As one of the United States’ oldest cities, Boston is a treasure trove of American history, culture, and innovation. This city seamlessly blends its historical significance with modern dynamism, offering a multitude of experiences that attract visitors from around the globe.
Whether you’re a recent graduate hoping to lay down roots in the city of your dreams, or a lifelong traveler on the hunt for a year-long lease in a great neighborhood, you can find what you’re looking for in Boston.
Here are ten of the top attractions that Boston is known for, each showcasing an essential facet of the city’s singular charm.
1. Freedom Trail
A 2.5-mile-long path through downtown Boston, the Freedom Trail leads visitors to 16 historically significant sites, including Paul Revere’s House, the Old North Church, and the USS Constitution. It’s a living history museum that offers insight into the events of the American Revolution and the people who shaped the nation we live in today.
2. Fenway Park
Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in the MLB and an icon of sports history. The “Green Monster” in left-field is famous worldwide, and attending a game here is a quintessential Boston experience.
3. Boston Common and Public Garden
Established in 1634, Boston Common is America’s oldest public park, and the adjacent Public Garden, established in 1837, is the nation’s first public botanical garden. Together, they form the green heart of the city, offering a picturesque setting for kicking back and reflecting amidst the urban landscape.
4. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
One of the largest museums in the United States, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, houses a vast collection that spans continents and millennia. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary American art, the MFA offers a world-class cultural experience that reflects Boston’s global perspective and intellectual curiosity.
5. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
This floating museum brings to life the Boston Tea Party, one of the key events leading up to the American Revolution. Visitors can explore replicas of the ships involved, throw tea into the harbor, and engage with interactive exhibits that tell the story of America’s fight for independence.
6. Beacon Hill
With its narrow, gas-lit streets and Federal-style brick row houses, Beacon Hill is one of Boston’s most picturesque neighborhoods. It epitomizes the city’s New England charm and offers a glimpse into its affluent past, with the Massachusetts State House perched at its peak.
7. MIT and Harvard
Just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge is home to two of the world’s most prestigious universities: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University. Their campuses are centers of academic excellence and innovation, contributing to the region’s intellectual community.
8. The North End
Boston’s North End, also known as Little Italy, is renowned for its Italian heritage, historic sites and some of the best Italian restaurants and pastry shops in the city. This neighborhood offers a taste of European charm and a sense of community that is distinctly Bostonian.
9. The Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and one of the most prestigious running events in the world. Held on Patriots’ Day every April, it attracts runners and spectators from around the world, showcasing the city’s spirit of resilience and community support.
10. The New England Aquarium
Right on the waterfront, the New England Aquarium is a center for ocean exploration and marine conservation. It features a giant ocean tank, a penguin colony, and an IMAX theater, providing an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.