Little Women Filming Locations in Boston

By Seren Morris

Little Women is a classic American novel written by Boston author Louisa May Alcott. It tells the story of four sisters as they come of age during the American Civil War in Boston. There are already TV, film, and theater versions of the novel, but another adaptation will hit the big screen in 2019. Greta Gerwig’s remake of Little Women could be one of the most authentic retellings, as they filmed in Boston and the surrounding areas. Check out the Little Women filming locations in Boston below, including...

  • Harvard Town Hall
  • Louisa May Alcott’s House,
  • Fairmont Copley Plaza
  • Arnold Arboretum
  • And more

Save on admission

Admission to many popular Boston attractions that appear in Little Women is included in the Go Boston pass. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price. 

Who wrote Little Women ?

The original Little Women novel was written by author Louisa May Alcott. Alcott published the novel in 1968 in two volumes. It was very popular, so as a result, Alcott wrote two sequels to Little Women called Little Men and Jo’s Boys.

Who’s in Little Women (2019)?

Little Women (2019) is directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Saoirse Ronan as Jo, Emma Watson as Meg, Florence Pugh as Amy, and Eliza Scanlen as Beth. Timothée Chalamet plays Laurie, Meryl Streep plays Aunt March, and Laura Dern plays Mary March.

Where was Little Women filmed?

Little Women (2019) was filmed in Boston and the surrounding area. Gerwig wanted the film to be authentic, so she shot on location in Massachusetts. Take a look at the Little Women filming locations below...

Harvard

henry-dunster-house-harvard-university-aerial

Little Women filmed all around the town of Harvard, including the general store, Town Hall, and Congregational Church. You can take a tour of Harvard to get a feel for the area and see key Harvard sights. A Harvard University student will take you around the university grounds and will tell you everything you want to know about the historic area.

Fairmont Copley Plaza in Back Bay

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston (@fairmontcopley) on Jul 25, 2019 at 1:38pm PDT

You can see the beautiful ballroom of the Fairmont Copley Plaza in the Little Women trailer. Plus, additional filming took place in the surrounding Back Bay area. Coincidentally, if you’re visiting the Plaza or the Back Bay, you’re near the start of the Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour. See where famous films like Ally McBeal, Ted, Good Will Hunting, and The Departed were filmed. We’re sure Little Women will soon be added to this list. This is a must for movie fans visiting Boston.

Arnold Arboretum

arnold-arboretum-harvard-university-boston-winding

While this park is located in Harvard, the Arnold Arboretum transformed into a Parisian backdrop for the movie. However, despite the park’s beauty, Little Women is the first movie ever to be filmed there. They chose this park for its ageless and European feel. Why not see it for yourself? It’s located a little south of central Boston and is near the Franklin Park Zoo.

Louisa May Alcott House

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amber (@amberjanice79) on Sep 4, 2019 at 9:27am PDT

Little Women fans can’t visit Boston and not visit the Louisa May Alcott House in Concord. Explore Alcott’s home, complete with artifacts like her writing desk. See the house that inspired the setting of Little Women, and where the novel was written. An expert guide will take you from room to room, telling you everything you ever wanted to know about the famous author and her family.

Areas outside of Boston

Many scenes were filmed just outside of Boston, in towns such as Concord, Lawrence, Stoughton, Ipswich, and Lancaster. All of these towns are an hour or less by driving away from Boston, so are great day trip destinations. Visit these towns to see more of Massachusettes and for a wider understanding of Little Women’s setting. Additionally, they could be ideal spots of some fall-time leaf-peeping!

In summary

Little Women was filmed in key sites across Boston and the surrounding area. More importantly, many of these locations are public, so you can see them for yourself. Anyone whose favorite book is Little Women has to visit these filming spots on their next Boston vacation.

Save on admission

The Go Boston pass includes admission to many popular Boston attractions and Little Women filming locations. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price.

Share your trip with us

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your Little Women adventure with us. Tag us at @GoCity and use #GoCityPass on your travel photos to keep us up to date with your vacation!

