10+ Things to Do Near Faneuil Hall, Waterfront & North End During Your Trip to Boston

By Katie Sagal

One of Boston’s most famous areas, Faneuil Hall, attracts visitors in droves each year. It's located right near the Waterfront and historic North End, so it's easy to build into a larger Boston itinerary. There’s a ton to do in this vibrant area, so understandably it can be hard to figure out what are the best attractions and activities. Whatever you choose to do, we are sure you and your family will have a great time. So, if you’re looking for things to do near Faneuil Hall during your trip to Boston, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...

  • New England Aquarium
  • Whale Watch
  • Boston Duck Tours
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
  • And more!

Save on Faneuil Hall & North End Attraction Admission

Admission to a number of these top Boston attractions and activities and more are included on the Go Boston® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.

Things to do at the Boston WaterfrontNew England Aquarium

Image of Animal, Bird, Penguin, Visit this lively waterfront aquarium for a chance to see all your favorite sea creatures, from playful seals to friendly penguins to colorful tropical fish. Their penguins in particular are quite famous locally, so don't miss out on a chance to pay them a visit! A particularly popular exhibit is the shark and ray touch tank exhibit, which kids and adults of all ages love. Your visit also contributes to their conservation efforts, which helps to support research and other important marine science developments. Be sure to check out our guide and tips for visiting the New England Aquarium before your visit. Getting In: New England Aquarium tickets are included on the Go Boston® Card.

New England Aquarium Whale Watch

Image of Animal, Mammal, Sea Life, Whale, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Female, Woman, Boy, Child, Do you never want your aquatic experience to end? Then hop aboard a New England Aquarium Whale Watch for the ride of a lifetime. Head out to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, where you’ll find whales, dolphins, and plentiful sea birds. The entire experience is narrated by professional researchers from the Whale Center of New England, so you know it’s bound to be educational, too. For more information about whale-watching in Massachusetts, check out our recent post on the subject. Getting In: Boston Whale Watch tickets are included as an option on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Boston® Cards.

Boston Duck Tours

Image of Boat, Vehicle, Water, Boating, Water Sports, Person, When you’re exploring a city with such a vibrant waterfront culture, you know you need something a little bit beyond your standard tour bus. So check out a Boston Duck Tour for a truly unique way to explore the city by land and by sea. It’s the perfect way to tour Beantown! These iconic vessels are such a part of Boston culture that you may recognize them from various victory parades of the Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, or Red Sox. Be sure to check out our guide and tips for taking a Boston Duck Tour before your visit. Getting In: Boston Duck Tour tickets are included as an option on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Boston® Cards.

CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

Image of Bus, Vehicle, Person, Hat, Another great option for exploring more of the city at your own pace is a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. This charming trolley option gives you the flexibility to explore at your leisure and hop off when something interests you. Of course, you always have the freedom to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the whole route. The trolley makes 9 stops including:

  • The New England Aquarium/ Shuttle & Ferry/ Quincy Market/ Faneuil Hall
  • Paul Revere House/ Little Italy
  • North End/ Old North Church
  • USS Constitution “Old Ironsides”
  • North Station/ TD Bank Garden Sports Museum
  • Old State House / Faneuil Hall/ Boston Massacre Site/ Government Center
  • Boston Common/ Public Garden
  • State House/ Beacon Hill
  • South Station/ Convention Center/ Children’s Museum

As you can see, the trolley can actually take you to a number of top areas throughout the city, so it's a good complement to larger plans. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Boston Trolley tickets are included on the Go Boston® Card.

USS Constitution Cruise

Image of Water, Waterfront, Vehicle, Yacht, Boat, Cruiser, Military, Navy, Ship, Sailboat, The USS Constitution Cruise is a perfect opportunity to incorporate historical sightseeing with waterborne fun. Sail out to Old Ironsides, one of the city’s best-loved historical treasures, and scope out the Bunker Hill Monument and a Boston Tea Party ship. The tour itself is fully narrated, and takes about 45 minutes. You'll enjoy informative background information on the sites you're sailing past, as well as on Boston's history and culture. Getting In: USS Constitution Cruise tickets are included on the Go Boston® Card.

