boston back bay

Things to do in Back Bay, Boston

Back Bay is one of Boston's most affluent districts, with plenty of places to go and things to see. So, if you're visiting Boston and thinking of staying in the area, you'll want to know what's good. Well, we'll tell you what's good. Right here, right now. Read on, and discover the best things to do in Back Bay, Boston!

Including:

  • Trinity Church
  • Boston Public Library
  • The Mapparium
  • Boston Marathon Survivor Memorial
  • Places to eat
  • and more!
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The Holy Trinity (Church)

Let's start this shindig with something holy. If you want to explore a fascinating holy place, whether you're religious or not, check out Trinity Church. Even from the outside, its ornate design is mesmerizing. But step inside, and you'll be treated to a feast for the eyes. Practically every inch was handpainted, and the whole thing was overseen by prominent American artist John La Farge.

From the pre-Raphaelite windows to the awe-inspiring murals, it's a great place to visit in Back Bay. The church itself does lots of community outreach, so if you're in the area on a Sunday, feel free to go to one of their services.

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Words are worth it

Libraries are the spine of our nation. That was a book pun, and no, we won't apologize. Wordplay is one of life's many joys. And if you like wordplay, books, and libraries, then you'll love Boston Public Library! What a terrible segue!

This labyrinthine monument to learning is a frequent hang spot for students and researchers. Visitors will often find students at their laptops, staring at empty word documents with tears in their eyes. But never mind them, they made their bed. Instead, get lost in its many, many aisles. You'll likely find any book you're looking for within its massive walls.

But if that wasn't enough, there are also regular talks and readings held there throughout the year, and you can even get a tour of the place if you're too overwhelmed by all the learning.

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Map it out

Mary Baker Eddy was a special person. Not only did she overcome the adversity that came with being a female academic in the 19th-century, but she wrote a groundbreaking book that kicked off the movement that we now know as Christian Science.

So, why not find out more about this fascinating woman at The Mapparium? You'll walk across a bridge through the three-story, stained-glass Mapparium globe, enhanced with music and special lighting effects. It will give you a whole new perspective of Earth's geography, thanks to the concave, mirror-imaged view it offers.

Explore the library, which has artifacts from her life you won't see anywhere else. You'll learn how The Mapparium was built and take a guided tour of The First Church of Christ. In the original 1894 church building, you'll find one of the world's largest pipe organs too!

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Image courtesy of Jesse Costa/WBUR

To those we lost

The Boston Marathon bombing was an event that shook the world. If you would like to pay your respects, you can visit the Boston Marathon Survivors Monument.

The artist worked diligently with the families of the deceased in its design, ensuring it captured their spirit and personality. The two installations on Boylston Street are 20ft tall bronze spires that contain light-emitting glass tubes, ensuring the people taken in the bombing will be remembered forever.

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Where to eat

You may need a bite to eat after all that sightseeing. Thankfully, Back Bay has some fantastic eateries that will welcome you with open arms. These are our favorites!

If you're looking for interesting Far East dishes, then Uni will fit you like a Japanese glove. This contemporary izakaya restaurant offers a host of street food-inspired plates, as well as Japanese favorites like Sashimi and Nigiri. Take a seat beneath the dim lighting, explore the expansive menu, and find a new dish to add to your favorites!

If American seafood dishes are more your thing, don't you worry. Select Oyster Bar brings New England Seafood to your table, with a Mediterranean twist to boot. While you're free to stop by for a glass of wine and some oysters, you'll be missing out if you don't hunker down for dinner. The Maine Lobster Salad is something else, and for a fish joint, they even do a mean rib eye!

Speaking of rib eye, if steaks more you scene, Grill 23 is one of the best in the country. This award-winning steakhouse is the go-to site for local business meetings, so bear that in mind if you're thinking of heading there on a weekday. But never mind the white-collar hollering, sit down, stare at their table until they relent, and enjoy some of the juiciest steaks around.

