I went to college out of state and when people learned I came from Boston, their predominant response was, "Woooow. That's so far away." To my fellow students, I came from a mysterious and foreign land where people knew how to pronounce Worcestershire Sauce and burned witches.
Boston isn't as big as New York City, but it is complex and rich in history and culture, so it's understandable if you're not sure where to start. Here are recommendations for history nuts, foodies, arts enthusiasts, and kids of all ages.
"History has its eyes on you."
1. The Freedom Trail Follow this red brick road for part or all of its course through Boston. Find the famous people at Old Granary Burial Ground or make it to the Bunker Hill Monument. Stop in at the Chipotle which used to be a famous bookstore or visit the first public school in America. The bricks and plaques make it an easy and informative way to hit the highlights of this birthplace of the American Revolution.
2. Geocaching and Adventure Labs This may sound like a rehash of the first recommendation, but I recently spent time with avid geocachers and discovered a side of the city that I had never considered. Wondering where to find the location of the first phone call? Ever wanted to see the birthplace of Benjamin Franklin? Want to find some hidden gems around a new neighborhood? These are the activities for you.
3. Boston Tea Party Museum The best way to enjoy history is to get excited about it and the ship and museum are a perfect way to do so. Upon entering the museum, you are given a card with the name and biography of one of those rascally rebels who took place in the Party. You can hear about the unfair oppression of the citizens of Massachusetts Bay Colony from enthusiastic "participants" who want you to rise up against taxation without representation. In the midst of all of this, you will board a replica of a merchant vessel, see the living quarters of the sailors, and chuck boxes of tea into the Harbor to teach King George III a lesson he won't forget.
For the kid in all of us
4. The Birds of Boston One of the most beloved sculptures in the city is actually a set of nine characters from Robert McCloskey's Make Way for Ducklings. These bronze sculptures are often dressed for an occasion, such as St. Patrick's Day or the Red Sox being in the World Series, and are the perfect size for adults and their "ducklings" to perch on for pictures. It's a short walk from there to the Swan Boats if you visit between May and September. If the weather is good, the Boston Public Garden plays host to dozens of birds who have no fear of visitors.
5. Museum of Science Come check out the Van de Graaff generator or Farraday cage at a live demonstration. Take part in easy-to-understand science experiments in one of the exhibits or get a ticket to a journey into the universe in the auditorium. And take some time to admire the view of the Charles River near the Rube-Goldberg Machine.
6. The Waterfront The main thing to mention here is the New England Aquarium, which has ways for you to be amazed and be involved as you learn about the world around you. One gem that we discovered when needing to cut loose is a nearby splash pad because all of us get antsy at times. And you can dry off while admiring the view from the wharves.
Food, Glorious Food
7. Quincy Market Faneuil Hall is one of the most recognizable buildings in Boston, with its grasshopper weather vane and its location just down the stairs from City Hall. Behind that, you can cut across a street performance or take a side entrance to grab lunch at Quincy Market. Try something ordinary like a hot dog, try out lobster mac and cheese, or fill up at my personal favorite: Pizzeria Regina. Don't miss the gelato, but explore all your options before getting your food.
8. Pho Pasteur Chinatown has many cultures and cuisines represented, but this is my favorite place for hot food on a long day. All of the food is flavorful and plentiful and I recommend the Sinh To Khom Dua (pineapple and coconut smoothie) while you're poring over the menu.
9. Legal Sea Foods It's unthinkable to go to Boston without trying the fresh seafood and this restaurant has several locations around the city where you can enjoy anything from the little neck clams to the seven-spiced swordfish.
The arts scene
10. Emerson Colonial Theatre Looking for an old favorite or a new experience? Come to Emerson and you can find both. 2024 produced Shrek the Musical but also hosted the world premiere of The Queen of Versailles, which heads next to Broadway.
11. Boston Symphony Orchestra There is no bad time to see a concert at Symphony Hall. You might find a program featuring an old favorite or have the chance to see a world-class soloist playing with the orchestra.
12. Museum of Fine Arts While you're on Huntington Avenue for the Symphony, take the subway to the MFA. You might arrive in time for the Georgia O'Keefe exhibit or something like "Power of the People: Art and Democracy." The website can tell you what you can't miss and it's worth visiting spontaneously as well.
Honorable Mention: All the Sports
If you go anywhere in Boston, you'll see people wearing symbols of their religion. I'm not talking about jewelry or headscarves. I'm talking about the Red Sox jerseys and Patriots hoodies. If you ever have the chance, seeing one of the Boston sports teams in action is well worth the time and money.
Getting around
One of the first books I read in Massachusetts was Car Free in Boston and it's still true that you can get most places on public transit. Giant circles with the letter T will point you to a nearby station and the maps will give you a sense of where you need to go. The subways run every few minutes and there are buses and commuter rails to branch out.