Boston is a great place to visit. It has so much to offer visitors and residents alike. Not only do they have some amazing museums and historical sites, but they also have gorgeous parks and public gardens. But of course, what everyone wants to know is where exactly is the best place to go in Boston?
It offers historic sites, a large number of things to do and see, one of the best sporting events in the world, and much more. There are many reasons why travelers should visit Boston. The city has a historical significance in America. It was the location for the first battles of the American Revolution and it is also where the Declaration of Independence was drafted. Some other cities in Massachusetts include Salem, Salem Witch Trials, Newport, Cambridge, and Providence Rhode Island.
It’s situated near to many other large cities that are well known for their attractions, such as New York City, Washington D.C., and Montreal. Boston claims itself to be the “Hub of New England” and has a lot more tourist attractions than people might think.
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)
Contemporary Art is not for everyone, and the art here is how you say, ‘advanced’. But that doesn’t mean everyone can’t find a piece that fascinates them if they approach the art with an open mind. Perhaps the ICA best feature is the stunning view it provides of the Boston skyline on the cantilevered glass wing, which stretches over the Boston Harbor.
The museum has not always been in its modern facility, as the ICA has moved 13 times since its founding in 1936. In many ways, this Diller Scofidio and Renfro-designed building is reflective of the emerging tech culture in Boston and shows how the city seeks to marry the new wave of industries with the city’s treasured historic sites.
Art here is not just confined between frames. ICA is a hotbed for large-scale interactive art pieces that fully immerse audiences. Don’t come expecting to understand every piece you see. Be confused, be appalled, give yourself the opportunity to see the leaders of the avant-garde art movement on full display.
Old Town Trolley Tours
Nights are not just for sleeping, especially on a trip to Boston. Like all old cities, Beantown is home to its share of creepy sites and dark history. If you find yourself in the city between April and October, taking one of the Old Town Trolley Tours will provide you with a glimpse of the city’s darker side. With a 17th century gravedigger as your guide, the Ghosts & Gravestones Tour of Boston offers a nighttime trolley ride around the city.
Walk the streets as the Boston Strangler did, who murdered 13 women in the Boston area in the 1960s. But there’s more to this tour than crime lore. Visitors get to explore two of the oldest burial grounds in the city… on foot. Where you will either be frightened or moved, as you visit the gravesites of famous historical figures such as John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Samuel Adams.
Visit the Mapparium
Most tourists wouldn’t visit a library while in Boston, but there is a good reason to visit the Mary Baker Eddy Library’s ‘Mapparium’. It’s a giant globe made up of 608 glass sections, reaching a height of three stories, 30-feet wide! Built in the 1930s, the Mapparium is the first of its kind. If you aren’t dazzled by its sheer size, then the lighting system and acoustics will. There are 206 LED light fixtures able to produce nearly 16 million color combinations.
Being a sphere, the Mapparium produces some of the weirdest echoings. Stand at the center of the chamber and say something; you’ll be astonished when your voice echoes loudly. Don’t say anything provocative while standing at one end of the bridge because everyone at the other end will be able to hear you perfectly.
Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail has a long history in Boston. It is one of the most popular attractions in all of the city. This is one of the reasons that it is so famous and that people flock to it by the thousands each year. The trail covers 2.5 miles, and there are 88 stops along with it with information about both historical figures and events in Boston’s past.
This historic trail covers more than two miles and starts at Paul Revere House, located at 1650 North Washington Street. The trail makes stops throughout Boston including 1670 Beacon Street, King’s Chapel and John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. You can buy a map through the John F. Kennedy Library for a small fee or you can download an app for an even greater experience!
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a historic marketplace in Boston. In the 1800s it was a hub for goods and services, such as food and lodging, but by the 1900s it became a thriving market for traders. It’s now used mostly as an indoor flea market.
It has a variety of small shops that are filled with unique items. One example is the New England Crafts Council where you can find over 2,000 handmade items from around the world. It would be a great place to visit if you’re in town and looking for some inspiration for souvenirs.
It was named after Peter Faneuil, a wealthy Boston merchant who purchased it for the public. This outdoor marketplace is home to many shops and restaurants, as well as lots of entertainment options. In addition to all this, there are several monuments on site from the Revolutionary War that make it worth visiting.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Surrounded by a manicured garden and in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of the most unique institutions in the United States. It was originally built by Isabella Stewart Gardner herself, who was a well-known and established art collector at the time.
As much as she loved art, it wasn’t enough to satisfy her love for collecting. She wanted to create an institution that would serve as a home for her collection and provide cultural experiences that would not only be there for Boston’s residents but also people from across the world.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
John F. Kennedy, who is the 35th President of the United States, was assassinated in 1963 at the age of 46. While he was a politician, his official biography says that “he would have been one of history’s greatest presidents.” His legacy is so strong and influential, in fact, that there is a museum dedicated to him and his story right there in Boston!
