Are you searching for the best things to do in Boston as a first-time visitor? I was once in your shoes, so I’ve compiled this handy guide to the top things to do in Boston, Massachusetts.
Disclosure: This travel guide to the best things to do in Boston for first-time visitors contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission when you click on one of these partner links and make a purchase, booking, or hotel reservation.
Quintessential Things to Do in Boston
Located in New England, a region in the northeastern United States, Boston has an almost European-like charm and significant historical sites from the American Revolution.
And, with picturesque neighborhoods, beautiful public parks, a variety of museums, and delicious local foods, there are plenty of things to do in Boston. Whether you like art, history, food, craft beer, sports, or films, you could easily build a Boston trip itinerary around your interests.
It is one of those cities I could repeatedly visit and experience differently on each trip. But what should you do on your first visit?
That is exactly what I tried to figure out during my first trip to Boston. The Massachusetts capital had been on my travel wishlist for years, and I finally visited in March 2015 for the Women in Travel Summit (WITS).
Although I was there for WITS, I planned to make the most of my limited time in Beantown. Was I successful? I think so. Yet I barely scratched the surface of all the attractions I’d like to visit in Boston. And the foods I want to eat.
If you are like me, you probably want to experience everything. While that is logically not possible during a long weekend trip, you can certainly make a dent in your list of things to do in Boston and get a real feel for the city within a few days.
So, if you are visiting Boston for the first time, I’ve got five ideas for quickly acquainting yourself with the city.
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First of All, Take a Tour of Boston!
When I’m visiting a new destination, my favorite way to get to know the area is by taking a tour.
Walking Tours in Boston
Walking tours sometimes use public transportation, allowing travelers to learn how to navigate the local subway or bus system. In fact, I rode the T on my first Boston tour.
Walking tours are also ideal for photo opportunities. If you enjoy photography or just coming home from your travels with photos of beautiful scenery, you should consider taking a guided photography tour of the Freedom Trail, the picturesque cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, or the Back Bay neighborhood, known for its Victorian brownstones.
Boston Sightseeing Tours
Though I love walking tours, I also suggest bus tours, like the Boston Hop-on Hop-off Trolley. Bus tours tend to cover a broader area, giving you an idea of the city’s layout.
Both walking and bus tours are often full of insightful notions and fun facts that only the locals seem to know. Of course, sightseeing tours are best if you are interested in seeing all of Boston’s top sights in a short time frame.
Several local Bostonians recommended Boston Duck Tours, which traverse the city by land and the Charles River. Since the vehicle drives right into the river, I’d say a Duck Tour would be one of the most fun things to do in Boston with kids.
Unique and Unusual Tours in Boston
Are you a history buff? A foodie? A literary geek? A film aficionado? Into ghost stories or pub crawls? Then skip the generic sightseeing tour! Opt instead for a tour tailored to your interests.
During my first few days in Boston, I took two tours specific to my interests. After taking these tours, I was confident I could get around the city on foot or the T. I also pinpointed the landmarks, neighborhoods, and attractions I wanted to explore further in my free time.
Here are a few unique Boston tours to consider booking for your trip:
- Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour — As you hear tales of “lost souls” believed to be haunting the streets of this historic city, you’ll walk through two of the oldest burial grounds in Boston, including Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, where Cotton Mather, known for his involvement in the Salem witch trials, is buried. Book your tour now!
- Boston Movie Mile Tour — See famous movie and TV locations around Boston on a 1.5-hour walking tour! You’ll have a drink at the original Cheers bar, stroll through the Boston Public Garden to see the famous benches from Good Will Hunting and Ted, and discover more movie and TV connections in Boston. Don’t miss out — reserve your tour today!
- Boston’s North End Pizza and History Walking Tour — Learn a bit of North End and Freedom Trail history as you taste three slices of pizza and a Modern Pastry cannolo! Reserve your slice(s) by booking your tour now!
Food & Beer Tours in Boston
Of course, if you are a culinary traveler, you’ll want to check out the local food scene in Boston. Here are some of the best food tours and brewery tours in Boston:
- Boston Guided Brewery Tour –– Go behind the scenes of Boston’s thriving beer scene with visits to three of the city’s most well-known breweries. This tour is highly rated, so book now to reserve your space!