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Where to drink

Let's end this with a look at the nightlife. If you're looking for a drink or three to see out the evening, then Back Bay has many delightful watering holes, no matter your desire.

Want something casual? Try The Pour House. This sports bar contains a whopping 17 TV screens, showing a variety of games throughout the week. You'll also find a wealth of affordable beers, bar food, and your standard cocktails. It may be a no-frills kind of place, but sometimes, that's exactly what you're looking for.

In the mood for something slightly fancier? City Bar is an elegant watering hole located in the century-old Lenox Hotel. And, given the likes of Babe Ruth and John Travolta have graced its elegant tables at one time or another, it's the kind of pedigree that guarantees you a great cocktail and a great time. Combine that with a hefty wine list, romantic lighting, and swanky decor, and it's the perfect date spot if you're looking to impress that someone special.

And finally, if you're looking for something a little louder, then you have to hit up the Bukowski Tavern. Named after famed author Charles Bukowski, who penned the likes of Factotum and Ham on Rye, among many other novels and poems, this is a Boston bar through and through. You'll find a huge selection of delicious beers, brewed both locally and abroad, some high-quality bar bites, and the kind of larger-than-life atmosphere that makes Boston the city it is!

And that's our list of the best things to do in Back Bay, Boston!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Boston Memorial Day Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in May

Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect opportunity to get away and log some family time in a brand new city. To celebrate this year, pay a visit to one of the most historic cities in America - Boston! Packed with activities and events, Boston is perfect for a family-friendly weekend away. If you’re looking for Boston Memorial Day Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Boston in May, including... Walk the Freedom Trail Visit iconic Fenway Park Picnic in the Boston Common Take a Trolley Tour around town and more... Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Boston pass. Choose as you go from dozens of Boston attractions & activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Boston attractions – learn more. Please note, some of these special May and Memorial Day weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Boston pass. The Freedom Trail & Other Historical Attractions Check out the Art Scene Tour the City on a Trolley Tour Iconic Fenway Park Get Out on the Water Soak up some sun this Memorial Day and discover Boston's most beloved landmarks on the Charles Riverboat Cruise -- after all, you’re in the Bay State! A scenic sail along this popular Boston waterway will escort you past top sites, as well as local sailboats, rowers, and paddleboaters. Another fun option is the USS Constitution Cruise, a delightful cruise that showcases the famed 'Old Ironsides'. This 45-minute cruise also includes informative narration of the inner harbor and a survey of popular historical and contemporary landmarks visible from the water. If you'd rather enjoy the waterfront from land, there are tons of places to catch awesome views of the ocean. Rowe's Wharf is a great place to take in the salty air and is centrally located near downtown. Embark on a Whale Watch Stroll the Boston Common Take a Bike Ride Take a Brewery Tour There are few things that say the start of summer more than a good cold beer. Tour some of the area's best local breweries for a chance to sample the new seasonal brews. Some of our favorites include Sam Adams, Harpoon, Trillium and Night Shift. If you're more into cider, you'll be pleased to find out that Downeast Cider is opening an outdoor bar in Dewey Square, near South Station. The bar opens in late May through October and will be serving up cider, beer and wine every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and of course at the weekend. Insider Tip: If you want a free glass with your brewery tour at Sam Adams, use your Go Boston pass! Please note that the tour itself is free. Getting In: Sam Adams Brewery glassware is included with the Go Boston pass. Shop the Sales Don't forget about the shopping! Memorial Day is a time for some of the best sales of the year and Boston has no shortage of great places to shop. Head to Newbury Street, the Prudential Center, or Cambridgeside Galleria for the best shopping in town. Don't forget about all of the small businesses across the city, either! Memorial Day Parade The Somerville Veterans Memorial Parade is usually on Memorial day in May. The parade begins at Somerville City Hall and continues down Highland Ave. through Davis Sq. with the conclusion at the intersection of Holland and Broadway in Teele Sq. Getting In: This Memorial Day Parade is free and open to the public. Boston Calling Music Festival One of the most popular local music festivals falls on Memorial Day - Boston Calling. Some of the most acclaimed artists in contemporary music will come to the Harvard Athletic Complex (in Cambridge) to play to the adoring masses. It's a favorite event with locals, so tickets can sometimes go fast. For more information about line-ups and to purchase tickets, visit the event website. Getting In: Boston Calling is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Boston pass. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Boston in May to help you plan your Memorial Day weekend itinerary. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Boston pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!
Katie Sagal
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10+ Things to Do in Salem Massachusetts for Halloween

