Location: Downtown
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The 10 Best Things to do in Downtown, Massachusetts (MA)
Walk the Freedom Trail the first time you visit Boston and you'll quickly get a sense of this coastal city's revolutionary spirit and history. But make sure you also explore some of Boston's fine museums (try the Isabella Stewart Gardner, featuring masterpieces displayed in their collector's mansion) and old neighborhoods (like the North End, Boston's Little Italy). You can't claim to have experienced real Boston culture, though, until you've watched a Red Sox game from the bleachers.
Restaurants in Boston
1. Freedom Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,358 reviews
The red line on the sidewalk leads you on this 2.5-mile, self-guided tour of American Revolution sites. It starts at the Boston Common, America's oldest public park, and ends at the famed Bunker Hill Monument.
Reviewed By 434eileenb - Wheaton, United States
American history starts here- Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), Paul Revere's House, Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, Boston Tea Party Site, the Granary Burial ground, King's Chapel, Old Corner Book Store are all must see sites. The "Red" trail takes you to all these places and more. Very easy walking short segments of the trail. Everyone friendly and wearing masks. We started at Boston Common. Visitor center didnot have any free maps -the one they had was $3.00 and it was the same as we got at our hotel..so pick one up at your hotel if possible. They also had bathrooms. Parking is free on Sundays on the streets so get there early in the day We stopped at Faneuil Hall for lunch and shopping. Visitor center was closed (not sure if is opened at all) We drove over to USS Constitution (Old Ironsides). We found parking on the street. We didnot see any parking lots. Visitor center/museum was $10 per adult and worth visiting. The ship is free but they only allow 25 people at a time so go early in the day. Be prepared to stand in sun as they have limited shade and they do security and virus checks.
2. New England Holocaust Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,507 reviews
The six glass towers of this striking memorial serve to represent the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, six main Nazi death camps and the candles on a menorah.
Reviewed By Gonen2014 - Haifa, Israel
This is a monument in memory of the Jews murdered in the Holocaust. The monument includes six square glass towers that symbolize the six nillion Jews who perished in the Holocaust, and the six largest concentration camps. Under each glass tower there is a niche that symbolizes an extermination camp from which smoke is rising. On the boards around you can read about the history of the Holocaust along with things that Holocaust survivors said. A very emotional monument that brings teatrs to your eyes as you walk along it. This is a must visit for everyone!
3. Boston Common
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,419 reviews
Whether it's a summer picnic in the grass or winter ice-skating on Frog Pond, Boston's oldest public park is the perfect escape from the bustle of the city.
Reviewed By JeanneJ739
Lovely green expanse in central Boston. In the past a spot to turn your cows out to graze, site of public hangings, protests, speeches (one by Gorbachev), concerts (a big one by Judy Garland), ice skating on the pond in winter, lots of sports facilities, and an annual Christmas tree from Halifax, Nova Scotia, in thanks for prompt and generous help from Boston after the 1917 Halifax explosion.
4. Old State House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,366 reviews
Relive the drama and excitement of the American Revolution with fun and engaging programs and tours, interactive exhibits, beautifully restored period rooms and unsurpassed 18th century treasures. Celebrating 300 years as America's oldest and most historic colonial building, the Old State House is now Boston's Revolutionary Museum. Visit us at the heart of the Freedom Trail and only steps away from Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market and the New England Aquarium.
Reviewed By TheAviator0765 - Ripon, United Kingdom
This really is a 'must-see' on the Trail. Not only is the building beautifully kept and steeped in history in its own right, the museum will guide you around the story of Boston and allow you to fully understand the part it and its people played in the War Of Independence. Access is via the Visitors' Centre desk in the gift shop. The fee is well worth it, for inside the exhibits and interpretation boards describe clearly and in chronological order what happened in the famous city. Now as a Brit, I was curious on what slant the events would be described, but rest assured the story is sold factually without a hint of partisanship. That said, I fully recognise George III was best described as an absent landlord who saw the Colonies as a cash-cow, while the British Army's idea of defence diplomacy of the era was to pour more fuel onto the nearest available spark! But the collection of exhibits in its own right amounts to a truly fascinating collection. There are also a number of tours throughout the day. Do try and catch one; the briefers are knowledgable and full of enthusiasm, and add immensely to the overall experience. There is a gift shop on the ground floor, well stocked with good quality and interesting products; all things to do with the Revolution. Plan to spend at least an hour here. It's not a 'poke head inside and tick off' kind of place. We spent nearly two hours here, but felt much the richer for it.