- North End Food Tour –– Explore the flavors of Boston’s Little Italy with brick-oven pizza, fresh pasta, classic Sicilian cannoli, and more at six stops as you walk a trail dating back to the American Revolution! This food walking tour will likely sell out, so make your reservation now!
- Boston Donut Tour — It may be known for Dunkin’ Donuts, but Boston has a broader doughnut scene worth exploring (and tasting). On this tour, you’ll sample Boston’s finest doughnuts as you walk through Boston’s Financial District, Boston Public Market, and Little Italy. Like all the foodie tours I’ve recommended in Boston, this one also quickly sells out. Grab your ticket(s) now for this tasty tour!
Boston Movie & TV Location Tours
My second guided tour in Boston was a Boston TV & Movie Sites Tour. With On Location Tours, I saw settings from Good Will Hunting, The Departed, Ted, Field of Dreams, Mystic River, and The Town, among many other movies. I hadn’t even realized how many films took place in Boston!
On Locations Tours also offers the 1.5-hour Boston Movie Mile Tour and a three-hour private tour with your own driver/guide. The private tour covers many of the filming locations on the full Boston TV & Movie Sites Tour.
Taste Classic Boston Foods & Drinks
Once you have toured the city, you’ll have worked up an appetite. Luckily, Boston is full of restaurants serving delicious dishes and locally brewed beer.
Dine at Boston’s Oldest Restaurant & Food Hall
Union Oyster House
Of course, no Boston restaurant has served visitors longer than America’s oldest restaurant!
At Union Oyster House, established in 1826, you’ll find freshly shucked oysters and the New England Clam Chowder for which this iconic Boston restaurant is known.
As a favorite of the Kennedy family, JFK was known to privately dine upstairs. If you dine here, don’t miss the booth dedicated to the 35th president!
Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
While exploring the Freedom Trail, you might stop at the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace. It houses Quincy Market, the largest and oldest food hall in the United States.
You’ll find Boston and New England specialties, including oysters, lobster rolls, clam chowder, and brick-oven pizza from an outpost of Regina Pizzeria, a long-time North End spot.
Try Famous Boston Foods
Boston, located along the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its seafood—oysters, clam chowder, and lobster rolls.
So, you probably want to know where to find the best lobster roll, right? Luckily, the good folks at Thrillist compiled this handy list of the best lobster rolls in Boston.
However, lobstah rolls and clam chowdah aren’t the only famous Bostonian foods. Other signature Boston dishes include Boston Cream Pie, which originated at the Parker House Hotel, and the baked beans for which Boston earned its nickname “Beantown.”
During my trip, I made it my mission to try a true New England Clam Chowder and a Boston Cream Pie. I checked them off my list when dining at Legal Sea Foods, a Boston-based seafood restaurant chain.
Next time, I’m hunting down lobster rolls, pizza in the North End, and cannoli! How about you?
Tour a Boston Brewery
In addition to its famous foods, Boston is known for its breweries. Beer lovers in Boston will be pleased to find a thriving craft beer scene with brewery tours, guided tastings, and fun beer halls to visit.
Of course, the most famous of Boston’s breweries is Samuel Adams, known for its Boston Lager and Cherry Wheat beers. The brewery offers a variety of tours, experiences, and events.
If you enjoy juicy, hazy New England IPAs, I recommend visiting Harpoon Brewery in the Seaport District. It offers brewery tours (occasionally), guided tastings, delicious handmade pretzels at its beer hall, and a seasonal Pickleball Social Club with hourly court rentals.
Visit a Museum in Boston
Visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, was a highlight of my Boston trip. Seriously, I could have spent an entire day moseying between galleries. I couldn’t get enough of the Van Gogh, Monet, and Degas artwork. And with more than 40 museums in the Greater Boston area, you are likely to find one that suits your interests, too.
Best Boston Museums for Kids
Kids will have a hands-on experience at the Boston Children’s Museum and the Museum of Science.
