Planning a trip to the USA and wondering what to do in Boston? You’ve come to the right place! Boston is one of the most historic (and walkable) cities in the United States — and it’s jam-packed with culture, food, sports, and iconic landmarks. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or spending a week exploring, there are endless things to do in Boston.
Well, let me tell you — this city completely stole my heart. I’d dreamed of visiting for years (mainly for the fall foliage), and when I finally made it happen, Boston exceeded all expectations. It’s historic yet modern, walkable but buzzing with energy, and oh-so-delicious if you love seafood. From sunrise views at the harbour to lobster rolls I’m still dreaming about, Boston felt like the perfect mix of American history, foodie heaven, and cosy New England charm.
From history lovers and sports fans to foodies and culture seekers, Boston has something for everyone. It’s a city that blends old-world charm with modern energy, and every season brings a new reason to visit. Whether you’re strolling the Freedom Trail, catching a Red Sox game, or devouring lobster rolls, one thing’s for sure: Boston will steal your heart – it certainly stole mine!
I was lucky enough to visit Boston in November on a press trip with United Airlines, TravelUp, and Meet Boston. [AD] I squeezed a lot into 5 days — from history tours and hidden gems to foodie hotspots and stunning green spaces. If you’re planning your own trip, here are the 22 best things to do in Boston — with plenty of tips and personal stories to help you plan.
So grab your walking shoes and your appetite, because here’s exactly how to make the most of your time in Boston! (Don't forget to watch my vlogs from the trip!!)
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Planning a trip to Boston? Here's the best things to do:
- 22 Best Things to Do in Boston, Massachusetts
- Walk the Freedom Trail
- Explore Boston Common and Public Garden
- Wander Beacon Hill and Acorn Street
- Visit Fenway Park
- Feast on Seafood at Union Oyster House
- Eat Your Way Through Boston’s Food Halls
- Take a Boston Chinatown Food Tour
- Discover the Black Heritage and Women’s Heritage Trails
- Marvel at the Museum of Fine Arts
- Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Tour Boston Public Library
- Take a Boston Duck Tour
- Go Whale Watching from Boston Harbour
- Stroll the Harborwalk
- Visit Granary Burying Ground
- Try Boston’s Lobster Rolls and Clam Chowder Everywhere
- Stop at the Cheers Bar
- Shop at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
- Sip Unique Cocktails at The Langham Hotel
- Sunrise at the Boston Harbor Hotel
- Relax in Boston Public Garden
- Take a Day Trip Beyond Boston
- Travel Tips for Visiting Boston
Planning your first visit to Boston but not sure where to start? I've created a 5 Day Boston Itinerary for First-Timers which will help you plan the perfect first adventure in this amazing city which will no doubt leave you wanting to explore even more of beautiful New England. If you prefer to plan your own itinerary, or fancy travelling solo in Boston – keep reading to find out the best things to do in Boston.
1. Walk the Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is the must-do in Boston, and trust me, starting my trip here was the perfect introduction. This 2.5-mile walk takes you past 16 historic sites, but what really makes it special is the storytelling. I joined a guided tour from Boston Common, and our guide brought the city’s Revolutionary history to life with humour, drama, and little anecdotes that textbooks never covered.
There are so many quirky little stories about characters from Boston's history and I loved that we got to see so much within such a small area of the city. It's a great way to get your bearings for "Beantown". I loved how it helped me get my bearings — suddenly the streets felt less like random turns and more like stepping stones through time. By the end of the trail, I felt like I understood Boston’s soul.
2. Explore Boston Common & Public Garden
Boston Common is the oldest public park in the US, but it might also be one of the most filmic. I couldn’t help but picture Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting as I strolled through. In November, the leaves were every shade of orange and red, and it was the kind of place you could lose a few hours just reading on a bench.
Next door, the Boston Public Garden has a storybook feel — swan boats in summer, fiery foliage in fall, and the prettiest weeping willows I’ve ever seen. I grabbed a coffee, wandered slowly, and thought: “Yes, I could 100% live here.”
3. Wander Beacon Hill & Acorn Street
Oh Beacon Hill. If you’re prone to house envy, prepare yourself. This neighbourhood is the definition of charming: brick sidewalks, lantern-lit streets, and seasonal doorsteps decorated like Pinterest boards come to life.
I visited right after Halloween, so pumpkins were still perched on stoops and leaves crunched underfoot. Acorn Street, one of the most photographed in America, looked like a painting. I definitely stopped way too often for photos… but honestly, who wouldn’t?
If you're looking for things to do in Boston, this is definitely one you won't want to miss. If you don't have a few hours to spend exploring, speed up the visit by heading straight for Acorn Street which is considered one of the most aesthetic streets. Perfect for getting your Instagram-worthy snaps!
