Things to do in Boston
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Top 10 attractions in Boston
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts with a century-old history is an important art museum in the United States. The museum collects works from the archaeological and cultural remains of ancient Egypt and the Mesopotamia to the Greek and Roman civilizations to painting genres of various periods in Europe, as well as ancient artworks from East Asia and India. 1. Background overview After the expansion of the two design masters, Ieoh Ming Pei and Foster, the current art museum is divided into a new museum and an old museum. Pei's extended west wing continues the classical revival of the old building, while Foster presents a new modern twist. In front of the gallery is a statue called "Appeal to The Great Spirit", which was sculpted by American sculptor Cyrus Dallin. 2. Visiting Guide The art gallery has four floors, three on the ground and one underground. On the first floor are the exhibition halls of American art, Egyptian Nubian ancient Near Eastern art, Greek and Etruscan art, Eurasian and African American musical instruments, Indian Korean Southeast Asian Islamic art, Japanese art, African and Oceanian art, and contemporary art. On the second floor are American art, Impressionism, European painting and sculpture, Egyptian art, Greek and Roman art, Chinese and Himalayan art, and Japanese art. The third floor is mainly the studio of the gallery and American art. On the ground floor are some American art and some special exhibition halls. After the visit, you can go to the third floor to continue to visit the American art exhibition hall, or you can go to the coffee shop on the first floor to rest, or buy your favorite souvenirs in the store. If you happen to be holding some special exhibitions when you go, you can go to the basement floor to continue the tour.Boston · 3.7 km from downtown
Boston Duck Tours
Boston Duck Tours is a highly recognizable amphibious sightseeing attraction on the streets of Boston. The vehicles used are dual-purpose, modeled after the amphibious landing vehicles of the US military during World War II. They can navigate through city streets and directly enter the river, allowing travelers to experience both a city tour and a cruise in one itinerary. This makes it especially suitable for first-time visitors who want to get a comprehensive impression of Boston in a short time. The itinerary features live commentary by the driver and on-site guide, passing landmarks such as the golden-domed State House, Boston Common and Public Garden, the shop-lined Newbury Street, Copley Square, Trinity Church, the Prudential Tower, and the historic districts around Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall. Just when you think you've seen all of Boston, the driver makes a splashdown into the Charles River—the moment the vehicle hits the water is the highlight of the tour. The vehicle then cruises slowly along the river, offering views of the skylines of Boston and Cambridge, which is also a great time for photos. A signature interactive tradition on board involves every passenger receiving a duck-bill-shaped "quacker" whistle. When encountering another duck tour vehicle or waving crowds on the street, everyone blows their whistles in response. The chorus of quacking has been a hallmark of this tour for years, and families with children particularly enjoy this playful experience.Boston · 2.2 km from downtown
Harvard University
Harvard University is one of the world's most famous institutions of higher learning and a tourist destination rich in history and culture. The campus centers around Harvard Yard, where red-brick walkways, ivy-covered walls, and classical buildings constructed over the centuries intertwine. The Johnston Gate on the west side of Harvard Yard is considered the main entrance, and a short walk into the yard brings you to the John Harvard Statue. This statue is known as the "Statue of Three Lies" because the inscription on its base contains three inaccuracies. Many tourists touch the statue's left foot for photos, a habit that has polished the bronze foot to a shine. Across the lawn from the statue stands The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, a grand building donated by the mother of an alumnus who perished on the Titanic. Memorial Church is the only building in the yard with a spire, and its walls are inscribed with the names of Harvard students who died in World War I. Memorial Hall is famous for its ornate stained-glass windows, and its freshman dining hall is often compared to the Hogwarts dining hall in "Harry Potter". Massachusetts Hall, built in the early 18th century, is one of the oldest surviving buildings on campus. Harvard Square is one of the bustling neighborhoods in Cambridge, packed with bookstores, cafes, and various shops. The area around the campus also features the Harvard Art Museums, which house a collection of European and American art ranging from classical to modern works, including self-portraits by Van Gogh and paintings by Monet.Cambridge · 5.1 km from Boston