They can see penguins and Atlantic harbor seals at the New England Aquarium, and then go whale watching with experts from the Whale Center of New England.
At the Harvard Museum of Natural History, they can learn about animals from around the world. Then, take them to see living animals at the Franklin Park Zoo.
Travel Tip: If you plan to visit the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science, you might consider purchasing a Boston CityPASS®. Both attractions are included in the pass, which can save you up to 48% off admission to four popular Boston attractions.
Boston’s Best Historic Sites and Museums for History Buffs
Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum to dump tea into the harbor like the colonists did. Then, stop along the Freedom Trail at Paul Revere’s home, where the silversmith left for his infamous “Midnight Ride.”
To see more Paul Revere silver and Revolutionary War relics, visit the Americas collection at the Museum of Fine Arts. Afterward, skip to the 20th Century to view Oval Office decor and Kennedy family photos at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Art Museums in Boston
No matter which era or medium you enjoy, I highly recommend visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The museum has one of the largest collections in the United States with more than 450,000 works of art.
If you enjoy contemporary art, the Institute of Contemporary Art has a unique permanent collection and rotating exhibits in a stunning waterfront building with floor-to-ceiling harbor views in Boston’s Seaport District.
Art lovers will find even more at the Harvard Art Museums in Cambridge.
Dine in Boston’s North End
You absolutely must dine in the North End while in Boston. Eat some pasta, drink wine, finish with cannoli, and thank me later.
Walking along Hanover and Salem streets, you’ll find Italian eateries after Italian eateries. The restaurants all seem to post their menus outside, so you can just stop once one sounds appealing.
Some top-rated Italian restaurants and pizzerias in Boston’s North End include Regina Pizzeria, Mamma Maria, Carmelina’s, and TABLE.
If you want an after-dinner treat, stop by Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry for cannoli. In fact, why not do a cannoli taste test by visiting both!
Take a North End Food Tour
- Boston North End to Freedom Trail – Food & History Walking Tour
- Boston’s North End Pizza & History Walking Tour
- Boston’s North End Small-Group Food Tour
Take a Scenic Stroll in Boston
Now that you’ve taken a tour, visited a museum, and dined around Boston, you can wander. Boston is wonderful for wandering.
It’s a fairly small “big city” at 48 square miles, so a 30-minute walk could take you past Back Bay rowhouses, ritzy Newbury Street shops, and Beacon Hill’s charming brick and cobblestone streets.
You could also stroll along the Charles River Esplanade or through Boston Public Garden and Boston Common.
If you are walking through the Boston Public Garden with children, find the “Make Way for Ducklings” statue near Charles and Beacon streets and ride on a Swan Boat.
Browse GetYourGuide for more things to do in Boston!
Are Boston Attraction Passes Worth Purchasing?
The following three Boston attraction passes are available:
Each of these third-party passes provides discounted admission to popular Boston attractions. So, let’s take a closer look at each to determine which pass is best for your trip!
Boston CityPASS®: Up to 48% off Four Boston Attractions
The Boston CityPASS® offers discounted admission to four Boston attractions and is valid for nine consecutive days. Included in the pass are the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Science, and two attractions of your choice from the following:
- Boston Harbor City Cruises (Saturday and Sunday only through winter)
- Franklin Park Zoo
- Harvard Museum of Natural History
- View Boston Observation Deck
Go City Explorer Pass: Up to 50% off 2-5 Boston Attractions
Valid for 60 days from your first visit, the Boston Go City Explorer Pass is more flexible than Boston CityPASS®. However, depending on the number of activities you select, it may cost more.
You can purchase Explorer Passes to gain discounted admission at two, three, four, or five attractions of your choice from 30+ Boston attractions and activities.
Go City All-Inclusive Pass: Up to 50% off 45+ Boston Attractions and Activities
Lastly, the Boston Go City All-Inclusive Pass grants you discounted admission to as many of the 45+ covered attractions as you can visit in a day. This pass is available to purchase for one, two, three, five, or seven days.
If you are visiting Boston for a weekend getaway and like to jam-pack your itinerary with sightseeing and museum hopping, the two-day Go City All-Inclusive pass offers the best bang for your buck.