October is one of the best times to visit Salem, Massachusetts, the “witch town” known for its sinister past and spooky aura. For the entire month of October, haunted happenings take over Salem to celebrate Halloween and fall in the area. Haunted Happenings features a calendar full of events, special programs, and live shows. These distinctive seasonal events complement the attractions, museums, and tours that Salem offers year-round. If you’re looking for things to do in Salem on Halloween and October and nearby Boston, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including: Salem Witch Museum House of Seven Gables Peabody Essex Museum Halloween Cruises Bewitched After Dark Salem Walking Tours The People vs Bridget Bishop Gallows Hill Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour Guided Tour of Salem & Marblehead Boston Attractions When is the best time to visit Salem, MA? Salem is busiest on weekends when it fills up with tourists, but it's arguably at its most festive when thronged with people. However, if you're in search of a less hectic experience, you can head to Salem any weekday in October or during one of the first weekends in the month. You’ll still find plenty of seasonal things to do. Dedicate at least one full day to seeing the sights in Salem and consider an overnight stay to join in on some of the spooky night-time walking tours and ghost tours offered. Some of the top hotels in the area recommended by Haunted Happenings include the Clipper Ship Inn (budget-friendly), Hawthorne Hotel (a historic hotel), and Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites (award-winning lodging). Do remember that October dates will book up fast, so make your reservations in advance. The closer to Halloween it is, the more difficult it will be to get to Salem in heavy traffic and find reasonably priced parking. If you're coming from the Boston area, we recommend you take either the commuter rail (Newburyport/Rockport Line) or a bus to avoid the hassle of parking. That said, there’s nothing quite like spending Halloween weekend in Salem as it is always jam-packed with fun and spooky things to do. Salem Witch Museum Do you believe in witchcraft? At the Salem Witch Museum, get an insight into the complex and evolving perception of witches 'from midwives and healers to witch hunts and Wiccans.' Salem’s most visited museum presents the witch hysteria of 1692 in a way that is educational, thought-provoking, and a bit spooky. You'll learn all about the infamous witch trials, the events leading up to them, and what life was like in Salem at the time. They also offer a fun and eclectic gift shop that sells everything from artisan wares to the most inspired Halloween costumes you'll ever see. It's a nice place to pick a unique fall souvenir. House of the Seven Gables The House of Seven Gables is New England’s oldest wooden mansion. Built in 1668, it was made famous through the fiction of Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter. A must-visit attraction for book lovers and American Literature fans. In October, add to the experience with their program of specialized audio tours. Experience a more personal history of Salem from the perspectives of the people who didn't make it into the history books with the Passages of the Past Audio Tour, or try out their Immersive 360 Tour where you'll join senior historical interpreter David Moffat for a unique and online venture through over 350 years of history. Peabody Essex Museum Home to a collection of one million artifacts and natural treasures dating back to 1799, when sea captains would bring home treasures from their travels overseas, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) offers Salem visitors a unique examination of world history. See fascinating exhibitions of African, American, Asian, Native American, Oceanic, and Indian art, including photographs from 1840 (the year photography was invented!). The PEM regularly features exhibitions on The Salem Witch Trials, where visitors can learn more about factors that fueled the much-storied crisis, including individuals who rose to defend those accused. Halloween cruises A cruise around the storied waters of Salem is a fun and different way to get in some prime leaf-peeping during peak season and take in the history of the area. The 2-hour narrated Lighthouse & Foliage tour goes on a 14-mile loop of the scenic Salem Sound. The Haunted Happenings Harbor Cruise features a 90-minute entertainment cruise. It's complete with face painting, fortune