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is one of the most iconic buildings in Boston, Massachusetts. The museum has a lot of information about JFK’s life and his presidency. It also has a large collection of many personal items that belonged to JFK. It is a must-see stop for visitors to Boston!
Museum of Fine Arts
You’ll need to spend a large portion of your day at the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the country’s oldest art institutions if you want to get the most out of it. The museum has one of the world’s greatest art collections, including the renowned Art of the Americas section.
There are galleries showing classic items from indigenous civilizations in North, South, and Central America, as well as works by contemporary painters like Edward Hopper, inside this huge collection, which premiered in 2010. A show dedicated to female painters, such as Joan Mitchell and Georgia O’Keeffe, is also on display.
There’s also a remarkable collection of Asian art on show, as well as paintings by Monet, Renoir, Manet, and Rembrandt. You may also see classics by J.M.W. Turner and Picasso, among others, in special temporary shows.
If you’re an art fan, you’ll want to set aside plenty of time to explore, according to recent museum visitors. Also, if you want to save money on your vacation to Boston, go after 3 p.m. on Wednesdays, when entry rates are decreased.
Boston Public Garden
The Boston Public Garden is a city park in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. Completed in 1837, it was the first public park in an American city. Its nearly 2-acre size makes it one of the largest parks of its type and provides a green oasis within a busy urban area.
It is celebrated for its Victorian-era architecture and Beaux-Arts landscape design. The garden was commissioned by Boston’s first mayor, Josiah Quincy, who commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted to design it. It has become one of the city’s favorite spots for people to have a picnic in the park or enjoy an afternoon with their family.
The park is filled with flowers and plants that are surrounded by grand buildings, statues, and fountains. There is also a bridge that crosses over Commonwealth Avenue. It is home to more than two hundred varieties of trees and shrubs, a pond that’s home to ducks, geese, turtles, and fish, numerous statues, and statuary.
Boston Public Library
If you’re looking for unique places to visit in Boston, look no further than the Boston Public Library. This is a building that has been here since 1848 and it is filled with various events, exhibitions, and more. It’s a hub for arts and cultural events and it stands out among its competitors because of its architecture. As you walk in, you’ll notice the large windows on each side of the main central stairway.
It is home to one of the largest collections of rare books and manuscripts in the United States. Along with these treasures, visitors can enjoy reading along as they explore the history of Boston and its people. The library is also home to a center for local history that is open to public tours.
The Boston Public Library is a treasure trove of knowledge, where you can find anything from books to information about our city’s history. Take the time to explore some of their branches and you’ll be sure to find something that will become one of your favorite spots in the city!
Samual Adams Brewery
The Samuel Adams Brewery is one of the most popular attractions in Boston. They let you tour their brewery, which gives you an understanding of how to make beer and what goes into making it. The tour teaches you a lot about how beer was made centuries ago. You’ll gain an appreciation for the different styles of beer that exist in America today by visiting the brewery.
Despite its remote position, the Samuel Adams Brewery is a popular destination for beer enthusiasts. This brewery serves as a test facility for Samuel Adams’ new and specialty beers, which guests can sample. You may also learn more about the brewing process by taking a guided tour of the plant.
Whether you’re a native or a visitor, you’re certain to enjoy a visit to the Samuel Adams Brewery in Boston’s Jamaica Plain district. The staff is educated, according to recent visitors, however, there can be large waits to get in.
Boston Harbor Islands
The Boston Harbor island is a series of islands in Boston Harbor and offers a unique experience for the traveler. The islands that makeup Boston Harbor are actually made up of two, Georges Island and Deer Island. There’s no bridge connecting them so you’ll have to take a ferry or rent a boat to get over to these islands.
The two main areas of interest on Georges Island are Fort Independence and Castle Island Battery. On Castle Island, there is a museum, visitors center, and scenic views of the harbor. The water surrounding the island is part of the Boston Harbor National Recreation Area and is very nice for swimming.
They have received much attention as “unspoiled” nature and recreation destinations in the city. The harbor islands also play a vital role in Boston’s economy as both a source of seafood and tourism. The harbors were formed by glaciation, which deposited sand and gravel on top of what had been an underwater tidal flat.
Final Thoughts
Boston is a very interesting city to explore, and it has many different places to visit. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or just a relaxing spot, there is something for everyone. The best places to visit in Boston are not limited to any specific location but instead, depending on your interests.
It has so much more to offer than just great tourist areas for those who want a fast-paced urban experience. It would take days or weeks to see all of the hidden gems in this city. So if you’re looking for some good places to visit in Boston, make sure you keep these spots in mind and explore at your own pace!
