Founded in 1630, Boston, Massachusetts is one of the oldest cities in the United States and a great place to visit on your next vacation. Not only are there fun outdoor activities like walking the 2.5-mile long freedom trail or taking a relaxing cruise on the Boston Harbor, but there’s also an exciting nightlife as well as fun for families.
Here, we’ve listed the 55 best things to do in Boston, so there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re visiting for Boston’s rich history or tasty seafood, we have you covered. And if you’re an AAA member, you can also take advantage of plenty of discounts while you’re there.
1. Boston Light
The Boston Light is one of the most iconic Boston attractions, and it’s a must-see for history lovers. During the Revolutionary War, the original Boston Light was destroyed and later restored in 1859. There are a variety of cruises in Boston Harbor that allow you to see the light from a distance, or you can take a boat tour to Little Brewster Island to see the lighthouse up close.
2. Boston Athenaeum
Bibliophiles will love visiting the Boston Athenaeum, one of the oldest libraries in the country. Originally founded in the early 1800s, you can take a free tour of the Athenaeum to learn more about the building’s rich history in Boston. The Athenaeum has hundreds of thousands of books, and there are quiet reading rooms where you can sit down and enjoy some good books. There are also regular events at the Athenaeum, so check their calendar before you book your trip.
3. Boston Signature Lunch Cruise
If you’re looking for a good meal while also taking in scenic views around the Boston Harbor, the Signature Lunch Cruise is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. This two-hour lunch cruise has a complete lunch buffet with plenty of options and a DJ on board for entertainment. For the adults, you can enjoy some cocktails, beer or wine and their full bar.
4. Boston Harbor Sunset Sail Tour
The Boston Harbor Sunset Sail Tour is perfect for couples looking for a romantic night out while visiting Boston. The cruise is two hours long, and you’ll have incredible views of the city as you travel around the harbor at sunset on this elegant 80-foot yacht. In addition to the gorgeous scenery, you can relax with some adult beverages.
5. Boston Common
The Boston Common dates back to colonial times, and it’s a great historic location to visit during your visit. Located at the southern end of the Freedom Trail, it has a large park with cozy places to picnic or relax by the pond. It also has walking and jogging paths, and during the winter, the Boston Common is perfect for ice skating. Throughout this 50-acre area, there are also a variety of memorials, like the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, as well as sculptures and statues.
6. Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour
Horror lovers will have a blast at the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour, a fun-filled ghost-themed tour showing the spooky side of Boston. Known as one of the most haunted cities, you’ll hear ghost stories based on wars from the past, murders and more. This tour goes throughout Downtown Boston and visits the King’s Chapel Burying Ground, home to the graves of many of Boston’s first citizens. Reservations are required, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.
7. Boston Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey
The Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey is a cruise that lasts two to three hours while you enjoy entertainment and upscale dining. The Odyssey has a dress code of semi-formal attire, so it’s a great date night or an adult gathering with friends. They offer a full bar, a life DJ, a menu with different salads, pastas, poultry or fish dishes, and delicious desserts. On this cruise, you’ll see the glistening lights from the Boston skyline and landmarks like the Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, the Seaport District and the USS Constitution warship.
8. Evening Ghost Tour of Boston
One of the many fun things to do in Boston is an evening ghost tour that starts in Downtown Boston. This guided tour allows you to explore Boston’s dark history and areas known for paranormal activity. This walking tour is one and a half hours, and your tour guide will entertain you with ghost stories and legends along the way.
9. Small-Group Boston City Tour
If you’re unsure what to see in Boston, this small-group Boston city tour has you covered. This fully narrated tour is great for Boston sightseeing because you’ll visit many of the city’s most iconic locations. On this tour, you’ll visit the Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution and popular points of interest like the historic Ivy League college Harvard. The tour is perfect for families and small groups and can host up to seven travelers.
10. Walking Tour of Boston’s Freedom Trail
Boston’s Freedom Trail is one of the top places to visit in Boston because it’s filled with the rich history of the American Revolution. The Boston Freedom Trail walking tour is 90 minutes long and allows you to see various historic locations. Some notable landmarks along the Freedom Trail include the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House and Park Street Church. There are also burying grounds like the Granary Burying Ground, the final resting place of historical figures like Paul Revere and Samuel Adams.
11. Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour
If you’re a movie buff, one of the fun activities in Boston that you don’t want to miss is the Movie Mile walking tour. This tour lasts for 90 minutes and lets you visit over 30 locations where various TV shows and movies were filmed. You can have a drink at the original bar where they filmed Cheers or sit on a bench at the Boston Public Garden where Good Will Hunting was filmed. Some other popular filming locations are from films like The Departed, Amistad and Ted.
