Top 30 Points of Interest and Things to Do in Boston, MA

April 22, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 2352 Views

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts Commonwealth in the United States of America. It is one of the most historically significant city in the USA. Majority of the best places to visit in Boston are concerning the history of American Freedom Revolution. It is one of the oldest cities in the country. It was founded by Puritan Settlers who hailed from Boston in England. They named the new city after their city of origin. You will come across a few puritan buildings and churches among Boston tourist attractions.

The city has played a major role in the American Revolution movement. You can embark on the Freedom Trail which includes 16 Boston attractions concerning the revolution movement. It was the site of many milestone events such as the Boston Tea Party, Battle of Bunker Hill, Boston Massacre and Siege of Boston. There are several museums which interactively tell the story of these events. They are among the most fun historical things to do in Boston, MA. You can also visit houses, meeting places and graves of several prominent historical figures who hailed from the city during Boston sightseeing.

Alongside museums and historical buildings, there are quite a few fun places to go in Boston. The city is a melting-pot of culture and has an engaging scene in arts, music, comedy and sports. Some of the best things to see in Boston are the cultural venues including art galleries, sports stadiums, concert halls and so on. The history of American literature is also deeply connected with this city. The Old Corner Bookstore, dubbed cradle of American literature, is one of the best places to see in Boston to experience the literary side of the city’s culture.

The city has lush parks with several recreational facilities for outdoor activities in Boston. The lakes and coast of Boston offer great space for boating, kayaking and cruises. You can also explore the ocean with a whale watching cruise if you are feeling a little more adventurous.

The city is also home to some of the most well known educational institutions in the world including Harvard, MIT, and Berklee. These universities have their own museums, collections, historical buildings and a few other cool things to do in Boston.

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Table of Contents

The Top 30 Tourist Places to Visit in Boston in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Boston Common

This is the oldest and still the largest park in the city. It was established in 1634 by Puritan Colonists. The park offers many outdoor activities in Boston and is also home to few iconic monuments. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this park.

2. Massachusetts State House / Massachusetts House of Representatives

This iconic architectural wonder was built in 1798 and was designed by Charles Mulfinch. You can take a guided tour of this building. It will take 20 to 30 minutes from Boston sightseeing to explore this building.

3. Granary Burying Ground

This cemetery is one of 16 Freedom Trail sites in the city. It is included among Boston tourist attractions for being the final resting place of major historical figures including John Hancock, Paul Revere, Samuel Adams and a few more. You won’t need more than 10 to 15 minutes at this cemetery.

4. King’s Chapel Burying Ground

This chapel and its adjacent burial ground is also one of 16 Freedom Trail sites. This was the very first cemetery of the city and is the final resting place of Mary Chilton, John Cotton, Hezekiah Usher, Joseph Tapping and so on. You will need 10 minutes from Boston travel for this place.

5. Statue of Benjamin Franklin

The statue was displayed in 1856 to celebrate 150th birth anniversary of Ben Franklin. It is one of the most visited Boston attractions. The statue features plaques designed by famous American sculptors Greenough and Thomas Ball. You won’t need more than 10 minutes to see this statue.

6. Old South Meeting House

This meeting house was the site where the well-known Boston Tea Party was planned. It is also one of the places to see in Boston included in the Freedom Trail. You wouldn’t need more than a few minutes at this historical site.

7. Old State House Museum

This building has been the state house of the region for 300 years. The museum traces major events of the American Revolution through activities and costumed guides. It is one of the most engaging historical things to do in Boston, MA. You would need about half an hour to tour this museum.

8. Boston Massacre Site

On 5th March, 1770 British soldiers massacred civilians on this site. This incident had great influence on the American Freedom movement. It is one of the places on the Freedom trail that is must see in Boston. You will need a couple of minutes for this place during Boston travel.

9. Faneuil Hall Marketplace

The Quincy Market is housed in a 19th century Greek Revival architecture building. Adjacent to this market is a hall built in 1742, which has been the venue of several historical meetings and speeches. It is one of the most popular Boston points of interest for both tourists and locals. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to cover these two venues.

10. New England Holocaust Memorial

This memorial monument is dedicated to the victims of the Holocasut. It was built by a Holocaust survivor who came was rescued by American troops and came to USA. It is one of the best things to see in Boston and has a deep moving impact on those who visit here. You will need about half an hour to experience this memorial.

11. Paul Revere House

This house belonged to Paul Revere, a prominent figure of the American Revolution movement. This house talks about his life and his contribution to the revolution and its aftermath. You will need about half an hour for this house museum when you visit Boston.

12. Old North Church

Also known as Christ Church, this is the oldest church in the city. It was built in 1723 and is still a functioning church of Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. It is one of the best places to visit in Boston. You will need 15 to 20 minutes to explore this church.

13. Copp’s Hill Burying Ground

This was the second cemetery in the city and is also a part of the Freedom Trail. This cemetery is also the final resting place for several important people from American history. You will need a couple of minutes for this cemetery.

