Boston

Top 10 Things to Do in Boston for First Time Visitors

All the must-see and do attractions - Boston never gets old indeed
By Katie Sagal

Here are some of the most popular and top 10 things to do in Boston for first-time visitors. From cruises and tours to museums and historical sites, there’s something to appeal to every interest.

As one of America’s oldest cities, Boston sure has a lot of history. There’s so much to see and do that both evokes the city’s heritage and hints at the promise of her future. A visit here is perfect for any number of travelers, whether you’re a fan of art and architecture, a history buff, or a sports fanatic.

From tours to museums and beyond, you’ll find no end to the amazing attractions here in Beantown. If you and your family are looking for the top things to do in Boston during your trip, check out our list of some of the best attractions, including...

  • Boston Duck Tour
  • Boston Red Sox Game & Fenway Park Tour
  • New England Aquarium
  • Freedom Trail Walking Tour
  • Museum of Fine Arts
  • and more!

Boston Duck Tour

beautiful-views-bostons-public-garden-boston

Boston Duck Tour

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to explore Boston than aboard one of their iconic Boston Duck Boat Tours. Your expert local guide will fill you in on all the best info about the landmarks you pass, and you’ll even be encouraged to “quack” at nearby locals and fellow duck boat passengers!

Traverse land and water as you roam diverse neighborhoods, from the political Beacon Hill to the cultural North End to the commercial Newbury Street. You’ll even venture out into Cambridge, where you’ll find plenty of top attractions like Harvard, MIT, many museums, and more. Some of the sites and landmarks you’ll see on your Boston duck tour include:
 

  • Trinity Church
  • Hancock Tower
  • Prudential Center
  • Boston Common & Boston Public Garden
  • Old North Church
  • Zakim Bridge
  • And more!

Hop aboard a duck boat and have the most enjoyable tour you’ve ever experienced.

Boston Red Sox Game & Fenway Park Tour

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Boston Red Sox Game & Fenway Park Tour

Of course, sports fans may opt to go for something a bit more up their alley with a tour of Fenway Park. On this tour, you’ll go behind the scenes of one of Major League Baseball’s most historic stadiums and see all the iconic spots and artifacts throughout the park.

Highlights of the tour include all the best things you remember from Red Sox history, from the Green Monster to Pesky’s Pole to the Lone Red Seat. Why not take the opportunity to snag a few tickets to a Boston Red Sox game while you’re in town? Then, pick up a few Fenway Franks and settle in to enjoy the game!

Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Trolley Tour

Another top option for exploring Boston is the flexible Hop-on Hop-off Boston Sightseeing Trolley. It circulates throughout the city, featuring major highlights at nine central stops, including:

  • Faneuil Hall
  • The North End
  • North Station & TD Garden
  • Boston Common
  • Beacon Hill
  • and more!

With the freedom to disembark at any of these stops, you’ll be able to fully customize your day of sightseeing to fit your interests. Ride along as long as the narration captivates your attention, and hop off when you find something fascinating you just have to explore.

Plus, your trolley ticket is good for two days, so you can make the most of your pass when it comes to exploring attractions. We don’t, however, recommend that you make use of the trolley as a primary form of transportation due to traffic and frequent stops.

New England Aquarium

penguins-ay-new-england-aquarium

New England Aquarium

Among the most popular attractions for families and adults alike is the New England Aquarium. This fantastic aquatic destination includes many marvelous sights like a massive Caribbean coral reef, a Shark & Ray Touch Tank, a lively penguin colony, and so much more.

Whether you love flashy tropical fish or playful seals, impressive sharks, or loveable penguins, there’s a critter here to capture your heart. They’ve even got a 3-D IMAX screen showing breathtaking films about nature and marine life in particular, so consider picking up an IMAX ticket as well.

As an added benefit, the cost of your admission goes to support marine conservation efforts being undertaken by the aquarium, so you’re doing a good deed with your visit.

