Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts
With a history richer than perhaps any city in the country, visitors could spend a lifetime in Boston and barely scratch the surface of things to see and do. Which is why it’s helpful to have an essentials list to help guide your next trip.
Here are sixteen essential Boston attractions every visitor to Beantown should experience at least once:
#1: Go Back in Time at the Old State House
Old State House in Boston, Massachusetts
Even for a city with more history per square mile than perhaps any in the country, Old State House is in an iconic historical class all its own. It was the location of what would become known as The Boston Massacre; the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed from its balcony; and much of the country’s future was decided here by its forefathers. Today it’s a comprehensive, interactive museum that chronicles America’s colonial history.
#2: Sample the Sam Adams Brewery
No beer — perhaps no beverage — is more synonymous with the city of Boston than Sam Adams. A visit to the Sam Adams Brewery takes visitors on a fun, educational journey through the world of craft beer-making and ends with copious samples of their namesake brew.
#3: Relax in Boston Common
George Washington Statue in Boston Common, Massachusetts
Boston Common is to Boston what Central Park is to New York City. It’s the largest and undoubtedly the most beautiful urban park in the city.
#4: Take a Stroll Along the Charles River
A stroll along the Charles River’s beautiful, three-mile Esplanade is perhaps the best place for Boston visitors to gain an appreciation for the pace and pulse of the city. On any given day, you’ll share its banks with joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, frisbee players, and more.
#5: Tour the USS Constitution
USS Constitution Warship in Boston, Massachusetts
It’s the “oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world” and the best surviving example of naval history and technology in the country. Today, naval personnel provide guided tours of the ship, offering visitors a glimpse into America’s maritime past.
#6: Shop Haymarket Market
Vendors have been gathering at this open air market since 1830, making Haymarket the oldest extant market of its kind in the city. Today, visitors can shop some of the city’s best, freshest, and cheapest produce available anywhere downtown. It’s also among the best opportunities to interact with Boston locals.
#7: Amble Through Beautiful Copley Square
Copley Square is perhaps the most historic public park in the city. For more than a century, it has served as a hub of commerce, as well as social and cultural activity. It’s most notable for the sheer number of historically important buildings erected on or very near it, including Old South Church, Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, and the modern John Hancock Tower.
#8: Take in a Game at Fenway Park
Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts
It’s the nation’s most beautiful ball park, period. Even for non-ball fans, no trip to Boston is complete without a trip to Fenway Park. It’s small, archaic by today’s mega-stadium standards, and expensive, but there’s still nothing quite like taking in a game here.
#9: Down a Pint at the City’s Oldest Bar
While not the oldest bar in the country, Bell in Hand Tavern is the oldest continuously operating bar in the city. It’s been in operation since the 18th century and is still among the best watering holes in Boston.
#10: Dine in Boston’s North End
There’s no shortage of great restaurants in downtown Boston. But it’s worth a special trip to the city’s North End district for New England’s best, most authentic, and mouthwatering Italian cuisine.
#11: Swim with the Fishes at New England Aquarium
It’s long been one of the most technologically advanced aquariums in the world. After undergoing a massive redesign, New England Aquarium is even better. The centerpiece Giant Ocean Tank — a 200,000 salt water tank that’s home to more than 2,000 marine animals — makes this one of the best aquariums in the entire country.
#12: Step Back in Time Along the Freedom Trail
Statue on the Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts
To fully appreciate Boston’s fascinating, but often overwhelming history, a walk along the Freedom Trail affords visitors a stop at some of the city’s most significant attractions.
#13: Stroll the Harvard University Campus
Founded more than 375 years ago, it’s the country’s oldest institution for higher learning. Fortunately, visitors needn’t be a student to stroll its storied grounds. For less than $20, anyone can sign up for an educational Harvard campus tour led by a current student.
#14: Take a Day Trip to Martha’s Vineyard
Lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
It boasts some of the most stunning scenery in all of New England. Perhaps most surprisingly is that Martha’s Vineyard is just a quick day trip from downtown Boston. Visitors looking to sample this idyllic island destination need only hop a quick bus and ferry ride over to The Vineyard, as its known.
#15: Visit New England’s Only Chinatown
Chinatowns exist in cities throughout the United States, however Boston’s is the only one of its kind in New England. While it was home to the city’s Red Light District in the past, today it boasts a wide variety of excellent, authentic Asian restaurants, as well as significant historical architecture.
#16: Tour Faneuil Hall
Night at Faneuil Hall in Boston, Massachusetts
Sure, you won’t be alone at Faneuil Hall Marketplace as throngs of tourists pack this well-trodden Boston landmark almost anytime of year. But it’s worth a stop to experience the myriad of food vendors, shops, buskers, and street performers that entertain visitors day and night.
If you’d prefer someone else do the travel planning for you, a number of guided tours are available throughout the city. Hop aboard the Boston in One Day Sightseeing Tour, for example, to experience as much of the city as possible in just a few hours!
See all that Boston has to offer with these tours!
-Contributed by Mike Richard
Essential Boston: 16 Things Every Traveler Should See in Beantown from Boston Things to Do