New England Aquarium
Built in 1969, the New England Aquarium is one of the most popular aquariums in the northeastern United States. It is located in the Boston waterfront area, at the central pier on Pacific Avenue at the northern end of the city center. The National Aquarium (NationalAquariuminBaltimore) is equally famous and is one of the few large aquariums in the world. In its first year of opening, the aquarium attracted nearly 500,000 visitors, especially the large aquariums here. Learn about what it takes to be a sea turtle rescuer at the SeaTurtle Hospital and experience first-hand turtle diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Admire the stunning Caribbean reefs in the Giant Ocean Tank. There are more than 3,000 elaborately sculpted coral shapes and more than 1,000 animals, including Myrtle (a 550-pound green sea turtle that has lived in the aquarium for over 40 years). Gently stroke bullnose, Atlantic rays and sharks as they swim gracefully in the crystal clear water at the TrustFamily Foundation Shark and RayTouchTank. See the world's only remaining sea dragon exhibit at the Thinking House Two species of sea dragons. Immerse yourself in the world of Tentacles! Look out for the giant Pacific octopus in its newly created habitat, and watch its cuttlefish cousin change color before your eyes. From petite red octopuses to graceful sea jellyfish, dive into this plethora of A world of all kinds of mysterious marine animals, Tentacles takes you through this dazzling world. Meet blue penguins from Australia face-to-face and watch how they swim, groom, socialize and feed. Gulf of Maine Exhibit featuring local animals such as Atlantic cod and halibut, the rare blue lobster, and the familiar ugly flat shark (also known as the anglerfish). Freshwater pavilion, where you can see animals from the Amazon Basin Wild animals of the forest. You can also sit back and watch an unforgettable IMAX movie! The Simons IMAX Theater uses extraordinary IMAX3D technology and New England big screen to give you a shocking experience. IMAX movies can provide people of all ages with a rich experience A legendary, unforgettable experience.Boston · 814m from downtown
Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a historic sightseeing line in Boston. The road surface is paved with red bricks, winding all the way, extending in three kilometers of streets. In 1951, the citizens of Boston preserved this unique street of red brick. The right way to open up American history is to set foot on the road to freedom. The Freedom Trail begins at the Visitor Center in Boston Common and ends at the towering Penga Hill Monument across the Charles River, with 16 attractions and many 17th and 18th century houses, churches and Independence War sites along the way. It takes about half a day to walk the entire freedom road, but if you want to visit carefully, it may take at least a day.Boston · 614m from downtown
Quincy Market
Quincy Market is located in downtown Boston, right next to Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and is also a stop on the Freedom Trail. In the 1820s, Boston's expansion overwhelmed the old market at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Then-mayor Josiah Quincy oversaw the construction of this new market, which was named after him upon its completion in the 1820s. The market consists of three long buildings. The central two-story granite building features porticos at both ends supported by stone columns with triangular pediments, and a dome in the middle. Designed by architect Alexander Parris, it is a classic example of Greek Revival style. The North and South Markets on either side were originally built by merchants and now mostly house clothing, jewelry, and gift shops. Inside the central building is a food hall running from east to west, lined with stalls offering New England specialties like lobster rolls and clam chowder, as well as international snacks. It is a popular choice for tourists to take a break and grab a bite after walking the Freedom Trail. The plaza in front of the market is often filled with street performers, creating a lively atmosphere. The stone columns and pediments of the east portico, as well as the domed hall in the center of the building, are great spots for photos.Boston · 347m from downtown
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall, located on Boston's Freedom Trail, was built in 1742 by the wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil. Originally a marketplace, it later became a venue for Bostonians to gather and engage in free discussion. It has witnessed countless meetings and speeches by patriots, earning it the nickname "Cradle of Liberty," playing a significant role in American history.Boston · 319m from downtown
