boston souvenirs

Best Boston Souvenirs

Hello there! Welcome to the gift shop. Sadly, we only have one thing in stock. It's this guide to the best souvenirs in Boston. Hopefully, you aren't looking for ice cream. We don't sell those. But, if you're interested in the best Boston souvenirs, you're in luck, partner. Here's a menu with all of the best souvenirs in Boston.

Including:

  • Freedom Trail memorabilia
  • Boston Red Sox souvenirs
  • Harvard attire
  • Baked beans - really
  • Irish things
  • and more!
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Freedom Trail frills

The Freedom Trail is one of Boston's most important historical landmarks. So, why not commemorate your journey down the red brick road with some keepsakes? Right next to the Paul Revere House, you'll find North End Gift Shoppe, which sells all manner of freedom-esque attire, from freedom hats to freedom slacks. Want a freedom snowglobe? No? Well tough luck, because you're buying one before you leave! Why not take a tour that will lead you right there?

Godly bothers

Ever wondered if a church would dare sell gift shop oddities? Wonder no more; just hop on down to Old North Church and browse through the shop's many Boston-themed souvenirs. Books? Yes. Clothing? Yes. Jewelry? Yes! You can even pick up inspirational items like nativity figures for your very own Jesus Christ-approved Christmas setup. Holy Moses!

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You're a consumer, Harry!

Any Potterphiles out there can also pick up some awesome wizarding merch at the Harry Potter Shop. Grab your wand and fly to Newbury Street, and enter a world of wizarding wonder. Mugs, wands, scarves, and anything else any depressed muggle would want to brighten up their banal, magic-free lives.

Put your red sox on

Whether you're a baseball fan or not, the Boston Red Sox is arguably one of the most famous bat/ball teams in the world. In the last twenty years, they've won the World Series four times, and every year, rabid fans gather around Fenway Park to cheer them on. So, why not go grab some sweet Red Sox memorabilia during your trip? The team store contains loads of great baseball content, like jerseys, baseballs, hats, yearbooks, and collecting cards. Even if the stadium doesn't interest you, you'll find plenty of vendors around the city proudly displaying their wares.

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Bunker down

One of the most famous battles of the War of Independence took place at Bunker Hill. So you can bet your bottom dollar that there's a shop full of memorabilia for you to purchase. Located off of the Freedom Trail, the Bunker Hill Monument has its own gift shop, where you can pick up Bunker-related souvenirs and other oddities dedicated to both the battle and Boston itself. So, have at it.

Also other sports things!

Besides the Red Sox, Boston has a handful of other famous sports franchises that call it home. At the TD Garden, you'll find shops dedicated to both the basketballing Boston Celtics, and the hockey-pucking Boston Bruins. So go pick up a t-shirt, hat, or jersey and wear them with pride. So what if you're not from Boston? Who's going to stop you? No one, that's who.

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J R R Token

When visiting Boston, chances are you'll take the subway at one time. But long before the advent of contactless cards and digital ticket readers, Bostonites used something else to get through the gates. That's right, people, we're talking about subway tokens. So why not commemorate your vacation and pick one up for yourself at the MBTA gift shop? Sure, it might be a useless sliver of finely crafted metal now, but boy does it tell a story. A story of how people used to pay to ride the subway. They even sell other subway-related memorabilia like toy subways. Perfect for kids who just can't get enough of riding the subway trains. Kids, ey? Easily pleased.

Harvard? I hardly knew...ard

One stop on your Boston tour should be the city's famous Harvard University. Not only can you take a tour of the facilities with a real, authentic, 100% human student, but you can even visit the campus' rather fantastic Natural History Museum. But why would anyone believe you even went without any proof? Well, don't worry about that; just pick up some sweet Harvard threads and other things at the Harvard Shop! Yes, even you could pretend you attended Harvard by buying a sweet hoodie, or sports-related jacket. Then, use what you learned on the tour to convince others that, yes, you were worthy to walk its halls and learn many things about things.