However, all three passes provide valuable discounts to popular Boston attractions. I recommend looking closely at your itinerary and budget to decide which is the best fit for your trip.
Please remember that with any of the aforementioned passes, reservations are still required at some attractions. Some attractions requiring reservations are the New England Aquarium and Boston Harbor City Cruises.
Best Day Trips from Boston
If you have time to explore beyond Boston, you could take the following excursions:
Witchy History in Salem, Massachusetts
Delve into the tragic history of the Salem witch trials during a day trip to Salem from Boston. You’ll travel about an hour to the historic town, learning about the mass hysteria and accusations of witchcraft that racked the Puritan community there in the late 17th Century.
The tour includes an 8-mile Salem Trolley ride, admission to the Salem Witch Museum, and a haunting visit to the House of the Seven Gables, the historic mansion that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s gothic novel.
You’ll also have free time to shop and explore Pickering Wharf and the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall. Finally, you’ll see the bronze statue of Elizabeth Montgomery, the actress who portrayed the nose-twitching Samantha Stephens in the sitcom Bewitched, which was filmed in Salem in 1970.
Fall Foliage Leaf-Peeping Trip in New Hampshire’s White Mountains
If you visit Boston in late September through October, you can see New England’s beautiful fall foliage on a full-day tour from your Boston hotel to the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
During this seasonal leaf-peeping excursion, you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities at scenic viewpoints along the Kancamagus Highway and during a visit to the grand Omni Mount Washington Resort.
Day Trip to Martha’s Vineyard
This full-day excursion to Martha’s Vineyard includes transportation from and returning to your Boston hotel, through scenic Cape Cod, and a round-trip ferry across Nantucket Sound to the island.
Your starting point on Martha’s Vineyard is Oak Bluffs, a charming town known for its colorful gingerbread cottages and Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest carousel in the United States.
Though you may choose to explore the island on your own, I recommend adding the three-hour island tour because the points of interest are spread out.
With your guide, you’ll explore the aforementioned sites in Oak Bluffs, the Gay Head cliffs and lighthouse, and Edgartown, known for its whaling history.
Early spring and late October visitors may also visit the Nobska Point Lighthouse, a Cape Cod landmark in Falmouth, Massachusetts, before returning to Boston.
Coastal Drive to Lobster Boat Tour in Kennebunkport, Maine
On the scenic drive from Boston to Kennebunkport, Maine, take in the natural beauty of New Hampshire’s coast as you learn about this region’s storied past.
Along the way, you’ll stop in charming Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where you can stroll through the historic downtown and stop for a bite to eat at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Then, your journey continues to see one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine — Nubble Lighthouse, perched on a rocky islet in York.
Finally, you’ll reach the seaside resort town of Kennebunkport. There, you can take a photo at the Bush family compound, walk along idyllic beaches, shop at local boutiques, and savor a mouthwatering lobster roll.
You can also choose to add a lobster boat tour in Kennebunkport. You’ll set sail on a lobster harvesting vessel and see firsthand how the crustaceans are hauled in from the sea.
Visit Mansions of the Gilded Age in Newport, Rhode Island
Get away from bustling Boston on an excursion to Newport, Rhode Island, where New York society escaped to luxurious summer “cottages” during the Gilded Age.
During your Newport day trip, you’ll tour two of these lavish mansions —the Breakers, Cornelius Vanderbilt II’s grand 13-acre estate overlooking the Atlantic, and the Marble House, the Beaux-Arts summer home of Alva and William K. Vanderbilt.
You’ll also see stunning ocean views from Ocean Drive and the Newport Cliff Walk, and you’ll visit other historic landmarks, including St. Mary’s Church, where future US president and first lady John and Jackie Kennedy wed in 1953.
Best Places to Stay in Boston
The Verb Hotel
For a truly unique hotel in Boston, consider booking your stay at The Verb.
This rock-n-roll-themed boutique hotel has guest rooms outfitted with record players and albums. The custom “Backstage” trailer accommodations will make you feel like a rock star!
