Back Bay Victorian Architecture
Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood showcases one of America’s finest collections of Victorian architecture, featuring elegant brownstone townhouses built in the mid-to-late 19th century. Walking through streets like Marlborough, Commonwealth, and Beacon reveals stunning examples of Second Empire, Gothic Revival, and Richardsonian Romanesque styles. The neighborhood’s grid pattern and architectural consistency create a uniquely beautiful urban landscape.
Phone: (617) 635-3105
Arnold Arboretum
A 281-acre living laboratory and public park operated by Harvard University, featuring one of the world’s leading tree collections. The arboretum showcases over 14,000 ornamental trees, shrubs, and vines, including spectacular spring cherry blossoms and vibrant fall foliage. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the arboretum offers peaceful walking trails and serves as both a research facility and a beloved community green space.
Phone: (617) 524-1718
Boston Harbor Islands
A collection of 34 islands and peninsulas offering hiking, swimming, camping, and historical exploration just minutes from downtown Boston. Spectacle Island provides panoramic views of the city skyline, while Georges Island features the historic Fort Warren. These urban oases offer beaches, hiking trails, and a chance to escape the city without leaving the metropolitan area.
Phone: (617) 223-8666
Beacon Hill
One of Boston’s most picturesque neighborhoods, featuring cobblestone streets, Federal-style architecture, and gas-lit sidewalks. The famous Acorn Street is often called “America’s most photographed street,” while Louisburg Square represents some of the finest residential architecture in the city. This historic neighborhood was home to many notable figures, including Louisa May Alcott and members of the Underground Railroad.
Phone: (617) 227-1922
North End & Little Italy
Boston’s historic North End is famous for its Italian heritage, authentic restaurants, and historic sites along the Freedom Trail. Visitors can enjoy world-class Italian cuisine at family-run establishments that have been serving the community for generations. The neighborhood also houses Old North Church, where Paul Revere received the famous “one if by land, two if by sea” signal, making it both a culinary and historical destination.
Phone: (617) 635-3105
Boston Children’s Museum
One of the world’s most influential children’s museums, offering hands-on exhibits that engage kids in science, culture, environmental awareness, health, and the arts. The museum features interactive displays like the three-story climbing structure, a real two-story Japanese house, and exhibits that encourage learning through play. With programs designed for children from infancy through age 10, it’s an ideal destination for families visiting Boston.
Phone: (617) 426-6500
Copley Square
A vibrant public square in the heart of Back Bay that serves as Boston’s cultural and architectural showcase. The square is surrounded by notable landmarks including Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, and the John Hancock Tower. Throughout the year, Copley Square hosts farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and special events, making it a dynamic gathering place that perfectly captures Boston’s blend of historic charm and modern vitality.
Phone: (617) 635-4505
Castle Island & Fort Independence
A 22-acre recreational area featuring a historic fort, walking paths, and spectacular views of Boston Harbor. Fort Independence, a star-shaped fortress dating to 1851, offers free guided tours during summer months and is said to have inspired Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado.” The island’s causeway provides a perfect spot for fishing, picnicking, and enjoying Sullivan’s famous hot dogs while watching planes land at Logan Airport.
Phone: (617) 727-5290
Boston Duck Tours
A unique sightseeing experience aboard amphibious World War II vehicles that travel on both land and water. These entertaining tours combine Boston’s rich history with fun as visitors explore the city’s streets before splashing into the Charles River for stunning waterfront views. The knowledgeable ConDUCKtors provide lively commentary about Boston’s landmarks, making this an engaging way to see the city from two different perspectives.
Phone: (617) 267-3825
Old South Meeting House
The historic site where the Boston Tea Party was organized in 1773, this Georgian brick building has witnessed some of America’s most pivotal moments in the fight for independence. Built in 1729, the meeting house hosted the largest political meetings in colonial Boston and continues to serve as a museum dedicated to the events that sparked the American Revolution. Visitors can experience multimedia presentations and exhibits that bring this crucial period to life.
Phone: (617) 482-6439
Franklin Park Zoo
A 72-acre zoo featuring over 1,000 animals from around the world, including African lions, Amur tigers, and western lowland gorillas. The zoo’s highlight is the Tropical Forest, a massive indoor rainforest exhibit where visitors can walk through multiple levels of a recreated jungle ecosystem. Franklin Park Zoo focuses on conservation and education, offering interactive experiences that connect visitors with wildlife while supporting global conservation efforts.