12. Boston Freedom Trail Scavenger Hunt Adventure
There are many things to see in Boston when you’re checking out the Freedom Trail, but here, you can also have some fun with a historic scavenger hunt. This innovative Freedom Trail Scavenger hunt lets you use your smartphone to guide you as you find and learn about well-known and overlooked parts of the city. This is a great activity for anyone who enjoys challenging puzzles and hunting for clues while enjoying famous parts of the city.
13. Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
The hop-on hop-off trolley tour in Boston is perfect to combine with one of the Boston Harbor cruises. This trolley tour allows you to create your itinerary and see some of the most popular sites in Boston, but you get to do it at your own pace. The boarding area for this trolley tour is near the cruise port, and the ticket also comes with discounts on additional activities in Boston, like the Sports Museum and the Boston Tea Party Ships Museum. There are 18 convenient stops, including Faneuil Hall, Historic North End and Copley Square.
14. Boston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise
This sightseeing cruise lets you see many Boston tourist attractions while traveling on a 1920s-style yacht. While on this cruise, you’ll see famous locations like Old North Church, the USS Cassin Young and the Bunker Hill Monument. The sightseeing cruise also travels by Boston Harbor’s beautiful islands and is a one-and-a-half-hour voyage. The cruise serves light snacks and beverages at the bar if you get hungry.
15. Boston Parks and Works of Art Scavenger Hunt
One of the best things to do in Boston is to visit all of the magnificent artwork throughout the city. A fun way to experience the city's various monuments, statues and art is by doing the Boston Parks and Works of Art Scavenger Hunt. This activity is run by the top app-led scavenger hunt company Let’s Roam, and it’s great for groups. You will tour the city, seeing different works of art and landmarks while each member of your group has a different interactive role that comes with unique scavenger hunt challenges.
16. Italian Dinner With Tiramisu Finale in Boston
If you’re a couple looking for things to do in Boston this weekend or any weekend, the Italian dinner with a Tiramisu finale makes for a great time. This isn’t just an ordinary Italian dinner, either. When you attend, the incredible Chef Joe Maglio, who has over 15 years of experience, will be teaching you how to cook a delicious Italian meal from scratch. This hands-on cooking class teaches you the ins and outs of making authentic pasta, and it can also be a great activity for a group.
17. Boston Harbor Moonlight Cruise
Hosted by Mass Bay Lines, you can take a moonlight cruise through Boston Harbor in the evening during your trip. This is an all-ages 90-minute cruise around the Boston Harbor, where you can relax and see the Boston skyline and other notable landmarks. Onboard, there are snacks, beverages and alcoholic drinks available for the adults.
18. Boston Harbor Brunch Cruise
This brunch cruise is a great way to start your day in Boston. The cruise is two hours long, and you’ll have access to a diverse buffet menu that includes fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, seasonal salads and bakery items. On the brunch cruise, you’ll take in some great sights, like Spectacle Island, Lovells Island, Independence Fort and Boston’s amazing Seaport District.
19. Boston History and Highlights Walking Tour
There are plenty of must-see locations throughout Boston, and this walking tour will let you experience many of them. On the tour, you will see Custom House Tower, the city’s first skyscraper, as well as Faneuil Hall and the Massachusetts State House. You will also visit the Freedom Trail and can rest your legs at the lovely Boston Public Garden. This walking tour is hosted by a knowledgeable tour guide who will teach you about Boston’s rich history as you take in the stunning views.
20. Boston Seafood Lovers Adventure
Boston is the home of some of the most delicious seafood in the country, so this is one of the best things to do in Boston, MA, for all seafood-loving travelers. During the Seafood Lovers Adventure, you will get to eat some of the city’s best seafood and have a tour guide leading you to some of the most historic sites. Some of the amazing seafood fare you’ll get to taste include lobster rolls, clam chowder and more as you visit waterfront shacks and classic restaurants.
21. Boston Sights and Sips Cruise
The Sights and Sips cruise in Boston is an adults-only cruise that offers an incredible evening of fun and alcoholic beverages. This 90-minute cruise provides scenic views of the Boston Harbor as you drink cocktails, wine and beer from the fully-stocked bar. There’s also an onboard DJ for some live entertainment.
22. Boston Private City Tour
As you can see, there are a lot of different city tours of Boston, but if you want a more private setting for your group, this is the tour for you. This private city tour is four hours, and you’ll travel the city in a comfortable luxury vehicle with your group. This tour is catered to your group’s preferences and will stop at the sights you want to see the most. This allows you to go at your own pace while also getting each location’s full history from your guide.
