Museum of Fine Arts and Beyond: Boston’s Best Spots Nearby

Discover a blend of culture, food, and fun within steps of Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts.

Published: March 26, 2026
Art Gallery

So, you’re heading to Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts—excellent choice! But don’t park yourself just among the paintings and sculptures; the neighboring streets and gardens are bursting with world-class attractions, cozy places to recharge, and unique local experiences. Whether you’re itching to dive into hands-on science, sip coffee in the park, or explore more masterpieces just around the corner, we’ve gathered our favorite picks for your big Boston adventure. Get ready to fill your day with a little bit of everything—art, history, sunshine, and maybe even a cheeky lobster roll. 

Our favorite things to do near the Museum of Fine Arts include: 

  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 
  • Harvard Museum of Natural History 
  • Franklin Park Zoo 
  • Museum of Science 
  • CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley 
  • The Harvard Tour 
  • Boston Children’s Museum 
  • Emerald Necklace (Back Bay Fens & Rose Garden) 
  • Tatte Bakery & Café 

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Where Eccentricity Meets Elegance  

Just steps from the MFA, you’ll find a true Boston treasure—the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. This place oozes quirky charm. Picture a Venetian palazzo, packed with jaw-dropping art, velvet-draped doorways, and a lush courtyard that blooms in every season. Isabella herself—artist, collector, Boston legend—created this home for her wild collection of masterpieces, antiquities, and oddities, all carefully arranged exactly as she wanted. Every corner surprises: Rembrandts, tapestries, mysterious empty frames (thanks to an art heist!), and even some seriously eclectic furniture. 

What makes it special? The Gardner isn’t stuffy. Sunshine streams through glass ceilings, musicians play in the garden, and every seat feels made for daydreaming. In the greenhouse-like courtyard, expect an explosion of greenery and the soothing sound of fountains—you’ll forget you're right in the heart of Boston. If you want art with personality, curiosity, and a side of true Bostonian flair, this museum delivers every time. 

Harvard Museum of Natural History: Get Your Curiosity On  

A quick ride (or a walk, if you’re feeling energetic) across the river lands you at Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge. This place is made for explorers of all ages. Walk among dinosaur skeletons, peer into cabinets stuffed with sparkling gemstones, and don’t skip the glass flowers—yep, botanical models so lifelike even botanists squint twice. 

The vibe? Scientific wonderland meets whimsical collection, with engaging exhibits and hands-on activities for curious kids and grown-ups alike. You’ll find jaws drop at the sheer scale of the giant sloth, and everyone gets a kick out of the huge meteorites. For families, students, or anyone eager to meet the wonders of the natural world up close, this museum always sparks joy (and more than a few “wow, look at that!” moments). 

Franklin Park Zoo: Wild Encounters in the City

Gorilla at Franklin Park Zoo

Who says you can’t have a brush with the animal kingdom during a city break? Franklin Park Zoo is just a short hop from the MFA and packs a punch with its wildlife encounters. Wander through lush paths and come face-to-face with gorillas, tigers, red pandas, and more. Kids love the playgrounds and the sprawling Tropical Forest exhibit, complete with steamy greenery and playful lemurs. 

The zoo’s vibe is pure adventure, with friendly staff ready to answer endless animal questions. Take a break under shady trees or grab a picnic table to enjoy snacks from their food stands. Seasonal events and interactive experiences keep the energy high. Whether you’re traveling with little ones or want your daily dose of adorable animals, Franklin Park Zoo offers nature, fun, and a dash of wild unpredictability. 

Museum of Science: Where Play and Learning Collide  

Ready for some hands-on discovery inside the city’s most engaging playground? The Museum of Science is a quick taxi, T ride, or scenic Charles River walk away from the MFA. Inside, you’ll find classic favorites like the lightning show (prepare for a literal hair-raising experience), an ever-changing flock of live butterflies, and interactive exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to outer space. 

Kids race to the engineering projects while adults get lost peering through telescopes or chatting with in-house scientists. Special exhibits and planetarium shows keep things lively, and you’ll probably end up laughing (or ducking) as robots buzz by. It's the sort of place where everyone gets permission to press buttons, build things, and experiment without limits. 

CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley: See All the Boston Sights  

Bouncing around Boston’s best attractions is a breeze when you hop on one of the cheery CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Trolleys, which have a convenient stop right at the Museum of Fine Arts. These bright-red trolleys loop all over the city, so you can rest your feet while absorbing the very best views (and a hearty dose of local history). Want to linger somewhere? Just hop off and explore, then catch the next trolley when you’re ready to roll along. 

The expert guides balance fascinating facts with Boston wit (yes, they’ll mention the Red Sox, the tea party, and the “wicked good” food). CityView Trolleys offer a relaxed, breezy way to pack landmarks and neighborhoods into your day, from the leafy Commons to the historic waterfront. 

The Harvard Tour: Stroll with Scholars  

Give your inner academic a treat by taking The Harvard Tour. Just across the river in Cambridge, it’s a campus stroll unlike any other—led by actual Harvard students, bursting with stories, traditions, and personal takes on Harvard life. You’ll check out storied brick buildings, mysterious libraries, and leafy courtyards that practically hum with ideas. 

What sets this tour apart? The guides bring everything to life, from wild admissions tales to hidden traditions (touch John Harvard’s shoe for luck!). You’ll leave feeling like part of the Ivy League crew, and the surrounding Harvard Square is filled with indie coffee shops, bookstores, and college-town vibes that are perfect for wandering. 

Boston Children’s Museum: Where Creativity Runs Wild

Child Playing with Water Toy At Boston Children's Museum

Traveling with kids—or feeling like one yourself? Boston Children’s Museum promises a hands-on bonanza, with three floors of imagination-fueled exhibits, from giant climbing structures to bubble rooms and art studios. It’s colorful, noisy in the best way, and full of nooks for building, experimenting, and play. 

Parents love the “kids run the show” vibe, with plenty of comfy spaces to rest, recharge, or join the fun. The waterfront location gives you sweeping views of the harbor, and on sunny days the outdoor playspace is a magnet for little whirlwinds. It's the perfect energy-burner before heading back to appreciate more serene artwork. 

Emerald Necklace: Gardens, Roses, and Serene Green  

Right outside the MFA’s doors, step into the leafy embrace of the Emerald Necklace park system—a string of urban parks that offer an oasis of calm amid city bustle. Take a stroll through the Back Bay Fens, admire the graceful bridges, and, if the season’s right, don’t miss the Kelleher Rose Garden, where 1,500 blush-pink beauties bloom from June through October. 

Locals jog, picnic, and snap photos of the water lilies; visitors love the tranquil paths and sense of escape. These gardens are tailor-made for downtime with a book, a sandwich from a nearby café, or simply an Instagram-worthy selfie beside a historic footbridge. Whether you’re a botanist or just seeking a breather, it’s a classic Boston spot for unwinding. 

Tatte Bakery & Café: Refuel in Style  

All this exploring works up a hunger! Good news: Tatte Bakery & Café, just a six-minute stroll towards Fenway, is absolutely the answer when you need a little pick-me-up or a full-on feast. With its high ceilings, big windows, and marble-topped tables, Tatte feels airy and effortless—the kind of place you settle in for one pastry and end up staying through brunch. 

What’s on offer? Their legendary pistachio croissants vanish by mid-morning for good reason, but we’ve also fallen for the savory shakshuka, served bubbling with eggs in spicy tomato sauce and a side of crusty bread. Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate smooth cold brew or creamy cappuccinos, while sweets lovers can’t resist the rows of cookies and delicate tarts displayed like tiny works of art. Tatte hums all day with a mix of locals, students, art-lovers, and families—it’s casual, bustling, and endlessly inviting. Perfect for fueling up before your next museum stop…or collapsing triumphantly after a day well-explored. 

