Eat, Walk, Discover: Unmissable Downtown Boston Experiences

Discover Boston’s downtown treasures, from famous landmarks to hidden delights!

Published: May 6, 2026
Aerial View of Downtown Boston

Boston’s downtown is where the city’s revolutionary past collides with its energetic present. Here, you can follow in the footsteps of patriots, wander cobbled lanes, and sample world-class seafood—all just a few blocks apart. Whether you’re hunting for hidden history, the freshest lobster roll, or a quirky museum, downtown Boston has you covered. Let’s explore how you can craft the perfect day in the heart of the city. 

Our favorite things to do in downtown Boston include: 

  • Freedom Trail Foundation® Walk into History Tour 
  • Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour 
  • Boston Harbor Walk & Seafood Tour 
  • CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley 
  • Old State House Museum & Old South Meeting House 
  • Boston Children’s Museum 
  • Paul Revere House 
  • Franklin Park Zoo 
  • Quincy Market & Faneuil Hall 

Freedom Trail Foundation® Walk into History Tour  

Start your downtown adventure where Boston’s story began: the Freedom Trail. Join a Walk into History Tour and you’re instantly swept into the city’s revolutionary tales—think hidden alleyways, dramatic protests, and a cast of charismatic costumed guides who know how to spin a story. The route connects you with famous landmarks like Boston Common, the Old State House, and the site of the Boston Massacre. Each spot comes alive with anecdotes and playful banter, and you’ll find yourself picturing 18th-century Boston in vivid detail. 

This tour is more than a checklist of historic spots—it’s an energetic stroll through time. Guides keep things fun (and not too stuffy), mixing big moments and quirky trivia in equal measure. You’ll leave knowing which pub Paul Revere preferred, why the Redcoats never stood a chance, and who had the city’s best shoes. It’s the perfect first stop for soaking up the atmosphere and gaining a real sense of place. 

Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour  

Hollywood loves Boston, and the Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour is your chance to discover why. Led by guides packed with behind-the-scenes knowledge, this cinematic stroll reveals filming sites from hit movies and TV shows—think Good Will Hunting, The Departed, Ted, and even Cheers. The tour zips through the heart of Beacon Hill and beyond, pointing out familiar facades and sharing juicy filming secrets. 

It’s not just about the movies; you’ll also pick up bits of local history and pop culture along the way. The energy is contagious—expect laughs, fun group trivia, and even the occasional heartfelt Boston accent. We love how the tour mixes nostalgia with nuggets you probably won’t find in guidebooks. It’s a perfect pick for movie buffs or anyone wanting to see the city through a different lens. 

Boston Harbor Walk & Seafood Tour

Boston Harbor at Night

Nothing says Boston quite like seafood by the harbor, and this tour hits all the right notes. The Boston Harbor Walk & Seafood Tour takes you along the bustling waterfront—with stops at classic eateries and fish markets where you can sample clam chowder, lobster rolls, and more. Your guide shares the area’s maritime history, from swashbuckling traders to the rise of Boston’s seafood scene. 

Along the way, you’ll pass harbor views, historic warehouses, and boat-filled marinas that give the tour its quintessential New England feel. There’s something about enjoying local flavors steps from where they’re landed fresh every morning. For foodies and history fans alike, this experience brings the city’s salty spirit to life—and we guarantee you’ll leave dreaming about that perfect lobster roll. 

CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley  

Want to see the best of downtown without breaking a sweat? Hop aboard the CityView Trolley. This classic red-and-green trolley hauls you to all the big sights with none of the hassle. You get driver-guides who are part stand-up comic, part historian, so each leg of the journey feels like a rolling Boston variety show. 

The best part? You set the pace. Jump off at Quincy Market for lunch, explore Boston Common, or catch glimpses of the waterfront—then hop back on whenever you please. The trolley’s open-top design is perfect on sunny days, giving you a breezy ride and unfiltered city views. If you want flexibility and fun, this is your ticket around town. 

Old State House Museum & Old South Meeting House  

History buffs, this pairing is a dream. The Old State House Museum is the city’s oldest surviving public building, its brick walls echoing with political debates, powder-wig intrigue, and the events leading up to the Revolution. Inside, interactive exhibits and ancient artifacts give you a genuine sense of Boston’s pivotal role in American history. Head up the spiral staircase for a bird’s-eye view over one of the city’s busiest intersections. 

