Things to do in Boston
Boston boasts a wealth of historic attractions and unforgettable museums. The Freedom Trail links 16 fascinating Boston landmarks, mostly Downtown and in the North End. A stroll around Beacon Hill and the Back Bay takes in the exquisite flowerbeds in the Public Garden. The Fenway is home to the world-famous Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Some Boston attractions close Monday, but most open daily from about 10am to 6pm.
John F Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Tribute to a president
Films, artefacts, documents and memorabilia create an unforgettable portrait
of America's beloved 35th president. Located in Dorchester, 30 minutes south
of downtown, the John F Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum was
designed by I M Pei and enjoys city skyline views.
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Cost
US$12; concessions US$10; 13-17s US$9; under 13s free
Opening Hours
Daily 9am-5pm
Address
Columbia Point, Boston 02125
Telephone
+1 866 514 1600
Museum of Fine Arts
World-famous collections
Eight thousand years' worth of masterpieces fill the Museum of Fine Arts in
the Fenway neighbourhood. Collections range from Egyptian sculpture to
contemporary photography, with especially notable Impressionist holdings.
Construction of a new American Wing is underway.
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Cost
US$17; concessions US$15; children 7-17 US$6.50; under 7s free
Opening Hours
Mon & Tue 10am-4.45pm; Wed-Fri 10am-9.45pm; Sat-Sun 10am-4.45pm
Address
465, Huntingdon Ave, Boston 02115
Telephone
+1 617 267 9300
Institute of Contemporary Art
Dramatic new landmark
A veteran on Boston's art scene, the Institute of Contemporary Art moved to
its new home in 2006, a cantilevered building looming over Boston Harbour in
the Seaport district. It focuses on film, video, music, performance and the
visual arts.
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Cost
US$15; concessions US$10; children under 18 free; free to all Thu after 5pm
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun and some Mon holidays 10am-5pm (until 9pm Thu-Fri)
Address
100, Northern Avenue, Boston 02210
Telephone
+1 617 478 3100
Museum of African American History
Unexpected look at history
Tucked away on Beacon Hill in a former house of worship and historic school,
the Museum of African American History preserves the legacy of Boston's
black community. Displays of artefacts, heirlooms, documents and photographs
tell a little-known but fascinating story.
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Cost
Free; US$5 donation suggested
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 10am-4pm
Address
46, Joy Street, Boston 02114
Telephone
+1 617 725 0022
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Art in a palace
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, in the Fenway neighbourhood, houses its
founder's exceptional collection of European and American art, artefacts and
architectural details. The 1901 building, styled after an Italian
Renaissance palace, surrounds an enclosed courtyard filled with flowers.
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Cost
US$12; concessions US$5-US$10; under 18s and anyone called Isabella free
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun & some Mon holidays 11am-5pm
Address
280, The Fenway, Boston 02115
Telephone
+1 617 566 1401
Boston Children's Museum
Interactive fun for kids
Expanded and renovated in 2007, the Boston Children's Museum is a magnet for
kids under 11. The Seaport district landmark overflows with activities that
blend learning and playing. Entertaining hands-on exhibits include
everything from construction equipment to science experiments.
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Cost
US$12; concessions and 2-15s US$9; under 2s US$1; under 1s free; US$1 for all Fri after 5pm
Opening Hours
Daily 10am-5pm (until 9pm Fri)
Address
300, Congress Street, Boston 02210
Telephone
+1 617 426 6500
Paul Revere House
Personal history
The modest North End home of one of the best-known figures of the American
Revolution puts a human face on historical events. The wooden Paul Revere
house (c1680) contains artefacts of Revere, including silver pieces he
created and period furnishings.
