Things to do in 

Boston

Hear the chatter of Red Sox fans, feel the autumn breeze across the Charles River, and sense the history ingrained in every cobblestone - this is Boston. It's a city where heritage intertwines with innovative energy, where there are countless things to do. In Boston, neighborhoods display their distinct identities, beloved food trucks serve up local delicacies, and age-old traditions meet contemporary charm. Even beneath the seasonal shift from vibrant foliage to snow-capped serenity, you'll find the essence of what Boston truly is - unexpectedly endearing, resilient, and alive.

Explore Boston off the beaten path

Slip past the big-ticket sights and wander Boston’s side streets with your guide. Here are easy, offbeat ideas you can shape to your day.

Cultural experiences: Book a late-afternoon dumpling class at Mei Mei Dumpling Co. in South Boston, then taste your own folds straight from the pan. After dinner, squeeze into Wally’s Café in the South End for live jazz in a tiny room where students and locals crowd in shoulder to shoulder.

Small museums and galleries: Step inside the glass Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library in Back Bay; midday time slots are calmer and you’ll hear the globe’s quirky echoes. Catch the 2 pm tour at the Gibson House Museum on Beacon Street to step through a Victorian rowhouse that still feels lived-in. If it’s Saturday, pop into the Boston Fire Museum in Fort Point to poke around old engines and ladder trucks before a Harborwalk stroll.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints: At golden hour, walk out to the railings at Piers Park in East Boston for skyline views with more kites and joggers than selfie sticks. For a quiet midday panorama, climb the grassy rise at Highland Park (Fort Hill) in Roxbury and watch downtown peek over brick rowhouses.

Shop for local products & souvenirs: Thumb through vintage maps and Boston prints at Brattle Book Shop’s outdoor shelves in Downtown Crossing; late morning is calm and you can dig without rushing. In the South End, browse Olives & Grace for small-batch, Boston-made gifts that actually fit in your carry-on. Before dinner, stop at Formaggio Kitchen South End for local cheeses, crackers, and a jar of New England honey—ask for a Massachusetts pick.

Popular neighbourhoods

Experience the spirit of Boston by delving into its variegated neighbourhoods, each narrating a unique chapter from Boston's illustrious, multicultural story.

Admire Back Bay: Famous for its rows of Victorian brownstone homes, high-end fashion boutiques and art galleries, it's a visual treat for rueful aesthetes and history buffs alike.

Dive into North End: Boston's oldest neighbourhood, it enchants visitors with ornate brick-encrusted buildings, winding alleyways, and delectables wafting from a succession of historic Italian eateries.

Revel in Beacon Hill: Characterised by charming red-bricked sidewalks, gaslit streets, and federal-style row houses, it's a perfectly preserved snapshot of Boston's historic splendour.

Go through Downtown: A bustling business hub meets a shopping paradise where historic sites are nestled next to modern buildings, and streets are adorned with restaurants, bars, and shops.

Experience Seaport District: An innovative district that cleverly fuses Boston's maritime heritage with cutting-edge design. Walk amidst sparkling new buildings housing startup companies, upscale restaurants, and trendy bars.

Things to do in Boston by season

Spring: Watch the Common green up and cherry trees blush along the Charles, then feel the city surge on Marathon Monday as bands strike up and neighbours cheer. Baseball returns to Fenway, and café patios fill with students, families and weekenders shaking off winter.

Summer: Cruise Boston Harbor at golden hour, picnic on the Esplanade, and catch Shakespeare on the Common when evenings turn soft. The Fourth of July brings music and fireworks, while long, kid-friendly days roll into oyster tastings and nightcaps in brick-lined neighbourhoods.

Fall: Trace scarlet and amber streets through Beacon Hill and the Public Garden, then lean over the railings during the Head of the Charles as crews power past. It’s a fine time for history walks and museum days, with crisp air that seniors and city flâneurs appreciate.

Winter: Lace up for the Frog Pond, warm up with chowder, and wander tree-lit streets to holiday markets and menorah lightings. First Night rings in the new year with ice sculptures and performances, a low-key way for couples and families to celebrate.

Annual touchstones set the tempo: the Boston Marathon in April, summer’s Pops and fireworks over the Esplanade, the Head of the Charles in October and First Night on New Year’s Eve. Expect parades, performances and riverfront moments that keep the city buzzing in every season.