Boston is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Massachusetts and perhaps one of the most historical cities in the United States.
Boston is a great city to visit. It’s the perfect mix between old and new. Old as in you can visit Paul Revere’s house and new as in you can grab a slice of pizza right after.
It should come as no surprise that there are countless great things to do, some are musts for any first time visitor to Boston and although the city is frequented by millions every year there are also many hidden gems that you won’t find in your average Boston travel guide.
Here are a few tips to ensure you have a wicked good time in Beantown.
Getting to Boston
Search cheap flights to Boston on Skyscanner. From other cities in the US you can also reach Boston by car, bus or train.
Where to Stay
There are a number of luxury hotels in Boston and also affordable budget options including backpacker style hostels. Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com. To get the true Boston experience you might like to check out AirBnB or consider a rental. They are sometimes cheaper than hotels if you are travelling in a group or with your family.
Getting Around
If you ever make the decision to drive in Boston, know that it’s a stupid idea. The roads make no sense and the Bostonians who surround you will teach you words you never knew existed. My suggestion get a T-pass. It is better for everyone especially if you are staying centrally and plan on doing sightseeing. A lot of the main tourism attractions can also be done on foot.
Boston City Sightseeing Tours
Keen to learn more about Boston, the history and places you visit? Book sightseeing tours on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Best Things to See and Do in Boston
View my recommendations for the best attractions to check out and insider tips for how to visit Boston like a local.
The Massachusetts Historical Society
While many history buffs head to Boston to follow the Freedom Trail, take it one step further and visit the state’s incredible Historical Society. They collect significant artifacts, letters and documents that pertain to the state, and display them for visitors. The Society is usually quiet, giving you free reign to peruse each piece at your own pace. In addition, there are often free seminars and lectures held there that anyone can attend.
Take a Swan Boat Ride
Does it sound stupid? Yes. Is it the most fun you will ever have? Yes. The Swan Boats in the Boston Public Garden are long boats powered by a swan, and by a swan I mean a kid sitting behind a swan cut out biking his heart out.
Explore the Harbor Islands
Though there is much to see and do in Boston, hop aboard a ferry ride to get to one of the Harbor Islands just a few minutes away. This is a great way to explore something unusual. On Spectacle Island you’ll find a famed snack stand serving amazing food, and on George’s Island there is an abundance of open space to stroll, picnic, or just admire the old fort on the island.
Harpoon Brewery
While many visitors head straight to the famed Sam Adams brewery, there are several other options that provide a less commercialized look at brewing beer in Boston. As a bonus, many of these breweries actually provide their tours, including tasting, for free. One of the best and least busy is Harpoon Brewery, a small operation creating wonderful IPA’s.
What a Live Sports Game
I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but Boston is pretty good at sports. No matter what season it is you can probably see a sports team that has recently won something. So go see the Celtics, the Red Sox, the Bruins, or the Boston Cricket Club.
Fenway Park
There are lots of highly rated monuments and museums and the city is a true sports town, with Fenway Park being an icon and symbol of the city. Fenway Park is a baseball stadium and since 1912, it has been the home of the world famous Boston Red Sox American League baseball team.
Sports Museum of New England
While many sports fans plan a trip to Fenway Park, there is much more to sports in Boston that the one venue. The Sports Museum of Boston is home to an impressive selection of sports history memorabilia, including some of the first items used in the original colony. Get a better understanding of the history of Boston’s sporting culture in the relatively unknown Sports Museum of New England.
Bike Tours
While the Freedom Trail is a popular stretch of historical landmarks to see by foot, there are other ways to see the sight from a unique perspective. Bike tours are led by a Boston historian who will tell you little known facts as your whiz past the monuments and historical landmarks.
Day Trips & Places to Visit Near Boston
Cambridge
Cross the river to visit Cambridge, Boston’s slightly cooler cousin. There are tons of shops, great restaurants, and ivy league schools. Before you take your trip see if any bands you like are playing in Cambridge, you’d be surprised who plays there.
Plan Your Trip to Boston
Hopefully my guide has given you some ideas for what to do on your next trip to Boston. If you are interested in visiting this city you might also like to view my travel guide to Chicago or NYC travel tips.