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Cost
US$3.50; concessions US$3; 5-17s US$1; under 5s free
Opening Hours
Daily 9:30am-4:15pm (until 5:15pm Apr 15-Oct 31); Jan-Mar Tue-Sun only
Address
19, North Square, Boston 02113
Telephone
+1 617 523 2338
New England Aquarium
Underwater wonders
Thousands of aquatic creatures, including sharks, seals and penguins, make
the New England Aquarium one of Boston's most popular attractions. The
Waterfront landmark houses the Giant Ocean Tank, a re-creation of a
Caribbean coral reef, and offers seasonal whale watches.
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Cost
US$20.95; 3-11s US$12.95; under 3s free
Opening Hours
Daily 9am-5pm (until 6pm Sat-Sun)
Address
Central Wharf, Boston 02110
Telephone
+1 617 973 5200
Museum of Science
Scientific exploration
Hands-on and multimedia exhibits on subjects ranging from butterflies to
electricity fill the Museum of Science. Focusing on one subject is a good,
manageable way to begin exploring. Also on the premises, in Science Park,
are a planetarium and theatre.
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Cost
US$20; concessions US$18; 3-11s US$17; under 3s free
Opening Hours
Sep-Jun daily 9am-5pm (until 9pm Fri); Jul-Aug daily 9am-7pm (until 9pm Fri)
Address
Science Park, Boston 02114
Telephone
+1 617 723 2500
Boston Public Library
Literature meets architecture
The central branch of the Boston Public Library is rich with sculpture,
paintings and decorative details. Dramatic murals by celebrated 19th-century
artists adorn the walls. The Back Bay building overlooks busy Copley Square
and conceals a peaceful Roman-style courtyard.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Jun-Sep Mon-Sat 9am-9pm (until 5pm Fri-Sat); Oct-May also open Sun 1pm-5pm
Address
700, Boylston St, Boston 02116
Telephone
+1 617 536 5400
Fenway Park
The heart of baseball
Buying tickets to a Red Sox game is nearly impossible, but the legendary
ballpark is accessible year-round on a tour. Quirky and asymmetrical, it's
the heart of the Fenway neighbourhood and one of the most beloved venues in
American sport.
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Cost
Tours US$12; concessions US$11; children US$10; game tickets from US$18
Opening Hours
Tours daily 9am-4pm; times can vary on game days
Address
4, Yawkey Way, Boston 02215
Telephone
+1 617 226 6666
Freedom Trail
Walk through history
The 2.5-mile (4km) Freedom Trail, a red line on the sidewalk, connects 16
interesting sites associated with Boston's early history. Walking from
Beacon Hill to Charlestown can take hours, but even visiting a couple of
destinations makes a good introduction.
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Cost
Trail free; admission to some sites
Opening Hours
Trail daily during daylight; most sites open daily
Address
147, Tremont Street (Visitor Information Centre), Boston Common, Boston 02111
Telephone
+1 617 357 8300
Harvard University
Pre-eminent American university
The oldest college in the US, founded in 1636, Harvard University welcomes
visitors to its handsome, sprawling campus. Across the Charles River from
Boston in the city of Cambridge, the school is the focus of the lively
Harvard Square neighbourhood.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Campus daily 24 hours; Events & Information Center Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
Address
Events & Information Center, Holyoke Center, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge 02138
Telephone
+1 617 495 1573
Public Garden
Urban paradise
The exquisite Public Garden in Back Bay is the country's oldest botanical
garden (1837). Fascinating statues and monuments accent the greenery, and
blooms from the city's greenhouses fill the flowerbeds. In season, the park
is home to the Swan Boats.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily dawn-11:30pm
Address
Charles Street, Boston 02115
Telephone
+1 617 635 7383
Otis House Museum
Beautiful historic home
Iconic New England architect Charles Bulfinch designed the beautiful Beacon
Hill mansion that later became the Otis House Museum. The informative guided
tour of the 1796 Federal-style building tells the story of a family, a
building and a changing neighbourhood.
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Cost
US$8
Opening Hours
Wed-Sun 11am-4:30pm
Address
141, Cambridge Street, Boston 02114
Telephone
+1 617 227 3956