14. Bunker Hill Monument

This monument is dedicated to the battle of the Bunker Hill, which was the first large scale battle for the American Revolution. The monument and the museum are among the best things to see in Boston to learn about the revolution movement. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for these two places.

15. USS Constitution Museum and Ship

This war ship was launched in 1797 and is famous for its role in the 1812 battle against a British fleet. The ship and the museum are among top places to go in Boston to learn about naval warfare. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for these two attractions.

16. North End Neighbourhood

This neighbourhood has several historical buildings, quaint restaurants and shopping venues. It is among the most fun places to go in Boston. You can easily spend 30 to 45 minutes exploring the area.

I suggest you should book a private tour of North End Neighborhood.

17. New England Aquarium

This aquarium houses a variety of aquatic animals including turtles, stingrays, sharks, tropical fishes, eels, tarpons and more. The circular tank of the aquarium replicates a Caribbean coral reef. It is one of the most fun activities to do in Boston, MA. You can easily spend an hour or so at this place.

Here you can book your tickets of New England Aquarium in advance.

Day 2

1. Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

These ships and museum recount the famous Boston Tea Party incident. The ships feature an interactive exhibit. It is among must do things in Boston and is quite a memorable experience. You will need about an hour for this experience.

I suggest you should book a ticket of Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.

2. Boston Public Garden

This park is part of the Emerald Necklace of Boston and is place to visit for some leisure time. The park is open for several outdoor activities in Boston and you can easily spend a few minutes here.

If you want that somebody will take beautiful pictures of you at Boston Public Garden, I suggest you can book your Photoshoot in Boston Public Garden.

3. Gibson House Museum

This house museum recreates life of the 19th century in the city. It is one of the most interesting Boston tourist attractions. You will need about half an hour to explore it.

4. Boston Trinity Church

This church was established in 1733 and is considered an architectural masterpiece. It is one of the best things to see in Boston owing to its Romanesque architectural facade and dainty interiors. You will need about half an hour to tour this church.

5. Boston Public Library

This is the second oldest and second largest library in the USA. The library has a collection of 23 million items. You will need 20 to 30 minutes from Boston sightseeing to tour this place.

6. Skywalk Observatory

The 50th floor of this building offers the finest panoramic view of the city. It among the best places to visit in Boston to get great pictures with the city and you can visit here multiple times to enjoy the sunrise, the sunset and the night view. You would need 20 to 30 minutes here.

7. Fenway Park

This stadium is home to the iconic Res Sax, baseball team hailing from Boston. The stadium also contains a museum focusing on the history of the stadium and that of the Red Sax. It is one of the most visited Boston attractions. You would need about an hour to tour this stadium.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of Historic Fenway Park.

Day 3

1. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Also known as ISGM, this museum holds an impressive collection of artworks originating from Europe, Asia and Americas. The museum is housed in a beautiful 15th century Venetian palace. The collection as well as the palace are among top things to see in Boston. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum.

2. Museum of Fine Arts

The museum holds one of the finest collection of art and design works in the world. It is one of the best places to go in Boston to explore the world within one place. The collection features photographs, paintings, sculptures, installations, textile, jewelry, musical instruments and more. You will need 2 to 3 hours to tour this museum.

3. Mary Baker Eddy Library

The library, its museum and its archives are dedicated to the life and work of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Church of Christian Science. The library is also famous for the magnificent glass sculpture of world map created in 1935. It is a must see in Boston travel. You would need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this place.

4. Boston African American National Historic Site

This museum speaks about African American residents of New England from the colonial period till the 19th century. You will need an hour to tour this museum when you visit Boston.

5. First Harrison Gray Otis House Museum

This house used to be the residence of Harrison Gray Otis, the 3rd mayor of Boston. The house gives a peek into his life and political career. The house is complete with federal style decor and furniture. It is one of the most wonderful places to see in Boston. You will need an hour to tour this house museum.

6. Museum of Science

This museum, as the name suggests, is dedicated to the world of science and technology. The museum has several interactive exhibits and is included among top things to do in Boston for family tourists. It will take you about 2 hours to explore this museum.

You can book your entrance ticket of Museum of Science in advance.

If you are looking for Boston points of interest, check out the sections below. We have prepared an exhaustive list of a variety of places and activities to enjoy in and around the city.

Things to do in Boston

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Boston

Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Science
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Boston Children’s Museum
Institute of Contemporary Art
Harvard Art Museum
John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
The Paul Revere House
USS Constitution Ship
USS Constitution Museum
Old North Church
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
Old State House
Massachusetts State Museum
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Bunker Hill Monument
Old South Meeting House
Boston Public Library
Museum of Fine Arts
MIT Museum
Granary Burying Ground
Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology
Trinity Church
Adams National Historical Park
Longfellow House Museum
Boston Athenaeum
The Mary Baker Eddy Library
Boston National Historical Park
Mount Auburn Cemetery
Museum of African American History
King’s Chapel
The Rose Art Museum
Park Street Church
MIT List Visual Arts Center
Fredrick Law Omsted National Historical Site
Saugus Iron Works Historical Site
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historical Site
Fort Independence
Larz Anderson Auto Museum
Boston Massacre Site
Massachusetts Historical Society
Boston City Hall
Boston Light
Old Corner Bookstore
Carpenter Center for Visual Arts
Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East
Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Monument
Metropolitan Waterworks Museum
Nichols House Museum
McMullen Museum of Art
Old South Church
African Meeting House

