Things to do at Boston
Boston is full of iconic sites blending history, culture, and modernity, offering an exciting discovery at every turn. Here are the must-sees not to be missed during your visit:
- Freedom Trail: a 4 km walk tracing major events in American history.
- Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market: a lively place for shopping, tasting local specialties, and enjoying street performances.
- Boston Common & Public Garden: the oldest public parks in the United States, perfect for a nature break in the heart of the city.
- Museum of Fine Arts: an impressive collection of artworks ranging from antiquity to contemporary art.
- North End: the historic Italian district, renowned for its picturesque alleyways and delicious trattorias.
- Harvard University: in Cambridge, explore one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
- New England Aquarium: ideal for families, with interactive tanks and thousands of marine species.
- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum: an immersive experience to relive a key moment in American history.
Faneuil Hall in Boston 
Boston ship 
Harvard University Activities
From historical walks in the footsteps of the American Revolution to harbor cruises, guided tours of its neighborhoods and unique cultural experiences, Boston has many fascinating things to do for you to explore the city from all angles.
When to go to Boston
Boston is best enjoyed from May to October, when the city is dressed in colors and the weather is generally ideal for walking. After winter ends, the spring days are delightfully cool and the parks are starting to bloom. Springtime is a wonderful time to walk through historic neighborhoods and enjoy neighborhoods along the Freedom Trail (with brownstones!). Summer is livelier and there is certainly more going on - music festivals, open-air concerts, festivals, and harbor cruises. However, autumn is by far the best time to visit: the red and gold foliage, the vibe! Amazing! You can expect some higher costs if you travel in high season (July-August), while May-June and September-October can remain a reasonable compromise for fairly pleasant weather and modestly higher prices.
What's the temperature like?
How many hours of sunshine?
Global budget
When you go to Boston, you're doing more than just taking in American history, you're also finding a young and vibrant city; albeit, this will cost you. For lodging for two, expect to pay between €274 and €1,738 per night depending on the area and comfort level. For meals a meal in an inexpensive restaurant for lunch runs €13 to €44, dinner for two at a classic restaurant from €61 to €167. A 33 cl beer runs €6-10.5 and a bottle of water €1.75-3.5. The public transport system is adequate, costing €2.1-3.5 per trip. A cab runs about €1.5 in distance per kilometer. Visits and activities whether on the freedom trail or museums will run from €5 to €279. On a whole, you should budget between €166 and €1,279 per person, daily, depending on your comfort and activity preferences.
One night in a hotel for 2 people
274€1000€
Meal in a cheap restaurant
13€50€
Local beer (33cl)
6€10€
Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant
61€200€
Bottle of water
1.75€3.5€5€
Public transport single ticket
2.1€3.5€5€
Taxi ride (per km)
1.5€
Visits and activities
5€279€500€
Average overall budget for one person per day: from 166.00€ to 1279.00€
Convert to $
Itinerary ideas
To start your day in Boston, enjoy a cup of coffee in the Back Bay district, then join the Freedom Trail, a famous 4 km walk through 16 important historic sites. You'll pass the Boston Common, Faneuil Hall and the Paul Revere House, and be swept up in the country's revolutionary history.
Around noon, you'll find yourself at Quincy Market for an iconic lunch of lobster rolls or clam chowder. Then it's on to the North End, the Italian quarter, for a stroll with a digestif and a cannoli or two for dessert.
In the afternoon, you can choose to explore the Museum of Fine Arts or stroll along the quays of the Seaport District. If it's a sunny day, take a harbor cruise and enjoy the breathtaking view of the skyline.
To round off your day, you can head to the Frustrated Fenway neighborhood, especially if, by chance, the Boston Red Sox play their home games in historic Fenway Park. If not, you can dine in one of the many local bistros to soak up the atmosphere before ending this day rich in discovery.
Practical information about Boston
Boston is a friendly, easy-going city, and great place for a trip that balances the culture and history with a little relaxation. Downtown and Logan International Airport are just 6 km apart, accessible by shuttle bus, taxi, or subway (MBTA), and the public transportation in Boston is excellent, reliable, convenient, and an ideal way to get around the city. The "T" metro system serves all of the district, attractions and is the preferred mode of transportation for most Bostonian's. Boston is a very walkable city and the enjoyable walk is in part due to the Freedom Trail structured walk that guides you through 4 km of Boston's historic sites. You will want to bring good walking shoes. There is also a varied climate to report; mild springs, hot summers, nice autumns, and cold winters, so you should also bring a waterproof jacket if the weather changes while you are in town. An important note about electrical outlets while visiting Boston- they are A/B (American) type, so bring along an adapter. Another note about social behavior while in Boston- tipping is a social norm that you cannot get away from in Boston. In restaurants, allow for 15-20% (on top of your bill), and a few dollars for taxi drivers, luggage handlers or tour guides. Boston is a safe, dynamic, and walk-able city with a human footprint. Book ahead on select attractions (museums, games, guided tours, and you may not have to wait in line (especially during high-season).