23. Boston Summer Nights Tour
During the summer, a fantastic way to see the city is on this sunset Summer Nights trolley tour of Boston. You will take an Old Town Trolley as you watch the sunset over the Charles River and travel along the cobblestone streets of Boston. The tour stops include John Hancock Tower, the Boston Public Garden, Massachusetts State House and Boston Common.
24. Mysteries on the Move Scavenger Hunt
If you want to combine Boston sightseeing with a murder mystery, this is just the activity for you. This scavenger hunt is a classic whodunnit where you’re solving the murder of silent movie director Rex King in the 1920s. During this scavenger hunt, you will visit famous historical sights around the city and use your smartphone as you gather clues to solve the murder. There are 10 historical stops along the way, and this is a fun-filled activity for ages 13 and up.
25. Boston Mafia: Outdoor Escape Game
While in Boston, you can learn all about the city’s mafia past while playing a fun escape game. As you take the role of a reporter, this outdoor escape game has you solve different puzzles as the story of Boston’s mafias unfolds. This game also allows you to embrace Boston’s history as you visit areas like the Rose Kennedy Rose Garden, North Street Park and more.
26. Boston Premier Bunch Cruise on Odyssey
The Odyssey has a variety of cruises, and this one provides an exquisite brunch experience to start your day. On the Premier Brunch Cruise, you get to set out on Boston Harbor while having panoramic views of historic landmarks and islands. During the cruise, you’re treated to a delicious brunch menu with salads, freshly prepared entrees and desserts with unlimited coffee or tea.
27. Boston Seafood Walking Tour
Seafood lovers can go on a culinary journey while experiencing the city with this walking tour. The Boston Seafood walking tour is guided, so you will hear stories about the history of Boston while you sample various classic seafood dishes from the area. This tour goes along the Boston waterfront, and some of the incredible dishes include lobster rolls, New England clam chowder, fried oysters and much more.
28. Tour of Boston’s Revolutionary and Drunken Past
In addition to Boston’s historical landmarks, there are also historic taverns in the area. When taking the Tour of Boston’s Revolutionary and Drunken Past, you will visit 10 locations along the Freedom Trail, like the Old State House and the site of the Boston Massacre. More importantly, your tour will stop at three historic taverns where you can grab a beer or hard cider. Visitors on the tour will learn quite a bit about the city’s drunk history from guides who are expertly trained historians.
29. Boston Holiday Cocoa Cruise
Should you visit Boston during the winter holiday season, there’s no better way to spend your time than with some hot cocoa as you cruise around the Boston Harbor. The Holiday Cocoa Cruise is a great way to spend some time with friends, family or your significant other during your holiday trip to Boston. This cruise allows you to see the Boston skyline and some iconic landmarks while sipping on some cocoa and listening to classic holiday music.
30. Boston Harbor Holiday Brunch Cruise
This two-hour brunch cruise offers delicious holiday dishes while seeing some historic landmarks around Boston’s Seaport. On the Holiday Brunch Cruise, you’re treated to a three-course gourmet brunch and will travel around the harbor, seeing locations like the Bunker Hill Monument, Old North Church and Sea Castle Island. This cruise is for people of all ages, and they even have infant seats available if you’re traveling with young ones.
31. Boston Ghosts by US Ghost Adventures
Horror fans and lovers of all things spooky will enjoy the Ghosts by US Ghost Adventures in Boston. This tour takes you down some of the most eerie locations in Downtown Boston and provides a unique perspective on the city’s haunted history. During this nighttime tour, your guide will tell you bone-chilling Boston stories that will frighten the bravest individuals.
32. Guided Walking Tour in Boston
If you’re looking for a shorter walking tour while you’re in Boston, this is the one for you. This guided walking tour is about an hour long and takes you along the Freedom Trail, where you’ll visit 10 historic sites in Downtown Boston. On the tour, you will also be able to go inside of two of the locations. Some popular sites you will see include the Old South Meeting House, the John Adams Courthouse and City Hall Plaza.
33. VIP Private Tour of Boston
Many of the tours and cruises in Boston are large groups with many other visitors, but you can also take this VIP private tour of the city. You and your group will experience the best of the city’s history on this four-hour tour. You’ll be escorted to the various locations in a private luxury vehicle, and they also offer hotel pickup and drop-off services. The tour stops at locations like the Bunker Hill Monument, Harvard University and the USS Constitution. At the end of the tour, you’ll go on a cruise around the harbor.
