Places to Visit in Boston

Boston is a city of firsts – the first subway, first university, first newspaper, first public library, first major league baseball park – the list goes on and on. There are so many places to visit in Boston that hold the core of our nation’s history. Let yourself be transported back to the 1600s, roam through the 1700s, and you will discover the origin story of a great nation. Sit where George Washington sat, stand where John Adams stood, and immerse yourself in the major events that took place in Boston, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

• Boston Common
• Isabella Steward Gardner Museum
• Fenway
• Longfellow House-Washington Headquarters National Historic Site
• Boston Public Library
• Boston Public Garden
• Granary Burial Ground
• Old North Church
• Old South Meeting House
• Old State House
• Castle Island / Fort Independence
• Harvard University
• USS Constitution / USS Cassin Young
• Shopping in Boston
• Fan Pier Park
• Whale Watching in Boston

Boston Common

Boston Common, sometimes referred to as “Boston Commons,” is the oldest public park in America. This particular piece of land has seen some major historical events. Boston Common was established in 1634 by Puritan colonists. Each household contributed the money to buy this parcel of land to be used for common local livestock purposes, thus it got its name “Boston Common.”

Historical Significance

Boston Common has a dark past as it was the site of harsh punishments, including a whipping post and stockades. People such as pirates, witches, and murderers were hanged from “The Great Elm” tree. The redcoats even made camp on Boston Common before the battle of Lexington and Concord.

Things to do in Boston Common

Boston Common has a lot to offer the casual visitor or tourist. There’s a carousel at the frog pond where you will find a skating rink in the winter months, and a spray zone for kids in the summer. The park plays host to many visitors and can be rented out for special events such as weddings. Tours start at the visitor’s center where you can also find information about the city, and the many things that they offer to visitors. There are also public bathrooms in the visitor’s center as well as throughout the park. There are many other attractions within walking distance of Boston Common making it the perfect jumping off point for touring the city.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

One of the best places to visit in Boston is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. It is a unique experience that you will not get anywhere else. Isabella Stewart Gardner was a patron of the arts, as you will see while exploring her carefully curated museum. The museum’s grand opening was in 1903 with a concert put on by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Gardner was a lover of the arts in all of its many forms. 

The courtyard shows her love of architecture and the beauty of nature. The flowers are often changed out in the courtyard due to the inefficient lighting that will not allow plants to grow there. Gardner’s collection of sculptures, paintings, and tapestries are arranged in such a distinct way that you won’t feel as though you’re in a museum at all. There are no labels describing the art you see because Gardner wanted the museum to be less intellectual and more emotional. She thought that art should evoke emotions rather than intellectual conversations. Gardner had a sense of humor when selecting the placement of her pieces, see if you notice anything as you wander through. 

In 1990 a crime took place in the museum. Two men posing as police officers entered the building, tying up the guards, and stealing 13 works of art. That theft has never been solved. You can read about it in the book“Stolen”. The empty spots remain as they were after that day. Empty frames where paintings were cut from them are a reminder that they were never recovered. 

Know Before You Go

Bring a pair of earbuds/headphones to listen to the museum curator, artists, among others that give you the details of each room. Take your time in each room really looking at every inch, because Isabella thought of art as not only a painting on a wall but the wall itself could be a work of art. Among the works you will find Della Francesca’s Hercules, Rembrandt’s self portrait, an 18th century guitar, as well as paintings of Gardner herself. 

When visiting the Isabella Gardner Museum, check for discounts that may apply to you. If your name is Isabella just show your ID at the door and get in free for life. They do recommend that you get a ticket in advance since the museum is popular and may be sold out. Children under the age of 18 get in free. There is a cafe inside the museum for your convenience or a park across the street for a picnic. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, check the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum website for additional museum hours and discounts. Admission is regularly $20/adult and is so worth it.

Fenway Park

Why is Fenway so famous? It is famous because Fenway Park is the oldest Major League Baseball field. Opened in 1912, it has been home to the Boston Red Sox ever since. While you’re in Boston you should definitely try to catch a game. Sit in the original wood and iron seats while you have a hot dog and beer, celebrating American history in a very American way. While some may love the idea of eating a hotdog at a ballgame, others may want something a little more healthy. Fenway has a rooftop garden where they grow fresh produce to use at the park, so don’t let the lack of healthy food options stop you from enjoying the game. 

The name Fenway comes from the old English term “fens” which means marsh land or swamp. They also have the oldest manually operated scoreboard that they still use today. If you want to sit in the lucky red seat at Fenway, it is section 42 row 37 seat 21. The one red seat at Fenway is where a lucky fan in 1946 was napping when a home run ball, hit by Ted Williams, went through his straw hat. That fan probably never took a nap outside again. The one red seat marks the longest home run in Fenway Park. It is thought that the wind carried the ball which is not likely today since the upper deck of bleachers blocks a lot of wind. Bring your glove and straw hat anyway, who knows? You might get lucky.

