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Things to Do in Boston

Things to Do in Boston

Boston Massachusetts, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Embrace Boston's natural beauty and waterways with various outdoor pursuits, from urban parks to nearby reservations.

Hiking & Water Sports

Hiking & Trekking

Within Boston, urban parks and walking paths. Nearby, Blue Hills Reservation offers from easy to intermediate trails with skyline views.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Enjoy these activities on the Charles River, with rentals from Charles River Canoe & Paddle a kayak or Paddle Boston.

Sailing & Cruises

Training and rentals on the Charles River and Boston Harbor. Harbor cruises and seasonal whale watching excursions are available.

Wildlife & Cycling

  • Whale Watching Tours: Seasonal (April-Oct) leaving from Boston Harbor to Stellwagen Bank. Book a whale watch tour!
  • Birdwatching: Opportunities on the Boston Harbor Islands for diverse bird species.
  • Mountain Biking: Blue Hills Reservation offers designated trails for enthusiasts.

Harbor Cruises

  • Sightseeing tours
  • Seasonal whale watching excursions
  • Romantic sunset cruises
  • Special event cruises

Charles River Kayaking

  • Rentals available (Charles River Canoe & Kayak)
  • Paddle Boston for various locations
  • Enjoy unique city views from the water
  • Accessible to all skill levels

Blue Hills Hiking

  • Various hiking trails (easy to moderate)
  • Picturesque viewpoints with Boston skyline views
  • About 30-40 minutes drive from Boston
  • Accessible by MBTA bus from Forest Hills

Adventure Sports Notice

No extreme adventure sports are typically offered within Boston city limits; for these kinds of activities, travel further outside this city is necessary.

Cultural Immersion

Dive into Boston's rich cultural fabric through workshops, performances, and community initiatives, enhancing your travel experience.

Workshops & Classes

  • Boston Center for Adult Education: Offers various short courses in arts, crafts, and other subjects.
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Hosts occasional workshops and lectures related to its collections.
  • Irish Cultural Centre of New England (Canton): Hosts traditional Irish music, dance, and language classes.
  • Black Heritage Trail: Self-guided or ranger-led tours highlighting African Us history on Beacon Hill.

Cultural Performances

Boston Symphony Orchestra BSO

Experience world-class classical music shows at Symphony Hall.

Boston Ballet

See professional ballet performances, especially during their seasonal runs.

Theater District

Various venues like Wang Theatre, Shubert Theatre, and From the colonial era Theatre host Broadway shows.

Harborfest

A multi-day festival celebrating Boston's maritime and patriotic heritage around July 4th.

Boston Calling

A major music festival held annually in May, drawing national and international artists.

Head of the Charles Regatta

A world-renowned rowing race on the Charles River every October, attracting thousands of spectators.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities to unwind and rejuvenate amidst your explorations in Boston, from luxury spas to urban green spaces.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Luxury Hotels: Many (e.g., Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental) feature high-end spas.
  • Independent Day Spas: Available throughout the city for various treatments.
  • Yoga Studios: Numerous studios like CorePower Yoga and Down Under Yoga operate city-wide.
  • Hot Springs: None exist in Boston; hot springs are not common in New England.

Beaches & Healing

City Beaches

Carson Beach and Pleasure Bay in South Boston are public beaches for recreation and relaxation.

Traditional Healing Practices

Limited presence; Boston's healthcare system mainly focuses on Western medicine.

Hotel Pools

Many hotels feature pools for guest use, offering a refreshing break from sightseeing.

Local Wellness Tips

Charles River Esplanade

Ideal for serene walks, runs, and bike rides with scenic city views.

Boston Public Garden

A peaceful escape for peaceful reflection amidst beautiful landscaping.

Local Cafes

Enjoy a relaxing java and people-watch in various charming neighborhood cafes.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Boston comes alive after dark with a diverse entertainment scene, from live music and theater to bustling bars and nightclubs.

Live Music Venues

  • Large Venues: The residence of Blues, MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Orpheum Theatre host major acts.
  • Intimate Venues: Paradise Rock Club, Middle East (Cambridge), City Winery offer personal concert experiences.
  • Jazz: Wally's Cafe Jazz Club (South End) is a historic spot for live jazz.
  • Diverse Acts: Look at the timetable for various performances across genres.