5. Granary Burying Ground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,602 reviews
The burial ground for famous American patriots like Paul Revere, John Hancock and Sam Adams, is also the final resting place for Mother Goose.
Reviewed By MRayTraveler - Orange County, United States
Granary Burying Ground is one stop on the Freedom Trail, and features the final resting places of Paul Revere, John Hancock, Sam Adams, the victims of the Boston Massacre, Ben Franklin's parents and many more. So much history in such a small space. Stop by for 20 or 30 minutes and enjoy the opportunity to experience a small bit of our nation's history.
6. Wang Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
The Boch Center is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit performing arts institutions and a guardian of the historic Wang and Shubert Theatres. As New England’s largest cultural venue, the Boch Center is home to theater, classical and popular music, dance, comedy, opera, Broadway musicals, family entertainment, and more. Located in Boston’s historic Theater District, the Boch Center also offers a diverse mix of educational and community outreach initiatives, including the City Spotlights Leadership Program and ArtWeek Boston; collaborates with artists and local nonprofit arts organizations; preserves historic venues; and acts as a champion for Greater Boston’s arts and cultural community
Reviewed By avakathleen21
If you like very large, spacious theaters and like seeing a lot of plays/ performances, this theatre is the place to be! A few years ago I came here to see the Riverdance and it was AMAZING! An automatic 5 out of 5! There are many seating options and no matter where you are you can see a great view of the stage! You can also buy snacks and drinks from the different snack shack‘s as well. So overall Wang Theatre in Boston is excellent!
7. King's Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 492 reviews
Built in 1754, this was the first Anglican church in America; it later became the country's first Unitarian house of worship.
Reviewed By 693chrisv - Cedar Rapids, United States
The inside of the church was broken into small compartments, with separate doors for each compartment. In the olden days, you could purchase a compartment. Beautiful old church, and really enjoyed the prayers at alter that were on beautiful display.
8. Haymarket
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
During daylight hours on Fridays and Saturdays, the Haymarket on Hanover Street, near Boston's North End, is rich with culture and bargains. Visitors who stroll through the crowded alley can spend very little and come home with a full load of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood sold by local vendors.
Reviewed By 473scarletc - New York City, United States
Come and bundled up so you could walk around stall by stall. Wear hats, gloves, and walkable shoes. Ohh, bring your reusable shopping bags too. There are tents and tents of fruits, veggies, and more. Meat and fish too. One particular and honorary mention is the Harry’s cheese and cold cut. You can’t miss it as it is the only one in the market. The shop/stall has been around for 40 some years. A variety of cheeses, cold cuts and olives. Both staff are most attentive, funny, and hospitable. They advise you to try, and ways to enjoy the antipasto. The shopping experience was fun, and we haggled like long lost friends. Love it!
9. Boston Athenaeum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By adalbert3 - Newport Beach, United States
One can take a tour or just walk through--there is a cost of admittance, but we were happy to pay it in support of such a noteworthy organization---as it is one of the oldest independent libraries in the U.S.. The setting itself sets a wonderful tone and the artwork is gorgeous--a John Adams portrait by Gilbert Stuart and a James Monroe portrait by Samuel F. B. Morse are just two examples. There is a great children's section and if you have the time, just sit in the Henry Long Room for a few moments and enjoy the ambience. Check out my photos for more details.
10. Boston Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 372 reviews
Reviewed By E563IHstephaniep
From the outside, this Opera House is very deceiving. It's tiny facade opens up to a lovely historic theater with an ornate marble lobby, gold ornamentation and lovely ceiling frescoes. I've seen Hamilton, The Lion King, Wicked, the Nutcracker and more here, and it's always a pleasure to visit this grand old Concert Hall.The staff is always extremely pleasant.
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