Phone: (617) 541-5466
Boston Common Swan Boats
A beloved Boston tradition since 1877, the Swan Boats offer peaceful pedal-powered rides around the lagoon in Boston Common’s Public Garden. These unique boats, operated by the same family for over 140 years, provide a charming and relaxing way to experience the beauty of America’s first public botanical garden. The boats operate seasonally from mid-April through September, delighting visitors of all ages.
Phone: (617) 522-1966
Skywalk Observatory
Located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Center, the Skywalk Observatory offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Boston and beyond. At 700 feet above the city, visitors can see landmarks throughout Greater Boston, Cape Cod, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire on clear days. Interactive exhibits and audio tours provide insights into Boston’s history and geography while guests enjoy unparalleled panoramic vistas.
Phone: (617) 859-0648
Charlestown Navy Yard
A historic naval shipyard that served the U.S. Navy for 174 years, now part of Boston National Historical Park. In addition to USS Constitution, the yard features the USS Cassin Young, a World War II destroyer, and the Bunker Hill Museum. Visitors can explore the historic dry docks, commander’s quarters, and learn about the evolution of naval technology and shipbuilding craftsmanship.
Phone: (617) 242-5601
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library
Designed by architect I.M. Pei, this striking glass and concrete structure houses the official records and artifacts from President Kennedy’s administration. The museum presents Kennedy’s life and presidency through immersive exhibits, including a recreation of the Oval Office and television studios where visitors experience pivotal moments like the Cuban Missile Crisis. The waterfront location offers stunning views of Boston Harbor and downtown skyline.
Phone: (617) 514-1600
Newbury Street
Boston’s premier shopping destination, stretching eight blocks through the heart of Back Bay with a perfect blend of high-end boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. This Victorian-era street maintains its historic charm while offering everything from designer fashion to unique local finds. The tree-lined sidewalks and beautiful architecture make window shopping and people-watching equally enjoyable activities.
Phone: (617) 267-1200
Samuel Adams Brewery
The birthplace of Samuel Adams beer offers guided tours that showcase the brewing process from grain to glass. Visitors learn about the history of craft brewing in America, the story of founder Jim Koch, and the company’s commitment to quality ingredients. The tour concludes with a tasting session where guests sample various Samuel Adams varieties while learning to identify different flavors and brewing techniques.
Phone: (617) 368-5080
Boston Public Market
An indoor year-round marketplace featuring over 35 New England artisans, farmers, and food producers under one roof. This locally-sourced market offers everything from fresh produce and artisanal cheeses to handcrafted chocolates and prepared foods. The market provides visitors with an authentic taste of New England’s culinary culture while supporting local businesses and sustainable agriculture practices.
Phone: (617) 973-4909
Boston Harbor Walk
A 43-mile public walkway that winds along Boston’s waterfront, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and attractions while offering spectacular harbor views. The HarborWalk passes through diverse areas from the North End to Dorchester, featuring public art installations, historic sites, and waterfront parks. This accessible path provides an excellent way to explore Boston’s maritime heritage while enjoying fresh sea breezes and skyline vistas.
Phone: (617) 482-1722
Old State House
Built in 1713, this Georgian brick building served as the seat of colonial government and witnessed the Boston Massacre in 1770. The Declaration of Independence was first read to Bostonians from the building’s balcony on July 18, 1776. Today, the Old State House Museum presents exhibits on colonial and revolutionary Boston, including artifacts from the Boston Massacre and interactive displays about life in 18th-century America.
Phone: (617) 720-1713
Boston Opera House
A beautifully restored 1928 theater that hosts Broadway touring productions, ballet performances, and other live entertainment in an opulent setting. Originally built as the B.F. Keith Memorial Theatre, this ornate venue features elaborate Baroque and Renaissance Revival architecture with gold leaf details and crystal chandeliers. The theater’s 2,700 seats offer excellent views of world-class productions in one of Boston’s most elegant cultural venues.
Phone: (617) 259-3400
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway
A series of contemporary public parks created on land reclaimed after the Big Dig project buried the Central Artery highway underground. This 1.5-mile ribbon of green space connects downtown neighborhoods with gardens, fountains, art installations, and seasonal attractions like carousels and food trucks. The Greenway represents one of the most successful urban renewal projects in recent American history.
Phone: (617) 292-0020
TD Garden
Home to the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins, TD Garden is a premier sports and entertainment venue that hosts over 200 events annually. The arena combines modern amenities with passionate Boston sports culture, offering visitors the chance to experience some of the most exciting basketball and hockey games in professional sports. Beyond sports, TD Garden also hosts major concerts and special events throughout the year.
