10+ Things to Do Near Fenway Park and Back Bay During Your Trip to Boston

Even if you aren’t a fan of baseball, you’ve probably heard of iconic Fenway Park. But did you know that this neighborhood has much more than just a baseball stadium to explore?

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
Fenway Park

From world-famous museums to boutique shopping to top restaurants and bars, there’s something to fit every vacation style near Boston's Fenway and Back Bay neighborhoods.

Check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...
 

  • Museum of Fine Arts
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  • View Boston Observation Deck
  • Swan Boats of Boston
  • And more!

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The Museum of Fine Arts is the place in Boston for your art fix. It's one of the best museums in the country, according to a recent TripAdvisor poll. With an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and decorative arts, you can spend all day in this lovely institution.

They also host special exhibits on world-renowned artists, compelling subjects and beloved topics. Some exhibitions may come at a small additional cost. 

Boston Museum of Fine Arts

Here's a glimpse of the classic works you'll find inside.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Gardner Museum is another top option for art lovers. So much more than just a museum, it combines the appeal of a fascinating historic home with luxurious gardens alongside an impressive collection of artwork.

With more than 2,500 works of art from masters like Titian, Rembrandt, Manet, Degas, Sargent and more, you’re bound to find a favorite here.

Isabella Stewart Gardner museum

Discover a Venetian palazzo filled with plants and trees, a stunningly unique museum backdrop.

Panopticon Gallery

If you prefer photographs to paintings, then a visit to the Panopticon Gallery may be for you.

One of the earliest fine art photography galleries in the country, it houses a remarkable collection of beautiful works of art that you can purchase or just admire and enjoy. A visit here is a nice complement to the MFA or the Gardner.

Kenmore Square

The home of a nearby T stop, Kenmore Square is also the heart of a lively community filled with students, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Here you’ll find everything from the renowned Eastern Standard to local favorite Cornwall’s pub. There’s also a bookstore, a few boutique shops and plenty of chain restaurants for those looking to save money for souvenirs. 

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Classical music lovers should not pass up the chance to hear a performance from one of the country’s best orchestras, the Boston Symphony Orchestra. With a variety of performances put on in a majestic hall, you’ll love the entire experience. For a more affordable ticket, try attending an open rehearsal. A performance by the BSO is a top cultural thing to do near Fenway. 

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Things to Do in the Back Bay

View Boston Observation Deck

Located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Center, View Boston offers a breathtaking 360° look at the city skyline.

From this lofty vantage point, you can spot Boston’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods stretching out in every direction. After soaking up the views (and snapping plenty of photos), head to The Beacon bar or Stratus lounge for a cocktail and light bites with a view that’s truly worth it.

Boston observatory

Head to the skies for unbeatable Boston views.

Swan Boats of Boston

Take a ride aboard one of Boston’s best beloved historic treasures – the Swan Boats of Boston.

First invented in the 1870s by innovator Robert Paget, these ingenious vessels are propelled by your own pedaling feet. Their recognizable swan shape has also inspired great children’s literature like Make Way for Ducklings. So, the swan boats are an important cultural artifact as well!

Swan boats

Paddle power meets postcard views!

Mary Baker Eddy Library & Mapparium

A unique attraction nestled in Back Bay, Boston, the How Do You See The World?® experience with the Mapparium® globe is a fascinating place for kids and adults alike.

Mary Baker Eddy was a significant person in early Boston’s history, working as a teacher, businesswoman, publisher, and religious leader, and the institution today reflects her wide-ranging vision for human knowledge.

Do not miss a visit to the Mapparium itself, a massive painted glass globe that visitors can actually walk through! 

How Do You See The World?® experience with the Mapparium® globe

Take a trip inside this awesome globe!

Freedom Trail of Boston

Follow in the footsteps of history along Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile path, marked by a distinctive red line, winds through the city past 16 of its most important historical landmarks — from Boston Common and the Old State House to Paul Revere’s House and the site of the Boston Massacre.

You can easily stroll the trail at your own pace, but joining a guided tour brings the city’s revolutionary past vividly to life. Expect fascinating stories, local insight, and a whole new appreciation for the birthplace of American independence.

Freedom trail

Travel back in time (no time machine required).

Boston Public Library

Although you can certainly feel free to sign up for a library card if you’re a local, it’s also worth it as a visitor just to step inside the Boston Public Library for a glimpse of their beautiful, legendary reading rooms.

Then, you can step back outside and marvel at the BPL’s distinctive architecture. Be sure to get a photo of yourself on the library steps – it’s a Boston tradition and one of the top things to do near Back Bay. 

Boston public library

Emerald Necklace Parks

If you love a good stroll surrounded by nature, Boston’s Emerald Necklace is your perfect escape. Designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, this 1,100-acre chain of connected parks winds through the Fenway–Kenmore area and beyond, linking some of the city’s most beautiful green spaces.

Wander tree-lined paths, stop to admire the ponds and bridges, and keep an eye out for local wildlife — it’s a favorite spot for birdwatching, picnics, and snapping those picture-perfect Boston moments. Visit in fall for a spectacular show of autumn color, or in spring when the blossoms make the parkland glow.

The best of Boston beyond the ballpark

From world-class art and architecture to leafy park paths and skyline views, Fenway and Back Bay show off Boston at its most vibrant. Whether you’re catching a concert, wandering through a museum or relaxing by the water, this part of the city is packed with culture, charm and plenty of local flavor.