Just down the street, the Old South Meeting House invites you to literally stand where history was made—the launching point for the Boston Tea Party. The immersive exhibits don’t just tell you what happened; they put you in the heated debates. Both attractions are a short walk from Faneuil Hall, so you can easily blend them with a visit to this lively marketplace. 

Boston Children’s Museum  

Got kids (or just want to feel like one)? The Boston Children’s Museum is a wonderland of hands-on exhibits and quirky activities. Climb the three-story New Balance Foundation Climb, launch paper rockets, or groove in the music studio—there’s zero chance of boredom here. Exhibits span science, culture, art, and architecture, all designed to spark big curiosity in little explorers. 

Parents love how interactive the museum feels—think bubble rooms, puppet theaters, and cozy reading nooks overlooking the harbor. There’s even a Japanese house to explore, transplanted from Kyoto and rebuilt piece by piece. It’s a fantastic way to add a jolt of imagination to your trip, and its waterfront setting makes for a scenic picnic spot once the exploring’s done. 

Paul Revere House

Paul Revere House

History comes alive at Paul Revere’s House in the North End, just a quick walk from the hustle of Faneuil Hall. Step into creaky rooms furnished with 18th-century treasures, hear tales about Revere’s famous midnight ride, and let guides point out quirky domestic details—like how the beds are so tiny (spoiler: people slept sitting up). 

We love the intimate vibe here. Guides share fun tidbits about daily life in colonial Boston, offering a glimpse into how people cooked, worked, and even gossiped centuries ago. The courtyard is a restive escape from the busy streets, and you’re right around the corner from cannoli shops and Italian cafés that bring you right back to present day. 

Franklin Park Zoo  

Downtown Boston isn’t all cobblestones and old brick. For a splash of greenery and some animal magic, Franklin Park Zoo tempts with giraffes, gorillas, and big cats galore. The Tropical Forest exhibit transports you to another world with lush plants and exotic birds, while the massive outdoor playground is a hit with families eager to burn off some steam. 

What stands out is the zoo’s commitment to conservation, with lots of opportunities for kids to learn about habitats and how to protect them. Relax with a snack at the whimsical Giddy-Up Grill, or enjoy a picnic beneath shade trees on a sunny day. This corner of nature sits just a trolley or quick drive from downtown, making it a breath of fresh air during a busy city stay. 

Quincy Market & Faneuil Hall  

No downtown visit is complete without a trip to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall. The area buzzes with energy—street performers juggle and sing on the promenade, food stalls tempt with lobster rolls and Boston cream pie, and shoppers hunt for everything from Red Sox caps to handmade jewelry. Grab New England favorites at Boston Chowda Co. or chomp on a Monster Cookie from the Cookie Monstah food truck. 

Inside Faneuil Hall, wander halls where revolutionaries once plotted over pints, then take in local art displays or just soak up the lively scene from an outdoor bench. Faneuil Hall’s open spaces are perfect for people-watching, while the granite-and-glass architecture gives you a taste of old meets new. 

 

Whether you’re craving historic adventures, delicious bites, or moments of fresh air, downtown Boston offers something to delight every type of traveler. Blend old with new, mix museums with foodie fun, and don’t forget to explore beyond the usual trail—you’ll find Boston’s spirit lives in its stories, flavors, and playful surprises around every corner. Happy exploring! 

Enjoyed this? Check out The Museum of Science vs. Boston Children’s Museum or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Boston Passes  

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Boston MFA Discount Tickets & Tips for Visiting