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Luck of the Irish

Do you ever wonder whether you have too few Irish things in your abode? Need a little green to add to the sheen? Well, guess what? You can do it! Simply head on over to one of the many Irish-themed souvenir shops you'll find in the city. Our recommendation is Southie's Own on W Broadway, where you'll find plenty of delightful Irish oddities to purchase with real money. Do you like Shamrocks? They sell many things adorned with the sprig, including hats. They also sell flags. These should suffice.

In the Beantime

Baked beans. Love them or hate them; they do exist. We can prove it! Boston is even called Beantown because they became a staple for settlers of the New World. See, proved. And, if you're visiting Beantown, sorry, Boston, then why not pick up the town's modernized take on the humble bean? Nothing quite says America like adding sugar and meat flavors to a healthy legume. These delicious treats are worth the investment, and will be the perfect gift to any friend you'd like to confuse. So go on, get beany with it! Sorry. That was inappropriate.

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Adamized

And finally, let's end with one of Boston's most famous exports; beer! You may have heard of a little brew called Samuel Adams? Well, that tasty treat is based in Boston, so why not buy a t-shirt or other form of clothing that celebrates the suds at the brewery's gift shop? They do hats, beer, coasters, beer, shirts, and even beer. So what are you waiting for?

Thanks for reading the menu; hopefully, it helped you discover the best Boston souvenirs. Looking for more Boston fun? Here's our guide to the best times to visit the city! But what if Boston isn't safe? Well, you can find out if it is right here (spoiler alert: it is).

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Acorn Street in Beacon Hill, Boston
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Boston Airport to City Travel Options (Logan)

