Fenway Park

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

By Katie Sagal

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...

  • Fenway Park Tour
  • Museum of Fine Arts
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  • Skywalk Observatory
  • Swan Boats of Boston
  • And more!
Fenway Park

Boston Red Sox Game

Start with the most obvious thing to do near Fenway – take in a game! If you want to see the Boston Red Sox in action, then now is the time to see the team hit the field. Make sure you have plenty of time to settle in, grab some hot dogs, and explore the park.

While you're there, a can't-miss place for drinks and a meal is Bleacher Bar. It's located in the park itself, in what used to be old storage and batting cages. It has a view of centerfield through the windows.

Fenway Park Tour

Another way to indulge your love of baseball without the admittedly significant time commitment of a baseball game is with a Fenway Park Tour. This in-depth tour is a behind-the-scenes look at the famous sites of one of the most famous stadiums in all of baseball. Some of the sites you’ll see include Pesky’s Pole, the Green Monster, the Lone Red Seat, and more.

Fenway park tour

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. 

Isabella Stewart Gardner museum

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

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

Boston observatory

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!

Swan boats

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. 

Freedom trail

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 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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Katie Sagal

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Harvard Museum of Natural History
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10+ Things to Do in Boston When it Rains (Popular Indoor Activities)

Boston is known for its changeable weather, so it's always helpful to have some activities up your (rain jacket) sleeve for surprise showers.
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Things to do in Downtown, Boston

Downtown. Things will be great when you're Downtown. No song has ever been truer than Petula Clark's classic. Boston's Downtown area is one of the city's best, with plenty to do, see, and experience. It's dripping with history that dates all the way back to the War of Independence, so why not go and discover its greatness for yourself? There's no need to take our word for it; we'll show you why. Right now. Read on, and discover the wonders of Boston's Downtown district. Here are our recommendations for the best things to do on your vacation! Including: New England Aquarium Chinatown Freedom Trail Fenway Park Museum of Fine Arts See life Let's start our tour of Downtown under the sea. See sea life like never before at the New England Aquarium! Perfect for kids and big kids alike, this fantastic aquarium is one of Boston's crown jewels. Go nose-to-nose with seals, waddle to the penguin enclosure, be mesmerized by the giant Pacific octopus, and much more! There are a number of exhibits worth checking out at the moment, such as the Amazon Rainforest, where you'll discover piranhas, anacondas, and poison dart frogs! Or, stop by the Indo-Pacific Coral Reef. Here, you'll go on a journey through the waters of the Pacific, seeing coral catsharks, unicorn tangs, blue-striped cleaner fish, and all the beauty these natural habitats exude! Easily one of the best things to do in Downtown, this is one Boston attraction that you cannot pass up on! Eastern Promise Switching gears to something on dry land. Boston is one of many American cities that is fortunate enough to have its own Chinatown - the third biggest of its kind in the country! For those that don't know, the US we know and love today wouldn't have been possible without Chinese immigrants. So go give them some love, and indulge in some of the finer things while you're at it. Step over the threshold of the remarkable Chinatown Gate, and you'll be transported to a world of great food, great people, and plenty of knickknacks, clothes, and jewelry to purchase. And if your vacation happens to land on Chinese New Year, you're in for a sumptuous treat of performance, lights, and fireworks! Freedom is free Want to explore the nation's history, and walk in our forefathers' footsteps along many historical monuments to American Independence? Then take a historical tour of the Freedom Trail. Beside your fancy guide, replete with authentic accent, language, and costume, you'll explore Boston's famous red brick path and learn about over 250 years of American history. You'll see many historic sites, including Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, the Boston Massacre Site, and King's Chapel. And, you'll hear from patriots like Josiah Quincy and Phillis Wheatley as they tell you their own stories and share lively anecdotes about the places, events, and drama of the American Revolution and beyond. Easily one of the best things to do in Downtown if you're taking a vacation in Boston. If you miss out, maybe you're a red coat after all. Homerun fun Are you a sports person? Does the thought of people getting together and competing against one another excite you? Do you like balls? Well then, you must be a fan of the old baseball. Right? Boston is home to one of the most recognizable teams on the planet, the Boston Red Sox. Their socks? Red. Their arena? Fenway Park. So why not take a tour of this historic stadium and learn more about the stadium's history, the players that stepped into the diamond, and the team's highs and lows throughout the years. For a whole hour, you'll go behind the scenes at Fenway Park, exploring the ground, it's history, and the story of arguably the greatest baller of all time, Babe Routh, who called Fenway Park home. Keep your eyes peeled for Pesky's Pole, named after contact hitter Johnny Pesky, and the Red Seat, where the longest home run ever hit landed at Fenway Park. Given it's the longest-running ballpark on the planet, you best go while the getting's good! Get arty Boston is one of the country's oldest cities, with its own rich history and culture. But it's not the only culture you'll find there. In fact, one of the biggest Art Museums on the planet calls the city home. We're talking, of course, about the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Inside, you'll find over half a million works of art. Yes, really. 500,000 art pieces lie within its myriad galleries and buildings. Spanning millennia, you'll find works from ancient civilizations as well as more modern marvels from the likes of Monet and van Gogh. One unmissable exhibit currently showing is The Art of the Americas. Spanning two continents and encompassing 3000 years of culture, it takes a deep dive into works from ancient American civilizations like the Mesoamericans, all the way to prominent New York artists. The exhibit is a work of art itself, taking years to compile and curate. It really has to be seen to be believed, and is easily one of the best things to do in Boston's Downtown. But after all that wandering and wondering, you might be feeling famished. Never mind that, because the museum's got some great onsite solutions to your hunger problems! If the weather outside's fine, head to the Calderwood Courtyard and sample the delights at The Garden Cafeteria, where you can pick up small bites like pizza slices, subs, burgers, and even desserts. Or, if something small won't cut it, then the New American Cafe will sort you out. Their curated menu of filling dishes will hit the spot. And that's our list of the best things to do in Downtown, Boston! Looking for anything else Boston-related? If you're visiting from out of state or across the sea, check out our picks for the best places to stay. Looking for more of Boston's amazing culture? Check out our museum guide. Just want to learn more about the city? Check out some fun facts!
Dom Bewley
boston
Blog

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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