Boston's Museum of Fine Arts is truely a premier museum of art, featuring global and timeless collections, from Egyptian statues and tombs, to fine Benin Kingdom sculptures, to European masters like Renoir, and modern legends like Van Gogh and Picasso. The Museum’s diverse, extensive, and eclectic artwork is presented inside a magnificent, stone palatial building on Huntington Avenue. Here, the Museum of Fine Arts not only curates and cares for the works, but through their many programs, tours, and activities, they help people of all ages understand, engage, and create art. Check out our helpful guide for visiting Boston's Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for Boston MFA Discount Tickets? We’ve got you covered – Museum of Fine Arts admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. 3. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Tips for Visiting the Museum of Fine Arts Before visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, look through the list of activities and tours, all free with admission. The tours can be as general as “Highlights of the Museum,” to tours that focus on a single tradition like “Art of the Ancient World,” to something even more specific like “Gaugain’s Lush Colors and Island Landscapes.” Each tours is led by friendly and wildly knowledgeable guides. Activities are a great way to get closer to the art and its creation. The Artist Toolbox Cart series, for example, gives you the great opportunity of handling artists' tools and view the results of their use on step-by-step demonstration pieces. Even more exciting, every Wednesday, there’s a free opportunity to sketch live models, and/or objects in the Museum of Fine Arts collection. A drawing instructor there will provide insights on technique and artist-model relationships. If you want to go off on your own, but still enjoy the depth and auditory nature of a guide, you can rent the MFA Guide audio tour for six dollars for adults, and four dollars for kids seventeen and under. The Museum of Fine Arts offers these tours in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese languages. Additionally, Museum of Fine Arts accommodates visitors who are blind, low vision, deaf, or hard of hearing, with a free mobile MFA Guide, providing touch screens with a reading option, text transcripts, neckloops for hearing aids with T-switches as well as headsets. Furthermore, the Museum of Fine Arts supplies ASL videos for many starred stops, and its own mini tour as well. If you read every word in an art museum, you’re apt to spend more time reading blurbs from gray plaques than actually experiencing art. On the other hand, according to a study conducted by the Louvre, the museum attendee spends a mere 15 seconds on the Mona Lisa on average. That’s right, a five-Mississippi on da Vinci’s masterpiece. The tip for solving this “study versus breeze by” paradox is this: begin each gallery at the large plaque that reads, “In this gallery...” It’s not always by the opening you enter through, given the wandering nature of the halls, rooms, and side-rooms. It is, however, always worth it. The Museum of Fine Arts does an excellent job at providing just enough context, whether political, historical, or rooted in an artistic trend, without ever imposing a rigid structure on the collection. Then, as you walk through the room, you can’t help but note an inherent logic that threads the pieces of art together, putting them in conversation with each other, and importantly, with you. If you read the gallery plaques, you’ll find yourself noting the story element of the priest in the background of Steen’s “The Sacrifice of Iphigenia,” for instance. While you may not find yourself drawn to every piece, you’ll likely spend quality time with the ones that do, making for a much more meaningful experience of art. Avoid the stern, yet fair admonishment of the museum staff by ensuring your camera’s flash is not on. Luckily, you can take non-flash pictures throughout the museum. If you’re the artistic type, don’t forget to bring your sketchpad or drawing board (no bigger than 18” by 24”) and your pencils. Charcoal, watercolors, crayons, and pastels are not allowed. With its abundance of styles, from Japanese ink strokes to ornate Iranian design, there are endless hours of learning and emulating to do within the halls. If Boston is in the throes of the notoriously harsh winter, don’t be afraid to bundle up in a bulky, warm jacket. The museum offers a complimentary coat and bag check service. If you’re bringing children, view the available kids’ programs and activities. Schedule your visit around one of the MFA playdates, or let the MFA Kids’ Tour’s group of animated characters help bring art to life. You can also download the Art Connections activity cards to give the visit a game component. Furthermore, the Museum of Fine Arts has kid-friendly meal options in their Garden Cafeteria, baby-changing stations