 

There you have it—a hand-picked mix of Boston’s best, all a short stroll or quick hop from the Museum of Fine Arts. Whether you’re chasing more culture, exploring the city’s green oases, or sampling what might be the city’s most famous croissant, there’s something here to make every MFA adventure unforgettable. Happy exploring! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Boston’s Museum of Science or Things to Do Near Franklin Park Zoo 

Step up your sightseeing with Go City® 

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  
 
See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Continue reading

Blog

Celebrating the Boston Tea Party

Boston’s historic pedigree is practically unparalleled in the United States. Boston is a great city to visit to explore the country’s past. It's home to some of the earliest European settlements and birthplace of the American Revolution. This is a unique opportunity to explore areas that date to the eighteenth century (and earlier). Additionally, you'll have the rare chance to explore museums, graveyards, and historic buildings that tell the story of America’s earliest years. One way that Boston likes to celebrate its Revolutionary heritage each year is by marking the date of the Boston Tea Party. This is the day when American colonists threw British tea into the Boston Harbor. They were protesting heavy taxation on imported goods, including tea. The anniversary of the Boston Tea Party falls on December 16 each year, and the whole city gets in on the celebration. Want to join in the celebration and honor the legacy of those early American patriots? Check out this guide to celebrating the Boston Tea Party.  Top Things to Do to Celebrate the Boston Tea Party The top things to do to celebrate the Boston Tea Party include... Watching the Boston Tea Party Reenactment Visiting the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museums Visiting the Old South Meeting House and more! Admission to many Boston attractions is included with the Go Boston pass. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price. Watch the Boston Tea Party Reenactment This annual evening-long reenactment honors the people whose dedication to American freedoms ultimately contributed to fomenting the American Revolution. Join people who’ve come in costume from across New England and protest all over again. You’ll start with a high-energy theatrical meeting at the Old South Meeting House. Then, you'll march to the Boston Harbor where Griffin’s Wharf once stood. You'll watch the Sons of Liberty reenactors destroy real chests of East India Company tea. This event sells out quickly, so buy tickets in advance! Visit the Old South Meeting House The place where the protests all began, the Old South Meeting House hosted the angry citizens of Boston as they argued, debated, and finally decided to protest that unfair British tax on tea. You can tour this building and explore the exhibits focused on the Boston Tea Party, Revolutionary-era America, and free speech today. It’s the oldest surviving building in Boston. Plus its downtown location makes for a perfect complement to a larger historically-focused itinerary. Walk the Freedom Trail Finally, here is one of the best ways to celebrate the legacy of the Boston Tea Party. Honor the Revolutionary spirit that Boston has long been famous for. Walk in the shoes of those colonial Americans who joined in the Tea Party protests, and who lived through the ensuing Revolutionary War. The Freedom Trail showcases many of the most important sites from this historic period, including the Boston Common, the site of the Boston Massacre, and Faneuil Hall. Several sites date from a few years after the war as well, like the Old State House. Save on Boston Tea Party Attractions Visit many of these historic Boston attractions with a Go Boston pass and save big. You’ll save up to 55% on admission versus buying your tickets individually. You can explore historic places like those listed above plus the Paul Revere House and more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity or use the hashtag #GoCityPass in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal
Blog