Fenway Park Tours

Can’t catch a game but still want to visit? They offer one-hour guided tours that I would recommend regardless if you actually go to a game. Go to gate D to get tickets and start your tour there. During the tour you will get the history of the Red Sox, find out about their lucky jersey, sit in the original seats that were there opening day, sit on the green monster, go in the press box, and get in the inside scoop on everything Fenway. Of all the places to visit in Boston, Fenway is easily a full experience worth going to more than once.

Know Before You Go

I don’t recommend going on a rainy day because they will cover the field to protect it. I would also avoid going if there is a show at Fenway the day of, or night before because they will be working on the field. You don’t want anything getting in the way of the perfect picture you want of the field. As both a historical and entertaining place to visit in Boston, Fenway Park should be at the top of every must see list.

Also, be aware of the bags policy before you go. Medical bags, diaper bags, clear plastic storage bags and purses 5” x 9” x 2” are okay but all other bags are prohibited. You do have to go through a metal detector and your bag is looked at by security before entering. Tours are limited on game day so be sure to plan ahead. Tours cost $25/adult from the Fenway MLB website, which is cheaper than going through a third party website. Fenway is easily one of the most popular places to visit in Boston.

Longfellow House-Washington Headquarters National Historic Site

This incredible home is a National Historic Site that has housed two extraordinary gentlemen, George Washington and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The home was originally built by the Vassall family, a wealthy loyalist family that later fled the area leaving the house and their servants without warning. The home later became the headquarters of General George Washington during the siege of Boston. After General Washington left the home, a man named Andrew Craigie bought the home but soon passed, leaving his widow in need of income, so she took on borders. One of those borders was Henry W. Longfellow, a young poet who worked just down the street at Harvard University. 

Longfellow married Frances Appleton and her father bought them this house as a wedding present. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow lived the rest of his life in this house. His daughter took over the house after his death, and started inviting fans of her father in to tour the home, thus creating a house museum. The home is the way the Longfellow family left it, making it one of the few historic homes that contain all the original pieces owned by the family.

You can see that they were doing well with the many colors and patterned decor that indicates their status in society. My personal favorite was seeing Longfellow’s study where he would host other literaries of that time. There are portraits of his literary friends hanging in that room. He organized his books categorically as you will see on your tour of this beautiful home. Longfellow did well for himself, he is one of very few poets that could make a living from his work and saw success while still living.

Know Before You Go

Tours of Longfellow House and George Washington’s Headquarters are free. Tours are guided and last about one hour. You do have to lock away any bulky items such as bags, which is to ensure that visitors do not bump into anything in the home. There is a closet that you will lock all of your belongings into before entering and your guide will unlock it when the tour is over. You can take pictures during your tour. The first floor is wheelchair accessible but the second floor is accessed by stairs. You can take a virtual tour of the second floor private spaces by visiting the national parks service website for the Longfellow House-Washington Headquarters National Historic Site. 

Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library was the first public library in the United States. It was also the first to lend books, first to have a children’s area, and the first to have a branch library. The Boston Public Library-Central Library in Copley Square is definitely worth a visit. It is open to the public, and as you wander through be sure to be respectful of those actually using the library as a library, as it still operates today. There are many rooms that contain artworks, and show the historical significance of the library.

This is one of the more unique places to visit in Boston since it is the first public library in the country. Tours are available, but check for times as they are limited right now. You can visit on your own if you would like. For more information check the Boston Public Library website.

Know Before You Go

Boston Public Library-Central Library is located at 700 Boylston Street, and open Monday-Thursday 9-8pm, Friday-Saturday 9-5pm, and Sunday 11-5pm.

Boston Public Garden

Boston Public Garden is the first botanical garden established in America. The 24 acre park was created in 1837 and designed by George F. Meacham. This is one of the many parks that make up the Emerald Necklace of parks in Boston.

Take a peak through the willows around the pond to see the swan boats. The famous swan boats date back to the 1870s to the Paget family that started this tradition of rowing around the pond that still operates these boats today. For a small fee you can take a ride and be a part of this time honored tradition. While in the Public Garden you should walk across the street to Boston Common, the first public park in the United States.

Know Before You Go

Boston Public Garden is free to enter. The park is open everyday from 6:30am to 11:30pm.

