photos. The museum houses three galleries that are brimming with images. You'll also find a rotating list of exhibits, programs, and lectures throughout the year, so if you're looking for something specific, be sure to check online before you visit. Looking for a little variety in your art life? Check out the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts. The magnificent hire space sees a weird and wide variety of performances throughout the year, from local shows and showcases to traveling galleries and even markets. You never quite know what you'll find when you, unless you check ahead, of course. In fact, the Boston Center for the Arts is a great place to discover all art forms, whether it be dance, theatre, galleries, or art fairs. It houses a number of gallery spaces besides the aforementioned Cyclorama. For instance, the Mills Gallery showcases a number of contemporary exhibitions from new and exciting artists throughout the year. Going Underground One of the art world's most satirical and critical forms in the modern day is street art. From hideous tags on subway carriages, to the story-high facades on many urban buildings, it's undeniable that street art is here to stay. Just look at the popularity of genre bigwigs like Banksy, and dollar signs attributed to even his smallest works. South End has its own thriving street art scene, thanks to the small neighborhood of Ink Block. This area beneath the underpasses and bridges of the district has been transformed into Underground at Ink Block, a process that took half a decade. Gone are the run-down parking lots and abandoned areas. Now, they've been replaced with pedestrian boardwalks, dog walking spot, bike lanes, and a wealth of curated street art spaces you can peruse at your will. So go check out what's on offer, and take a look around the area while you're at it! Market delights Let's switch gears to something more marketable. That sweet wordplay is an excellent segue to our next top spot in South End, the SoWa Open Market! For over 15 years, it's been one of South End's coolest places to be. An amalgamation of local artists, craftsmen, brewers, and cooks, you'll appreciate the neighborly vibe as soon as you step foot inside. Pick up a bite to eat, grab a refreshing craft beer, and browse the myriad stalls for knickknacks, handcrafted jewelry and clothing, or just to hear some live music! It's dog-friendly too, so if your pup joins you, we're sure they'll appreciate the inevitable deluge of love and back scratches from the market's denizens. And on the first Friday of the month, the area is transformed into an art space with First Fridays. There, you'll find hundreds of artists, gallerists, and sellers showcasing great local art. If you're in the market (yes, this is a pun, and all puns are intended, whoever says otherwise is lying) for a painting or sculpture to brighten up your dour walls, then head down there and see what's going on! Eats Food now, because you're bound to get hungry after all that culture. Thankfully, South End's got you covered with some delicious choices. Check out Boston Chops for a gentrified spin on the classic steakhouse experience. Yeah, you can get any number of steak cuts cooked in any way you want and have a great time. This is a steak house, after all. But Boston Chops offers much more than that on its thorough menu. There are a host of seafood options, as well as grilled hearts, tongues, and sweetbreads for those of you who like to try new, and potentially stomach-churning, things! Keeping in line with the above is the aptly-named Butcher Shop. It's, well, a butcher's shop that's been transformed into a carnivorous paradise slash wine bar. Ever eaten a pig's head? No? Well, you can try one here. The Shops' interesting and diverse menu also offers the usual steak selection, along with cold meats, starters, and exotic eggs. It sounds like it shouldn't work. But it does. Or, if you're looking for something a little less...gruesome, try Picco, a charming pizza joint that offers a signature charred crust that absolutely must be sampled by any pizza aficionado. On top of all that, they've got a dessert menu full of homemade ice cream, and a wealth of beers on tap. Drinks Let's end this list with some sweet spots to pick up a drink or ten. Wally's Cafe is a boozer slash music venue with a focus on the Boston jazz scene. Their cocktail menu is extensive, affordable, and delicious. So why not check it out, and take in some sweet jazz while you're at it? https://thedelux.com/Delux Cafe is a great place to pick up a local craft beer at a reasonable price. It doesn't get much tourist traffic, but don't worry. The laid-back and friendly atmosphere will stop any Wild-West saloon silence scenes from occurring. And finally, Wink & Nod is your classic cocktail bar, with a great selection of classic mixes alongside pricey 'black card' cocktails that can set you back three figures. Hey, if you've got it, flaunt it! And that about rounds out our list of the best things to do in South End, Boston!
