The gateway to New England, Boston provides a rich opportunity to discover the events and people responsible for the creation of the United States. Old Boston can best be seen on the 2.5-mile (4-kilometre) Freedom Trail while other top attractions radiate from the Boston Common – the upscale shopping and cafés of Back Bay, the historic waterfront, the theatre district and the Italian North End.
Find a number of things to do in Boston below, including historic sites, museums, sporting venues, and shopping areas. For further recommendations and assistance planning your visit, please contact the Concierge.
Things to do in Boston
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Concierge Recommends: Boston
The Guest Services Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Boston shares tips on dining, shopping and more.
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A Weekend in Boston
Follow our guide to the best museums, parks and things to do beyond the city centre.
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Things to Do in Boston With Kids
Experience history, visit can’t-miss museums, embark on a unique tour of the city—here are the best things to see and do on a family trip to Boston.
Attractions
Historic sites
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Bunker Hill Monument
The site of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War in 1775, the 221-foot (67-metre) granite obelisk contains a spiral staircase to the top, providing a spectacular view of the area. Tours given throughout the day.
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Boston Public Library
Love to read? Browse through an unparallelled rare book collection, and don't miss the library's Art and Architecture Tours. Then curl up with a book in the beautiful Courtyard Restaurant.
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Faneuil Hall
Built in 1742, this public hall is known as the Cradle of Liberty owing to the many speeches made there calling for freedom and independence during the Revolutionary movement.
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The Freedom Trail
The 2.5-mile (4-kilometre) Freedom Trail travels through 16 historic sites in Beacon Hill, downtown Boston, the North End and Charlestown. A red brick or painted line connects the sites on the Trail and serves as a guide.
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North End
Boston's "Little Italy," where history and culture abound. See the Old North Church and Paul Revere's House, snap a photo in front of the Skinny House and eat mouth-watering food on Hanover Street. Make room for a stop at Mike's or Modern Pastry for a famous cannoli.
Museums
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Boston Children's Museum
Devoted to hands-on engagement and learning through experience, children can delight in an array of fun-filled actvities including safe risk-taking with the three-story New Balance Climb, digging at the Construction Zone and creating orbs of all shapes and sizes in Bubbles.
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Museum of Fine Arts
This century-old museum is famous for its Egyptian and Asian collections, and has one of the largest Impressionist collections outside of France.
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Salem Witch Museum
Discover a dramatic look at the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Relive the story of afflicted girls, false accusations and innocent victims. Then experience Witches: Evolving Perceptions, an exhibit that traces changes in the meaning of the word "witch" and examines incidents of witch hunting.
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Museum of Science
This world renowned Museum is ideal for all ages, young and old. Home to an IMAX theater, the Hayden Planetarium, live demonstrations daily, plus a multitude of interactive exhibits that encourage exploration in the worlds of science and technology.
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Institute of Contemporary Art
This waterfront museum is located in the fast-growing Seaport District. Exhibitions focus on emerging artists as well as annual, site-specific commissions and works from such artists as Philip-Lorca diCorcia (2007), Anish Kapoor (2008), Shepard Fairey (2009) and Mark Bradford (2011).
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Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
This 15th-century Venetian-style museum is an intimate and culturally rich treasure. Over 2,500 paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture, manuscripts and books feature some of the most recognized artists in the world including: Titian, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Degas, Manet, Sargent and more.
Sporting venues
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Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics at TD Garden
Home of the NHL's Boston Bruins (the 2011 Stanley Cup Champtions) and NBA's Boston Celtics (2009 NBA Champions), as well as world-renowned concerts, sporting events, family shows, wresting, ice shows and more, the TD Garden hosts over 200 public events annually. This state-of-the-art, 19,600 seat arena is fully equipped with three private restaurants, 90 executive suites, 1,100 club seats, a high definition video scoreboard, plus complete 360-degree LED technology.
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Red Sox at Fenway Park
Originally opened in 1912, Fenway Park is home to the World Champion Boston Red Sox, and is the oldest Major League stadium in America. Additional special events at Fenway Park include summer concerts with some of the hottest acts in rock and pop.
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New England Patriots and Revolution at Gillette Stadium
The official stadium of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution is also the site of the hottest concerts, from rock and pop to country.
Shopping
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Copley Mall and Prudential Center
Located in the heart of Back Bay, the Prudential Center and Copley Mall feature a wide range of retail stores ranging from Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus to Barneys New York, Williams Sonoma, Louis Vuitton and more. Restaurants include Legal Seafood, 5 Napkin Burger, The Cheesecake Factory, Top of the Hub and Towne Stove & Spirits.
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Charles Street
Charles Street is the closest you'll get to jumping headfirst into a Charles Dickens novel-especially around the holidays, when you might even see a group of carolers. Old Boston architecture meets Beacon Hill society on this quaint Street which features red-brick sidewalks, gas-lit street lamps and tightly packed brick buildings housing trendy boutiques and eateries.
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Newbury Street
Just steps away, this is Boston's most renowned shopping destination, lined with stores, restaurants, day spas and galleries. From the upscale (Armani, Valentino, Cartier) to the trendy (H&M, Urban Outfitters), shopping till you drop has never been more fun.
Day Trips
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Vermont
Known for its forested mountains, green valleys, and hand-crafted local wares, Vermont is a favourite destination for couples and families alike. Sample the state’s famous wine, cheese, maple syrup and chocolate, take in a cultural festival, visit one of the historic downtowns or go play on the ski slopes and hiking trails.
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Berkshires
Nestled in the Appalachian mountains and a neighbour to New York, Connecticut and Vermont, the Berkshires is rich in culture and is made up of picturesque towns filled with outdoor recreation, as well as farm-fresh dining and breathtaking four-season scenery.
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New Hampshire
Thriving farmers’ markets, picturesque villages reached by winding roads, outdoor pursuits that range from birdwatching and golf to snowboarding and rock-climbing: New Hampshire has something for everyone. Visit an historic site or covered bridge, enjoy a scenic drive or simply relax in a local pub with an award-winning craft beer.
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Cape and Islands
Just a short drive away, the nearby Cape and Islands are ideal for family and couples getaways, with beautiful beaches, fresh New England seafood and endless adventures.
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Maine
Known as Vacationland, enjoy skiing in the winter and outdoor activities in the summer. Picturesque seaside towns such as Kennebunkport are ideal places to relax, dine and sight-see.
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Rhode Island
Rhode Island is all about the numbers: 400 miles (644 kms) of coastline with more than 100 beaches, a 100-mile (161-km) network of bike trails, 20 per cent of the nation’s historic sites. It’s also home to renowned restaurants, art galleries and museums, and architecture.