Quincy Market

Image of City, Urban, Downtown, Road, Street, People, Person, Handbag, Adult, Female, Woman, Bicycle, Neighborhood, Box, By Chris Wood (User:chris_j_wood). [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
This eclectic and bustling shopping district is a must for those visiting the neighborhood. Faneuil Hall is located smack dab in the middle of Quincy Market, so it shouldn't be too hard to find. In addition to your favorite chains stores with extensive offerings, you’ll also find unique boutiques including a store run by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. There are also plenty of delicious dining options, including the iconic New England pub Durgin-Park Restaurant. Another one of our favorite food options is the lobster roll sold at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace (the center building). You'll also find great ice cream and chowder, among scores of other New England favs. Getting In: Admission to Quincy Market is free.

The New England Holocaust Memorial

Image of City, Urban, High Rise, Office Building, Metropolis, Condo, Housing, Neighborhood, Skyscraper, Person, Car, By Aashish Dutta Koirala (www.everestuncensored.org) [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons
This inspiring and thought-provoking outdoor space is a somber memorial erected by Holocaust survivors who moved to Boston. It’s designed to honor those who lost their lives and to educate new generations about that horrific history. School groups in particular often visit this site. Getting In: Admission to the New England Holocaust Memorial is free.

Things to Do in the North EndPaul Revere House

Image of Siding, Outdoors, Shelter, Housing, City, House, Roof, All American school children learn about Paul Revere – now’s your chance to visit his historic home! This National Historic Landmark provides insight into the way eighteenth-century people lived in Boston and is a popular tourist destination for those interested in the history of Paul Revere’s famous Ride. A visit to the Paul Revere House is really one of the top things to do in Boston's North End, not just for history buffs. Getting In: Paul Revere House tickets are included with the Go Boston® Card.

Boston Bike Rental

Image of Helmet, Child, Female, Girl, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Shoe, Boy, Teen, Bicycle, Vehicle, Cycling, Glasses, Want to explore the city in a more creative way? Hop aboard two wheels and get pedaling! Boston is a very bike-friendly city, with frequent bike lanes on major roads, as well as bike paths and trails all throughout the city and along the waterfront. So feel free to paddle on the big roads or the waterfront trails. Use it to get around like Bostonians, or just for fun and exercise. You can't go wrong! Getting In: Boston Bike Rental tickets are included with the Go Boston® Card.

Old North Church

Image of City, Road, Street, Urban, Spire, Tower, Bell Tower, Neighborhood, Clock Tower, Person, Brick, Alley, Condo, Housing, Car, By Adavyd (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
A great companion attraction to the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church is Boston’s oldest surviving church building and is among the city’s most-visited historic sites. The church itself has charming historic architecture, and there are other fascinating buildings on the campus as well. Getting In: Admission to the Old North Church is separately priced and is not included with the Go Boston Card. For more information, please visit the attraction website.

Things to do Nearby at the Seaport DistrictBoston Children’s Museum

Image of Person, Shop, Shopping Mall, Cafeteria, Indoors, Restaurant, Convention Center, This attraction is incredibly popular with local and visiting families. A kid-specific attraction filled with tons of interactive and traditional exhibits, the Boston Children’s Museum is a must for those with young kids. Don’t miss the Science Playground exhibit! Families love this option among the many things to do near Faneuil Hall. The Boston Children's Museum also hosts a number of special events and family programming year round, including play-dough sessions, art sessions, poetry workshops, and much more. Getting In: Boston Children’s Museum tickets are included with the Go Boston® Card.

Institute of Contemporary Art

Image of Office Building, Water, Waterfront, Convention Center, City, Urban, One of the city’s best art institutions (and that’s saying something in a city with the Boston Museum of Fine Arts), the ICA is immensely popular with art-lovers. Gorgeous exhibit space is filled with inspiring art in both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. They also have a top-notch gift shop. Getting In: Institute of Contemporary Art tickets are included with the Go Boston® Card.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you have it - a few great recommendations for things to do near Boston's Faneuil during your trip to Boston. Don’t forget that many of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go Boston Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your Boston vacation itinerary.

