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? 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
- Skywalk Observatory
- Swan Boats of Boston
- And more!
Museum of Fine Arts
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. The exhibitions may come at a small additional cost.
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.
Panopticon Gallery
If you prefer photographs to painting, then perhaps a visit to the Panopticon Gallery is for you. One of the earliest fine art photograph galleries in the entire country, it houses a great collection of beautiful works of art that you can purchase or simply walk through 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.
Things to Do in the Back Bay
Skywalk Observatory
Located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Center, this famed observatory showcases the Boston cityscape like nothing else. Although it may not be as high as some observation towers around the globe, the amazing view is more than enough to keep Boston visitors happy. After you snap a few photos, stop for a cocktail and a snack at the Top of the Hub Restaurant. It's not inexpensive, but the view is worth the bump in price.
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!
Mary Baker Eddy Library & Mapparium
A unique attraction nestled in Back Bay Boston, the Mary Baker Eddy Library and Mapparium 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!
Freedom Trail of Boston
Spend some time walking the famed Freedom Trail of Boston, marked by a thin red line that winds through the city past major points of historical and cultural interest. While you can certainly walk the line yourself, a guided tour is the best way to learn about each stop and its significance to Boston’s history.
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.
Emerald Necklace Parks
If you love nothing more than a good walk outdoors, then the Emerald Necklace is the place for you. This chain-like system of 1,100 acres of parkland in the Fenway/Kenmore area is perfect for photos, bird-watching, leaf-peeping, and much more.
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