in bathrooms, and an area designated for nursing. Best Times to Visit Weekday afternoons, and evenings (open until 9:30 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) will give you the most space and quiet to enjoy the museum. What to See There are so many collections and exhibitions (always adding new ones) that we couldn't do the MFA justice by listing them all. Instead, below is just a taste of some of the things we recommend you take some time to see during your visit. John Singer Sargent Thanks to Sargent’s ties to Boston, where he received his first solo show and multiple commissions, there is a uniquely extensive collection of his work that provides a sense of his artwork as a whole. In the atrium, you can see his preliminary sketches, and then look up and see their realized paintings and friezes on the domed ceiling. Furthermore, his large collection in the Art of the Americas is highlighted by “The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit,” and framed by the tall and elegant vases featured in the painting. Kingdom of Benin Recently, the Museum of Fine Arts accepted 34 pieces of rare West African works of art. Like the long-standing Egyptian collection, these pieces allow the Museum of Fine Arts and the viewer to reconstruct the characteristics of their civilization, and imagine the use of their recovered everyday objects and the meaning of palace artwork in their culture. These intricately detailed, expertly carved wooden statues and high relief plaques not only reflect their way of life, they demonstrate the civilizations sophisticated artistic style. Art of Europe The Art of Europe is the largest collection in the Museum of Fine Arts, likely taking an entire day and you still won’t have really seen it. The collection works its way through 14th and 15th century iconography, the Italian Renaissance, to the rococo of the 18th century, through the Flemish masters, to French Impressionism, and arrives at modernity, as depicted by Munch, Picasso and Gauguin. Simply walking through the collection will give you a sense of the arc of European history as a whole. Nearby Attractions James P. Kelleher Rose Garden might be the perfect place to see art outside the walls of the museum. A five minute stroll will take you from the Museum of Fine Arts into the Back Bay Fen where a profusion of petaled blossoms, white, red and pink, circle around a fountain, tumble off a trellis, or float suspended from an archway. Round out the day’s cultural experience with a trip to the sports icon--Fenway Park, home of the Green Monster. Even if the Socks aren’t playing, you can sign up for a one hour walking tour of Fenway. Just don’t call it a stadium. Even the security guards will correct you: “You mean the ballpahk?” The Boston Symphony Orchestra is world renowned, and the hall’s interior is stunning. You may forget which century you’re in. Now in 132 season, The Boston Symphony Orchestra performs excellent shows of a variety of styles. Places to Eat Nearby The Museum of Fine Arts offers multiple dining options. Bravo's couples a dark and classy ambience with a excellent cuisine for a sophisticated experience. The New American Cafe puts you in the center of the museum's excitement and grandeur of the vast Shapiro Courtyard, while delivering amazing seasonal dishes. Fittingly located near the contemporary art, The Taste Cafe and Wine Bar features fine coffee, as well as a bite to eat-- sandwiches, salads, desserts and gelato. Last but not least, The Garden Cafeteria, satisfies your favorites. It's the perfect place for families to get burgers, pizza, sandwiches and more. In walking distance of the Museum of Fine Arts, El Pelon Taqueria cooks up delicious Mexican favorites. Their fresh guacamole is a must try. Less than a mile away, the highly-esteemed Island Creek Oyster Bar upholds the tradition of excellent Boston seafood, with mid-atlantic tilefish, grilled Maine salmon, lobster, and land-based dishes like New York strip steak, and roasted chicken that’s just as good. Re-living the collegiate experience? Or just plain living it? Boston students flock to Chicken Joe’s Inc. for cheap, but tasty subs and sandwiches. Need to Know Hours Saturday-Tuesday, 10:00 am-4:45 pm Wednesday-Friday, 10:00am-9:45pm Closings: New Year's Day, Patriot's Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day All holiday hours are subject to change without notice. Directions & Address 465 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115 Public Transportation: Take the T: Green Line E train to Museum of Fine Arts stop. Orange Line to Ruggles Street stop. Save on Tickets with a Go Boston Card Remember, the Go Boston® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Boston Museum of Fine Arts tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Lindsay Eagan
Boston
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New England Aquarium vs. Museum of Science: Comparing the Two