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Boston

Charles River Esplanade
Blue Hills Reservation
Middlesex Fells Reservation
World’s End
Jamaica Pond

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Boston

New England Aquarium
Fenway Park
Boston Common
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Boston Public Garden
Boston Harbor Island State Park
Franklin Park Zoo
Castle Island
Skywalk Observatory
Stone Zoo
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
Harbor Walk
Blue Hills Ski Area
Charlestown Navy Yard
Franklin Park
Harvard Yard
The Lawn on D
Back Bay Fens
Trillium Brewing Company
Harpoon Brewery

Shopping in Boston

Quincy Market
Newbury Street
Boston Public Market
Prudential Center
Cambridge Antique Market
Harvard Square
Hay Market
Downtown Crossing
So Wa Open Market
Cambridge Side Galleria
Bow Market
Copley Place Mall
Beacon Hill
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
South Shore Plaza
North End
Natick Collection
Atrium Mall

Beaches & Islands in Boston

Revere Beach
Nantasket Beach
Spectacle Island
Carson Beach
Georges Island

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Boston

Whale Watching
Kayaking
Skiing
Hiking
Boat Cruise
Bicycle Tours

Sightseeing in Boston

Freedom Trail
Newbury Street
Harvard Square
Boston Harbor
Copley Square
John Hancock Tower
Black Heritage Trail
Emerald Necklace
Rose Kennedy Greenway
Prudential Tower
Leonard P Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge
Commonwealth Avenue

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Boston

Regina Pizzeria
Row 34
Dakzen
Picco
Bricco
UNI
Giulia
Blossom Bar
Coppa Enoteca
Mooncusser
Tasting Counter
Nightshade
MIDA
Sarma
Barra
Geppetto
La Morra
Kava Neo-Taverna
Celeste
Urban hearth
Rino’s Place
Oleana
Tanam
Pammy’s

Where to Stay in Boston?

Here we have listed Top Rated Hotels in Boston. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Boston.

Custom Tours Package in Boston

How to Reach Boston?

By Air

Logan International Airport is the best option to visit Boston if you are coming from abroad. The airport receives direct flights from cities in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Asia including Dublin, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Paris, Portland, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, Austin, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Washington DC, London, Lisbon, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Atlanta, Tel Aviv, Aruba, Athens, Rome, Edinburgh, Dubai, Madrid, Reykjavik, Tokyo, Seoul, Barcelona, Doha, Copenhagen, Zurich, Istanbul and many more.

You can use the subway, buses, and cabs to get to the city from the airport. You can get day tour buses and day tour shuttle buses directly from the airport. These would help you cover some of the top things to do in Boston in a day.

By Road

You can reach Boston by train from several major cities in the United State of America. The bus network is more widespread, but traveling from distant states can be quite tiresome.

If you want to embark on Boston travel by road, you should head for routes I-95, I-93 or I-90.

By Water

You can get ferry services from Hingham, Hull, and Quincy to reach Boston. There are also several cruise tours that stop at Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. Many of these include cool things to do in Boston in their itinerary. The stop is usually for a day or two.

Image Reference

Boston Common – David Mark / Flickr
Massachusetts State House / Massachusetts House of Representatives – cmh2315fl / Flickr
Granary Burying Ground – Chris Rycroft / Flickr
King’s Chapel Burying Ground – Andrew Malone / Flickr
Benjamin Franklin Statue – Lester Maceren / Flickr
Old South Meeting House – Eric Lumsden / Flickr
Old State House Museum – Tim Ball / PixaBay
Boston Massacre Site – Eric Lumsden / Flickr
Faneuil Hall Marketplace – Wally Gobetz / Flickr
The New England Holocaust Memorial – Thomas Hawk / Flickr
Paul Revere House – Eric Lumsden / Flickr
Old North Church – Matthew and Heather / Flickr
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground – RisaReads / PixaBay
Bunker Hill Monument – Allie_Caulfield / Flickr
USS Constitution Museum and Ship – Yortw / Flickr
North End Neighborhood – kattebelletje / Flickr
New England Aquarium – Jorge Cancela / Flickr
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum – Robert Linsdell / Flickr
Boston Public Garden – Sarah Nichols / Flickr
Gibson House Museum – Lee Wright / Flickr
Boston Trinity Church – Andrea Schaffer / Flickr
Boston Public Library – Monica Volpin / PixaBay
Skywalk Observatory – Thomas Hawk / Flickr
Fenway Park – Monica Volpin / PixaBay
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – John Karwoski / Flickr
Museum of Fine Arts – Jim Forest / Flickr
Mary Baker Eddy Library – Kristina D.C. Hoeppner / Flickr
Boston African American National Historic Site – Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
First Harrison Gray Otis House Museum – Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Science – Bogdan Tapu / Flickr