4. Visit Fenway Park
Even if you’re not into baseball, there’s something electric about Fenway Park. We did a stadium tour, which was fun and packed with history, but if you can, catch a Red Sox game. The crowd energy, the chants, the hot dogs — it’s pure Americana. I’m not usually a sports person, but I couldn’t help getting swept up in it.
Whether you're a sports fan or not – nothing quite compares to catching a live match or game when you travel. The atmosphere is electric and it's a great way to really get into watching live sports. We went on a tour of Fenway Park stadium which was great if you're a Red Sox super-fan, but I think if you're just passing through the city it's much better to get tickets to a game and see the team in action – you could also check out the Boston Celtics for a basketball game!
5. Feast on Seafood at Union Oyster House
One word: lobster. Two words: clam chowder. The Union Oyster House, Boston’s oldest restaurant, is a seafood institution — and I promise you won’t taste fresher. I devoured a lobster roll here (plus lobster mac & cheese, because balance) and it might just be my favourite meal of the trip.
And if you’re an oyster fan, this is the place. For me, it was more about the history-meets-food vibe — it’s literally on the Freedom Trail, so it’s the perfect sightseeing lunch stop.
Check out my food guide to Boston for tips on budget-friendly eats and food tours.
6. Eat Your Way Through Boston’s Food Halls
Boston is foodie paradise, and I basically ate my way through it. Highlights?
Time Out Market Boston: I tried truffle pasta and garlicky bread, while others raved about the Philly cheesesteak and sushi. Great vibes, great variety. You'll also find lots of pizza, burgers, fish & chips and much more. It's a great place to dine out with a group of friends, really informal and a great indoor area so it's suitable for all weathers. There's also a bar and lots of dessert options. We visited during the day so it was a bit quieter but I think the best time to visit would be a weekend or evening when it is a bit livelier.
High Street Place: I went for sushi and a lychee sake-tini (10/10), but honestly, everything looked incredible — from tacos to burgers. Add in huge screens showing live sports including ice hockey and basketball – you’ve got a perfect evening. Another amazing casual food option and great vibes with games outside.
7. Take a Boston Chinatown Food Tour
If you ask me, the ONLY way to explore one of America's largest Chinese neighbourhoods, is by taking a food tour with an expert from the area. This was a real highlight. We joined Jacqueline from Boston Chinatown Tours, and it felt like being welcomed into a community rather than just visiting a neighbourhood. We tasted moon cakes, dim sum, boba tea, and even learned about traditional Chinese medicine. The food was incredible, but the stories made it unforgettable.
Visiting Chinatown felt like not only were we stepping into the Chinese quarter, but we were also stepping through the history of this area from formation right up to the present day. We viewed street art with poignant messages, learned more about Chinese culture and stopped off for dim sum to finish. If you love Chinese food and culture, or simply want to explore and learn more – this is a great way to see a different side to Boston.
👉 Book your Boston Chinatown Tour
8. Discover the Black Heritage & Women’s Heritage Trails
History buffs, don’t miss this. I took walking tours along Boston’s Black Heritage Trail and Women’s Heritage Trail and learned so much about abolition, the Underground Railroad, and the city’s role in civil rights. It was powerful, humbling, and fascinating — a reminder that Boston’s history goes way beyond the Revolution.
9. Marvel at the Museum of Fine Arts
Confession: I didn’t realise Boston had the largest Monet collection outside France until I got there. Cue me wandering around in awe. The Museum of Fine Arts also has Van Gogh, Renoir, Egyptian mummies, ancient Greek art… you name it. Definitely block off a few hours — this place is massive.
10. Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
If the MFA is grand, the Gardner Museum is intimate and quirky. Picture a Venetian palace with a lush courtyard, crammed with art, tapestries, and rare books. The backstory (including a famous art heist) is wild, but honestly, I just loved how magical it felt walking through the light-filled rooms.
11. Tour Boston Public Library
Okay, bookworms, prepare for goosebumps. The Boston Public Library feels like stepping into Beauty and the Beast. Marble staircases, giant arched windows, and that dreamy reading room… I went early morning and had it almost to myself. Pure magic.
12. Take a Boston Duck Tour
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s a bit cheesy. But riding around Boston in an amphibious “duck boat” that suddenly drives into the Charles River? Way too fun to skip. Our Boston Duck Tour guide was hilarious, and the skyline views from the water were gorgeous.
13. Go Whale Watching from Boston Harbor
Another “pinch me” moment: heading out from Boston Harbor and spotting humpback whales. We were on a catamaran, the sun was shining, and suddenly there were dolphins swimming alongside us. One of those experiences that makes you fall in love with travel all over again.