Traveling in Boston and not sure whether to visit the New England Aquarium or the Museum of Science? Though both are incredible institutions of learning and fun, one may be better suited for your trip. Not to worry, we've broken down all the key differences and highlights at each attraction so you can easily decide which is the best fit for you and your travel crew.  Location Sometimes when deciding whether to visit New England Aquarium or the Museum of Science, it really just comes down to the logistics of getting there. New England Aquarium location New England Aquarium is located right on the waterfront at Central Wharf, offering gorgeous views of Boston Harbor and beyond. Getting here is relatively easy. There are plenty of bus and T lines (Boston's subway system) that come right into the area as well as an abundance of parking garages for those who prefer to drive in. The best part is that it's only a 5-minute walk to Faneuil Hall and the North End, one of the most famous places to visit when in Boston. After you've watched the adorable penguins splash around at the aquarium, you can head over to Faneuil to shop at Quincy Market. Pro tip: Save some time to have a meal in the North End, known for its delicious Italian food and pastries. Museum of Science location The Museum of Science is located between the West End of Boston and Cambridge overlooking the Charles River. You can get here easily as well, with plenty of buses coming from inside and outside of Boston to the museum and its surrounding areas. You can also easily drive (there's a parking lot on site) or take a ride-share. Since it's sandwiched in between two great locations, you have quite a few options for post-museum activities. You can explore Cambridge and even journey up a bit further to the Harvard campus, or you can explore the riverfront on the Charles River Esplanade if it's a nice day. Comparing the Exhibits New England Aquarium A must for any animal lover. Thousands of animals call the place home, with more than 15 different species of aquatic creatures. What you'll see: African penguins and Rockhopper penguins Fur seals Green sea turtles and Loggerhead sea turtles Giant Pacific octopuses Balloonfish Coral reefs Stingrays and plenty more Exhibits include:   Giant Ocean Tank: this massive tank is home to more than 1,000 fishes and the famous 550-pound sea turtle, Myrtle. The 200,000-gallon tank is also home to an array of colorful fish and three other sea turtles - two Loggerheads and one Kemp's ridley.   Penguinology: featuring three different species of penguins, this exhibit is the central piece of the entire aquarium. As soon as you walk in, you'll see their giant habitat complete with caves, an underwater viewing section, and a spacious pool for them to flip about in.   Yawkey Coral Reef Center: this recently renovated exhibit showcases an entire reef ecosystem. You'll spot garden eels, long-spined sea urchins, and various vibrant reef fish, but the best part is all the anemones and corals.   Amazon Rainforest: the Amazon has made its way to Boston. Six different tanks make up this overarching exhibit that'll have you feeling like you're on a jungle adventure. Watch for poison dart frogs, piranhas, anacondas, and more.   Edge of the Sea Touch Tanks: if you've ever wondered what a stingray feels like, now is your chance to find out (spoiler alert: it gets slimy). At the touch tanks, you can plunge your hands right into a pool of rays, sand sharks, and horseshoe crabs.   Gulf of Maine: learn more about what lives beyond Boston Harbor. The Gulf of Maine stretches all the way from Boston to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary and is full of dogfish sharks, lobsters, sea stars, cod, and much more. Aside from the most popular above, the aquarium also features Science of Sharks, Atlantic Harbor Seals, Blue Planet Action Center, New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center, Olympic Coast, Seadragons, and Sea Jellies exhibits. Museum of Science At the Museum of Science, you'll get a taste of what it's like to be a real scientist - if only for a day. Explore over 700 interactive exhibits that showcase all different forms of technology, discovery, and human life. What you'll see: The inside of the human body The world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator A 65 million years old fossil that was discovered in the Dakota Badlands in 2004 A virtual tour of Acadia National Park A butterfly garden A gallery of illusions Exhibits:   Hall of Human Life: step inside the museum's biology exhibit that takes you on a journey through the inside of the human body. With over 70 components, you'll walk away with a new appreciation for your figure.   Theater of Electricity: look on as indoor lightning bolts are created by the world's largest Van de Graaff generator. See how lightning, conductors, insulators, and magnetism work together with electricity.   Triceratops Cliff: see a 65-million-year-old fossil of the triceratops. The one on display at the Museum of Science is one of only four nearly complete triceratops models in the entire world.   Live Animal Center: get a behind-the-scenes peek at some of the museum's real animals, from badgers to porcupines.    Butterfly Garden (additional cost): no matter the season, a trip to the Butterfly Garden will have you feeling like you've been transported to the tropics, with warm temperatures and gorgeous flowers. Watch them flutter; if you're patient enough, wait for one to land on you gently.   A Bird's World: take a virtual tour of Acadia National Park and see every known species of bird living in New England.   