Additional Boston Activities
- Freedom Trail. Learn about early Boston and U.S. history on this 2.5-mile-long trail that passes through 16 historic locations. Look out for the brick markers—starting in downtown Boston, crossing through the North End, and finishing at the famous Bunker Hill Monument in neighboring Charlestown. You’ll pass by notable stops like Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution frigate. You can embark on the Freedom Trail for free and at your own pace, but audio guides and guided tours are also available. The trail is lined with lots of cool cafes and restaurants for you to fuel up along the way. There are many ways to experience the Freedom Trail, including some tours that include food stops. Costs vary. Try https://bostoncitywalks.com/ or https://www.secretfoodtours.com/boston/. Consider the excellent free National Park Service self-led audio walking tour. 23 audio clips. 94 minutes. https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/freedom-trail-audio-tour.htm
- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is a history lesson you won’t forget. Relive the event that started the American Revolution with historical interpreters, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replicas of 18th-century sailing vessels. Join a town meeting, hang out with talking portraits, and take part in the tradition of tossing tea into the harbor. Then, enjoy a spot of afternoon tea in Abigail’s Tea Room or visit the gift shop for some souvenirs. Entry to the museum is on a first-come, first-served basis, so join the line early. Tickets from $35. Details: https://www.bostonteapartyship.com/boston-tea-party-museum-rates-reservations
- Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Boston’s oldest, largest and best-known art institution, the MFA houses one of the world’s most comprehensive art collections and is renowned for its Impressionist paintings, Asian and Egyptian collections and early American art. Currently offering exhibits of Georgia O’Keefe and Henry Moore art. Details: Admission $27. O’Keefe and Moore additional. https://www.mfa.org/
- Boston North End Neighborhood. Boston’s Little Italy is the city’s oldest neighborhood, famous for its Italian restaurants and pastry shops, and centuries-old architecture. Stroll around this Italian American enclave to discover its narrow, cobbled alleys and iconic streets like Hanover Street. The best way to taste some of the fantastic food here is by joining a walking food tour. Or book yourself on a history tour to learn about the significance of landmarks like Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church. The North End is also part of the Freedom Trail. Free to visit. Stop in for coffee and a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry or (my preference) Modern Pastry, both on Hanover Street. Local hint: take your Cannoli to Modern Underground, 263 Hanover Street for a creative cocktail or beer. https://modernpastry.com/pages/underground
- Boston Public Library. The main branch of the Boston Public Library opened in 1852 as the first free, publicly-funded municipal library in America. The library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses over 20 million items. Enjoy a free tour of the building to learn about its history and marvel at the treasured artworks and architecture that spans three centuries. After that, sit back for a cup of tea in one the library’s tea lounges. When you’re done, go shopping or check out the restaurants in Back Bay, the busy district where the library is located. Check out the website for free lectures and exhibits. https://www.bpl.org/
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace. This includes the famous Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market shopping. Located in the heart of downtown Boston, this bustling complex of novelty carts, distinctive shops, national chain stores, performers, food stands and restaurants brought new life to a historic meeting place. Food options in sit-down restaurants or from food stalls. Pizza, chowda, oyster bar, cookies, ice cream, hot dogs, BBQ . . . . Great food and shopping.
- Faneuil Hall. Operated by the National Park Service. For 275 years and counting, Faneuil Hall has hosted meetings, protests, celebrations, ceremonies, and debates. Because Revolutionary-era meetings and protests took place so frequently at the hall, successive generations continued to gather at the Hall in their own struggles over the meaning and legacy of American liberty. Abolitionists, women’s suffragists, and labor unionists name just the largest of groups who have held protests, meetings, and debates at Faneuil Hall. Free and free ranger-led guided tours. Be sure to check on open hours. https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/fh.htm
- USS Constitution Museum and Ship Old Ironsides. Visiting the USS Constitution Museum offers a captivating journey into American maritime history. Located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, the museum provides an immersive experience that highlights the legacy of “Old Ironsides,” the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. Through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and a wealth of artifacts, visitors can explore the ship’s storied past, its pivotal role in the War of 1812, and the lives of the sailors who served on it. Free, donations are welcome. https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/
- Museum of Science. The Museum of Science features over 700 interactive and informative exhibits centering around math, engineering, biodiversity, and more. Watch educational shows and live presentations at the Charles Hayden Planetarium, and cool 4D movies at the Mugar Omni Theater, the only domed IMAX screen in New England. Tickets to the museum include access to films and planetarium shows at a discounted rate. The museum is the departure point of the Boston Duck Tour—combine your museum visit with a cruise along the Charles River to enjoy the city’s best sights. Admission from $26 to $31. https://www.mos.org/
- New England Aquarium. As a global center for ocean exploration and marine conservation, New England Aquarium is a great place for adults and kids alike to meet amazing sea creatures and learn more about our oceans. Here, you can touch sharks and rays at the Touch Tank, watch northern seals play at the Marine Mammal Center, and say hello to Myrtle the turtle at the four-story high Giant Ocean Tank. Admission $30 to $44. Bundle with a movie, now playing: Animal Kingdom 3D, Ocean Paradise 3D, Secrets of the Sea 3D. Note: Café closed until mid-November. neaq.org