Statues to Look for in Boston Public Garden

• Make Way For Ducklings, statue created by Nancy Schon to commemorate the children’s book has become a favorite of the many statues in the garden. 
• Equestrian Statue of George Washington (man on horse statue picture) designed and cast by Thomas Ball
• Ether Monument (The Good Samaritan) commemorates the first use of ether as an anesthetic. It is the oldest monument in the garden 
• Triton Babies Fountain was the first statue to be put in the garden. Made by Anna Coleman Ladd
• Bahgeera Fountain depicting the beloved panther from the Jungle Book series
• Japanese Garden Lantern dating from 1587 and one of the oldest of its kind.

Granary Burial Ground

A cemetery may seem like an odd place of interest, but the Granary Burial Ground is no ordinary cemetery. This cemetery is the final resting place for many notable historical figures. You will find John Hancock, Paul Revere, James Otis, and Samuel Adams all were laid to rest here. The tombstones themselves are worth seeing as they depict artistic expressions of the afterlife. Look for the “death’s head” or skull and cross bones/wings as well as other decor that relate to each individual. This unique place to visit in Boston has some of the oldest head stones in America that are the work of artistic talents we don’t typically see in today’s graveyards.

Established in 1660, it was named after the grain building that used to stand next door, this cemetery has gone through a few changes since then. One major change being that it was rearranged in the 19th century to be in the rows you see today for aesthetic appeal, and to make way for modern lawnmowers. There are 2,345 gravestones in Granary Burial Ground, but there are estimated to be around 5,000 people buried here. Walk among them paying close attention to the details for a truly historical experience.

Know Before You Go

Granary Burial Ground is open daily from 9-4pm. It is located on Tremont Street between Park and School Streets.

Fun Fact: Benjamin Franklin was born and raised in Boston. His parents are buried in Granary Burial Ground. 

Old North Church

Of all the places to visit in Boston, Old North Church is a must. Established in 1723 as a Christ Church, it now operates as a national historic landmark. It also hosts an Episcopal Church congregation on Sundays. If you wish to attend a service you must register by 3pm the Saturday before. You can register for a church service on the Old North Church website. Take a self-guided tour through the sanctuary where you can sit in the pew boxes, and read about the important role this church played in United States History.

The Old North Church is most well known for marking the beginning of the American Revolution as two lanterns were hung from the steeple to signify that the British Army was attacking by sea. Paul Revere, being one of the many messengers that night, became infamous thanks to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Paul Revere’s Ride”. Although, Wadsworth took a few artistic liberties with his depictions of that famous nights events. Visit Old North Church to uncover the truth of the events from that historic night.

Know Before You Go

Old North Church is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday 10-5pm and Sundays 11:30-5pm. Tickets for a self-guided tour through the church sanctuary are $5/person. Add a tour of the gallery where you will learn about early black congregation members’ experiences, and see the beautiful pipe organ up close. The crypt tour takes you under the church where over 1,000 bodies are  buried. The bell ringing chamber tour takes you up the bell tower where you can learn more about the iconic steeple and its bells. The Old North Church is probably the most popular place to visit in Boston so plan for crowds during the busy summer months.

Old South Meeting House

Old South Meeting House is a town meeting hall that was host to some of the most important discussions leading up to the American Revolution. Colonists would gather here and discuss their qualms with the British government and ignited the revolution. Learn of the many events that took place at the Old South Meeting House, such as the debate that led the Sons of Liberty to dump tea into the harbor during the infamous Boston Tea Party. Many leaders from our history books stood in that room to make decisions that would shape America as we know it.

Know Before You Go

Visit the Old South Meeting House and the Old State House for $15/person in a combo ticket for a self-guided tour. Other tour options include a guided tour; check their website for tour information. The Old South Meeting House is open daily 9-6pm.

Old State House

The governing bodies as well as the courts met at the Old State House. The Boston Massacre occurred here, and the memorial can be seen just outside the door. The first reading of the Declaration of Independence in Boston was from the balcony. Many historical events happened at this location. For someone who is extremely interested in American history, this is one of the must see places to visit in Boston.

Know Before You Go

You can visit the Old State House, and the Old South Meeting House with a combo ticket of $15/person. The Old State House is not wheelchair accessible at this time. There are stairs to enter, as well as stairs inside the building. It is open daily 9-6pm.

Castle Island / Fort Independence

Get away from the tourist traps for a day to enjoy a little recreation with a history lesson. Castle Islands Fort Independence has served military purposes for hundreds of years, seeing Boston and the United States through many wars. It is considered to be the oldest fortified military site in the British North America area. Originally built to protect against attacks, it became a refuge for British soldiers after the Boston Massacre, turned into a state prison, prepared for battle in 1812, used as an armory during the Civil War, and remaining active during the World Wars. This Fort has seen a lot of action!