Baked beans, the Boston Red Sox and thr bar ‘where everybody knows your name’: Massachusetts' lively state capital offers all this and more. Known as the birthplace of the American Revolution, this is a city that’s thoroughly steeped in history. Follow the Freedom Trail to immerse yourself in 250 years of US heritage, step inside the former home of legendary revolutionary Paul Revere, and take a trip to Louisa May Alcott’s house in Concord, where her literary masterpiece Little Women was both written and set. With all this on offer, you’ll no doubt want to get to the heart of the city (and those umami, smoky platefuls of sweet-savory beans) as quickly as possible after touching down at Logan Airport. Read on for our guide to all the transit options from Logan to downtown Boston… Boston Logan International Airport in Brief There’s only one international airport in Boston. So the chances of getting yourself lost are fairly slim. Unless of course you accidentally boarded a flight to Boston in England, but that’s for another blog… In-keeping with Boston’s proud history, Logan is named for local son Edward Lawrence Logan: judge, lawyer, politician and military officer. Indeed, the airport’s full name is General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport. A bit of a mouthful, we’re sure you’ll agree, which is why it’s commonly known as plain Logan. The airport serves as the primary global gateway for Massachusetts and New England, with over 100 domestic and international routes. Around 40 million passengers pass through every year. Best of all, Logan lies just 5km east of downtown Boston, straddling the border between East Boston and the town of Winthrop. In light traffic, the cab ride into town can take as little as 10 minutes. So, without any further ado, here’s how to get from Logan Airport to downtown Boston. Logan Airport to Downtown Boston by Public Transport On-Airport Shuttle System It’s likely you’ll make use of Logan’s free shuttle system, which serves all four terminals and shuttles excited new arrivals to the Rental Car Center and parking garages. The shuttle also serves the airport's subway station and water transportation dock for onward travel to downtown Boston, via Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) services. Getting from Logan to Downtown Boston by Subway Having shuttled your way successfully to Airport station, it’s just a hop and a skip along the Blue Line to downtown Boston. The Blue Line connects to the Green Line at Government Center station and to the Orange Line at State Street.  Going anywhere near Back Bay, Fenway Park or Boston University? The Blue Line out of Logan is your friend. A one-way ticket costs just $2.90, and you can transfer between subway and Silver Line, Express and local bus services twice on your ticket, paying only the one-time cost of whichever service costs more. Getting from Logan to Downtown Boston by Bus Bus enthusiasts rejoice! There are multiple ways to get from Logan to downtown (and beyond) on four wheels. The MBTA’s Silver Line connects all terminals at Logan to South Station and beyond. Hitch a free ride on SL1 as far as South Station if you want to transfer to the subway’s Red Line here. Services SL2, SL3, SL4 and SL5 continue to other areas of Boston and a one-way ticket costs $1.70. Alternatively, the Express buses speed visitors to downtown and beyond for $4.25 one way. There are also multiple private bus services covering much of New England and New Hampshire, from reputable companies including Concord Coach Lines, Boston Express Bus and more. Getting from Logan to Downtown Boston by Ferry Ok, it ain’t Venice, but arriving in Boston by sea is certainly the most scenic of all the airport transit options. Take the short trip across Boston Harbor to Long Wharf for rapid access to downtown, taking in panoramic views of the skyline from up on deck as you go. The On-Airport Shuttle connects terminals to the water transportation dock and the terminals, and a one-way ticket on the MBTA ferry costs $2.40 Top Tip: CharlieCards and CharlieTickets Charlies are reusable cards or tickets that can be preloaded with cash and used to tap in and out of MBTA subway, bus and ferry services. They’re a good option if you plan to use public transport a fair bit while you’re in town, as there are savings to be made over buying individual tickets for every journey. CharlieTickets are particularly convenient for visitors. You can pick yours up at vending machines in the airport and most stations. Logan Airport to Downtown Boston by Private Transfer Cabs are readily available outside arrivals at terminals A, B and E and on the ground floor of the terminal C parking garage. It’s only around 5km from the airport to downtown Boston but travel times and prices can vary wildly depending whether you’re traveling in rush hour traffic or not. Expect to pay somewhere in the region of $40-50 one way. Ride apps like Uber and Lyft will usually cost a little less, but you’ll have to arrange these yourself and organize a suitable pick-up point. Alternatively, make like your favorite Bond villain and charter your own pre-booked private limousine. Or hop in a water taxi: one-way tickets from companies including Red Top Boats and the Boston Water Bus start from around $15. Logan Airport to Downtown Boston by Rental Vehicle Boston’s walkable downtown and excellent public transport system means you’ll have little need for your own wheels unless you’re planning out-of-town day trips to the likes of Salem, Portland and the Gilded Age mansions of beautiful Newport. You’ll find all the usual suspects at Logan’s Rental Car Center (RCC): everything from Alamo to Zipcar. The On-Airport Shuttle whisks passengers to the RCC via routes 22, 33 and 55, with services running approximately every 5-6 minutes. Save on attractions, tours and activities in Boston Save on admission to Boston attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Boston skyline at night
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New Year's Eve in Boston - Things to do

