Boston offers more things to see and do than you can possibly pack into one trip, or even a dozen.
From famous historical attractions to iconic events to whale watching cruises to sports and theater, Boston is full of interesting activities and places for you to explore and enjoy.
Boston's small, compact size makes getting around easy.
Take a look at all the possibilities, and then choose your favorite things to do and see while you're here.
Top photo: Duck boat splashing down in the Charles River
Top Attractions, Sightseeing, & Things to Do
Want more suggestions? You'll find a lot more things to do and see here. More
Find out about all the fun ways to see Boston. Duck Tours, Guided Walking Tours, Bike Tours, and lots more! Pick what you like best! More
Use our map to get familiar with Boston's neighborhood layout and find locations for all the top attractions. More
Looking for a fun way to see Boston? The hop on hop off trolleys take you to see all the city's top attractions - plus you can get off and explore on your own whenever you want. More
See Boston from land and see on a duck tour. You'll drive past top historic sites, and then splash down in the Charles River for a tranquil ride along the Boston and Cambridge shores. More
Explore Boston's Brew Culture
Looking for an entertaining but legit way to see Boston and learn about its history and culture?
From the time of the first Puritan settlers, beer and taverns have been front and center in Boston life. These tours give you a fascinating glimpse of this important part of Boston history and current culture:
Entertainment, Sports, & Cultural Things to Do
With four pro sports teams, every kind of music you can imagine every night, a vibrant theater and performing arts scene, and world class museums, you'll never run out of things to do here!
Boston's lively Theatre District is where to come when you want to experience a great show - everything from Broadway hits to avant garde to Blue Man Group. More
Improv, open mic, standup - Boston's comedy clubs offer top local and national acts, with lots to choose from every night. More
Looking for something exciting to do after the sun goes down? Find out about Boston's lively nightlife scene. More
Thanks to Boston's large community of artists, you can immerse yourself in galleries all over the city. Find out where the best art galleries are located. More
Parks & Green Spaces
Find out about Boston's famous parks and green spaces - Boston Common, the Public Garden, the Greenway, the Esplanade, and more of the city's recreational areas you won't want to miss. More
These parks aren't actually a secret - but even many Boston locals don't know they exist. They are worth seeking out, and we'll tell you where to find them.
Celebrations, Top Events, & Fun Things to Do
Celebrate the New Year at First Night festivities with free concerts, fireworks, ice sculptures, performances, & more. More
Come experience this magical time of the year in Boston, as the city glows with sparkling lights and good cheer. More
Come watch (or run) as Boston's world-famous Marathon challenges elite athletes from all over the world. More
Boston's Independence Day celebration features a thrilling outdoor concert by the Boston Pops plus fireworks over the city. More
Boston's Top Holidays & Celebrations
New Year's Eve / First Night | Valentine's Day | Chinese New Year's Parade | St Patrick's Day | Patriot's Day | Boston Marathon | Mother's Day | Memorial Day | July 4th Concert & Fireworks | Labor Day Weekend | Indigenous Peoples Day | Halloween | Veterans Day | Thanksgiving | Christmas in Boston | New Year's Eve / First Night | All Boston Events
More Fun Events & Things to Do
Run of the Charles Canoe and Kayak Race - The biggest flat-bottomed boat race in New England takes place in April
Head of the Charles Regatta - Biggest 3-day rowing race in the world on the 3rd weekend in November
More Things to Do in Boston Each Month
Find the top things to do in Boston each month:
January | February | April | July | October | November | December
Free Things to Do & See in Boston
Boston Hotels: Where to Stay
Choosing a hotel for your Boston visit? You'll find what you need in our Boston Hotel Guide:
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Check our complete Guide to Boston Hotels
Easiest Way to Find a Cheap Boston Hotel
Boston hotel rates can be high - sometimes very high. How can you find affordable hotel rates for your visit?
The quickest way to find hotels with the cheapest rates is to enter your travel dates on this Boston hotel map from Booking.com. Zoom in with the + button if necessary, and you should be able to see at a glance which hotel (and apartments and short-stay rentals) offer the lowest rates:
Booking.comMore about how to save on Boston hotels
Exploring Boston
Our recommendations for the best Boston maps to help you get around easily - including our favorite, which is free. More
Beacon Hill, Downtown, Back Bay, the North End - find out about the neighborhoods that make up Boston. More
Sightseeing on the Water
There's a whole other world just beyond Boston Harbor - find out how you can experience whales, dolphins, & sealife. More
Soak up spectacular fall color around Boston's waterways and up the New England and Canadian coastline. More
Soak up spectacular fall color around Boston's waterways and up the New England and Canadian coastline. More
Loooking for another way to see Boston? Check out these fascinating Boston Harbor and Charles River cruises. More
More Boston Harbor and river cruises
Last-Minute Cruise Deals from Travelocity
Fun Things to Do & See
You can easily reach all these wonderful beaches in and close to on public transportation. More
Find all the reasons why kids love Boston - and plan things to do with them now. More
The best places to see spectacular fall foliage without leaving the city. More
Fun Activities for Each Season
- Boston Summer Activities - Sailing, races, outdoor concerts, biking, more!
- Where to Go Sailing in Boston
- Boston Outdoor Winter Activities - Fun outdoor Boston activities for cold weather
- Ice Skating in Boston
- Ski Areas Closest to Boston
- New England Ski Areas
- Visiting Boston in November - Things to Do & See
- Boston Indoor Winter Activities - Have fun while staying warm in museums, pubs, concerts, movies
- Romantic Things to Do in Boston in December
- Winter Break in Boston - What to do during February winter break vacation week
- Where to See the Best Spring Flowers
- Boston Garden Tours - Get an insider's view of the best blooms in Boston during May & June
See Boston on Foot - Self-Guided Walking Tours
- Greenway Walking Tour - Explore diverse attractions along the Rose Kennedy Greenway
- Boston Walking Tour for a Rainy Day - Short walk around Boston's historic center
- Winter Walking Tour - See the most picturesque parts of the city under a blanket of snow
- Boston Victory Gardens - Historic community garden near Fenway Park, plus the Kellerher Rose Garden
- Memorial Day Weekend Itinerary - See 3 iconic Boston attractions, including Fenway Park
- Running the Charles River Loop - Best running loops around the river
- The Best of Boston in 6 Hours - How to see the best of Boston during a 6 hours layover
Top Shopping Destinations
From fashion boutiques to trendy outdoor markets to art galleries, and more - find out where to go. More
Want to save money on clothing, home goods, and even chocolate? Here's where you'll want to go. More
Where to Find Discounts & Savings
Want to save on things to do in Boston? Here are some of our favorite savings tips:
- Discounts, deals, coupons, and more
- Black Friday savings on Boston travel
- Boston discount cards
- Inexpensive Boston hotels
- Last minute flight deals at Expedia.com
Things to Do Beyond Boston
Find out about wonderful places such as Provincetown, Martha's Vineyard, Newport, and New York City to explore and things to do near Boston. More
Did you know that Boston's Cruiseport is the gateway to so many places you can visit from Boston? Europe, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, & more! More
Don't miss out on these last minute cruise deals from Expedia
More Articles about Dining Destinations in Boston
- Experience a taste of Ireland in Boston's favorite Irish pubs
- Check out Boston's hottest chef-owned restaurants in Fort Point
- Find Boston's best wine bars, wine tasting festivals, and wine shops offering free wine tastings
- Get the best dining deals around during Boston Restaurant Week
- Get a glimpse of Boston history when you visit our historic taverns
Need a Boston Hotel or Apartment?
Use this handy map from Booking.com to find the perfect place to stay. Just enter your dates to find what's available, see the best rates, and make your reservations.
Booking.com