Today, it is a state park spanning 22 acres. You can take a tour, walk on the trails surrounding it, swim in the bay, play on the playground, or pay respects to the many memorials around the fort. Watch boats coming in and out of the harbor, or planes coming in for a landing at Logan Airport just across the bay. This is a popular place for locals, but tourists tend to miss it. It is a great place to walk your dog, bring the family for a picnic, and have some fun away from the city. When looking for unique places to visit in Boston, Fort Independence should be on your list.

There is a restaurant beside the fort called Sullivan’s Castle Island with a large menu ranging from seafood to hamburgers and hotdogs. You can always bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables. There are also public restrooms available. 

Know Before You Go

Open from sunrise to sunset, Castle Island has a lot to offer its visitors. Take a tour of Fort Independence, just check the Castle Island website for days and times as this is limited. Your best bet for a tour is Saturday or Sunday between 12-3pm. There is free parking at the Fort or metered parking along the beach area. Bus parking is $35. Public transportation from the city does come to the area. 

Fun Fact: Edgar Allan Poe was stationed at Fort Independence and it is said that it is where he got his inspiration for “The Cask of Amontillado.” Read more about Poe’s time at Fort Independence before visiting.

Harvard University

Harvard University was the first university established in the United States in 1636. Being named after its first benefactor John Harvard who left his library, and half of his estate to the institution. John Harvard’s statue is perhaps one of the most well known landmarks on Harvard’s campus. On a visit, you may notice his left toe is shiny from the many visitors that rub it for good luck. If you’re a student you know better than to touch the toe, so if you do feel so inclined, please wash your hands immediately after. Many students try to urinate on the toe of the John Harvard statue during the year without getting caught. Do you still want to touch it?

Statue of Three Lies

This statue is also known as the statue of three lies. The first lie being that it is not actually what John Harvard looked like. The sculptor did not know what he looked like, so he used someone random. The second lie is that he wasn’t the founder of the University, just a benefactor. The third is that Harvard was not founded in 1638 it was founded in 1636 under the name New College, it was later named after its benefactor John Harvard. 

Pay close attention to certain historical buildings as you walk through campus. While it may appear like any other campus, this one holds more history than any other in the United States, which is why it is one of the more popular places to visit in Boston. Massachusetts Hall, for example, is the oldest building on Harvard’s campus. It was originally a dormitory, but served as a barracks for soldiers of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

Houghton Library holds the largest collection of Emily Dickinson’s work. The Widener Library displays Harvard’s copy of the Gutenburg Bible, which is one of only 48 in existence. Being the third largest in the country, and the largest private library system in the world gives Harvard a well known reputation for its libraries. While Harvard University is not technically located in Boston, it is a short drive, or train ride away in Cambridge, and well worth a visit.

Know Before You Go

While on Harvard’s campus pop in to the Science Center, the art museums, or the Museum of Natural History. Visit by taking a guided tour or a self guided tour of the campus. It’s best to visit during the school year as these tours are often led by students who may not be available during the summer months.

USS Constitution / USS Cassin Young

Known as “Old Ironsides”, the USS Constitution was launched in 1797. It is still on active duty to this day, making it the world’s oldest ship that is still afloat. It received its nicknames from a great naval battle where a sailor from another ship saw 18 pound cannon balls bouncing right off the sides of the Constitution’s hull and he cried out “Huzza, her sides are made of iron.” This is why the USS Constitution is famous and it is a great piece of history to visit.

The USS Cassin Young is also docked beside the USS Constitution. The Cassin Young is a destroyer ship built in 1943 and served in World War II. The USS Cassin Young is now owned by the National Park Service and is free and open to the public. The ship is open to visitors Tuesday – Sunday from 10-6pm and closed on Mondays. 

The USS Constitution is free to visit, but you must go through a security check and provide a photo ID. Those under the age of 18 do not require an ID. Any bags will go through an x-ray machine and you will walk through a metal detector. Once on the ship you are free to roam about at your leisure while Naval personnel work and answer your questions. Go down into the ship’s lower levels to see the captain’s quarters, and the sick bay. Remember to watch your head and your step as you wander around the ship. 

Know Before You Go

The USS Constitution museum is also free, but feel encouraged to leave a donation in order to show appreciation for these activities. You will learn how the ship was built, the supplies that they would use onboard, and other memorabilia from the ship’s past. The ship is open to visitors Tuesday – Sunday from 10-6pm and closed on Mondays. 