Seren Morris

Continue reading

Sunrise over the George Washington statue in Boston's Public Garden
Blog

Things to do in Boston in the Morning

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...
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
boston seasons
Blog

Best Time to Visit Boston

You need a vacation this year. After the past two years, everyone does. Why not try Boston, one of America's most historic cities? No matter what time of year you plan on traveling, there's so much to see and do. Here's our guide to the best time to visit Boston, catered just to you! Including: Summer sun and fun Fall predictions and plans Winter chills and thrills Spring air and activities Boston's weather in summer If you're one for brilliant sun, warmer weather, and slathering on the sunblock, summer's the best time to visit Boston! Depending on the month, you're looking at highs from around 77-82°F to lows of around 59-66°F. That's some solid, short slash skirt weather, so pack your sunnies and plenty of airy clothes! As for rain, you're looking at an average of 6-8 days per month, so maybe pack an umbrella in case you're not lucky! Things to do in Boston over the summer So, what to do with all that fine summer weather? Make the most of it with some fantastic outdoor activities! See all the sights and sounds the city has to offer with a trolley tour of Boston! You'll see great views of the city and tick off all the sightseeing attractions on your itinerary in one fell swoop! Boston's CityView Trolley tour lets you see all the top attractions, popular shopping destinations, museums, and more. All while you sit back, breeze running through your hair in a comfy chair. The onboard guide will weave you tales of the city's history as you go, and you can even hop off to get up and close at some places. Prefer your cultural journey on foot? Take a walking tour of the Freedom Trail. Actors play the role of the trail's key personnel, dazzling you with bite-sized nuggets of history as you walk the famous red-brick road. And you'll pass many of Boston's most historic landmarks like the Massachusetts State House and the Old South Meeting House, where the Boston Tea Party used to meet in secret. How about something less historical? Try a trip to Franklin Park Zoo. With thousands of species to meet, it's the perfect place for kids and big kids alike. Boston's weather in the fall If you prefer to complement your summer days with a warm jacket, fall is the best time to visit Boston! The temperature difference is much bigger here, with September's summer hangover leading to temperatures of 57-73°F, while November's winter prep leads to lows of 37-52°F. So, bear that in mind when you pack your bags! Rain is similar to summer, so expect 6-8 days every month, and pack accordingly. Things to do in Boston over the fall With such a disparity in the temperature, let's look at a few options to cover our bases. For warmer days, why not hang out with some animals at the New England Aquarium? A world of underwater wonder awaits you, from Antarctic polar deserts to Caribbean reefs. Visit the harbor seals and watch them play, discover new and exotic species that call the Amazon home, or meet over 60 delightful penguins and learn about their colony. For the cooler days, why not take a tour of the famous Harvard University? Hosted by students, these tours take you inside and out of the famous campus, teaching you about what life is like at the college, and the famous faces that honed their craft there. When the chill starts to take hold, art lovers will adore the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Boasting over half a million pieces across four floors and dozens of exhibits, it's one of the world's best art museums. No matter your taste, you're bound to find something there to inspire you! Boston's weather in winter If you like the chiller days and indoor activities draped in cuddly coats, winter is the best time to visit Boston! We're getting freezing now, so expect highs of around 37-43°F and lows of around 23-28. We're talking big wooly coats, mittens, hats, the whole shebang. Or just wear all your clothes at once. Your choice. Expect a bit more rain this time, averaging around 7-9 days per month. Pack a raincoat or an umbrella, just to be safe. Things to do in Boston over the winter Let's stay inside this time, shall we? Don't worry; Boston has some great indoor attractions too! Want to learn more about Boston's most famous politician? Head to the JFK Presidential Library and Museum. Within, you'll discover artifacts, photos, and film footage across 25 large exhibits, giving you insight into the great man himself. See how Kennedy furnished the Oval Office, learn about the First Lady, and see how his campaign trail ended with the first live-broadcast presidential debate against Richard Nixon. Take the little ones on an adventure at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center. They can explore MINILAND®, a city made from 1.5 million multicolored bricks, see their favorite LEGO movie characters come to life at the 4D Cinema, or learn how to build masterpieces at one of the fun and informative workshops. Or, get spooky at the Salem Witch Museum, where you'll learn the dark history of the settlers and how fear and accusations snowballed into the witch trials that took so many lives. Boston's weather in spring If you prefer cool breezes and sunshine, spring is the best time to visit Boston! As you'd expect, there's quite a difference in temperature, depending on when you visit. Expect highs of 46-66°F, and lows of 30-50°F. Pack for winter if it's early spring, and for summer if it's late April/May. You might need an umbrella too, as you can expect an average of 8 days of rain each month. Things to do in Boston over spring Like fall, we'll cover our bases with options for colder and warmer days. On colder days, try the warm embrace of Boston's Museum of Science. Housing over 700 interactive exhibits, a whole heap of dinosaur fossils, and the galvanizing Theater of Electricity (pun intended, of course), it's a great place for big and little kids to open their minds. On cooler days, get the blood pumping by renting a bike and touring the city! It comes with a helmet, lock, and bike, so you have everything you need to forge your own path around Boston's beautiful landmarks! Or, if the weather is fine, go take a picnic and relax and Boston Common. If you're with that special someone, rent out one of the famous Swan Boats and go for a romantic paddle! That's our guide to the best time to visit Boston!
Dom Bewley
boston
Blog