The hotel’s location near Fenway Park is perfect for catching a Red Sox game or touring Fenway Park.
As a hotel guest, you can dip into the year-round outdoor pool, see the red 1947 Greyhound Clipper bus, and experience a taste of Japanese nightlife at the Hojoko Japanese Tavern.
The Revolution Hotel
Located in the heart of Boston’s South End, The Revolution Hotel is close to restaurants and bars, such as the Spanish tapas-and-wine spot Barcelona Wine Bar and vegan eatery Life Alive Organic Cafe.
Also, it’s located within walking distance of top attractions, such as Boston Common and Boston Public Garden.
This hotel also offers a variety of room types, including lofts and suites. For groups of friends traveling together, the triple and quad rooms with bathrooms down the hall are great options.
Don’t worry about the bathroom down the hall! It’s much more private than shared hostel or dormitory bathrooms, and each floor has 10 single-occupancy bathrooms outfitted with a toilet, sink, and shower stall.
Revere Hotel Boston Common
While visiting Boston, I stayed at the stylish Revere Hotel Boston Common. As you can see, this upscale hotel in Boston’s Bay Village neighborhood has had a makeover since my stay.
This hotel was convenient for me as a first-time visitor to Boston. It is located near the Theater District, Boston Common, and Boston Public Garden, and multiple public transit stops are within walking distance.
Apartment Rentals in Boston
Finally, for my last night in Boston, I wanted to experience the city like a local, so I booked a Back Bay apartment.
From the brownstone rowhouse apartment I rented, I walked to Trident Booksellers & Cafe for an afternoon latte and book browsing. Then, I met a friend for drinks at Back Bay Social Club.
You can find similar apartments and Boston vacation rentals on VRBO.
Not what you are looking for? Use the map below to find and book accommodations for your upcoming Boston trip!
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I’m from Boston and I love love love seeing my city from an outsiders perspective. You uncovered things I haven’t been to like Jacob Wirth. I will have to check that out next time that I am home 🙂
There is so much to do in Boston, Kim, and I love all of your suggestions here. I must visit again! Also, I agree with your husband about the Harpoon brewery tour. It’s a fun tour, and you have to get a pretzel in the beer hall!
I am from Pennsylvania. Both of our daughters have lived in Boston so I have learned to know the city. By far – one of my favorites stops is the Boston Public Library at the Copley green line stop. It’s so beautiful! My three favorite tours are – The PhotoWalks tour with Saba (the best) – The Harvard tour – and the Civil War tour. My husband always recommends the Harpoon beer tour. There are many good choices to get ice cream but Toscanini’s is worth the visit. (the redline & get off at Central Square)
I definitely need to put Boston on my list of cities to visit. With my love of history I find from your post that there is a lot thar would interest me…so much so that I think I will need to visit more than once to take it all in. Looking into various tours offered is an especially good suggestion as a place to start taking in the sites. Your pics are amazing!
Yes, that is so very true. This list is just to dip your toes into the Charles River. If you are going for a week or a return visit, you can really delve into all that Boston offers, which is a whole lot!
This is a great list. There is so much to do in Boston, you need to make sure to have enough time when you are there as depending on your own interests you will have days and days of things to do and this is just the start!
I didn’t go inside the Cheers bar, but some of my friends went in for a beer. It’s right across from Boston Common, so it’s very easy to find.
I would totally want to visit Cheers. Did you eat there?
Next time you visit the Boston area, I’d be happy to give you my full recommendations. The short list is visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, strolling through Boston Public Garden, and eating dinner and a cannoli in the North End.
If you like history tours, Boston definitely is worth visiting. The city is full of historic sights!
I need to visit. I was actually born there and have been a few times, since we still have close relatives there, but I have only been back to the city rarely. I did go back in 2013 to visit a friend when I was there for my cousins wedding but we only had dinner and didn’t get to explore as much as I would want to.
This looks like so much fun! The hubs and I haven’t visited Boston yet, but everything looks awesome (minus their baseball team…#Yankees4Life). I love doing all the historic sightseeing tours so this is right up my alley! I will have to pin this for future reference.