You will pass the dry dock between the USS Constitution and the museum. It is the oldest dry dock in the U.S. The commandant’s house is across the street, and behind the commandant’s house is the Bunker Hill Monument. This is all a part of the Freedom Trail and conveniently close together for easy walking access. This area is high on the list of places to visit in Boston for all history buffs.

Shopping in Boston

Boston is a great place for a shopping spree. There’s something for every budget. No matter what your style is Boston stores will have something for you.

Low Budget

SoWa Open Market is open on Sundays 11-4 with tons of vendors selling everything from clothing, candles, produce, jewelry and so much more. Food vendors of all types cascading their delightful aroma to make your belly rumble. Be sure to check out the art studios in the building adjacent to the market. There you’ll find artists selling and creating masterpieces right before your eyes. GPS may not take you to the exact location so just head to Thayer Street and you’ll see all the people under big white tents squeezed between two buildings.

Outlet Shopping with some of your favorite stores such as TJMaxx, Old Navy, DSW Shoes, and Home Goods has never been easier. All of these stores and more are within walking distance along downtown Washington Street, between Summer Street and Milk Street.

Moderate Budget

Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall is comprised of over 100 vendors including a large food hall where you can find souvenirs and Boston treats. Grab a Boston t-shirt and a bowl of clam chowder in a giant bread bowl. Also a historic site this large shopping hub plays host to street performers and musicians. This is a great place to stop along the Freedom Trail to get some gifts or memorabilia.

Newbury Street is eight blocks of shopping and food options. Stores like Chanel, Allen Edmonds, Cartier, and Brooks Brothers are lining the street alongside H&M, Sunglass Hut, The North Face, and the New Balance Factory Store.

Luxury Shopping

Prudential Center and Copley Place are two high end shopping malls west of the China town area. Name brand stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Louis Vuitton just to name a few are the quality top brands that you’ll find in these shopping centers.

Fan Pier Park

Along the Harbor is Fan Pier Park where you walk along on cobblestones as you watch boats pass by. This is where you’ll find the historic pier one and two, the original port of Boston. This is a great place for an evening walk along the waterside. Tons of sailboats as well as yachts, and other ships go by as the sun sets on the skyscrapers across the bay.

Whale Watching in Boston

Whale watching excursions in Boston are plentiful. Catch one of the many rides out to the Stellwagen Bank, a marine sanctuary abundant with animals of all types. Whales and dolphins come here to feed. There are a variety of whales that frequent this seafood buffet, including humpbacks, minke, and finbacks, making this one of the best places to visit in Boston.

Know Before You Go

The best time for whale watching in Boston is the summer months, generally May through October. Through the New England Aquarium whale watching tour you are guaranteed to see whales, or you get a rain-check ticket that never expires so you can come back until you see what you’re paying for. Your tour is guided by a naturalist who will let you know what you’re seeing and answer any questions you have. The boat driver was great about turning the boat so that all sides of the boat were able to get a good view. 

I had a unique experience that only happens about 5% of the time on these tours. The two humpback whales we found were logging (or resting) when we arrived. They then started actively breaching, tail slapping, and fin-flapping for over 30 minutes. It was an incredible sight to behold. This does not happen very often, but you never know what these animals are going to do so it’s worth the trip to see what you can of these amazing creatures. 

My whale watching experience

Our naturalist was able to identify these whales as Pinball and Etch-a-Sketch. Pinball is a 33 year old female humpback whale. She has 8 calves of her own and is a grandmother. Etch-a-Sketch is a 24 year old female humpback and she is the granddaughter of the first recorded and named whale in this area called Salt. The naturalist on board took pictures and notes of all the sea life activities we witnessed in order to keep track and better understand these animals so we may protect them. 

We also saw blue sharks, Atlantic white-side dolphins, and an ocean sunfish on our excursion. You never know what might show up in the ocean so always be on the lookout. I would highly recommend going on a whale watching excursion, as Forest Gump would say “you never know what you’re going to get.” If you’re on the fence about going on an excursion, I can say that whale watching in Boston is definitely an incredible experience.

End of the Road

There are so many amazing places to visit in Boston that you could easily spend an entire week here. If you’re looking to just hit the highlights in a few days you can easily make an itinerary from any of the activities I mentioned that interest you. If you’re interested in visiting Boston you’ll want to know about the Best Local Restaurants in Boston.

Boston is a very walkable city, but you will need to use transportation to get to all these amazing attractions since they’re spread out. The public transit is great with trains, trolley’s, and buses that will take you all over the city as well as to other cities. If you’re staying for a week I would recommend getting the CharlieCard which gives you unlimited rides for 7 days. The public transit is very reliable and will save you some money. For more information and great trip ideas subscribe to stay updated with the latest Chase New Horizons adventures.