34. Holiday Sunset Cruise in Boston Harbor
During the holiday season, a great way to spend the evening is by taking a holiday-inspired sunset cruise through Boston Harbor. This cruise allows you to see the Boston skyline and harbor during the twilight. This cruise is on a ship fashioned in the style of the 1920s, with holiday beverages and music. The ship’s captain gives some commentary on different landmarks around the harbor, and the ship also passes under the majestic Tobin Bridge.
35. Asian Dumplings and Dim Sum in Boston
Treat yourself to some delicious Asian cuisine that you get to create while visiting Boston. This dumplings and dim sum experience is a fun activity for couples or groups of friends. Located just east of the Boston Common, the cooking class’s teacher is 15-year veteran Chef Gary. This is a great way to build memories with your group or significant other while you’re in Boston, and it’s also a skill that you can bring back home after your trip.
36. The Story of America Scavenger Hunt
Learn the story of America while you enjoy the fun of a scavenger hunt with this walking tour. The Story of America scavenger hunt is run by Let’s Roam, the top app-led scavenger hunt company. Using your smartphone, you’ll walk historic parts of the city, where you’ll discover hidden gems while solving fun challenges. Each person in your group will have a different role and puzzles to solve, so it’s great for families and groups of friends.
37. Fenway Park
During baseball season, you can catch a famous Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park. Originally built in 1912, Fenway Park has over 100 years of history to experience while you’re also enjoying a baseball game. Even if you’re not a fan of watching baseball games, Fenway Park is also a great location to take a tour and learn some history about the city. The tour lasts about 90 minutes, and you’ll see and learn about the Green Monster Wall and get to see the dugouts.
38. Private Customized Walking Tour of Boston
When planning your trip to Boston, you may have different locations that you want to visit while not touring with a large group. If that’s the case, you can take the private customized walking tour of the city. This tour is two to two and a half hours long, and when you make your reservation, you get to customize the itinerary with a tour guide to see various locations like Freedom Trail, Copley Square and other locations on your list.
39. New England Aquarium
While in Boston, you can spend the day with a wide range of aquatic life by taking a trip to the New England Aquarium. This aquarium is the home to over 15,000 creatures of the sea, and it’s the perfect place for family fun. It’s located on Central Wharf, and it hosts a four-story, 200,000-gallon oceanic tank filled with sea turtles, eels, sharks and a wide variety of exotic fish. You can also take a three-hour whale-watching tour from the aquarium or stay indoors to watch an ocean life documentary on their IMAX screen.
40. Private Boston Movie Mile Tour
Movie fans who want some privacy during their tour experience can take the private Boston Movie Mile tour. This private tour is for small groups, and it lasts about 90 minutes. During the tour, you’ll visit locations where famous movies like Good Will Hunting and many others were filmed. The tour also goes to famous landmarks like the Boston Common as well as Beacon Hill. On this private tour, your guide is a local actor who offers a unique perspective on each filming location.
41. Boston and Cambridge Private Day Tour
This private walking tour is the perfect way to see the city’s most significant sites in a private setting. The private tour of Boston and Cambridge is a walking tour that later transitions into a drive to some other parts of the city. Some landmarks and neighborhoods you’ll visit include Back Bay, Beacon Hill and Seaport. Your local guide will give you a full history of the different locations, and you’ll also stop for lunch along the way.
42. Boston to Kennebunkport with Optional Lobster Tour
If you’re looking to venture out a little further than the Boston Harbor during your trip, this activity is for you. Kennebunkport is located in Maine, about 90 miles north of Boston. You will travel along the coast and see many locations outside of Boston, so you’ll experience more than staying within the city limits. The tour travels along the New Hampshire coastline, and you’ll take a one-hour break in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, before reaching Kennebunkport. Once there, you can explore the city or take the optional hour-long lobster tour.
43. Boston Museum of Fine Arts
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is full of incredible artworks from around the globe. The museum has nearly 450,000 unique pieces of art, and over one million people visit the museum each year. This museum is home to a 13-foot-tall statue of the goddess Juno, which is the largest Roman-era statue in North America. It also has art and sculptures from Ancient Egypt and other parts of the world. You can spend the day here viewing art and learning the history of the work, and there are four restaurants on-site.
44. Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
The Boston Tea Party is one of the most important events in American history, and you can visit the exact location and learn more about it during your trip. At the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, you will learn the details of the events that led to the Boston Tea Party in 1773. You can explore the tall ships from the event and visit different exhibits throughout the museum. There are also guided tours and a movie theater where you can learn even more about the events.
