Things to do in Boston

A historical treasure trove, Boston is full of fascinating sites crucial to America's past. Following a mostly red-brick line and linking 17 of Boston's top attractions from Paul Revere's house and the statue of Benjamin Franklin to the Bunker Hill Monument and Boston Common, the Freedom Trail is a must for history buffs and anyone sightseeing in Boston.

Travellers should head to the New England Aquarium, which features more than 70 exhibits of aquatic animals from around the world. They can marvel at the Bengal and white tigers at the Franklin Zoo, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, and get away from the buzz of the city by wandering through the first botanical garden in the United States, the Boston Public Garden.

After a long day of exploring the city, what could be better than appreciating Boston from a distance aboard a sunset cruise on one of the many boats that leave the harbour, sipping on a glass of wine and enjoying a magnificently prepared seafood dinner?

Visitors keen on viewing a number of the city's greatest sights would be wise to get a Go Boston Card, which grants travellers admission to more than 70 of the best activities, tours and attractions in the city.

Nantucket photo

Nantucket

Thirty miles (48km) off the coast of Cape Cod, the small and remote island of Nantucket is an escape from city stress and the chaos of everyday life. The land has miles of unspoilt…

Freedom Trail photo

Freedom Trail

The two and a half mile (4km) Freedom Trail follows a line of red bricks, or a painted red line on the pavement, linking 17 historic sights associated with the early struggle for f…

Black Heritage Trail photo

Black Heritage Trail

Today, Beacon Hill brings to mind images of affluence and luxurious living. Yet until the end of the 19th century, it contained a free black community and escaped slaves who owned …

Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum photo

Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum

Moored to the bridge is the Beaver II, known as the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum, and one of the three ships stormed by patriots in 1773 as an act of rebellion against British …

MIT Museum photo

MIT Museum

The MIT Museum is located in Cambridge, near the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the most prestigious universities in the US. The relatively small museu…

Cambridge photo

Cambridge

Just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge is actually a city in its own right. But the two cities are so closely associated that many people believe them to be one and t…

Harvard University photo

Harvard University

Established in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest in the country and one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the USA. It's famous for its brilliant facul…

Boston Public Garden photo

Boston Public Garden

The first botanical garden in the United States, the Boston Public Garden provides a tranquil escape from the fast pace of the city centre. Maintained by the Boston Parks and Recre…

The Berkshire Hills photo

The Berkshire Hills

Sprinkled with small New England towns, country shops, and green hillsides that turn to a kaleidoscope of golden colours in autumn, the Berkshires are a popular weekend destination…

Faneuil Hall Marketplace photo

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

A great Boston day trip and shopping destination, Faneuil Hill Marketplace offers superb shopping at some familiar designer stores, quality arts and crafts, as well as great restau…

Boston Museum of Fine Arts photo

Boston Museum of Fine Arts

An artwork in itself, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston houses some of the most famous European paintings in the US. Boston's oldest, largest, and best-known art institution, the M…

Codzilla photo

Codzilla

Codzilla takes passengers on a high-speed cruise around Boston's harbour. People on board will scream in pure delight as the boat curves, spins, and rips through the harbour for 40…

New England Aquarium photo

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is home to Simons IMAX Theatre and the New England Aquarium Whale Watch, which runs from April through October. It features a plethora of some of the world…

Cape Cod photo

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is the premiere holiday destination in New England thanks to its charming historic towns and small villages, miles of sandy beaches, and wind-sculpted sand dunes. Millions…

Marthas Vineyard photo

Marthas Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a favourite summer destination for New England's wealthy elite. Far less developed than Cape Cod but more sophisticated than neighbouring Nantucket Island, the…

Fenway Park photo

Fenway Park

The Boston Red Sox are a much-beloved part of life in New England. The 'Curse of the Bambino' and their infamous near 100-year losing streak only made their supporters more fanatic…

Sam Adams Brewery photo

Sam Adams Brewery

Visitors to Boston can take an informative tour of the Sam Adams Brewery and get a look at the brewing process for the popular beer. Named for the revolutionary war hero, the beer …