Visiting Boston's Museum of Science - Admission, Tips & More

Spending some time in Boston? Looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon that is great for both children and adults? A trip to the Museum of Science should definitely be part of your Boston itinerary. The Museum of Science experience is an immersive plunge into the way things work at a biological level, an environmental level, a physical level, and many others. Check out our helpful guide for visiting Boston's Museum of Science. It's packed full of tips for visiting, ways to save on admission, other nearby attractions, and much more. How to get Boston Museum of Science discount tickets? We’ve got you covered – Museum of Science 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. What should I bring to the Museum of Science? Bottled water, if you prefer not to drink from the museum's fountains. Comfortable walking shoes. It's a sizable museum and you'll need some stamina. A camera or phone to catch all the memories at distinctive museum attractions. Take a selfie next to the huge T-rex or inside a space module. What is there to see and do at the Museum of Science? Frequently showcasing new temporary exhibits and activities, the museum is sure to be a great experience even if you have been there before. The Museum is full of permanent exhibits that will dazzle you and your family. Here are a few of our favorites we suggest you check out during your visit... NEW FOR 2019: BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz4lGjfpOUi/ BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life is the latest temporary exhibit to open at the Museum of Boston. It is open now until January 2020, and you should definitely try to see it before it closes. The exhibit features more than one hundred specimens, and examines what it means to be human. Please note: this exhibition is not included with general admission provided by the Go Boston pass. Tickets must be purchased separately. Hall of Human Life The Hall of Human Life is arguably the most informative and interactive room at the Museum of Science. The left side of the room breaks down human life into its most basic, yet compelling building blocks. These activities help structure kids’ developing perceptions in scientific fact. Plus, it's a fun way to be reminded as an adult of these biological essentials. The stations builds a biological understanding of humans from our social nature, to how DNA, cancer, diseases, and antibiotics all work inside the body. The right side is even more interactive, featuring a series of tests to collect your own personal attributes and health. But before you get caught up in the fascinating topics and experiments, make sure you visit the free-to-use Link Stations. Here, you'll receive a wristband to “link up” with the stations' interactions via barcode. This feature will track your scores at each station, like the height of your foot arch at the aptly named “How High are Your Arches” Station, or the stations where you can see how efficient your walking motion is, or how warm or cold you feel relatively. Afterwards you can access your scores from the Museum of Science website in order to help measure and manage your health. Dinosaur Room The "Modeling the Mesozoic" and the "Colossal Fossil: Triceratops Cliff" exhibits will delight the dinosaur lovers. You'll be treated to fascinating facts and information about all your favorite, and soon-to-be-favorite dinosaurs. The life-size T-rex, and the reconstructed bones of a triceratops bring the seemingly larger-than-life, ancient creatures to life like you've never seen before. The "Modeling the Mesozoic" exhibit delves into the methods of science behind hypothesizing where and how these animals lived, giving texture to the archeological remains we have today. You can also explore fossil clues as you roam through these models. Examine bones, footprints, and even dinosaur dung to look for information. Then, review the bones of a dinosaur, an iguana, and a bird to see how some dinosaurs are closely related to birds! Take a Closer Look We especially recommend the Take a Closer Look exhibit for both kids and adults. There is relativity of hot and cold, the SEM camera, and the visual “sound” waves all contribute to suspending our static, commonplace view of stimuli, while at the same time drawing connections between seemingly disparate sensations that demonstrate the unification of reality. Special Experiences There are a number of additional experiences that visitors love, available for an additional upgrade fee (paid directly to the attraction). Charles Hayden Planetarium: This hi-tech digital planetarium hosts both typical planetarium shows and musical shows on the weekends. Mugar Omni Theater: Featuring top IMAX films with subjects like Pandas, Volcanoes, and the Great Barrier Reef. 4-D Theater: Shows here combined 3-D visual technology with additional special effects like air movement, temperature changes, water, and more. Butterfly Garden: A favorite with visitors from all over, this delightful exhibit is a respite from city living. What attractions are near the Museum of Science? If you're interested in a unique tour of the city, the Boston Duck Tour is the perfect option and conveniently picks up right at the Museum of Science. Cambridgeside Galleria is a comprehensive mall located just a few blocks away, and is a local go-to shopping destination. A short hop across the river brings you to a number of other attractions, including TD Garden (home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics), the Otis House Museum, and the Museum of African American History. Important Information Hours: Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Friday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Location: 1 Science Park Boston, MA 02114 Public Transportation: Take the T: Green Line, Lechmere train, to Science Park stop. Note: Science Park stop is not wheelchair accessible; call the MBTA at 617-222-5000 for assistance. Save on Tickets with a Go Boston pass Remember, the Go Boston® pass is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Museum of Science 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. For other fun ideas to add to your Boston itinerary, check out our ultimate Boston guide.
Lindsay Eagan
Children on an Easter Egg Hunt
Blog

Boston at Easter: Eggs, Events, and Springtime Escapes

Celebrate Easter in Boston with egg hunts, scenic strolls, and delicious dining you’ll remember all year.

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.