Boston skyline

A Week in Boston Itinerary - 5 to 7 Days in Boston for a Fun Filled Vacation

Check out our must-see Boston sights list!
By Casey Makovich

Upcoming week in Boston? Here are our picks to ensure your vacay is packed full of fun activities and historic sights!

Planning to spend a week in Boston and wondering how to make the most of your time? We’ve put together a great itinerary for 5 to 7 days in Boston that will show you the best of the city in just one week! From guided sightseeing tours and museums to historical buildings and beyond, Boston has a ton of fun things to see and do - we've grouped them by neighborhood.

Must-see places include:

  • Fenway Park and Back Bay
  • Faneuil Hall, the Waterfront, & Noth End
  • Cambridge, MA
  • Salem, MA

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!

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Fenway Park and Back Bay Area

Fenway Park Tour

If visiting "America's favorite baseball stadium" appeals to you, a guided tour of Fenway Park is the way to go. This behind-the-scenes look at Fenway's features and typically off-limits-to-the-public sites provides an in-depth look at this Boston landmark. Some of the famous stadium areas you'll visit on the tour include Pesky’s Pole, the Green Monster, the Lone Red Seat, and more.

Visit the Boston Red Sox website for more information on games.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

Fenway Park

The area surrounding the famously historic baseball stadium - which you should also check out - has evolved in recent years with lots of apartment developments and trendy restaurants, shops, and boutique fitness studios that come along with it.

Back Bay Area

So named because it was once a bay before the city of Boston filled in the bay to create more land, Back Bay is largely considered the cultural hub of Boston with multiple museums, one-of-a-kind boutiques, brick row houses, trendy restaurants, cafes, and more.

Back Bay area
The swan boats of Boston Public Garden

Museum of Fine Arts

The highly regarded Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is home to 450,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, furniture, and more that span from ancient Egypt to the present day. It’s known for a rotating series of temporary exhibits that always offer a fresh take on relevant topics in culture today.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Isabella Steward Gardner Museum is another popular museum space for Boston visitors. More than a museum, the building itself was the former estate of Isabella Stewart Gardner (1840-1924) herself before she gifted the estate to the museum.

You'll get to learn all about the fascinating and progressive lifestyle led by the art collector, philanthropist, and active member of Boston's high society, as you tour the picturesque mansion, complete with an indoor courtyard/garden. You'll even get to see the tragically blank walls where the pieces of art that were stolen during the infamous art heist of 1990 once hung.

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.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

Swan Boats of Boston

One of Boston’s best-loved historic treasures, is located in Boston Public Garden. If there's a line, it usually moves pretty fast! Be sure to spend some time walking around the paths that take you throughout the gardens, you'll stumble upon some beautiful scenery and great photo ops.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

Swan Boats of Boston

Freedom Trail Walking Tour

You'll literally 'see' the trail winding through Boston, marked by a double brick line (or sometimes red painted line) that punctuates the sidewalk and takes you past major points of historical and cultural interest. While visitors often walk along the line at their own pace, we recommend taking a guided tour to make sure you see all the major highlights so you can learn about each stop and its significance to Boston’s history as you go.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

Boston Public Library (free)

The Boston Public Library is one of the most architecturally stunning buildings in Boston and worth stepping into even if just for a glimpse of their beautiful reading rooms. A visit to the library is one of the top things to do in Back Bay.

Boston Public Library

Faneuil Hall and North End area

Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market (free)

This busy shopping destination is a must for Boston visitors. Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are both historic buildings. Faneuil Hall was where America's first town meeting was held, and is now home to souvenir shops and tourist information booths. Quincy Market was once a commercial center and is now home to tourist-friendly restaurants and popular stores.

Boston Children’s Museum

If you're traveling with kids to Boston, the Boston Children's Museum is a must-see. Designed specifically to entertain, engage, and spark curiosity about the world we live in, this museum is packed with tons of interactive and informative exhibits.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

Boston Children's Museum

Cambridge area

Harvard University

Explore the grounds of the school that attracts some of the best and brightest students from around the world - Harvard University. Get the most out of your visit by taking a walking tour, led by a current student, for a true insider's perspective on all the highlights and important history behind some of the campus' stunning architecture, beautifully landscaped green spaces, and famous sites.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

Harvard University in the springtime
Harvard University in the springtime

Harvard Museum of Natural History

Located on the Harvard University campus and showcasing earth science, and biology, this museum is packed with natural gemstones, fossils, skeletons, artifacts, and more. You'll get to see over 12,000 specimens from around the globe – including dinosaurs!

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

Located right next to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology is another great museum to visit in the Cambridge area and focuses on exploring ancient world cultures. From Native American art to Mayan architecture, you’ll find a fascinating range of artifacts and ancient objects on display.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Tour

Explore the campus of another world-renowned school, guided by one of the students. This hub of innovation - where the internet itself was invented - served as the setting for Good Will Hunting, and it’s the place where Buzz Aldrin got his doctorate in astronautics. Get a glimpse into campus life, learn more about what studying at MIT is like, and see key locations throughout.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

MIT

Salem area

Explore historic Salem, known for the infamous witch hunts of the late 1600s.
 

Salem Witch Museum

Learn all about the evolution of witches, or the belief in witches, throughout history at Salem's most visited museum. The museum explores the presence of witches in various cultures with of course a particular focus on the witch hysteria of 1692 in a way that is both educational and entertaining.

Tip: check out the museum's gift shop - they sell tons of fun souvenirs, crafts by local artists, and some of the most fun Halloween costumes and decorations around.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

Salem Witch Museum
The Witch House in Salem, MA

House of the Seven Gables

Built in 1668, New England’s oldest wooden mansion was once home to Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter. Take a guided tour of the famous home, stroll through the well-kept gardens, and enjoy the waterfront views.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is only available on the All-Inclusive Pass.

Peabody Essex Museum (PEM)

The PEM has a fascinating history of its own worth exploring. It’s home to a collection of one million artifacts and treasures, collected by sea captains who brought back interesting treasures and rare finds from their adventures overseas, and which make for a unique representation of world history. In addition to its permanent collection, the PEM dedicates a lot of resources to its temporary exhibits -- be sure to check their site before you go to see what's going on.

🎟️ Getting in: Admission is included on all passes.

Save on admission to top Boston attractions with Go City®

Discover our full line-up of Boston attractions including the USS Constitution Museum, Salem Witch Museum, Paul Revere House, and more.

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Blog

10+ Things to Do Near Faneuil Hall

One of Boston’s most famous areas, Faneuil Hall, attracts visitors in droves each year. It's located right near the Waterfront and historic North End, so it's easy to build into a larger Boston itinerary.
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
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

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