Rich history and a fine party scene means there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Boston on New Year’s Eve. From heritage trails to winter wonderlands, magnificent museums to the city’s beloved sport team stadiums, Boston has it all. New Year is a great time to visit, with plenty going on to keep kids and grown-ups entertained all day long, not to mention the buzzy bar scene and epic firework displays that define this great city’s end-of-year celebrations. Read on for our guide to New Year’s Eve in Boston and the best things to do while you’re in town! Morning: Boston Highlights Crisp winter mornings are made for sightseeing and, as you happen to be in Boston for New Year, well, why the heck not? There’s a glut of activities here – from the historical to the futuristic – that will take up just one or two hours of your New Year’s Eve in Boston. And boy, are some of Beantown’s attractions worth checking out. Take a whistle stop guided tour of the Freedom Trail led by actors in period costume for a deep dive into Boston’s most historic sites, including the golden-domed Massachusetts State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, 17th-century King’s Chapel cemetery and Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States. Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is where it's at for culture vultures. Here’s where you can explore 100 galleries of eye-popping art from across the centuries, including ancient Egyptian sculptures, early musical instruments and paintings by the likes of Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and Kahlo. Don’t miss John Singleton Copley’s portrait of local hero Paul Revere, and the elaborate mural by John Singer Sargent that adorns the rotunda ceiling. Alternatively, get your sports fix on a guided tour of the Sports Museum at the TD Garden arena, legendary home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins; say hey to the seals, snakes, sea turtles and funky rockhopper penguins at the New England Aquarium; or nip just out of town to unleash your inner Jo, Meg, Amy or Beth at the 17th-century former home of Louisa May Alcott, where her novel Little Women was set. Sticking around beyond New Year? Consider an attraction pass from Go City to save $$$ on things to do in Boston, including top attractions, tours, activities and more. Afternoon: Seasonal Events in Boston If you’re looking for things to do in Boston on New Year’s Eve, rejoice! Many of Beantown’s Christmas fairs and festivals continue through New Year and there are even a few brand-new dedicated NYE events to check out. Better yet, many of the afternoon and early evening activities are family friendly, meaning kids can join in the fun too. Zoolights at the Stone Zoo is a magical festive extravaganza, where tree-lined walkways are festooned with thousands of twinkling lights and Yukon Creek – home to black bears, bald eagles, arctic foxes, Canada lynx, reindeer and more – has been given a fairytale festive makeover. Sponsored (perhaps unsurprisingly) by the National Grid, this electrifying experience is sure to give kids (and adults) of all ages a real buzz. Mosey on down to Boston’s Waterfront winter wonderland, where dozens of frozen masterpieces line the Ice Sculpture Stroll, spanning North End, Downtown Waterfront, Charlestown End, and South Boston Waterfront. Follow the trail to the Seaport neighborhood to find a veritable fiesta of fun at Snowport. There are soaring, twinking Christmas trees, an iceless curling rink, après ski lodges, fire pits, a beer tent, street-food stalls, local crafts and more. Eyes peeled for the Snowport mascot, a huge fluffy pink yeti that’s your kids with love. Or be absolutely terrified by, depending on their disposition. As the light begins to fade, make for Copley Square, where the annual First Night Boston Celebrations includes eminently danceable holiday-themed tunes and illuminated ice sculptures. Once you’ve shimmied yourself warm, join the procession to Boston Common for the spectacular early evening firework displays, which kick off around 7PM. Evening: The Best of Boston’s Party Scene The fireworks at Boston Common are repeated periodically throughout the evening, right up to the main event at midnight, but there are plenty more ways to spend  the final hours of New Year’s Eve in Boston. Party your little heart out at suave Rochambeau in the Hynes Convention Center. This one is strictly for over-21s only. And rightly so. After all, sophisticated hors d'oeuvres, speciality seasonal cocktails and dessert bars that groan with sweet treats galore are wasted on the young. There’s a live DJ spinning floorfillers throughout the evening, and a glass of fizz to toast the New Year at midnight. You’ll want to book tickets in advance for this popular annual party. Wrap up extra warm for Boston’s legendary Bow Market Ball Drop. This one is held partly indoors and – shiver – partly al fresco, although patio heaters should help to stave off the worst of the winter chill. A bit of fancy footwork to the live tunes being played by the DJ should also help stop hypothermia setting in. Again, book well in advance if you want to join the party. The price of admission includes a couple of free drinks, some nibbles and other surprises throughout the evening, ahead of the hotly (or should that be coldly) anticipated ball drop at midnight. If it’s heart-swelling romantic firework views that top your New Year’s Eve wish list, the Boston Harbor show is unlikely to disappoint. Get yourself over to Christopher Columbus Park for this awesome midnight extravaganza of colorful pyrotechnics and booming, spirit-lifting music. Entry to the park is free. It commands some of the best views in town, so we’d recommend getting there early to ensure your Boston New Year’s Eve goes off with a bang! Save on activities and attractions in Boston Save on admission to Boston attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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