Theater & Nightclubs

Theater District

Wang Theatre, Shubert Theatre, Emerson Colonial Theatre host Broadway touring productions and pre-Broadway tryouts.

Nightclubs & Dancing

The Seaport District features trendy clubs. Downtown has upscale options. Allston is known for an informal, college-age scene.

Bar Districts

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, North End, and Cambridge (Harvard Square, Central Square) provide various taverns and bars.

Seasonal Festivals

Check local listings for various seasonal festivals, from music to food, throughout the year.

Experimental Theater

Companies like Huntington Theatre Company and American Repertory Theater (ART) in Cambridge present local and experimental productions.

Rooftop Bars

The Seaport District and Downtown areas feature stylish rooftop bars with city views, popular for evening drinks.

Late-Night Notes

Closing Times
  • Bars and clubs usually shut around 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM.
  • Weekend hours may extend slightly, but generally early closures.
  • Plan your late-night transport accordingly.
Late-Night Dining
  • Dining options are limited outside of some major chains or specific ethnic neighborhoods.
  • Some pizza places and diners may stay open later.
  • Check areas like Allston or Chinatown for later food options.

Nightlife Strategy

To fully enjoy Boston's nightlife, plan your evening to match closing times and have your transportation arranged, especially if venturing beyond downtown.

Shopping & Markets

Boston provides a varied shopping experience, from historic markets to luxury boutiques, for finding unique souvenirs or retail therapy.

Traditional Markets & Souvenirs

  • Boston Central Market (Downtown): An indoor, year-round market featuring local food and artisan vendors.
  • Haymarket (near Faneuil Hall): An outdoor fruit and vegetable market (Friday/Saturday only), a historic experience.
  • Souvenir Recommendations: Boston-themed apparel, Red Sox merchandise, local craft beer, historical replicas.
  • Artisan Shops: Faneuil Hall Marketplace features local artisans and craft stalls. Small unique shops in Beacon Hill.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Newbury Street Back Bay

Known for high-end boutiques, national retailers, and art galleries.

Copley Place & Prudential Center

Upscale indoor malls connected to Newbury Street, housing luxury brands.

Charles Street Beacon Hill

Features antique shops, unique boutiques, and interior design stores.

Apparel & Fashion

  • Department stores (Macy's, Nordstrom)
  • Local fashion boutiques
  • Sporting goods stores
  • Vintage and consignment shops

Books & Gifts

  • Independent bookstores in Cambridge
  • Museum gift shops for unique items
  • Freedom Trail gift shops for historical memorabilia
  • Local artisan craft markets

Food & Drink Items

  • Local craft beers and ciders
  • Boston Cream Pie-themed souvenirs
  • Specialty coffee and teas
  • Artisanal cheeses and jams from Boston Public Market

Shipping & Ethical Shopping

Shipping Services
  • USPS, FedEx, and UPS services are readily available for sending purchases home.
  • Many larger stores and gift shops may have direct shipping options.
  • Keep receipts for any high-value items for customs purposes.
Ethical Shopping Guidelines
  • Look for "Made in Massachusetts" or "locally sourced" labels to support local businesses.
  • Patronize artisan workshops and independent boutiques for unique, handcrafted items.
  • Check your home country's customs regulations for items purchased in the U.S. To avoid surprises.

Market Day Tip

If visiting Haymarket, go early on Saturday for the best selection of fresh produce and a bustling local atmosphere before the crowds grow.

Activity Planning Summary

Top Recommendations

  • Walk the Independence Trail to immerse in history.
  • Catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, or take a tour.
  • Indulge in an Italian food a tour within the North End.
  • Explore the vast collections at the Museum of Fine Arts. Get tickets here!

Planning Considerations

  • Book popular tours and attractions in advance, specifically during high season.
  • Check local event calendars for festivals, concerts, or sporting events.
  • Dress in layers; New England weather is highly variable.
  • Utilize the MBTA ("the T") for efficient and cost-effective transportation around the city.