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library was founded in the mid-19th century. Its main branch is located next toCopley Squareand consists of the older McKim Building connected to the adjacent Johnson Building: the McKim Building is an Italian Renaissance-style palace, known as a palace for the people when it opened; the Johnson Building was designed by modernist architect Philip Johnson and, like the old building, features a granite facade. One ancient and one modern, one ornate and one simple, they form a compelling architectural contrast in the Back Bay neighborhood. It is both a place for Bostonians to read daily and a destination for tourists who visit specifically for the library's extensive art collection. The interior of the McKim Building is full of highlights: the marble floor of the vestibule is inlaid with 12 zodiac patterns, stone lions commemorating the Massachusetts infantry regiments of the Civil War stand beside the grand staircase, and the walls of the staircase are adorned with murals by French painter Pierre Puvis de Chavannes on the themes of poetry, history, science, and philosophy; the long Bates Hall on the second floor, with its soaring barrel-vaulted ceiling, oak tables, and rows of lamps, creates the library's signature scene; the Sargent Gallery on the third floor houses "The Triumph of Religion," a work completed by American painter John Singer Sargent over nearly 30 years, while the murals covering the walls of the Abbey Room are by Edwin Abbey and depict the legend of the Holy Grail; the rare book exhibition also features the private collection of John Adams. In the center of the building is an Italian-style courtyard, surrounded by arcades with a fountain in the middle, which is a quiet corner where both readers and tourists love to linger. The adjacent Johnson Building, after a comprehensive renovation, is bright and airy. It focuses on lending services and also houses spaces such as the Children's Library, the Teen Central, and the Leventhal Map Center.Boston · 2 km from downtown
Trinity Church
Trinity Church is a parish church of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. Founded in the 18th century, it is the 3rd-oldest Episcopal parish in Boston. The church is the 3rd building of the parish, designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson and completed in the late 19th century. Its design, featuring rough stone walls, rounded arches, and towering spires, is considered the source and model of the "Richardsonian Romanesque" style. The interior can accommodate over 1,000 people and serves not only as a place for weekly worship but also as a venue for large-scale citywide events in Boston. The interior realizes the "colorful church" vision shared by Rector Phillips Brooks and Richardson: the full-hall murals painted by artist John La Farge and his team, combined with stained glass windows created by the Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris studio, La Farge's layered opalescent glass windows, and works by several American sculptors, make those who step into the inner hall feel as if they are in a complete work of art. In 1885, the American architectural community selected the 10 most representative buildings in the U.S., and it was among them. In 1986, the American Institute of Architects held a similar selection again, and it was the only one from the 1885 list that remained. The annual candlelight carol service in December has continued for many years and has become one of Boston's traditions for welcoming Christmas. The church faces the Boston Public Library across the square, and the blue glass curtain wall of the nearbyHancock Towerperfectly reflects the stone tower, making it a classic photo spot in Boston. Back Bay was originally a reclaimed wetland, and the entire building is supported by thousands of wooden piles below the water table, allowing it to stand firmly for over a century.Boston · 1.8 km from downtown
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is located at the end of Congress Street, with a replica of the historic tea merchant ship named "Beaver II" docked beside the museum. The museum is small but displays a collection of original artifacts and souvenir replicas from the event, including reproductions of the original cargo ships. Additionally, the museum offers tea to visitors. After touring the museum, visitors can sign in to board the nearby "Beaver II" merchant ship and step onto the deck to relive the historic moment. After the visit, you can walk along the waterfront promenade or relax in the leisure area while enjoying the scenic views of Boston Harbor.Boston · 1.1 km from downtown
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Experiences you can't miss in Boston
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Free things to do in Boston
Harvard University
Cambridge · 5.1 km from BostonQuincy Market
Boston · 347m from downtownBoston Public Library
Boston · 2 km from downtown
Chinatown
Boston · 1.2 km from downtown
Fenway Park
Boston · 3.5 km from downtown
Boston Harbor
Boston · 7.3 km from downtown
Public Garden
Boston · 1.1 km from downtown
Charles River
Cambridge · 2 km from Boston
Granary Burying Ground
Boston · 364m from downtown
What travelers say about Boston
逗子铺掌柜September 3, 2026
5.0
Definitely worth a visit! The collection is incredibly rich; even 2-4 hours isn't enough to fully appreciate it.
