Things to do in Boston

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All about Boston

When to visit

The city is best-visited in the early fall, when the New England leaves have started to turn, yet the weather is still sunny and pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, but they welcome a wealth of outdoor things to do in Boston, from baseball games to Italian feasts in the North End. Spring is mild and comfortable, while winters are cold and often snowy.

Getting around

The city’s public transit system, known locally as the T, has three metro and two light rail lines that serve most parts of the city. To supplement the T, there is extensive bus coverage throughout the city. Boston is fairly compact, and it is easy to both walk and bike around it.

Driving is an option, though parking can be difficult, depending on which part of the city you are in. If you’re flying into Logan International Airport, you can rent a car, use a ride-hailing app, or take the Silver Line, a bus rapid transit system that connects to South Station downtown.

Traveler tips

Spread across 1,100 acres (445 hectares), the Emerald Necklace is a long chain of parks and waterways designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead. Notable green spaces within the Emerald Necklace include the Boston Common, the Boston Public Garden, and Arnold Arboretum. Visit one of the parks to bike, walk, picnic, or simply take a break from sightseeing. Other extensive parkways include the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, formed after the Big Dig project moved a major highway underground in the early 90s.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I spend a day in Boston?

If you have just one day here, discover historic highlights of the Freedom Trail (including Faneuil Hall and Boston Common) before walking or biking along the Charles River. You can also admire city views on a Boston Harbor boat tour, browse boutiques on Newbury Street, and explore the city’s lively Chinatown.

What is Boston is famous for?

One of the country’s oldest cities, Boston is famous for its history, boasting landmarks such as Faneuil Hall and the Paul Revere House. It’s also known for its world-class universities (including Harvard, technically in nearby Cambridge), seafood, and sports: don’t miss the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Is Boston a safe city?

Yes, Boston is generally a safe city, and its most central neighborhoods typically have lower crime rates than the outlying areas that visitors are less likely to explore. Like any major city, it’s worth being street-smart: be attentive to valuables (especially in crowded areas where pickpockets may operate), and take caution at night.

How can I spend 3 days in Boston?

Three days is plenty of time to discover the city’s highlights. On day one, tour the historical landmarks along the Freedom Trail and visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. On the second day, explore nearby Cambridge (and Harvard University, its top highlight). Devote the third day to the characterful neighborhoods such as Back Bay, Fenway-Kenmore, and Chinatown.

What should you not miss in Boston?

Boston is full of unmissable sights, and no visit is complete without a stroll on Boston Common, a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, and a trip to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. It’s also worth visiting Harvard University in Cambridge—and indulging in a lobster roll at a seafood restaurant.

Is Boston expensive?

Yes. It was recently ranked the third-most expensive city in the United States, and high-end hotels and top-drawer restaurants cost a pretty penny. That said, there are plenty of budget-friendly things to do in Boston, from strolls along the Freedom Trail to brewery tours at Sam Adams and cheap eats in Chinatown.

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