Phone: (617) 624-1050
Institute of Contemporary Art
A striking contemporary building designed by architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro that cantilevers dramatically over Boston Harbor. The ICA presents cutting-edge contemporary art through rotating exhibitions, installations, and performances by emerging and established artists. The museum’s waterfront location and innovative architecture make it both an art destination and an architectural landmark offering stunning harbor views.
Phone: (617) 478-3100
Boston Common Frog Pond
A beloved seasonal attraction that transforms from a splashing fountain for children in summer to an enchanting ice skating rink in winter. Located in the heart of Boston Common, the Frog Pond has been a gathering place for families since the 1840s. During winter months, the pond becomes Boston’s most romantic outdoor skating rink, complete with warming huts and skate rentals, while summer brings cooling relief with supervised splash time for kids.
Phone: (617) 635-2120
Granary Burying Ground
One of Boston’s oldest cemeteries, established in 1660, serving as the final resting place of many American Revolution heroes including Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. The historic cemetery also contains the graves of the victims of the Boston Massacre and Benjamin Franklin’s parents. Visitors can explore centuries of Boston history through ornate colonial headstones and learn about notable figures who shaped American independence.
Phone: (617) 635-7361
Boston Wine Festival
An annual celebration held at the Boston Harbor Hotel featuring wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and gourmet dinners with renowned chefs and vintners. Running from January through April, this sophisticated event showcases exceptional wines from around the world paired with creative culinary presentations. The festival offers both intimate tastings and grand celebration events, making it a premier destination for wine enthusiasts and food lovers.
Phone: (617) 439-7000
Charles River Esplanade
A beautiful waterfront park stretching along the Charles River that offers walking and biking paths, outdoor concerts, and recreational activities with stunning views of the Boston skyline. The Esplanade is home to the Hatch Shell, an outdoor concert venue famous for the Boston Pops Orchestra’s Fourth of July performances. This linear park provides a peaceful retreat for jogging, cycling, picnicking, and enjoying outdoor fitness activities year-round.
Phone: (617) 626-1250
Things to Do in Boston, Massachusetts
Freedom Trail
A 2.5-mile red-brick path through downtown Boston that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. This self-guided walking tour takes visitors through centuries of American history, from the Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument. The trail connects museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution.
Phone: (617) 357-8300
Fenway Park
America’s Most Beloved Ballpark, home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912. Famous for its 37-foot-high left-field wall known as the “Green Monster,” Fenway Park is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium still in use. The ballpark offers tours year-round, allowing visitors to explore areas typically off-limits during games, including the Green Monster and the warning track.
Phone: (877) 733-7699
USS Constitution
Known as “Old Ironsides,” this historic naval vessel is the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. Launched in 1797, the ship played a crucial role in the War of 1812 and earned its nickname when British cannonballs appeared to bounce off its sturdy oak hull. Visitors can explore the ship’s decks and learn about life aboard an 18th-century warship from active-duty Navy personnel.
Phone: (617) 426-1812
Harvard University
Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Visitors can explore Harvard Yard, the university’s historic center, and take guided tours led by current students. The campus features beautiful colonial and Georgian architecture, including the iconic Widener Library and Harvard’s famous statue of John Harvard.
Phone: (617) 495-1000
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
An interactive floating museum that recreates the famous Boston Tea Party of 1773. Visitors can participate in a reenactment of the historic protest, throwing tea into Boston Harbor while shouting “Huzzah!” The museum features authentically restored tea ships, immersive exhibits, and costumed interpreters who bring the story of American independence to life.
Phone: (866) 955-0667
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
One of the world’s great art museums, the MFA houses an encyclopedic collection spanning ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary American paintings. The museum is particularly renowned for its collections of Impressionist paintings, ancient Greek and Roman art, and Asian art. With over 500,000 works of art, the MFA offers visitors a comprehensive journey through human artistic achievement.
Phone: (617) 267-9300
Boston Common
Established in 1634, Boston Common is America’s oldest public park and a centerpiece of the city’s downtown area. This 50-acre green space serves as the starting point of the Freedom Trail and offers a peaceful retreat from urban life. The park features the famous Swan Boats on the lagoon, the Boston Common Frog Pond for ice skating in winter, and numerous monuments and memorials.