Museum of Science

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Museum of Science

The whole family will love a visit to the Museum of Science. As an institution, Boston's Museum of Science embodies the power and promise of Boston’s greatest scientific minds, and captures the magic and wonder of discovery for visitors of all ages. Featuring over 700 (!) diverse exhibits, many of which are hands-on and totally interactive, the Museum of Science drives curiosity in all of its guests.

A not-to-be-missed area of the museum is the comprehensive Hall of Human Life, which includes dozen of interactive exhibits that explore the biology of the human body. Other popular exhibits include the Theater of Electricity, Triceratops Cliff, and the Live Animal Center, where you can watch baby chicks hatch!

You could also opt to upgrade to other fascinating areas of the museum like the planetarium or the butterfly garden, both of which amaze visitors year-round.

Freedom Trail Walking Tour

It wouldn’t be a trip to Boston without a tour along the Freedom Trail. This iconic pathway throughout Boston highlights the major landmarks and sites of significance in the Revolutionary War and showcases just how much history Boston has. Featuring 11 historic sites in just under one mile of walking, the Freedom Trail is also an effective way to see the big historical highlights of Beantown.

Paul Revere monument

Take the Freedom Trail Guided Walking Tour, where costumed guides narrate with important information about Boston in the eighteenth century, and let you in on all the local legends and secrets. This red-lined path throughout the city is also free to walk on your own time, should you prefer to explore at your own pace without the commentary. Just follow the red brick road!

Museum of Fine Arts

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Museum of Fine Arts

Art lovers will not want to overlook this fantastic museum. Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is among the most prestigious and well-curated art museums around. This museum features impressive collections of art and artifacts that span the globe. Their collections have particular strengths in American art and craftwork, textiles and fashion, European art, plus artifacts of the ancient world.

The Art of the Americas wing, a relatively recent expansion, offers over 50 distinct galleries filled with items dating from the pre-Columbian period through the second half of the twentieth century. Make time to stop in the gift shop, too - it's very well stocked with a diverse selection of gifts, books, toys, clothing, and more. You'll find the ideal artsy souvenir here!

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

JFK museum

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Be sure to pay a visit to the library of one of America's most influential and charismatic leaders, John F. Kennedy. The JFK Presidential Library and museum holds the largest collection of Kennedy family materials in the world, including everything from televised interviews to rare family photographs.

Follow the narrative of his presidency, and see the crises and successes that defined his time in office. Begin with a look at Kennedy on the campaign trail in 1960. You'll also see him as President in the briefing room and get to walk around a mock-up of the Oval Office the way it looked in Kennedy’s time. You'll get the opportunity to examine artifacts and objects from the Space Program that Kennedy so famously championed - a race and special chance!

There’s also a particular emphasis on the connections between JFK, the Kennedy family, and the city of Boston. It’s a wonderful attraction for anyone who loves Boston history, presidential libraries, or American history in general.

Let’s Recap

Consider including some of these attractions on your next trip to Boston, and we know you’ll come to love this city. Whether you’re traveling with family, a partner, or friends, you’ll enjoy these amazing signature Boston attractions. Happy travels!

Planning to visit lots of Boston attractions? 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 ✈️ 

 

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Fenway Park
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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? 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! 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. 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.  Save up to 50% on Boston attractions Discover our full line-up of Boston attractions from Fenton Park tours to the Salem Witch Museum. 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you. 😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.
Katie Sagal
Boston solo travel
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Solo Travel in Boston

Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler who's new to Boston or this will be your first-ever solo trip, we've got you covered.
Katie Sagal
Concord Massachusetts
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10+ Things to Do in Lexington & Concord, MA