telling, spooky photo ops, scary stories, and more. A full bar and grill are available on every cruise. They also offer a Halloween Boo!s Cruise, which is ideal for adults and groups of friends. These offerings from Mahi Cruises are seasonal and are available during the fall or the month of October, depending upon the selected cruise. Salem Haunted Happenings There's no shortage of things to do in Salem Massachusetts. Just check out the Haunted Happenings events calendar for the complete lineup of activities and fun things to do in Salem during this popular time of year. There's everything from face painting and farmers' markets to cruises and hayrides to haunted houses and witch hunts. Some of our popular picks include: Salem Psychic Fair and Witches Market Salem Common Family Movie Night Salem Haunted Magic Show Presents: Hysteria! Hollowed Harvest: Wicked Labyrinth and much, much more! Bewitched After Dark Salem walking tours These engaging tours are led by local historians who can't wait to share Salem's eerie history with you. They warn, however, that "history is more frightening than fiction," something easily spooked visitors would do well to remember! Look out for the Salem Witch House, one of the few structures directly linked to the witch trials of 1692.  Cry Innocent: The People Versus Bridget Bishop Head back to 1692 when Bridget Bishop was accused of witchcraft and is up for trial. At Cry Innocent, you'll be immersed in the experience by serving on the Puritan jury. You’ll hear her testimony, cross-examine the witnesses, and decide the verdict in this critically acclaimed interactive theatrical performance. We promise you won't leave the theater without thinking differently about the infamous Salem witch trials! Gallows Hill This multifaceted attraction has it all - a haunted museum filled with lost objects and abandoned exhibits, an exhilarating, 4-D experience show, and a fascinating Ghosts & Legends Trolley Tour. Gallows Hill is one of the most popular attractions in all of Salem and is great for Halloween explorations. Keep in mind that some attractions might not be suitable for small children. Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour The Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour is one of Salem's most haunting attractions. Experience Salem's longest-running ghostly tour with the city's 'spirited' tour leader! The knowledgeable ghostly guides combine captivating storytelling, macabre humor, and stellar presentation to convey Salem's authentic haunted history. Delve into the Witch City's intriguing and often sordid past on their highly recommended 90-minute nightly strolls. Costumed narrators recount by lantern light true tales of documented paranormal activity, chilling cemeteries, Colonial witchcraft, Victorian murder, and more! This tour is leisurely paced; the tour distance covered is approximately a half mile. Guided tour of Salem and Marblehead Join a full-day guided tour of historic Salem and Marblehead. It's an especially perfect tour to take during October, as they highlight many of the Haunted Happenings events. This tour covers lots of North Shore highlights, including Marblehead, Abbott Hall, Salem Harbor, and more. Keep in mind the tour lasts about seven hours altogether, so this will be your main attraction for the entire day. Add Boston to Your Itinerary Fall is one of the best times to visit the Boston area; the air is crisp and cool, while the vibrant orange and yellow leaves provide the perfect backdrop. Want some more fun? Skip almost 100 years in time from the era of witch hysteria to the era of the American Revolution. Explore historic attractions such as: the Paul Revere House the Freedom Trail the USS Constitution Museum and more! Then, stop by the Samuel Adams Brewery to sneak a sample of their special Oktoberfest beers. Looking for more info on Boston? Be sure to check out our guides for things to do in Boston for Halloween or things to do in Boston in fall.  Enjoy your seasonal activities this year, and Happy Halloween! And while you're at it, go grab a Boston attraction pass and see all the city's best bits - spooky or otherwise! Planning to visit lots of Boston attractions? Discover our full line-up of Boston attractions including USS Constitution attractions and the Salem Witch Museum. With Go City® you won'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! ☀️Compare Boston passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️
Casey Makovich

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