Dom Bewley
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Things to do in North End, Boston

Heading to Boston for your vacation, and keeping an eye on North End? Good choice! North End has a load of great things to do and places to eat and drink. We're going to talk about those now. Scroll down, and discover our picks for the best things to do in North End, Boston! Including: Paul Revere House Old North Church Improv Asylum Great food Great nights out and more! A House Revered Let's start our trip through North End with some history. Boston was the heart of the revolutionary efforts when the US fought for independence. On one fateful night in 1775, one man saw a frightening sight. Men clad in red, as far as the eye could see. Invaders, coming to claim what they thought was theirs. But this bastion of chivalry wasn't having any of that. So he valiantly mounted his faithful steed, and he rode. God, did he ride. If he didn't, the war could be lost. He rode and rode until he reached his countrymen. And when he pulled up in front of them, he uttered four words immortalized in this nation's heart forevermore. "The British are coming." Or did he? Find out at the Paul Revere House! Not only will you learn more about the legend himself, but you'll also discover whether there's any truth to the poem that utters his famous phrase. One of the oldest buildings in Boston, step inside the house and get a fascinating insight into colonial history. Tour the historic rooms and see authentic period furniture, real documents, and silver made by Paul himself. Clearly, he was a man of many talents. Not immortal, though, so there is that. A Statue Revered And if all that wasn't enough Revere for you, go and see the massive statue of him for yourself! Sculptor Cyrus Dallin designed this bronze statue of Revere riding his horse. His hand raised, we can only assume what Paul was gesticulating towards. Was it his fellow countrymen, patriots one and all? Or was he shooing a dog out of his path? We will never, ever know. Old North Church Sticking with the historical theme, let's talk churches. Whether you're a believer or not, there's no denying the beauty that went into their creation and ornamentation. Why not go and see one of the nation's longest-standing churches, Old North Church? Built back in 1723, and inspired by the works of British male Sir Christopher Wren, it played a key part in the War of Independence. The church's steeple held lanterns that warned the minutemen of incoming British forces. See, learning can be fun! These days, it may be less exciting, but it's still just as beautiful! You can enjoy a self-guided tour of the sanctuary, a fun family scavenger hunt, and even tour the crypt and the gallery. Of all the things to do in North End, Boston, this is definitely one of them. A gift for you In the market for some keepsakes, or perhaps a gift or two for the people you left behind? Check out the Boston Gift Shop! It's right by Paul Revere's House, so if you've been following our instructions, you'll be thereabouts anyway. For over 100 years, they've been offering reasonably priced and decently made Independence memorabilia to visitors from far and wide. So go pick up some swag and either give it away, or rub it in people's faces. It's really up to you! Winging it crazy Out with the old, in with the new, as we continue with our tour of Boston's North End. Looking for things to do? How about laughing until you can't stop? Until it hurts? If that sounds delightful, give Improv Asylum a browse. For over 20 years, they've hosted improv and sketch comedy shows for literally anyone willing to pay money. They aim to put one on every night, but head there on the weekend, and you might be spoiled by two or more! While they tend to be for all ages, midnight shows often take a turn into the crass and adult. Just what us adults want! And if that wasn't enough (is it ever?), you can also attend workshops and learn how to actually be funny. That would be nice, wouldn't it? Food, glorious food Food, yeah? It's pretty good. A necessity for humans, food is the fuel that keeps us going. Some people think they can survive on sunlight and water, but they're wrong. That's plants, not people. And when that fuel inevitably runs out, you'll be needing a top-up. Thankfully, Boston's North End has some great places to eat some great food. There are our favorites. Spoiler alert - they're all Italian. For nearly a century, Regina Pizzeria has been providing hungry visitors with fantastic pizza. And once they eat it, they're no longer hungry. Brilliant! They attest to being Boston's original Pizzeria, and who are you to question that? You weren't around then. With a menu full of the usual greats, cooked with comfort and care from scratch, it's a must-visit for slice aficionados. Fancy throwing some seafood into the mix? Check out The Daily Catch, because their Sicilian seafood pasta fishes will blow your mind and fill your tummy. Born from the mind of Paul Freddura, who turned his knowledge of the seafood trade into seafood plates, it's easily one of the best restaurants in North End. Or, if you want something a little out of the way, check out Maria's Pastry Shop. Inside, you'll find delightful Italian pastries both sweet and savory, and the best cannoli money can buy. Drink it up Let's round off this list with a round of our own. Looking for a place to sit and drink till the early morn? Here are our picks. Ex speakeasy Stanza dei Sigari is now a cigar parlor and liquor lounge. Stepping inside is like being transported back to the roaring '20s. With an enviable cocktail menu and a host of fine liquors to sample, it's a great place to wet your whistle. Looking for something a little more gutter-like? Try Corner Cafe, a dive bar with plenty of beers, sports on the TV, and a handful of cocktails classics like margaritas. It's cash only, so bear that in mind. And that's our list of the best things to do in North End, Boston!
Dom Bewley

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