If you’re interested in American history, you know Boston is the place to be for historical landmarks and attractions related to the colonial era, the American Revolution, and the birth of the country. However, visitors often overlook the two sites with some of the most significance for this time: Lexington and Concord.  Attractions go beyond Lexington Battle Green to include museums, 18th-century houses inhabited by famous early Americans, and even immaculately restored taverns. If you're looking for things to do in Lexington and Concord during your trip to Boston, check out this list of the best local activities and attractions, including: The Liberty Ride Buckman Tavern Concord Museum Louisa May Alcott House and more! Lexington Attractions Liberty Ride Though it starts in Lexington, the Liberty Ride is a Lexington and Concord tour along the historic Battle Road. On your air-conditioned trolley, a knowledgeable costumed tour guide will recount the exciting events of the American Revolution as you pass the Lexington Battle Green, the Old North Bridge, Minuteman National Historic Park, and the Lexington and Concord visitor centers. Buckman Tavern Buckman Tavern served as a gathering spot for militiamen awaiting the arrival of the “Red Coats” on April 19, 1775. When the alarm bell ran to signal the enemy’s approach, the men left the tavern for Lexington Common, where the first Revolutionary War conflict would occur. Buckman Tavern was restored in 1920 and today the original taproom fireplace remains next to a reinstalled bar. Munroe Tavern On the day before the Battle of Lexington, Munroe Tavern served as a meeting spot for colonials and minutemen. The next day, retreating British troops overtook the tavern and turned it into a field hospital for the wounded. Today, the preserved Munroe Tavern is run by the Lexington Historical Society. Hancock Clarke House You know about Paul Revere’s famous ride, right? Well, the Hancock Clarke House, home of Reverends John Hancock and Jonas Clarke, was Paul Revere’s destination that night. John Hancock and Samuel Adams were visiting Reverend Clarke, and Paul Revere and William Dawes were sent to warn these legendary Patriots of the arrival of the British troops. Lexington Battle Green Visit the place where the first shots of the battle of Lexington and Concord were fired in 1775, in an event that would start the Revolutionary War. Today Lexington Battle Green is a public park and a National Historic Landmark. A quick must-visit stop for history buffs. Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library Like many of the attractions in Lexington and Concord, this is one for the history buffs. This free-entry American history museum has a particular focus on Masonic history, but it also contains artifacts and documents of more general interest. The museum hosts an ever-changing roster of special exhibits that tell the story of Lexington's history. Concord Attractions Concord Museum Housing many authentic artifacts and important documents of the Colonial era and the American Revolution, the Concord Museum was founded in 1886—making it one of the oldest and most well-documented historical collections in the country. It is most famous for its extensive collection of artifacts belonging to Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Other relics are just as impressive, such as lanterns hung in the Old North Church on the eve of the Revolution. Louisa May Alcott Orchard House Speaking of literary legacies, the Louisa May Alcott House—where the classic novel Little Women was written—is also located in Concord. Real-life family members who resided in the house inspired the story, and guided tours offer insights into their lives. Though over 300 years old, the house has genuine architectural integrity and still contains original family artifacts. Old Manse House With a location right next to the Old North Bridge, the Old Manse House has an important place in Revolutionary History. The house was built by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s grandfather in 1770, and Emerson watched the battle at North Bridge in 1775 from his farm fields. The Old Manse House has a renowned literary legacy: it is here where Ralph Waldo Emerson drafted “Nature,” Nathaniel Hawthorne established his literary career, Henry David Thoreau tended the land, and Horace Mann, Margaret Fuller, and John Brown paid regular visits. Minute Man National Historic Park This immensely popular historic site has plenty to offer exploring families and couples. A park commemorating the beginning of the Revolutionary War, this venue offers several distinct attractions. You'll be able to see: the North Bridge, where the militia fired back at the British troops; the Battle Road Trail, featuring a monument to Paul Revere and a restored 18th century home and inn. Visit the Wayside, a house that was once occupied by Bronson and Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Margaret Sidney. Save on Lexington & Concord Attraction Admission with a Go City® Boston pass Discover our full line-up of Boston attractions including the USS Constitution, Museum, Salem Witch Museum, Paul Revere House, and more. 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you. 😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.
Katie Sagal

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