Boston's Ultimate Travel Guide

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Things to Do in Boston, MA

Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the most historic cities in the United States and a top destination for travelers interested in American history, culture, and walkable neighborhoods. Visitors looking for the best things to do in Boston, MA, will find a city filled with historic landmarks, renowned universities, waterfront attractions, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Founded in 1630, Boston played a central role in the American Revolution. Historic events such as the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Bunker Hill helped shape the nation's history. Today, many of these sites are connected by the famous Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking route that links 16 of Boston's most important historic landmarks.

Beyond its rich history, Boston offers world-class museums, professional sports, beautiful parks, and an outstanding food scene. From fresh seafood along the waterfront to authentic Italian cuisine in the North End, there's something for every visitor to enjoy.

Because many of the city's top attractions are located within walking distance of one another, Boston is one of the best cities in the United States to explore on foot. Wandering through its historic streets is the perfect way to experience the history, culture, and character that make Boston such a memorable destination.

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Our Self Guided Tour

Explore Boston With a Self-Guided Walking Tour

One of the best ways to experience Boston is on foot. The city’s historic neighborhoods, narrow streets, and centuries-old landmarks make it ideal for exploring while learning the stories behind the places you visit.

A self-guided walking tour allows visitors to explore Boston at their own pace while hearing the history behind the city’s landmarks and neighborhoods. Instead of following a large tour group, visitors can start whenever they want, pause to explore museums or restaurants, and take photos along the way.

Walking tours are especially popular in Boston because many of the city’s most important historic sites are located within a relatively small area of downtown.

Typical highlights on a Boston walking tour may include:

Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States
Massachusetts State House, with its iconic golden dome
Paul Revere House, the colonial home of the famous patriot
Old North Church, where the lantern signal warned of British troops
Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a historic meeting place and popular shopping area

Walking through these historic sites helps visitors understand how Boston played a key role in the founding of the United States.

Get the Classic Freedom Trail tour for $9.99. It never expires. Click below to get the tour.

Free Things to Do

• Special exhibits, festivals, and seasonal attractions

Food!

Where to Stay

Boston offers a wide range of accommodations depending on your budget and travel style.  And lots of neighborhoods!  You'll need to choose one based on what you want to experience.  
 
<h5 class="font_5">Downtown Boston</h5>
Staying downtown provides easy access to many of the top things to do in Boston MA.
Benefits include:
<ul class="font_8">
<li>Walking distance to historic attractions</li>
<li>Easy access to restaurants and museums</li>
<li>Close proximity to the Freedom Trail</li>
<li>When you think Boston, this is where most tourists frequent.  It's the revolutionary historry spot.  </li>
</ul>
<h5 class="font_5">Back Bay</h5>
Back Bay is one of Boston’s most popular neighborhoods for visitors.  Here you'll get those brownstones, big roads, the Public Garden and lots of restaurants.  
 
Highlights include:
<ul class="font_8">
<li>Historic brownstone buildings</li>
<li>Shopping on Newbury Street</li>
<li>Close access to Boston Public Garde</li>
</ul>
 
<h5 class="font_5">North End</h5>
The North End is Boston’s historic Italian neighborhood and one of the city’s most charming areas. 
Visitors staying here enjoy:
<ul class="font_8">
<li>Famous Italian restaurants</li>
<li>Historic streets and architecture</li>
<li>Easy access to the waterfront</li>
<li>Paul Revere's house, the Freedom Trail and the Old North.  </li>
</ul>
<h5 class="font_5">Budget Options</h5>
More affordable hotels can often be found outside the city center in neighborhoods accessible by subway.  You'll also find hostels downtown.  I love Hi Boston, <a href="https://www.hostelworld.com/hostels/p/54929/hi-boston/?source=ppc_gooads_nonbrand_dsk_dsa_pn_en_us&network=g&campaign_id=21523956152&adgroup_id=169062057481&criteria_id=dsa-443313842330&creative_id=794950546519&location_physical_id=9002080&location_interest_id=9060238&adposition=&uniqueclickID=2220808588753510604&sub_keyword=&sub_ad=&sub_publisher=ADW&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21523956152&gbraid=0AAAAAD9QXQauHkyB2ZBIeJ80IkAsQH-1g&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8KTNBhD_ARIsAOvp6DJy5jKM3dOE5TuN_N0daT_mB8MjfOQxr46OkUPigQFIRHK6xdN5Jj4aApwREALw_wcB">click here for the link</a>

1 Day Itinerary

<h2 class="font_2">Suggested Itineraries</h2>
Boston can be explored in a short visit, but spending several days allows travelers to experience the city more fully.
 
<h5 class="font_5">One Day</h5>
With one day visitors can see:
<ul class="font_8">
<li>Boston Common</li>
<li>Freedom Trail highlights</li>
<li>Faneuil Hall</li>
<li>North End neighborhood</li>
</ul>
<h5 class="font_5">Two Days</h5>
Two days allows time to add:
<ul class="font_8">
<li>Museum visits</li>
<li>Harborwalk exploration</li>
<li>A Boston harbor cruise</li>
</ul>
<h5 class="font_5">Three Days</h5>
With three days visitors can also explore:
<ul class="font_8">
<li>Cambridge and Harvard University</li>
<li>Fenway Park</li>
<li>Additional neighborhoods and parks</li>
</ul>
Most travelers find that two to three days is ideal for experiencing the best things to do in Boston.

FAQ's

<h2 class="font_2">FAQ: Visiting Boston</h2>
 
<h5 class="font_5">What is Boston MA best known for?</h5>
Boston is best known for its role in the American Revolution, its historic Freedom Trail, and its famous universities including Harvard and MIT.
 
<h5 class="font_5">Is Boston a walkable city?</h5>
Yes. Boston is one of the most walkable cities in the United States. Many historic sites and neighborhoods are located close together, making it easy to explore on foot.
 
<h5 class="font_5">How many days should you spend in Boston?</h5>
Most visitors spend two to three days exploring Boston’s historic sites, museums, and neighborhoods.
 
<h5 class="font_5">What are the most popular things to do in Boston MA?</h5>
Popular activities include walking the Freedom Trail, visiting historic landmarks, exploring Boston Common, and enjoying seafood in the North End.

Boston's Ultimate Travel Guide