Growing up in Massachusetts right outside the city of Boston, I never realized how lucky I was to be so close to such an amazing city. It may be a smaller city compared to some, but it has some of the most historic sites in the United States, some of the best food, so much character that you can't find anywhere else, and we may know a thing or two about winning a few championship titles. So, if you're here on vacation or attending college at one of Boston's many amazing schools, here are some things that should be at the top of your to-do list.
1. Take a tour.
While you’re in Boston, it is essential that you take some sort of tour of the city. Whether you get on one of the famous Duck Tours, or enjoy the hop on/hop off services of the Old Town Trolleys, these are a great way to see the city. You can also take the whale watching tour from the Boston Harbor. You might just see some whales for yourself.
2. Visit a museum.
There are so many museums in the city of Boston - too many to visit them all. So, if you can’t make it to every single one, choose a few that interest you the most. There’s the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, The Institute of Contemporary Art, the USS Constitution Museum, Boston Children’s Museum, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, JFK Library and Museum, The New England Holocaust Museum, and more.
3. Visit The New England Aquarium.
Everyone loves going to the aquarium, and the New England Aquarium is a must-see on your tour of Boston.
4. Go to the Old North Church.
At the Old North Church, there isn’t a whole lot to see but it has a ton of history. You can view the outside or you can even go inside and sit in the original pews of the church.
5. See the Bunker Hill Monument.
Standing at 221 feet tall, for those of you daring enough to take climb, it’s only 294 steps to the very top on the monument.
6. Visit the Esplanade.
Most famous for its 4th of July spectacular, the Esplanade is home to the Boston Pops.
7. Walk through the Boston Public Gardens.
Also known as the Commons, the Public Gardens are great for walking around and seeing the city. You can enjoy a swan boat ride and see the Massachusetts State House from there.
8. Walk Newbury Street / Back Bay.
Newbury Street is known for being home to high end shopping in Boston. Anything from Chanel to Burberry, to Tiffany and Co. and more, Newbury Street has it all.
9. See the North End.
How can you come to Boston without going to the North End? You can’t. The North End is Boston’s Little Italy. From restaurants, to cafes, gelato shops and bakeries, the North End is a must for a delicious Italian dinner followed by an espresso and dessert in one of the best bakeries around. My favorite is a lobster tail from Modern Pastry; you can’t go wrong.
10. Go to the Prudential Center.
The Prudential Center is great for shopping and eating. There are plenty of great stores, and some really good restaurants to eat at. If you can get a table, try going to the Tob of the Hub. It’s a restaurant on the top floor of the building with views over looking the entire city of Boston.
11. See the Paul Revere Statue.
The Paul Revere Statue is one of the most photographed sculptures in Boston.
12. Visit Harvard Square.
Harvard Square is a triangular-shaped plaza at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, Brattle Street, and John F. Kennedy Street. Here, you can walk around, go shopping, get food, and enjoy the many sites it has to offer.
13. Go out to Castle Island.
Located on the water, Castle Island is really cool to see. You can watch planes take off, and land to and from Logan Airport, walk along the shoreline, and even see Fort Independence which sits right in the center of the island.
14. Shop at Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market.
You can’t come to Boston without visiting Faneuil Hall or taking a walk through Quincy Market. From shops, to food, to street performers, there is so much to do there and so much to see.
15. Go to a concert.
If you like going to concert, then going to one in Boston should be a must. There is nothing like seeing concert at the TD Garden, as well as the Blue Hills Bank Pavillion. There are also plenty of smaller venues where you can see some really cool shows, such as the House of Blues, Paradise Rock Club, and the Royale.
16. Catch a sports game.
When it comes to sports, Boston is home to some of the best sports teams and we sure have the best pride. With plenty of championships won by Boston sports teams, how could miss the chance to go to a game?
17. See the Waterfront/Boston Harbor.
Not only is the waterfront just really pretty to see, there is also a concert venue right on the water, whale watching tours, restaurants, and plenty of hotels to stay at while you visit Boston.
18. Go to Fenway Park/Kenmore Square.
If you’re in Boston over the summer, a Red Sox Game at Fenway is a sight to see in itself. Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in the MLB and Boston is very proud of that. You can also eat at a number of restaurants, or get a drink at one of the many pubs or bars around Kenmore Square.
19. Walk the Freedom Trail.
The Freedom Trail is a two and a half mile-long path throughout downtown Boston, passing by 16 significant locations in not only Boston’s history, but in the history of the United States.
20. Visit Copley Square.
If you would like to walk around, Copley Square is a great way to see the city. There is also Copley Plaza, where you can find even more high-end shopping if you haven’t already blown all of your money. If you would like to catch up on your reading while you’re here, head into the Boston Public Library. It’s 121 years old and has been proudly standing in Boston since 1895.
So, if you're a local Bostonian or you've never even been to the city, there is always something to do and so many sites to see. Take advantage of all that Boston has to offer. It's a city full of pride, and we are a city with so much character and history. I'm proud to call Boston my home!
