12 Things To Do in Boston You Don’t Want to Miss

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Boston had been on my list for quite a while when I actually got to visit. I don’t know much about American history, but I know that if I want to find out anything, I need a trip to Boston. It did not disappoint.

Boston is a big city with a small town feel. It was actually much smaller than I expected, the downtown core is very walkable.

The people are very friendly too, despite my British roots! But there are certain things you don’t want to miss in Boston. So read on to plan your trip to Beantown, home of baseball, Sam Adams and Harvard – a winning combination!

The Freedom Trail

Before going to Boston I had heard of the Freedom Trail, but didn’t know too much about it. I didn’t grow up learning American history (the UK has too much of its own to remember). But this is where American history and British history collide.

The trail takes you through some of the most important locations in Boston and American history. The brick trail is clearly laid out with 16 major stops from Boston Common to Bunker Hill.

You can find a Freedom Trail map at most tourist sites to follow on your own, and there are plaques along the way explaining more.

USS Constitution

The second to last stop on the Freedom Trail is the USS Constitution. The impressively old ship was built in the 1790s, so it’s hard to believe you can not only see this ship today, but that you can even go onboard. The ship was active during the major War of 1812 against the British.

Whether you like ships or not, it’s honestly incredibly cool to be able to see one with so much history this close up. The Constitution is berthed in the Naval shipyard near Bunker Hill and can be reached easily by bus or as part of a Hop On Hop Off tour of Boston, as it is one of the stops. Click here to book your tickets on a Boston Hop On-Hop Off Trolley.

Quincy Market

You want a lot of good food in one place? Head to Quincy Market. Just a short walk from the Boston Harbor, Boston’s North End and the historic Freedom Trail, Quincy Market is a foodie heaven.

Try some local clam chowder, lobster rolls or any number of other local and international dishes. There isn’t much seating inside but you can grab a bench to lean against or if you’re lucky enough to snag a table relax with your food before you set off for even more.

There’s additional seating upstairs, and the building is worth a look around even if you’re not hungry at that moment. There are also plenty of shops in and around the building.

Remember to take a reusable water bottle with you on your travels, like this one from FastTech

Harvard University

Each year thousands of super smart individuals flock to Boston (well, technically Cambridge) to attend Harvard. The prestigious college is one of the top ranked in the country and the world. But you don’t have to study to experience this intellectual epicenter, you can join a good old fashioned walking tour.

Led by current Harvard students no less (read more about the Harvard tour here). The tour takes you through the campus encompassing the history and superstitions that make Harvard one of the most popular universities in America. Book your tour through Viator to avoid disappointment.

Cheers

They won’t know your name yet, but give it time. Any trip to Boston is not complete without a trip to one of the most famous bars in the world, Cheers. While this one won’t have Ted Danson serving you it is a throw back to one of the most popular American sitcoms.

Enjoy a cold beer, a bite to eat and a feeling of nostalgia. Cheers is on Beacon Street, just outside the North side of the Boston Public Garden. They have a pretty solid gift shop. You can even buy your own Cheers beer mug.

Boston Common

The Boston Public Garden is right next to Boston Common, the large park in the city. Go for a walk after you’ve been to Cheers and take a stroll through the gardens, around the pond, or sit on the grass for a picnic where you’ll forget you’re even in the city.

Visting with kids? There’s a carousel ride, you can take a swan boat ride along the lake, or visit the statue of Make Way for Ducklings, the popular children’s book.

Sports sports sports

Boston is ALL about sports. They have some of the most famous teams in America. Boston Red Sox anyone? How about the New England Patriots? Well the Patriots are just outside of Boston but are still classed as a local team and you will see Patriots gear everywhere. They’re my team so for once it was OK to like them and wear my jersey in public without taking a hit.

If baseball and football aren’t your thing then that’s OK. Boston also has a popular basketball team, The Celtics, and the Boston Bruins for NHL hockey fans. Definitely something for everyone and no matter when you visit Boston there will likely be some kind of sporting event going on. Click here to book your tour of Fenway Park baseball stadium, home of the Red Sox.

North End

Boston’s North End is the Italian neighborhood. Get your stretchy pants ready for some of the most amazing food Boston has to offer. A city with a large Italian heritage, the North End has streets full of the best Italian restaurants in the city. My personal favorite is Antico Forno. They have probably one of the best meals I’ve ever had. I had the veggie lasagne and it was delicious. Read more about my culinary adventures in Boston here.

So what else can you do in the North End? Check out some of the city’s oldest buildings including the house of Paul Revere. It is claimed he shouted “The British are coming”, announcing the advancing British forces. He did alert them, but did not actually shout about it. Still, that’s how most people know about him.

Want to try some delicious North End food? Book yourself on this North End Boston Secret Food Tour through Viator.

Samuel Adams

One of the United States of America’s Founding Fathers, Samuel Adams was born and raised in Boston. A hometown boy, you’ll find a few references to him here in Boston. He attended Harvard and was very involved in the whole Boston Tea Party event in 1773. If you know anything about American history, then you’ll know he was a pretty big deal. Plus the guy has a beer named after him by the local Boston Beer Company!

He is buried at the Granary Burying Ground in Boston. Our tour guide joked that we should go to the Beantown Pub opposite and have a cold Sam Adams while sitting across from a cold Sam Adams! We did just that.

Old State House

Amid the modern skyscrapers of Boston is a small, but powerful building. The oldest public building in the city, and one of the oldest in the country. Originally the site of the Colonial Government, the Declaration of Independence was read aloud from the balcony to the crowds below.

Nowadays the building is a museum detailing the history of Boston and the Boston Massacre which happened right outside. It’s a beautiful building that is well worth a visit, especially given the incredible history. Entry is $15 for adults. Buy your ticket to the Old State House in advance through Viator.

Trinity Church

Trinity Church is in Copley Plaza, just a little further from the downtown core than Boston Common. It is, quite simply, an awesome looking building.

Built in the 1870s this is a unique looking building, taking characteristics from many European styles and turning them into a grand American style of its own. Entry is $10 unless you are going in for prayer. There are drop-in guided tours multiple days a week – check their calendar to plan your tour.

Boston Public Library

What a beautiful building the library is. Towering over Copley Plaza right opposite Trinity Church, the library is a regal looking building which is just as impressive inside. It’s free to enter, although it is a library so remember to keep noise to a minimum.

Walk around the corridors and rooms, and don’t forget to look up. Paintings, statues and intricate carvings are at every turn. Work your way through to the inner courtyard which is honestly such a nice place to sit on a sunny day with a book and take in the tranquility within the city.

Bonus activity – Salem

Now this is a bonus one because it’s not in Boston. This does require a day trip away from Boston. The good news is that Salem is really easy to get to. You can either take the train which is less than $10 each way, or you can take a ferry which is from $25 per person each way. Maybe go one way by train and the other way by ferry.

Salem is famous for the 1692 witch trials so you can guess that everything in the town is witch themed, full of history and magic. It’s a fun day out, and crazy when you think that this actually happened. Read more about my trip to Salem here.

The best things to do in Boston

This should give you a few things to help make your Boston trip a success. History, drinking, sports and witches. What more could you need? For those who want to visit a city with a lot of history and a lot to do, but are put off by the big city vibes of New York, then Boston is the place for you. Spend a few days here at least.

I’ve visited Boston a few times now and always for at least 4 nights. There’s a lot to see and do, but also make time for just walking around the city or enjoying the green areas. And definitely make room for all the delicious food!

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What’s your favorite thing about Boston? Which other American cities would you recommend as unmissable?