45. Intro to Sushi Making with Classpop
Boston is home to some of the best seafood in the country, making it a great spot to eat sushi. You can eat sushi while in Boston, and at Classpop, you will learn how to make sushi yourself. Chef Harold teaches this cooking class is at a local Boston brewery. In the class, you get hands-on experience crafting different sushi rolls in this laid back class, and the chef will teach you the secrets of making the perfect sushi roll.
46. Boston Crime Tour
The city of Boston is pretty safe but has a lengthy history of organized crime. On the Boston Crime Tour, you get a view of the underworld of Boston when gangsters like James “Whitey” Bulger and the Winter Hill Gang were operating. The tour takes you to various sites where crimes happened as you learn how the Boston Police and FBI handled the actions of these notorious gangsters.
47. Quincy Market
For 200 years, Quincy Market has been a prime spot for shopping in Boston. This is a popular area for locals and visitors because it has incredible architecture and plenty of places to shop. Quincy Market has over 100 shops and eateries in the area, giving you plenty to do while you’re there. The area also has carts selling snacks, coffee, seafood and artisanal breads. You can also take a bike tour throughout the area or take a ride in a coach.
48. Boston Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is next to Quincy Market and has over 30 food stalls selling a wide range of food and beverages. This is an especially fun place to visit because the Faneuil Hall Marketplace is where street performers like to hang out and entertain visitors and locals alike. The marketplace is inside a building that dates back to the 19th century and is centrally located next to the financial district. During the holiday season, there are special events as well.
49. Tour the Samuel Adams Brewery
Samuel Adams beer has been an American classic for decades, and while in Boston, you can visit the place where the magic happens. Founded by Jim Koch, Samuel Adams beer is the first Boston Lager, and you can take a tour of the famous brewery. The tour includes an inside look at the production process, and you get to sample the ingredients that go into the famous beer along the way. They also have an eatery and a gift shop, so you can take home some memories from your visit.
50. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has an art collection of 2,500 pieces, and it’s all hosted inside a 20th-century mansion. The mansion is modeled after a Venetian palazzo from the medieval era, and the art’s owner was one of the city’s art patrons, Isabella Steward Gardner. You can spend hours viewing the art and exploring the mansion, which has an entire wing made of glass.
51. Boston Symphony Hall
If you’re a fan of classical music, you may be able to catch the Boston Symphony Orchestra playing at the Boston Symphony Hall. This location is one of the top classical music venues in the country, and it has exceptional acoustics to showcase the beautiful music of the orchestra. When the symphony isn’t playing a show, you can take a guided tour to view the hall and see the massive 4,800-pipe organ.
52. Franklin Park Zoo
In addition to the local aquarium, you can also visit the Franklin Park Zoo, which sits on 72 acres of land and is the home to various animals. The zoo has plenty of exhibits for you to see, like the Aussie Aviary, the Giraffe Savannah, Gorilla Grove and Serengeti Crossing. Some exhibits are seasonal, so plan ahead to map out what you want to see during your trip. They also have behind-the-scenes tours where you can get up close with some animals.
53. MIT Museum
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the most famous colleges in the country for its technology-based and robotics courses. Some of the world’s most innovative creations have been designed here, so the MIT Museum is a great place to visit for those interested in the tech world. Founded in the early 1970s, the museum has exhibits for artificial intelligence, robotics, holography, etc.
54. Signature Boston Guided Brewery Tour
Beer lovers looking for the best places to visit in Boston will have a great time on the guided brewery tour in Boston. In addition to the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, there are many other breweries throughout the city. The tour allows you to see behind the scenes and learn how they make the beer while tasting various crafted beers along the way. The stops rotate based on the time of the year, but some of the breweries include:
- Samuel Adams
- Aeronaut Cannery
- BearMoose Brewing
- Distraction Brewing
- Mighty Squirrel Brewing
- Short Path Distillery
- Winter Hill Brewing
55. Boston's Emerald Necklace Guided Bicycle Tour
A great way to see the city is with light exercise and a breeze in your face as you take a guided bicycle tour around Boston’s Emerald Necklace. The Emerald Necklace is a path around Boston’s most gorgeous green spaces in the city. There are many parks along the journey and the shaded boulevard on Commonwealth Avenue. You’ll also ride along the winding paths of the Arnold Arboretum. The best time to take this tour is during the fall because the foliage in the area is at its brightest colors.
Use AAA to Plan Your Boston Trip
Now that you know the best spots for Boston tourism, the next step is to plan your trip. With an AAA membership, you benefit from exclusive discounts and other offerings while visiting Boston. To learn more about each location and book your reservations, you can do it through our Travel page while learning more about the various attractions.