5 Days in Boston

So, you're vacationing in Boston. Good choice! It's a city packed with history, entertainment, and things to discover. However, if you're looking for a more curated experience, or are simply bad at planning your time, never fear. We've come up with the perfect 5-day itinerary to ensure you see the most of Boston in 5 days. So, without further ado, let's get on with it! Day 1 - Going Downtown No matter where you choose to set up your home base, your first port of call when exploring the city should be Downtown. There, you'll find a lot of the historical attractions Boston has to offer, as well as its best green spaces and more multicultural offerings. You'll find the Freedom Trail there, arguably one of Boston's most famous landmarks. Take a guided tour, and explore over 200 years of Boston's history as you trace the red brick path that was so important before and during the War of Independence. With a handy guide in tow, you'll learn so much about the history of the Freedom Trail. You'll also pass many other Boston landmarks like the Common, Massachusetts State House, and the Boston Massacre Site. Another must-visit Downtown spot is the New England Aquarium! Perfect for kids and big kids alike, you can go nose-to-nose with seals, wave hello to the penguins, and much more! There are a number of great exhibitions on throughout the year, like the Amazon Rainforest exhibit, where you'll meet and greet tons of exotic creatures that call the forest home. Sports-lovers should check out Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox. You can either take a tour of the facility and learn more about the team's history, or get tickets to a game. You'll also find Chinatown, where you'll have some great photo ops, thanks to the China Trade Gate, and a wealth of food and drink options if you like a bit of Chinese cuisine. And art lovers among you simply have to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Containing over 500,000 works of art, from paintings to ancient sculptures, it's a great way to soak up some culture on your first day in Boston! Day 2 - Going Back On day two of your vacation, we recommend heading to Back Bay. There's some stuff to do here, but rather than front-load your vacation with things to do, you might want to space it out, so your legs and brain get a rest. Back Bay is one of Boston's most affluent areas. As such, it has a superb selection of restaurants and bars, among other things. Trinity Church combines handpainted design with grandiose architecture similar to a European Cathedral. It's truly an awe-inspiring sight, one we recommend everyone check out at least once. Book-lovers will love the Boston Public Library, with its labyrinthine corridors of books, books, and more books. You can even get a free tour of the building, if you ask politely. Then, when it's time to eat, Back Bay has a couple of top restaurants we recommend. Uni offers high-end Japanese cuisine in a classy, contemporary setting. With authentic izakaya dishes, it's a great spot to get some grub. Or, to fulfill all your steak-ly desires, Grill 23 is an award-winning choice. It's rowdier than the likes of Uni, so bear that in mind when booking a table. And why not round out day 2 with a drink? For all your sports bar needs, The Pour House has 17 screens of sporting bliss on display, as well as a healthy helping of beers on tap. Or, for a classier tipple, head to the Lenox Hotel's City Bar, where the likes of Babe Ruth have knocked back delightful cocktails in the past. Day 3 - A Beacon of Hope On the third of your 5 days in Boston, we're all about nature as we head to Beacon Hill. This beautiful district is home to the city's best green areas, as well as some stunning eateries and great nights out. So let's talk about them. Grab breakfast at the Beacon Hill Bistro and then head to Boston Common, the country's oldest public park. There, you'll find 50 acres of green bliss, and some sights too, like Brewer Fountain