I recommend going early when it opens to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
A guided tour is highly recommended; the service is excellent, highlighting key points and preventing unnecessary wandering.
There are so many wonderful things, I can't upload them all on my camera!
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Anonymous userOctober 8, 2024
5.0
The experience was very good. The tour guide kept talking for an hour and entertained everyone. You can experience all the city views on land and water. The moment you got into the water, everyone was recording. When you met other duck boats during the journey, everyone would imitate the duck's call to greet each other
Boston Duck Tours
中西南北东September 14, 2026
4.0
Most universities abroad don't have walls, and Harvard is no exception. The first picture shows the visitor center, where you can use the restrooms. The campus is divided into several sections by city streets, but overall it remains quiet and orderly.
Harvard University
Dina MUNINAMay 13, 2026
5.0
Absolutely amazing experience for any age! We were very happy to see New England Aquarium!
New England Aquarium
西行阿里May 22, 2021
5.0
The terminal of the Freedom Trail
This granite monument in Charlestown, Boston, is said to be one of the earliest monuments in the United States, used to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill between the British Army and the North American Colonial Militia (OK, I admit that I checked it recently
)
Now this is the terminal of Boston's Freedom Trail. If the weather is good, you can walk all the way from Boston Park~
The only way to get to the top of the monument is to climb the stairs
There are a total of 294 steps, and numbers are marked every few steps, so that people who are panting and climbing the stairs can have a number in mind
There is actually only a small space on the top of the monument, but looking out through the small windows on all four sides, I immediately feel that climbing the stairs is worth it~
Freedom Trail
BeachButterflyApril 18, 2024
5.0
This place has a great selection of food and treats to choose from. You can get some good stuff to take home to friends too.
Quincy Market
东张西望望东西February 29, 2020
5.0
Faneuil Hall is a building on the Freedom Trail. Its red brick exterior is easy to recognize. Faneuil Hall was a historically significant place during the American Civil War. If you are interested, you can visit it.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Jessica I’dNovember 29, 2023
5.0
A Boston essential. Not only good for book lovers, but fans of art and history will love this refuge right in the heart of the city. Be respectful if you visit just for some photos, it is an active community resource hub and welcoming event space year round.
Boston Public Library
jiuyuefangDecember 23, 2024
5.0
My dears, Trinity Church is worth a visit. In terms of architecture, Boston Trinity Church has a unique Chadson Romanesque style, with a rose-colored sandstone exterior, reliefs and red-topped towers that attract attention. New York Trinity Church is a Gothic Revival classic, which has been included in the National Register of Historic Places and was once a landmark in Lower Manhattan. In terms of culture, Moscow Trinity Church is an important Orthodox church dedicated to St. Vladimir. The interior murals and sculptures are exquisite, and there are precious works of art and cultural relics; there are also historical stories, such as the New York Trinity Church and Alexander Hamilton. In terms of the tour experience, the interior is quiet, and the New York Trinity Church is located at the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway, which can be connected to the surrounding tours.
The rose-colored sandstone exterior of Boston Trinity Church is unique.
This rose-colored sandstone is soft and warm in the sun, giving people a solemn and warm feeling. It has a hard texture and can still remain in good condition after years of baptism. The sandstone is decorated with exquisite reliefs. These reliefs are meticulously detailed and feature religious figures, symbolic symbols, etc., which add a strong religious atmosphere and artistic beauty to the building, making the church look solemn and dignified while showing an exquisite and gorgeous side.
Trinity Church
palettes_nyNovember 13, 2021
4.0
A museum located by Boston Harbor. The classical architecture is unforgettable. The staff at the ticket office are also dressed in classical costumes. There are also cruise ships in the museum that sail by the harbor.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