Seeing is Deceiving: explore a gallery of paintings and photos that will leave you asking, "Am I seeing this right?" Each photo is an illusion that will test your mind.   Wicked Smart: Invented in the Hub: celebrate the innovations of Boston-based inventors and innovators. In addition to these popular exhibits, you can also visit Bradford Washburn: The Man Behind the Lens, Conserve @ Home, Cosmic Light, Dinosaurs: Modeling the Mesozoic, Investiage!, Living on the Edge,  MSI: Then and Now, Nanotechnology, New England Habitats and more. Comparing the Sizes No matter which you choose, you'll definitely be doing a bit of walking from exhibit to exhibit. New England Aquarium Four floors of exhibits Over 2,000 animals 11 different themed zones Museum of Science Three floors, three wings (Red, Green, and Blue) 30 different exhibitions A butterfly garden and a live animal exhibit with up to 150 different animals Tips for Visiting New England Aquarium: On average, visitors spend about two hours exploring the entire attraction Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, you'll be walking a lot Bring a camera to capture photos of your favorite critters If you're interested, leave time to catch an IMAX showing Should you need a break, you can get a hand stamp upon entry that will allow you back in at any time for the rest of the day If you are carrying luggage or large bags with you, the aquarium offers storage lockers and coat check Museum of Science Tips: Because there's so much to see here, start with the larger and more interactive exhibits Consult the museum map before starting your day so you can make sure that you hit everyone's must-sees Note the scheduling of any shows or talks you want to see so you can be mindful of that as you go If you'd like to visit the Butterfly Garden or catch a planetarium show, make sure to get tickets for that beforehand to ensure your timeslot Consider eating at the Riverview Cafe within the museum to save time Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, the museum is rather large and there are three different wings to explore Upgrades & Interactive Experiences In addition to the long list of general admission exhibits, both of these institutions offer additional experiences you can upgrade to. These experiences require you to purchase a separate ticket. New England Aquarium IMAX: Visit The Simons IMAX Theatre to experience the creatures of our beautiful planet in high-definition 3D. The aquarium constantly rotates its lineup with films about specific land and sea creatures, like Oceans 3D: Our Blue Planet which follows dolphins, octopus, and whales into the depths of the ocean. Or stick to land with Pandas 3D.    Animal Encounters: there are several different types of animal encounters you can experience at the aquarium. You can schedule a meet & greet with the Harbor Seals, meet Myrtle the famous sea turtle, and go behind the scenes of select exhibits. Book online through the New England Aquarium website.   Whale Watch: New England Aquarium also offers a Whale Watch Cruise that takes off right from the wharf. Hop aboard the ship and get a front-row seat to view one of the ocean's most fascinating creatures. The aquarium guarantees you'll see at least one whale (but usually more) popping up above the surface. Charles Hayden Planetarium: the most technologically advanced planetarium in New England. Showcases a variety of engaging shows that take you on a trip to outer space.    Mugar Omni Theater: catch a larger-than-life projection on a five-story IMAX screen and explore flora, fauna, and faraway places.    4D Theater: What's better than 3D? You'll find out if you decide to purchase a ticket to the show at the 4D theater. Enjoy a multi-sensory experience complete with rain, snow, wind, and more.   Butterfly Garden: for an additional cost (typically under $10), you can visit the Butterfly Garden with a pre-timed ticket. You can purchase this within the museum once you've arrived. Key takeaways about the two museums New England Aquarium: You'll see over 2,000 animals across four floors of exhibition space, including seals, penguins, sharks, and more. It's not as big as the Museum of Science, so if you're worried about time constraints this may be the better option. It's also close to many other famous Boston landmarks. Museum of Science: you can easily spend the entire day here. With over 700 interactive exhibits, three wings, and three full floors of things to see and do, it will most definitely keep the kids busy. While you can see animals at the Butterfly Garden and Living Animals exhibits, it will not be as extensive as the aquarium. Most exhibits focus on technological advancements, the human body, historical and anthropological finds, and other scientific innovations. There are some exclusive exhibits, like the Van de Graaff generator and the Triceratops fossils. While it is not as walkable to other attractions or landmarks, the Museum of Science is located close to Cambridge. Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® If you really don't want to pick just one, we don't blame you. Both of these institutions offer amazing experiences and exhibits that are a quintessential part of any Boston visit. Discover our full line-up of Boston attractions including the Museum of Science, Boston Children's Museum, Swan Boats of Boston, and more. 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you. 😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.
Nicole Muto

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