So take your time, explore a little further and see why these neighborhoods are among Boston’s best-loved. And if you want to make the most of your trip, grab a Go City Boston pass – you’ll save on top attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts, View Boston, and more, while exploring at your own pace.

Boston’s calling — and this is the perfect place to start your adventure.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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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! 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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
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Where To Stay in Boston

Heading to Boston for your vacation, but wondering which area to hoist your holiday flag? Never fear; we're here to give you the play-by-play on the best districts in the city. Read on, and learn where to stay in Boston! Including: Downtown North End & Waterfront Beacon Hill Seaport Back Bay and more! Downtown Arguably the most popular tourist destination in the city, Boston's Downtown district is also its financial hub. Within, you'll find the biggest collection of landmarks and hotspots, from the Freedom Trail to the Boston Harbor. Given its central position, it's also a great place to use as a home base, with plenty of travel opportunities to neighboring districts. Combine all that with a large number of bars, restaurants, and Independence-inspired attractions, and it's just about perfect for shorter or longer-term stays. If you're wondering where to stay in Boston, Downtown could be just the tip. Plus, given its proximity to the water, you'll also find the delightful New England Aquarium nearby. The perfect stop for kids big and small who love the exotic species that call our oceans home! North End & Waterfront Downtown might be the city's current midpoint, but North End is Boston's oldest district. Settled back in the 1630s, you'll feel the area's history as you walk its streets. There, you'll find the city's 'Little Italy', where many Italian immigrants settled over the years. That means plenty of charming pizzerias and cafes where you can pick up a slice or three. Attraction-wise, you'll find the Boston Tea Party Museum and the Paul Revere House, among many others. And, while you'll be sacrificing the travel connections of Downtown, you'll make up for it with fantastic views of Massachusetts Bay! Beacon Hill Another top tourist choice is Beacon Hill, which has a lot of history packed into its narrow streets. Back in the 19th-century, it was a thriving black community even before the Civil War and the abolishment of slavery. As such, an absolute must-see is the Black Heritage Trail, which winds its way through the district. Other notable attractions include the Nicols House Museum and the Massachusetts State House. Alongside all the things to see, you'll find plenty to eat and drink too! There are plenty of places to eat on Charles St and Cambridge St, with a wide variety of globe-spanning cuisines available. You'll also be in sneezing distance of Boston Common, the city's biggest green space. It's the perfect place to go and unwind if your legs need a rest on your vacation. Seaport These days, Seaport is one of Boston's most attractive vacation destinations. Given its name, you can expect amazing views of the waterfront and a bevy of eateries, watering holes, and other tourist trappings. However, that wasn't always the case. Only ten years ago, it was a relatively barren area of car lots and the grizzled fishing docks. Modern Seaport has all the usual suspects you'd expect from a modern American city. You've got your craft beers at Harpoon Brewery, your prime seafood at Legal Sea Foods, and your upmarket steaks at Del Frisco's. For the little ones, there's Boston Children's Museum, and for the rest of us, there's a wealth of shops, snack bars, and The Lawn on D for fun and games! Back Bay Looking for the perfect mix of bustling Boston and the charming residential districts? Look no further than Back Bay. There, you'll find a wealth of shopping opportunities, from local boutiques to nationwide chains. This sophisticated area of the city also has plenty of cozy art galleries, hidden cafes, and great sea views. It also backs onto Boston Common, if you're looking for a big green space with plenty to do. As far as landmarks and attractions, you have to go and see Boston Public Library and Trinity Church, two of the city's most recognizable icons. And, if you want to see more of the city, it has great travel connections and is in walking distance of Downtown and Bay Village! South End Boston's own boho-chic location is undeniably South End. It's about as far removed from tourism as you can get, for better or worse. While that means there won't be as many attractions to see or landmarks to snap, it does mean you'll find an amazing selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. Along Columbus Ave, you'll discover a boatload of cafes, taverns, and our pick, Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe. Great food in great time, head there early to sample one of their many delicious breakfast options! For a classier night on the town, check out Barcelona Wine Bar. Their menu is dripping with delicious New American dishes, and their wine selection is predictably sublime. And, on top of all that, there's a burgeoning art scene in SoWa, where you can find plenty of independent galleries and pick up a piece for your home, if you're in the market for some unique art! West End Unlike London's renowned district, Boston's West End is bereft of the arts. In fact, arguably its biggest landmark is Massachusetts General Hospital. However, while it might not have a lot going on within, it's a stone's throw from Downtown and North End, has a smattering of restaurants, and, perhaps best of all, it's relatively cheap. If that sounds good to you, head east, and you'll find most of the nightlife. The likes of Bodega Canal and Tavern in the Square have you sorted for good food and drinks, and West End Johnnie's does a mean burger. You may miss the variety present in other Boston districts, but you make up for it with affordable hotels and a range of decent to excellent Airbnbs at a reasonable price! Cambridge We may have cheated here, as Cambridge is its own city. And yes, you may have to cross the Charles River to actually get there from Boston proper. However, it's here that cultural powerhouses MIT and Harvard reside. Two of the world's best higher education institutions in one city. Not bad. Cambridge is massive, so you may need some wheels if you want to get about easily. If you do, head to the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Harvard Art Museums. And, while you're there, why not take a tour of the university? And those are our recommendations for where to stay in Boston! Want more? Check out the city's best museums.
Dom Bewley

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