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Boston in spring
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10+ Things to Do in Boston in Spring

Boston really comes alive in the spring. As Bostonians shake off the chill of winter, the city is more than ready to offer fresh air, beautiful flowers, and amazing special events to visitors and locals alike. If you’re coming to Beantown this spring but aren’t set on what to see, check out our list of things to do in Boston in spring for some inspiration, including... New England Aquarium Whale Watch Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Trolley Tour Museum of Science Fenway Park Tours Swan Boat Ride Patriots Day / Marathon Monday Events and more! Visit the New England Aquarium A fun option for the kids is the perennially popular New England Aquarium, beloved by all. It’s one of the area’s most beloved attractions and it has a ton to offer new and returning visitors alike. From sharks to stingrays and everything in between, there are so many animals for you to marvel at in this modern aquarium. Spring also marks the return of the Atlantic whale-watching season, so consider hopping aboard the New England Aquarium’s whale watch. Tour the city in style Now that the weather has warmed up, it's a great opportunity to explore this lovely city. Take a charming Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour that will escort you around while highlighting major landmarks and neighborhoods with maximum flexibility. Plus, with this weather, we're sure you'll be tempted to jump off and explore on your own at least once or twice! Some of the major highlights you'll see along this tour include the New England Aquarium, Old North Church, Boston's North End, Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, and many more. Explore the Museum of Fine Arts Visitors flock to the wonderful Museum of Fine Arts year-round, but their fine collection of special exhibits in the spring months makes it especially worth a visit. Take a look at the current exhibitions on display at the MFA. This exceptional museum has one of the most comprehensive collections in the world, featuring over 500,000 objects and works of art. Explore the wonders of the Museum of Science Another iconic Boston attraction, the Museum of Science is somewhere the whole family can enjoy. Explore the astonishing and inspiring world of STEM as you wander through dozens of interactive exhibits. Some top attractions at this museum include the Hall of Human Life, which is an in-depth look at the complexities of the human body, and the Theater of Electricity, which contains the world’s largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator. Little ones will love its "Hands-on Laboratory - where you become the scientist" and everyone will be fascinated by "Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature," which showcases elaborate numerical patterns that exist in nature. You can also visit the Butterfly Exhibit and the Planetarium for small upgrade fees. Root for the home team Spring often means one thing for Boston sports fans – the start of Red Sox season! If you’re a fan of the great game, why not snag a ticket and sit back to enjoy America's favorite pastime? Don’t forget to grab a few Fenway Franks! For additional baseball fun, take a tour of iconic Fenway Park. Picnic on the Boston Common Although Boston isn’t quite the warmest spring destination on the books, it is a charming place. With spring comes the return of the many flowers and trees in the Boston Common and in the Boston Public Garden, both of which make for some excellent warm weather strolling. If the ground is dry enough, grab some supplies and make a picnic day out of it (otherwise, grab one of the tables by the fountain on the Common to avoid the rain). While you’re in the park, why not take a ride on the historic Swan Boats? Irish Film Festival, Boston Given Boston’s proud Irish heritage, it’s no surprise that Irish filmography is a big deal in this city. The Irish Film Festival, Boston features an exciting lineup of Irish films straight from the motherland, many of which are new to the U.S. This is the biggest Irish film festival outside of Ireland, so you know it’s filled with authentic films that are must-sees for any cinephile. You’ll also get to enjoy behind-the-scenes commentary, Q&As, and other special events. Boston Flower & Garden Show Each year of this eagerly anticipated takes on a new theme. You’ll get to enjoy everything from stunning plant life displays to planting demonstrations, take in professional lectures, and learn how to develop your growing skills. Learn about adopting sustainable gardening practices and air-cleansing indoor plants. What's more, there will also be outside spaces dedicated to relaxing with pets! Patriots Day / Marathon Monday This is one of the city's favorite holidays – Patriots Day, aka Marathon Monday. Officially designated to honor the start of the American Revolution, it's also always the date of the inimitable Boston Marathon. One of the world's best races, the Boston Marathon is a tradition in the city. Come here to enjoy the festive atmosphere, get caught up in the surge of adrenaline that the whole crowd is feeling, and cheer on the runners. Just keep in mind that restaurants will be busier and the T more crowded than usual. Of course, there will also be plenty of events celebrating Patriots Day, too, including reenactments, talks, and exhibits. Check out historical attractions like the Old State House, the Paul Revere House, and many more. Or, you could take a quick detour to Lexington and Concord to check out events there Boston International Film Festival Film buffs will find much to love in Boston in April. Enjoy a wide selection of experimental and innovative films – both foreign and local – right in the heart of Boston. This five-day festival features a diversity of genres: you'll likely find a little bit of everything at this event! Tickets for individual showings start at around $12, and multi-day and full event passes are available as well.   Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®  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 ✈️  
Katie Sagal
Boston
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10+ Things to Do in Boston for Adults