Plaza. You could even take a picnic for the afternoon, if the weather's nice. Then, for even more green goodness, stroll over to Boston Public Garden, which adjoins the Common. There, you can take a ride on the iconic Swan Boats that appear in many films and TV shows, go snap a photo of the George Washington Statue, or simply wander around the lake. Looking for a keepsake to memorialize your vacation, or need to buy some presents for loved ones back home? Beacon Hill's Black Ink has many strange gifts on offer, from shot glasses to dinosaurs, weird baby toys to cat-themed chopsticks. And then, with dinner time quickly approaching, here are your dining recommendations. No.9 Park is a classy, nouveau-Italian joint with a pricey menu and a smart dress code. But, if you can afford it, you'll be welcomed into a world of sublime tastes and an exhaustive wine list. Or, if you're looking for something a little more casual, give Grotto a go. They've got the traditional Italian affair like pasta dishes, alongside steaks and much more that'll keep you satisfied right into the following breakfast. Day 4 - Across the Sea We're crossing the Charles River now, and leaving Boston for the day! Cambridge might not be considered part of Boston, but it's super close and has a load of fun things to do! All aboard! Across the water lies two of the world's most prestigious centers of learning, MIT and Harvard University. In the latter, you'll find the Harvard Museum of Natural History, which contains more than 12,000 artifacts from millions of years in the past to today. It's a fascinating trip for those of you curious about the evolution of life on Earth, and one we heartily recommend. You'll also find the Harvard Art Museums on the college's campus, which features thousands of works from the Middle Ages right through to the present day. After all that intense culture consumption, you might be needing a break. Thankfully, Cambridge Common is right by the University, where you can go, take a load off, and relax under the sun (or clouds, if it's one of those days). If you're feeling famished before your ride back to town, Alden & Harlow is a great, subterranean eatery that serves up delicious New American dishes paired with refreshing cocktails. Or, if you want to mingle with the students, Grendel's Den is a no-nonsense pub that does decent pub bites, cheap beers, and has a big patio to spread out on if the weather's good. Day 5 - Mopping up And, on the final day of your 5 days in Boston, it's time for the best of the rest. You could head to North End and Waterfront for some delicious Italian food, visit the Boston Tea Party Museum and the Paul Revere House for your daily dose of history, or just stare out at the fantastic views of Massachusetts Bay. If you're feeling arty, wander down to South End and explore the artistic community that calls it home. The Boston Center for the Arts is always a hub for creativity, with different galleries, shows, and performances in residence each week. Or, check out the Griffin Museum of Photography, which showcases works from established shot-takers, as well as rising stars in the photography world. SoWa Open Market is a great place to pick up knickknacks before you head home, or a piece of art you think will make your abode sparkle. Failing that, North End has some great entertainment, such as belly-aching laughs at Improv Asylum, or grabbing a slice at Boston's original Pizzeria (according to them), Regina Pizzeria. End the night with a trip to a speakeasy cum modern bar at Stanza dei Sigari, where you can order from the extensive cocktail menu, or go off-menu and see what they can come up with! Save on admission in Boston Sounds expensive? 5 days in Boston doesn't have to be! Go City lets you enter many of Boston's top attractions and landmarks with incredible savings versus advertised prices. It means you can do more without worrying about your bank balance!
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon