50 Must-Do Activities in Boston
Whether you’re a Boston local or a first-time visitor, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in the city. From historic landmarks to trendy restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top 50 activities to check off your Boston bucket list:
1. Take a dog-friendly staycation this winter
Escape to The Eliot Hotel in the charming Back Bay neighborhood, where you can relax and unwind with your four-legged friend.
2. Try the fireplace menu at the Newbury Boston
Indulge in a cozy winter dining experience at this downtown restaurant, complete with a roaring fireplace.
3. Wander around Boston Common and the Public Garden
Explore America’s first botanical garden and oldest public park, where you can ice-skate, play sports, or simply relax.
4. Sample the best clam chowder in Boston
Savor a bowl of comforting clam chowder at one of the city’s top seafood spots.
5. Try a new bar downtown
Discover Estella, a modern American restaurant in downtown crossing, known for its innovative cocktails.
6. Refresh your wardrobe at this trendy store
Visit STAUD at The Superette for unique shopping experiences and high-end fashion finds.
7. See a show at the Boston Opera House
Immerse yourself in the world of performing arts at this stunning theater, home to the Boston Ballet and Broadway musicals.
8. Enjoy the lingering holiday lights
Take a stroll through the city and admire the festive holiday lights that still brighten up the streets.
9. Find a new favorite neighborhood restaurant
Discover hidden gems like 1928 Beacon Hill, a speakeasy-style restaurant loved by locals.
10. Go shopping in the Seaport
Explore the Seaport district, Boston’s new shopping destination, featuring a mix of local and international brands.
- 11. Tour a historic building
Visit iconic landmarks like the Old State House or Faneuil Hall to experience Boston’s rich history firsthand.
12. Go hard on a Southie Sunday
Experience a South Boston tradition with boozy brunches and bar hopping in this lively neighborhood.
13. Explore the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Discover the stunning art collection and beautiful courtyard at this Venetian-style museum.
14. Take a hike
Escape the city and enjoy nature on scenic hikes near Boston, such as the Blue Hills Reservation.
15. Retrace historic steps along the Freedom Trail
Embark on a self-guided tour of Boston’s most famous historical sites, including Paul Revere’s House.
16. Get a different perspective of the city from a cruise on the water
Experience Boston’s beauty from the water with a harbor cruise, offering food, drinks, and live music.
17. Eat the freshest local oysters at a popular raw bar
Indulge in Boston’s fresh seafood scene by enjoying a dozen local oysters at one of the city’s top raw bars.
18. Visit the penguins at the New England Aquarium
Marvel at the adorable penguins and explore the diverse marine life at New England’s largest aquarium.
19. Browse the Institute of Contemporary Art
Discover cutting-edge contemporary art at this glass-walled museum in the buzzing Seaport District.
20. See world-class art at the Museum of Fine Arts
Immerse yourself in a vast collection of art, including American, Egyptian, Japanese, and Impressionist masterpieces.
21. Spend a night at this boozy mini golf spot
Have a fun-filled evening at Puttshack, the world’s first tech-infused mini-golf experience.
22. Shop, dine, and go big at Encore Boston Harbor
Experience luxury at its finest at this mega-casino resort, featuring dining, entertainment, and stunning views.
23. Explore the deCordova Museum & Sculpture Park
Visit this outdoor sculpture park and indoor museum to experience art in a picturesque setting.
24. Eat at one of these healthy spots
Balance indulgence with healthy eating at Boston’s top spots for light meals.
25. Discover a lost world at the Mapparium
Step inside the world’s largest walk-in globe and learn about the history of cartography.
26. Go on a tour of Fenway
Explore Fenway Park, even when there’s no game, and discover its fascinating history and film locations.
27. Get an inside view of SoWa’s studios
Visit artist studios in the South End during open studio events and enjoy art, wine, and cheese.
28. Learn something new at the Boston Public Library
Marvel at the stunning architecture and explore the extensive collection at this historic library.
29. Catch a late-night flick at Coolidge After Midnite
Experience the magic of cinema with late-night screenings of cult classics and indie films.
30. Get wild at the Franklin Park Zoo
Visit this popular zoo to see exotic animals and enjoy a family-friendly day out.
31. Explore culinary creations at Boston’s best food halls
Indulge in a variety of cuisines all in one place at Boston’s food halls.
32. Save some cash and check out the city’s free activities
Discover free attractions and activities in Boston, from historic walks to outdoor performances.
33. Check out a food truck
Experience the vibrant food truck scene in Boston and savor delicious bites on the go.
34. Ask not what your country can do for you at the JFK Library
Explore the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy at this iconic library and museum.
35. Catch a game or a show at the TD Garden
Cheer on the Celtics or Bruins or attend a concert at Boston’s premier sports and entertainment arena.
36. Get a slice at the original Pizzeria Regina
Taste authentic Boston-style pizza at the oldest pizzeria in town, known for its brick-oven pies.
37. Sample the best of local breweries
Immerse yourself in Boston’s craft beer scene and visit breweries like Trillium and Harpoon.
38. Drink a proper pint at an authentic Irish pub
Experience the lively atmosphere of Boston’s Irish pubs, where you can enjoy great music and drinks.
39. Eat a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry
Indulge in a delicious cannoli from one of Boston’s iconic pastry shops in the North End.
40. Dine at one of the best waterfront restaurants in Boston
Savor a meal with a stunning view at one of Boston’s top waterfront restaurants.
41. Discover the best Chinese restaurants in Chinatown
Explore the vibrant flavors of Chinatown by hopping from one Chinese restaurant to another.
42. Study fine art at the Harvard Art Museums
Visit Harvard’s impressive art collection, featuring works from various time periods and cultures.
43. Cheer on the local teams at the liveliest sports bars
Join the cheering crowd and watch your favorite sports teams at Boston’s lively sports bars.
44. Experience high-end mixology at a top cocktail bar
Indulge in unique and creative cocktails at Boston’s top mixology destinations, like Drink and Better Sorts Social Club.
45. Make the rounds at Boston’s best donut shops
Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious donuts from Boston’s top spots, such as Union Square Donuts and Blackbird Doughnuts.
46. Laugh it up at the best Boston comedy clubs
Enjoy an evening of laughter at Boston’s popular comedy clubs, like Improv Asylum and The Comedy Studio.
47. Experience a proper pint at an authentic Irish pub
Immerse yourself in Boston’s Irish pub scene and enjoy live music and drinks.
48. Eat a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry
Indulge in a delicious cannoli from one of Boston’s iconic pastry shops in the North End.
49. Make the rounds at Boston’s best donut shops
Treat yourself to delectable donuts from Boston’s top spots, including Union Square Donuts and Blackbird Doughnuts.
50. Get a feel for Ivy League life with a tour of Harvard
Explore the prestigious grounds of Harvard University and soak in the history and beauty of this renowned institution.
With these 50 activities, you’ll have an unforgettable time exploring the best of what Boston has to offer. From historic sites to culinary delights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city.