Culture vultures will love its artsy side and jazz bars, while a Martha's Vineyard side trip is a real crowd-pleaser.
Katie Sagal
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Tips for Visiting Plimoth Plantation This Season

If you’re a history buff, then a visit to Plimoth Plantation should be on your must-do list the next time you visit Boston. Roughly an hour and a half south of Boston proper, it makes for a great afternoon exploring and is the perfect attraction for families with kids. From a lovingly recreated seventeenth-century village to an authentic version of the original Mayflower vessel that brought the early English settlers to what would become Plymouth, Massachusetts, the entire region is immersed in history. Learn about the story of the two cultures that coexisted in the area for much of the period’s early history – the English settlers and the Wampanoag tribe. See how they each lived, and how they interacted with one another, for good and for bad. It’s also a unique opportunity to interact with modern historians, artisans, and craftspeople who can tell you all about what life was like for early American settlers. Looking for Plimoth Plantation Discount Tickets? We’ve got you covered – Plimoth Plantation/Plimoth Grist Mill 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 Plimoth Plantation Pick up a self-guided tour map at the Visitor Center to plan your route through the various exhibits, keeping in mind that you will spend much of your time outdoors. Don’t be shy! The staff members are there to answer questions and they love to interact with guests. Because a few of the pathways in the area are comprised of rough, unpaved material, walking may be a challenge for children, the elderly, or anyone with special mobility needs. Consult the site maps to find wheelchair and stroller accessible routes – which, don’t worry, are available to all sites. If you get hungry, there’s food available at the café in the Visitor Center, as well as at seasonal pushcarts located outside. You’ll even be able to sample traditional seventeenth-century fare! Parking is plentiful and free in lots adjacent to the attraction. Although the critters in the fields and at the Nye Barn look friendly, don’t pet them unless you’re specifically told it’s ok. Save on up to 55% admission to Plimoth Plantation and other great Boston attractions with the all-inclusive Go Boston® Card. While you may be tempted to attend in costume, the park politely requests that you refrain from wearing a costume to avoid confusing other guests. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to check out Plimoth Plantation’s handy “Parent’s Guide” for special info on how to make the most of your children’s experience at this special historic site. When to Visit Because Plimoth Plantation can take a few hours to fully explore, it’s best to reserve at least half a day for this attraction, including travel time. Warmer months are more suitable for walking around outside, although their holiday celebrations in December are definitely worth a visit (keeping in mind that all outdoor exhibits are closed in the winter). They also host special Thanksgiving events, too! It’s also less busy in the spring than in the summer or fall, so if you can plan a spring getaway to Boston, keep Plimoth Plantation in mind! If you're planning on behalf of a school group looking to visit Plimoth Plantation (and it is an immensely popular field trip destination in the region), then you may also want to consider a trip that doesn't line up with Spring Break or Easter time. Many local families will be taking advantage of the time off to come visit Plimoth Plantation during those weeks, and you'll run into greater crowds. What to Bring Comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty; there is little pavement in many places and a lot of gravel A hat and sunscreen in the summer, warm clothing in the fall A camera, smartphone, or other recording device -- you'll want to take scads of pictures! Money for souvenirs Snacks or bottled water if you’d prefer not to purchase any at the gift shop or Visitor Center What to Do ThereWampanoag Homesite Image credit: Plimoth Plantation. A visit to this portion of the historic site provides a unique opportunity to interact with members of the Wampanoag people, modern descendants of the Native Americans who encountered the English settlers centuries ago. Ask them anything about their culture and history, and they’re happy to provide context for their historic experience and contemporary culture. Don’t miss out on a chance to see authentic Wampanoag structures and accoutrements as well! 17th-Century English Village Credit: Plimoth Plantation Facebook Page Located right next to the Wampanoag Homesite, this is a carefully recreated model of a small agrarian community that was originally built in the early seventeenth century by English settlers. Mimicking the conditions and experiences of early Plymouth settlers, this village is the perfect place to indulge your historical interests. Interact with costumed actors who play the role of early colonial settlers and can answer questions about everything from cooking and housekeeping to religion and the social