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.
Museums and Galleries
Expand all1. John F Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum - Tribute to a president
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
2. Museum of Fine Arts - World-famous collections
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
3. Institute of Contemporary Art - Dramatic new landmark
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
4. Museum of African American History - Unexpected look at history
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free; US$5 donation suggested
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 10am-4pm
Address
46, Joy Street, Boston 02114
Telephone
+1 617 725 0022
5. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - Art in a palace
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
Attractions
Expand all6. Boston Children's Museum - Interactive fun for kids
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
7. Paul Revere House - Personal history
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
8. New England Aquarium - Underwater wonders
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
9. Museum of Science - Scientific exploration
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
Special things to do
Expand all10. Boston Public Library - Literature meets architecture
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
11. Fenway Park - The heart of baseball
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
12. Freedom Trail - Walk through history
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
13. Harvard University - Pre-eminent American university
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
14. Public Garden - Urban paradise
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily dawn-11:30pm
Address
Charles Street, Boston 02115
Telephone
+1 617 635 7383
15. Otis House Museum - Beautiful historic home
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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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
US$8
Opening Hours
Wed-Sun 11am-4:30pm
Address
141, Cambridge Street, Boston 02114
Telephone
+1 617 227 3956
