The Cradle of Liberty may be well-known for its clam chowder, the Celtics, and its annual marathon, but it’s a lot more than meets the surface. In fact, it’s hard to run out of things to do in Boston! If you try the items on this list, this city could easily be your favorite destination in the stateside.
Here are the top things you might want to try to sample the best of Beantown.
See a Red Sox Game
If you’re a baseball fan, you’ll surely enjoy watching a game featuring the Boston Red Sox. Founded in 1901, BoSox competes in Major League Baseball being a member of the American League (AL) East division. It has played in 13 World Series championships, which led to nine victories. This makes them tied for the third MLB team with the World Series wins.
If you’re up for an exciting ball game, score tickets to their game by checking out their website. Fenway Park has been the home of BoSox since 1912 and is known as MLB’s oldest ballpark. It made its way to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012, the year of the ballpark’s centennial.
Find the Best Lobster Roll in the City
You can’t leave Boston without sampling its famously yummy Lobster roll. Many people think of lobster as one of the lavish items on a fancy resto’s menu. In Boston, however, the well-loved delicacy is best enjoyed between two pieces of bread.
A lobster roll is basically crustacean meat served on a bun or brioche. Condiments like mayo, red onions, butter, pickles, chives, or crème Fraiche make the sandwich even more sumptuous. In short, this roll lets you enjoy all the goodness sans the mess of digging and scraping shells.
Every shop has its own twist on the classic, so try different varieties and judge which one is the city’s best!
Grab a Beer at One of the Many Breweries
Beer lovers will surely get a treat out of their trip to the city! Boston features a handful of breweries that offers craft beers with unique flavors that appeal to various tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for lager, ale, stout, porter, or any other kind, it won’t be hard to find something that will quench your thirst.
To enjoy the beers at their peak, have them fresh at the brewery. Many breweries offer a wide variety of beers along with delicious munchies to soak up the alcohol. Moreover, most bars offer a fun and relaxed vibe, making a Boston pub crawl a must for people who’d love to chill.
Old North Church
If you’re a history buff craving for a memorable experience to take home with you, visit the Old North Church. Built in 1723, it is now a National Historic Landmark. The works of British architect Christopher Wren inspired the design of the church under the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts mission.
The church features eight change ringing bells, one of them inscribed with the phrase, “We are the first ring of bells cast for the British Empire in North America, A.R. 1744.” The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Guild of Bellringers maintains the bells, which underwent restoration in 1894 as well as in 1975.
Beacon Hill
This historic neighborhood features quaint Federal-style row houses and gaslit streets. The cobblestone and brick streets make it look stately and dignified. A photo in any corner here is surely Instagrammable! This place is so picturesque, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the priciest and most coveted neighborhoods in the city.
Stroll along the streets and check out antique shops peppered across the blocks. There are also landmarks scattered on its brownstone streets. These sites include Boston Common, which is the oldest public park in the US constructed in 1634. Coincidentally, Boston Public Garden, which is the country’s first-ever public botanical garden, is also close by and is definitely worth a visit.
The Museum of Science
If you want to try educational things to do in Boston, pay a visit to The Museum of Science. Located on land that spans the Charles River, the science museum also has an indoor zoo.
The facility features exhibits and live presentations. In addition to that, its planetarium shows, IMAX movies, and 4-D films are a must-try. The museum also has a breath-taking butterfly garden, a tropical oasis filled with free-flying residents as well as exotic plants. There’s so much to discover at this place not just for kids, but also for kids at heart.
Quincy Market
Quincy Market, built in 1824, is a must-see in Boston. The market is, just like many historic places in Boston, a designated National Historic Landmark. It was named after Mayor Josiah Quincy, who facilitated its construction without any debt or tax.
The market is not only historical but also is also astounding. Most of the exterior is granite, while red bricks line the interior. The market continues to be a hub for food shopping. It features a vast range of restaurants and eateries offering various cuisines and delicacies. Have an ultimate Beantown food trip by sampling staples like Clam Chowder, Bostonian baked beans, and brown bread, and as mentioned above, lobster rolls. Don’t miss a slice (or two) of Boston cream pie, which is the state’s official dessert.
The Printing Office of Edes & Gill
You can find this colonial-era printing experience which is located along the Freedom Trail at Faneuil Hall. Visit this place if you want to know more about colonial printing and its impact on the American revolution.
You’ll have fun while learning through live demonstrations, historical settings, and interpreters with a great sense of humor and lots of knowledge to share. Want a souvenir? You can buy copies of the Declaration of Independence printed using the historical press.
Boston Harborwalk
This 43-mile public walkway is lined with piers, beaches, wharves, and shoreline surrounding the Boston Harbor. Strolling along the Boston Harborwalk allows you to explore eight neighborhoods: Dorchester, South Boston, Fort Point, Downtown, North End, Charlestown, East Boston, and Deer Island. All of these sections offer their own flair and identity, so it’s a treat to take a long, leisurely walk if you have the time.
In summer months, locals and visitors alike flock the nine public beaches along the harbor walk. It’s a great time to enjoy the sea or have a fun picnic while basking in the sun. There are also major attractions within the area, including the Boston National Historic Park located in Charlestown and the Boston Tea Party Museum.
Boston Public Library
If you’re a bookworm looking for things to do in Boston, don’t miss the Boston Public Library. Founded in 1848, BPL is the United States’ first-ever free municipal library. Today, it continues to be an urban hub welcoming patrons and visitors with open arms. In the same vein, it features a gorgeous combo of classic and modern.
Just the building structure itself is enough to leave you in awe. The Central Library Renovation was awarded various feats such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) Library Building Award.
Furthermore, this library is more than just a place to hit the books. It also offers a lecture hall with state-of-the-art amenities, an updated Children’s Library, and a Teen Central as well. In addition, the compound also houses a WGBH satellite news bureau and studio, as well as a café.