scene. Craft Center Image credit: Plimoth Plantation. You can even purchase plates just like these! Here is where you’ll find the artists and artisans of the 17th century village – both Native and English – and their productions. See examples of authentic historic handiwork like cooking pots, clothing, candles, accessories, and even weapons. Speak to each of the artisans about their craft and learn about how these things were made in the seventeenth century. Don’t forget to pick up few examples in the gift shop! They offer genuine artisan-made work that's ideal for that special souvenir. Mayflower II* Image Credit: Plimoth Plantation Facebook page This is arguably the most popular exhibit. The Mayflower II is, as you might imagine, a recreated model of the original vessel that brought the English settlers to American shores. It’s located at the nearby State Pier and is a brief drive from the main attraction. The Mayflower II features exhibits that retell the story of that perilous ocean voyage, including how the travelers managed to navigate the open ocean for so long. Scope out the various different areas of the ship, including living quarters, kitchen facilities, and much more. * Please note that the Mayflower II is currently undergoing extensive restoration efforts and is not on display at the moment. Plimoth Grist Mill Image credit: Plimoth Plantation. Just a short walk along the waterfront from the Mayflower II, the Plimoth Grist Mill recreates the early colony’s experience with grinding corn for food. After originally grinding the crop by hand, the early settlers constructed a water-powered grist mill that would significant speed up the process. The mill itself is a reproduction of that seventeenth century structure, and it’s pretty cool in its own right – the materials are all from the early nineteenth century and come from the remains of another mill in Philadelphia. Nye Barn Image credit: Plimoth Plantation. Love animals? Then you’ve come to the right place! Plimoth Plantation has its own collection of livestock including cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, turkeys, and more. These creatures all represent rare and heritage breeds that Plimoth Plantation works hard to conserve due to their rarity in the wild or in other domestic capacities. Be sure to pop inside the barn to see the photographs and other elements of the exhibits explaining the heritage of these animals and the role animals like these played in the early English settlement at Plymouth. Nearby Attractions While Plimoth Plantation itself is a bit of a drive south of Boston, it’s still within an easy to moderate drive of plenty of other great urban attractions. Spend the morning in Plymouth and then head back up to Beantown for some great afternoon fun. Or, take a shorter drive out to the Cape in the summer months for a relaxing few hours. Before you leave, take a walking tour of Plymouth for a sense of the greater historical significance of the area. In the summer months, a relaxing Cape Cod Canal Cruise is a great option for the whole family Trying to venture further afield? Then hop aboard the convenient Martha’s Vineyard Ferry for a trip out to this most famous of vacation spots. Visiting during the warmer months and looking to stay active on the beach? Rent a bike in Cape Cod and pedal the shoreline to your heart’s content. Interested in keeping with the historical vibe? Boston has you covered, with everything from the grand Old State House to the magnificent John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. For more information on getting around the Boston area and some general Boston travel tips, check out this handy guide. Places to Eat Nearby Patuxet Café is the attraction’s own dining option, featuring seventeenth-century inspired food plus modern choices. Hearth n’ Kettle is a great option for rustic American fare. East Bay Grille is the perfect waterfront surf and turf destination. Pebbles is a delightful comfort food option. Isaac’s Restaurant will appeal to families with its seafood-inspired menu but casual atmosphere. Several fast food options like Wendy's and McDonald's are available for a quick lunch or dinner. Just need coffee? Dunkin is right down the street. (Actually, there are about 3 or 4 Dunkin locations in the neighborhood, because...Massachusetts). Need to Know Hours Vary seasonally; consult attraction website for current operating hours. Keep in mind that most exhibits are closed between mid-November and mid-March, with the exception of special holiday events and programming. Directions 137 Warren Avenue Plymouth, MA 02360 Driving, from Boston: I-93 S to Route 3 S. Take left exit 4 (Plimoth Plantation Highway) and follow signs to Plimoth Plantation. For more information, visit the official Plimoth Plantation website. Save on Admission It wouldn’t be a trip to Massachusetts without some good old-fashioned historical fun! So don’t miss out on your chance to relive our nation’s early history at a pivotal time and place. And remember, with the Go Boston® Card, you can save up to 55% on admission to Plimoth Plantation and other great historical attractions.
Katie Sagal

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