👉 Book your Boston Whale Watching Tour
14. Stroll the Harborwalk
After all the eating, walking Boston’s Harborwalk was much needed. It stretches 43 miles, but even a short wander gives you breezy views of the skyline and a peek into local neighbourhoods.
15. Visit Granary Burying Ground
It sounds a little spooky, but this historic cemetery is fascinating. Boston's third-oldest cemetery, Granary Burying Ground, is hauntingly beautiful and the final resting place of some very well-known characters. Here lie Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and victims of the Boston Massacre. Fun fact our guide shared: there’s a pub across the street where you can drink a Sam Adams while looking at a Sam Adams. Founded in 1660, you'll also find an obelisk in commemoration of Benjamin's Franklin's parents and even "Mother Goose" who has a very interesting story of her own.
16. Try Boston’s Lobster Rolls & Clam Chowder Everywhere
Seriously, don’t limit yourself to one place. I had lobster rolls in restaurants, food halls, even quick stops — and every single one was fresh and buttery perfection. Same goes for clam chowder: creamy, comforting, and best enjoyed with bread to dip.
The gastronomy scene in the city is amazing with lots of fresh seafood, market-style food halls, fine dining experiences and much more. But often the simplest foods done to a high standard are the most memorable.
17. Stop at the Cheers Bar
“Where everybody knows your name…” If you grew up with the sitcom Cheers, you’ll get a kick out of visiting the original bar near Boston Common. Even if you didn’t, it’s a quirky photo stop. Boston is known for the iconic Cheers bar, made famous by the TV show in the 80's and 90's. Well you can actually visit the bar and take photos there, for super fans of the show this is one of the must-do things to do in Boston. Just on the edge of Beacon Hill and sitting behind Boston Public Garden/Boston Common, it's easy to find and well worth a stop.
18. Shop at Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market
Need to shop for some last minute gifts? Swing by Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market – this lively market area is full of food stalls, souvenirs, and street performers. I grabbed snacks here before continuing the Freedom Trail — it’s touristy, yes, but also very fun. There's often live music and performers around this area, plus lots of restaurants and some market stalls so it's a lively area. It's also on the Freedom Trail so easy to stop off for a browse before continuing on your way.
19. Sip Unique Cocktails at The Langham Hotel
At The Fed, The Langham’s cocktail bar, I tried a garlic cocktail (not for me) and a flaming tequila number called the “Gerri Halliwell” (very much for me). The speakeasy vibes, giant cheese toastie, and chic setting made it one of the most memorable nights out.
20. Sunrise at the Boston Harbor Hotel
If you want a splurge-worthy stay, this is it. Look no further than the Boston Harbor Hotel for the ultimate in home-away-from-home comfort and understated luxury.I had a suite overlooking Boston Harbour for spectacular views across the water to the airport. You'll be able to watch as the flights come into land and take off and start their ascent to the skies.
What a magical way to start the morning, sipping your coffee as you watch the sky change from orange to pink to blue as the world outside stirs back to life. Watching the sunrise from my bed (coffee in hand) is a memory I’ll never forget. Add in the breakfast buffet (pancakes, eggs, bagels… all the good stuff), and it was heaven. Finally, check out the iconic 60ft archway overlooking the harbour where the American flag flies – a perfect photo opportunity!
👉 Book your stay at the Boston Harbor Hotel
👉 Compare prices for Boston Harbor Hotel
21. Relax in Boston Public Garden
After days of sightseeing, sometimes the best thing to do is… nothing. I spent a slow morning reading in the Public Garden, surrounded by ducks and autumn leaves. Simple, peaceful, perfect.
22. Take a Day Trip Beyond Boston
If you have extra time, Boston makes a great base. Harvard in Cambridge is just across the river, Salem offers spooky history, and Cape Cod brings all the seaside vibes.
Travel Tips for Visiting Boston
When’s the Best Time to Visit Boston?
Summer (June–August): Warm, sunny, buzzing with events.
Fall (September–November): Crisp weather, stunning foliage — my personal favourite. Plan your fall Boston trip with this guide.
Winter: Cold but magical, especially around Christmas.
How to Get to Boston
Direct flights from London Heathrow land you in Boston in just 6–7 hours. Bonus: Logan Airport is only a few minutes from downtown, so you can start exploring right away. If you're thinking of flying United Airlines Polaris Business Class – read my full review.
👉 Book your flight from London to Boston
Is 3 Days Enough in Boston?
Yes! Boston is compact and walkable. With 3–4 days, you can hit all the highlights. But trust me, you’ll leave wanting more.
