Free water shuttle to Encore Boston Harbor

Top Can't-Miss Attractions in Boston

Boston is held in established regard as the inaugural birthplace of many of our nation’s firsts, from the first school to the first public transit. A wealth of things to do in Boston makes it a sought-after destination for travel, recreation and residence.

For visitors looking to absorb the famed aesthetic of one of the oldest cities in the US — and New Englanders diving into the depths of the region’s trademark staples — these top Boston attractions and historic places in Massachusetts hold timeless appeal.

Walk Around Newbury Street

Newbury Street in Boston

As the signature street of the Back Bay neighborhood, Newbury Street spans over eight blocks and is just one mile long. Every industry is covered; shop luxury accessories from Bvlgari to Rimowa suitcases and apparel such as Diane von Furstenberg and Chanel. Quaint eateries sit between salons and galleries. Newbury Street’s charms attract every age and group, making the expanse a weekender haven.


This interactive map lays out the street’s amenities. Newbury Street also hosts events curated for hobbyists and socialites, such as brunches, open houses and informational seminars.

Enjoy Theater District

The Boston Theater District

The Boston Theater District is home to more than a dozen venues and playhouses that rotate through iconic productions to tickle the theatric ivories.

Stop by the gorgeous Boston Opera House to experience musical adaptations of popular media, such as Frozen: The Musical. To enjoy a full range of A-list performers and media favorites, Wang Theater is a gold-encrusted palace for thousands of spectators. Shubert Theater is approaching its 125th birthday and regularly hosts holiday performances, while Emerson College’s very own Paramount Theater puts on eclectic, unconventional shows for audiences in love with avant-garde.

The full roster of Boston theaters and showtimes are available daily.

Visit Local Museum Staples

Museum of Fine Arts in Boston

Delve into the culture at one of Boston’s many museums:

Museum of Fine Arts: The comprehensive collection of MFA Boston includes thousands of works of art packed into this giant,100k+ square-feet museum.

Isabella Gardner Museum: An intellectual and socialite in her own rite, Isabella Stewart Gardner drew from a life of travel and education to curate the means and inspiration for her museum.

Sports Museum: This non-profit museum showcases sports memorabilia while holding a focus in education and children’s programs.

Institute of Contemporary Art: Over 85 years — and several relocations — of legacy continue to regale art fans and Boston guests with avant-garde exhibitions.

Check Out Signature Boston Architecture

Outside of the institutions dedicated to the arts and humanities, Boston’s defining architecture is folded into the DNA of the city.

Stroll by the Old State House for a centuries-old presence dating back to the 18th century. Or, crane your neck to look up at 200 Clarendon, the tallest building in Boston, a glass windowed marvel overlooking the water. Art deco fans will revel in the unusual shape of Boston’s City Hall and the angular charms of the Berkeley Building. Or, simply visit any neighborhood Like Beacon Hill and Jamaica Plain and marvel at the building designs entwined with brick and vine.

Watch a Local Boston Sports Team

Fenway Park in Boston

Hometown pride takes on a raucous presence through Boston sports teams. Hockey hounds can catch the Boston Bruins take on neighboring and national teams during a lengthy season, while the Celtics proudly represent the city’s Irish population through its mascot and gung-ho spirit.


Both the Boston Bruins and Celtics play in TD Garden, the top-shelf sports venue complete with private dining and luxury viewing suites.

Relax with the Boston Symphony Orchestra

Boston Symphony Orchestra Hall

Take a break with some orchestra sounds from the Boston Symphony. This legendary hall has been home to over 143 years of splendid presentations from tenured conductors and their musical talent.

This internationally-recognized troupe hosts a variety of weekly happenings. Get acquainted with the performers on a personal level with Casual Fridays, an informal no-intermission event that includes dialogue and screens. Want to enjoy the sounds and melodies from the comfort of your abode? BSO Now is the orchestra’s radio station, streaming the orchestra’s melodic concertos courtesy of the conductors, musicians and performers in association with the hall.

Witness the Delightful Chaos of Harvard Square

Witness the Delightful Chaos of Harvard Square

This is the epicenter of an idyllic lifestyle, complete with coffee shops and bookstores crawling with people; mom-and-pop shops dedicated to gifts and trinkets; eateries and bars that see a steady stream of tour guests and locals and over a dozen daily events put on by the Harvard Square Business Association and related factions. Anyone looking to immerse themselves in the essence of Cambridge can book a walking tour through the iconic streets — or use it as a gateway to Harvard’s world-famous campus and its historic sites, such as the Harvard Yard and Memorial Church.

Take a Scenic Stroll Through Arnold Arboretum

Arnold Arboretum in Boston

Escape the cityscape in favor of a utopia of trees, flowers and foliage galore at the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University. Over 281 acres of plant life accentuate walking paths and careful arrangements that represent over 150 years of care and dedication to the arboretum’s mission. This interactive landscape hosts students, scientists and leisure seekers for projects, assignments and general enjoyment.


Arnold Arboretum is open daily and is free to enter.

See Some Famous Libraries

John-f-kennedy-presidential-library-museum

Education is a focal point of Boston’s brand, with Emerson College, Harvard, Tufts and MIT as a few of the city’s touchstone universities. Therefore, a strong library presence is only appropriate — and it serves as a gateway into developing a deeper understanding of Boston’s time gone by.

Beyond the scope of a traditional athenaeum, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum contains exhibits and artifacts in memoriam of the late president. Another example of stunning building design is the Boston Public Library located in Copley Square, where architecture tours, cafes and even wedding ceremonies are available amongst the books.

Have Some Fun at Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston

To get into the spirit of the city, an eclectic market is a requirement. Faneuil Hall Marketplace represents a beloved collection of merchants and dining in a centuries-old venue that was given as a gift to the city in the mid-18th century.


Stop by several kiosks with coveted goods in between internationally-known brands for apparel and Bostonian souvenirs. Feeling peckish? Quincy Food Hall is touted as the oldest and largest food hall in America and houses local specialities. Grab a bite and enjoy the packed schedule of street performers; the musicians and one-person acts are a constant on the market grounds and worth the linger.