Boston Tourist Attractions

Boston is one of the most scenic, historic cities in the United States. From its rich colonial history to its world-famous educational institutions, it’s easy to see why Boston has earned the title “The Atlas of America”.

You can save money on Boston tourist attractions and tours by purchasing a tourist pass.
1. Go Boston Pass: If you want to really experience a lot of what Boston has to offer.
2: Boston CityPass: If you only want to see if few of the more popular tourist attractions.
3. Boston Explorer Pass: If you want to see a set number of attractions and have longer to do it.

Beantown Trolley TourAn ideal tour if you’re short on time and want to see all of Boston’s historical points of interest. The Beantown Trolley Tour is fun for visitors of all ages— the frequent stops to Boston’s most famous landmarks and monuments make for an upbeat exciting and educational tour. Stops on the trolley tour include Beacon Hill, Newbury Street, Charlestown and Bunker Hill Pavilion.

Boston Harbor CruiseEnjoy a scenic and memorable day at sea while you learn about Boston Harbor’s crucial role in colonial history. In addition to historical cruises, you can choose from other excursions such as whale watching, entertainment and wedding cruises. Founded in 1926 and now the largest operator of private passenger vessels in the United States, Boston Harbor Cruise has given thousands of visitors a unique maritime experience.

Boston Duck TourOn this one—of—a—kind tour, you can learn about Boston’s colorful history aboard one of the world’s most unusual vessels— a WWII—era amphibious landing vehicle called the Boston Duck. On the first part of the tour, the vessel is a ship, and when it arrives at the shore, it converts into a land vehicle. Great fun for the entire family, the Boston Duck Tour provides an entertaining, historical adventure through Boston.

Fenway ParkOne of Boston’s top attractions, Fenway Park is both a historical monument and a quintessential part of Boston’s cultural fabric. Built in 1912, Fenway Park is the oldest American ballpark still standing in the United States, and is considered one of the most well—known sports venues in the world.

Museum of ScienceIf you’ve never seen a 65—million year old Triceratops fossil, look no further than the Museum of Science. The Museum’s 3—D Digital Cinema, live presentations and the Discovery Center for children under 8 are just some of the Museum’s attractions. Don’t forget to admire the butterfly exhibit overlooking Charles River!

New England AquariumOne of the most modern aquariums in the United States, the New England Aquarium has some unique underwater sights that you won’t find in any other aquatic museum. Highlights of the New England Aquarium include Amazing Jellies, a $1.9 million dollar exhibit that features a twelve—tank jellyfish exhibit.

Institute of Contemporary ArtThe Institute’s collection of Contemporary Art includes mediums such as music, photography, digital art and film. In addition to talks and courses, the Institute of Contemporary Art offers free tours with museum admission. After perusing the museum’s collection, you can enjoy a meal at Wolfgang Puck’s Water Café while enjoying a great view of Boston Harbor.

Freedom Trail Walking tourA great way to exercise your body and your brain, the Freedom Trail Walking Tour will take you through Boston’s fascinating historical path. The Freedom Trail is 2.5 miles long, and will introduce you to over sixteen historical and cultural points of interest. Learn about the exciting history of the American Revolution when you visit sites like the Paul Revere House, Bunker Hill and King’s Chapel.

Skywalk ObservatoryDon’t forget to bring your camera to Boston’s scenic, high—altitude lookout. The best place in town to get a bird’s—eye view of Boston, you can see as far as 80 miles in the distance on a clear day. Located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Center, the Skywalk is one of Boston’s top attractions. When you’re finished enjoying the sights of the city, you can spend the afternoon browsing over seventy—five shops, restaurants and cafes located at the ground floor of the building.

MappariumThis one—of—a—kind, interactive piece of art has seen over ten million visitors since it was unveiled to the world in 1935. Located in the Mary Baker Eddy Library, the 30—foot long bridge takes visitors to the center of the world, where they can appreciate a 3—D perspective of the world. Nations that no longer exist, such as Siam, are portrayed in the Mapparium, which was based upon the latest Rand McNally map of the world when the Mapparium was created.

North EndFor the most authentic, delicious Italian food on this side of the Atlantic, head to North End, Boston’s Little Italy. Boston’s oldest residential community, it is estimated that people have lived in North End since 1630. The Paul Revere House and Old North House are both located in this historic neighborhood.

Back BayStately brownstone Victorian buildings, fashionable stores and more than a few cultural hotspots and historical points of interest characterize one of Boston’s most scenic neighborhoods. You won’t want to miss Newbury Street, where some of Boston’s finest shopping can be found. The Prudential Center, located in Back Bay, offers more shopping and dining experiences; it’s also the second—largest building in Boston.

Faneuil Hall Quincy MarketSee the historic place where Samuel Adams gave public, impassioned speeches in favor of American independence from Great Britain. A marketplace and public meeting area since 1742, Faneuil Hall continues its tradition of public service as a government building. Nearby, Quincy Market is another historical meeting place built in 1826. A great place to enjoy live street performances, Quincy Market also has a comedy club, restaurants and bars within the two—story building.

John F Kennedy Museum and LibraryLocated on a ten—acre park overlooking the water, the John F Kennedy Museum and Library was built to Dedicated to conserve the memory of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. With permanent exhibits such as The Briefing Room, Space Program and Campaign Trail, this important collection of historical documents and memorabilia will teach you about the life and importance of one of America’s most important public figures.

Museum of Fine ArtWith close to half a million pieces in it’s collection, the MFA is one of the countries largest and most visited museums. Located along Boston’s Avenue of the Arts, it’s the crown jewel among the many arts and educational institutions that line Huntington Ave.

Old State HouseThe history of the building and the events that happened near here are some of the most important in the U.S. The museum inside house relics of Boston’s past as well as artifacts from the State House itself. It’s also one of the main stops along the Freedom Trail.

Harvard Museum of Natural HistoryLook for the 1,642-pound amethyst geode as well as thousand of lifelike glass flowers, previously used as teaching aides. There are constantly changing exhibits due to the late size of the collection. Check out nearby Harvard square after your visit.

Boston Public Garden CommonThe oldest city park in the United States was once a cow pasture. It was even used as a British campground during the American Revolutionary War! Known by locals as ‘The Common’, the park s a popular meeting area for activities ranging from picnics to protests. Both Martin Luther King and Pope John Paul II have given speeches at Boston Common. Boston Public Garden, located next to Boston Common, is the first public botanical garden in the United States.