Things to Do in Boston

The East Coast of the United States is brimming with history and the capital of the state of Massachusetts is no exception. Today, we’ll give you all the top tips on what things to do in Boston. Its combination of tradition and the avant-garde makes this city an excellent holiday destination.

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and its past is deeply linked to the rest of the country’s history. This historical city has witnessed many significant events, such as the Tea Mutiny of 1773 and the Revolution of the 13 Colonies in 1776.

So take a look at what we’ve put together as the most outstanding monuments and sites not to miss out on in this spectacular city!

Harvard University

The British legacy on the East Coast of the United States has left its mark in the form of the many institutes of higher learning. Among them is Harvard University, the most prestigious in the world. Its campus is located in Cambridge, a town next to Boston, separated only by the Charles River.

A stroll through Harvard University’s campus is like travelling back in time. One of the most interesting buildings is Memorial Hall. It’s a Victorian-style building dedicated to its students who fought in the American Civil War.

Another must see in Boston on the campus is the statue of John Harvard, dedicated to the father of the institution, as well as Memorial Church. There’s no doubt that Harvard’s classrooms and lecture theatres are impressive but part of its charm comes from wandering around the campus.

You can learn all about the history of the institution on this guided tour of Harvard.

MIT

As well as Harvard and only 10 minutes from Boston, we can find another of the most prestigious universities in the world: MIT, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This institution’s contributions to 20th-century science and technology are unmeasurable. One of the very first personal computers was developed here!

Like Harvard, MIT is also home to many important monuments. One of the most prominent is the Great Dome building, whose dome, as the name may suggest, has become a symbol of the university. You can’t miss the Stata Center either. Its fascinating curved design by the prestigious architect Frank Gehry makes it a must see in Boston!

If you want to learn more about the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, don’t miss this guided tour of MIT.

Quincy Market

In the heart of Boston, Quincy Market and its surroundings are an indispensable part of the capital of Massachusetts. It’s a United States National Historic Landmark due to its huge heritage value. It’s the ideal spot to combine shopping, food and, of course, history.

Quincy Market offers a wide variety of cuisine: from doughnuts to biscuits, cupcakes, pastries and much more. In addition to food, you can also purchase typical Boston souvenirs. So it’s no surprise that it has become one of the favourite places for tourists visiting the city.

Talking of food, come along on this Boston Food Tour to enjoy some of the best cuisine the city has to offer.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

The Boston Tea Party, which took place on the 16th of December 1773, occurred when the cargo of tea from several British ships was thrown into the sea in the city’s harbour. This act of protest by American colonists against Britain was a significant milestone. In fact, it’s considered a precedent for the later American War of Independence, which took place between 1775 and 1791.

Behind all these historical facts, the truth is that today it’s possible to learn about the legacy of this landmark in Boston. To do so, you must visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. This is a popular floating museum where you can learn about how the riot took place in a fun and educational way.

Check out the following link to buy your ticket to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

Beacon Hill

One of Boston’s most picturesque neighbourhoods is Beacon Hill. Located on a hillside as the name suggests, the buildings in this district are characterised by their distinctive red Victorian brickwork. Ambling around this neighbourhood is like stepping into another city since the atmosphere here is much quieter and calmer than in the rest of Boston.

As well as its typical brick houses, on Beacon Hill you’ll also find other must see places that should not be missing from your list of what to see in Boston. Whilst you’re here, why not check out the one the historic Boston Common urban park?

You can’t leave the city without seeing the façade of the Massachusetts State House.

Salem

Less than 40 minutes drive from Boston is Salem, a famous witch town. The legend dates back to 1692, when several women in this town in Massachusetts were accused of practising witchcraft.

But where did these outlandish accusations come from? The truth is that many of the accusations were falsified and the result of social and political factors. The legend spread throughout New England and it’s now a place of major tourist attraction. You can visit the Salem Witch Museum, one of the most visited museums in the area, and many other attractions in the city with this Boston City Explorer Pass.

If you want to visit Salem from Boston, you can choose this ferry ticket to Salem.

We hope we’ve inspired your trip and given you lots of ideas on where to go and what things to do in Boston. Why not join us on one of our city tours, such as our Highlights of Boston Free Tour, Boston Guided Walking Tour, or a 2 to 6-hour Walking Tour? If you don’t fancy walking, we also recommend joining our Boston Trolleybus Tour.