Phone: (617) 635-4505
Quincy Market & Faneuil Hall
A historic marketplace and meeting hall complex that has served as a center of commerce and free speech since 1743. Faneuil Hall, known as the “Cradle of Liberty,” hosted many meetings that led to the American Revolution. Today, Quincy Market offers a vibrant food court and shopping experience with over 50 shops and restaurants in a beautifully restored 19th-century setting.
Phone: (617) 523-1300
New England Aquarium
Home to thousands of aquatic animals, including sea turtles, sharks, rays, and penguins, the New England Aquarium features a spectacular four-story Caribbean coral reef exhibit. The centerpiece Giant Ocean Tank houses hundreds of tropical fish, sea turtles, and sharks in a 200,000-gallon cylindrical tank. Visitors can also enjoy IMAX films and seasonal whale watching tours.
Phone: (617) 973-5200
MIT Campus
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the world’s leading centers of scientific and technological research and education. Visitors can explore the innovative campus architecture, including the Ray and Maria Stata Center designed by Frank Gehry. The MIT Museum showcases the institute’s groundbreaking research and innovations, while guided tours provide insights into student life at this prestigious institution.
Phone: (617) 253-1000
Boston Symphony Hall
Considered one of the world’s finest concert halls, Symphony Hall has been home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1900. The hall’s exceptional acoustics and elegant neoclassical architecture make it a premier destination for classical music lovers. Designed by McKim, Mead & White, the venue hosts over 250 concerts annually and offers guided tours showcasing its architectural and musical heritage.
Phone: (617) 266-1200
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
A unique museum housed in a stunning Venetian-style palazzo, designed to resemble a 15th-century Venetian palace. The museum showcases Isabella Stewart Gardner’s personal art collection, featuring works by Rembrandt, Titian, and Sargent arranged exactly as she intended. The central courtyard garden creates an enchanting atmosphere, and the museum’s mysterious 1990 art heist adds an element of intrigue to every visit.
Phone: (617) 566-1401
Paul Revere House
The oldest building in downtown Boston, this wooden structure was home to patriot and silversmith Paul Revere at the time of his famous midnight ride in 1775. Built around 1680, the house offers visitors a glimpse into colonial life and Revere’s role in the American Revolution. The museum displays period furniture, Revere silver, and artifacts that tell the story of this American hero.
Phone: (617) 523-2338
Bunker Hill Monument
This 221-foot granite obelisk commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the first major battles of the American Revolutionary War. Visitors can climb 294 steps to the top for panoramic views of Boston and learn about the famous battle where the phrase “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes” was reportedly spoken. The adjacent museum provides detailed exhibits about the battle and its significance.
Phone: (617) 242-5641
Boston Public Library
Often called the “Palace for the People,” the Boston Public Library’s McKim Building is an architectural masterpiece featuring stunning murals by John Singer Sargent and Daniel Chester French sculptures. Opened in 1895, it was the first large municipal library in the United States to lend books. Visitors can admire the beautiful Bates Hall reading room and explore the building’s artistic treasures through free guided tours.
Phone: (617) 536-5400
Back Bay Victorian Architecture
Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood showcases one of America’s finest collections of Victorian architecture, featuring elegant brownstone townhouses built in the mid-to-late 19th century. Walking through streets like Marlborough, Commonwealth, and Beacon reveals stunning examples of Second Empire, Gothic Revival, and Richardsonian Romanesque styles. The neighborhood’s grid pattern and architectural consistency create a uniquely beautiful urban landscape.
Phone: (617) 635-3105
Arnold Arboretum
A 281-acre living laboratory and public park operated by Harvard University, featuring one of the world’s leading tree collections. The arboretum showcases over 14,000 ornamental trees, shrubs, and vines, including spectacular spring cherry blossoms and vibrant fall foliage. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the arboretum offers peaceful walking trails and serves as both a research facility and a beloved community green space.
Phone: (617) 524-1718
Boston Harbor Islands
A collection of 34 islands and peninsulas offering hiking, swimming, camping, and historical exploration just minutes from downtown Boston. Spectacle Island provides panoramic views of the city skyline, while Georges Island features the historic Fort Warren. These urban oases offer beaches, hiking trails, and a chance to escape the city without leaving the metropolitan area.
Phone: (617) 223-8666
Beacon Hill
One of Boston’s most picturesque neighborhoods, featuring cobblestone streets, Federal-style architecture, and gas-lit sidewalks. The famous Acorn Street is often called “America’s most photographed street,” while Louisburg Square represents some of the finest residential architecture in the city. This historic neighborhood was home to many notable figures, including Louisa May Alcott and members of the Underground Railroad.
Phone: (617) 227-1922
