Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and New England's largest city, a compact, walkable harbor city of Revolutionary-era sites, universities, museums and seafood.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Boston.
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1
Freedom Trail
Historic Site in Downtown; typical visit 2-4 hours.
Tip: Start at the Boston Common Visitor Center to collect a free map and tour times · Start early to avoid summer weekend crowds in the North End · Wear comfortable shoes; brick and cobblestone surfaces are uneven · Several sites charge separate admission, so budget extra if entering them · Join at any point if short on time; the trail loops through the downtown core
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2
Boston Public Garden
Park in Back Bay; typical visit 1-2 hours.
Tip: Swan Boats run only mid-April to early September, so check dates before going · Visit early morning for photos without crowds · Bring small change or a card for the Swan Boat ticket · Combine with a walk through Boston Common and Newbury Street · Spring bloom peaks in late April to May
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3
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Market / Landmark in Downtown; typical visit 1-2 hours.
Tip: Visit weekday mornings to avoid lunchtime crowds · Eat early or late since food colonnade seating fills at noon · Check the hall's ranger talk times on arrival · Use it as a stop on the Freedom Trail between downtown and the North End
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4
New England Aquarium
Aquarium in Waterfront; typical visit 2-3 hours.
Tip: Buy timed tickets online in advance, especially on weekends · Arrive at opening on weekdays for the smallest crowds · Check the daily schedule for feedings and talks · Whale watch cruises are sold separately and run seasonally · Take the Blue Line to Aquarium station for the shortest walk
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5
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Museum in Fenway; typical visit 2-4 hours.
Tip: Choose two or three wings instead of attempting the entire museum · Visit on weekday afternoons for the lightest crowds · Check special exhibition tickets, which can be timed and separate · Check the website for the closed weekday and late Friday hours · Take the Green Line E branch to the Museum of Fine Arts stop
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6
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Museum in Fenway; typical visit 1.5-2.5 hours.
Tip: Arrive at opening on weekdays to see the courtyard quietly · Check photography rules at the entrance; some rooms restrict cameras · Visitors named Isabella get free admission · Pair the museum with the nearby Museum of Fine Arts · Check website for hours; the museum closes Tuesdays
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7
Fenway Park
Sports Venue in Fenway; typical visit 1-3 hours.
Tip: Book ballpark tours ahead; they run on a rotating schedule · Buy game tickets from official Red Sox or authorized sources only · Take the Green Line to Kenmore and avoid driving on game days · Arrive early on game days for the street atmosphere · Morning tours on non-game days are the quietest
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8
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Museum / Historic Site in Fort Point; typical visit 1.5 hours.
Tip: Reserve timed tickets in advance; walk-up slots are limited · Choose a morning slot to avoid peak crowds · Allow time for the tea room and rooftop deck · Walk from South Station, about ten minutes · Wear comfortable shoes for the ship decks
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9
USS Constitution
Historic Ship in Charlestown; typical visit 1-1.5 hours.
Tip: Bring photo ID, which is required for adults · Expect a security screening before boarding · Verify seasonal hours before visiting · Take the ferry from Long Wharf for harbor views · Combine with the Bunker Hill Monument nearby
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10
Bunker Hill Monument
Historic Site in Charlestown; typical visit 30-60 minutes.
Tip: Climb in the morning when it is cooler and quieter · Check seasonal climb hours with the National Park Service · Allow time for the nearby museum · Combine with the USS Constitution, a ten-minute walk away · Wear comfortable shoes for the 294 steps
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Historic Site
Park
Market / Landmark
Aquarium
Museum
Sports Venue
Museum / Historic Site
Historic Ship
University / Landmark
Historic House
Library / Architecture
Historic Museum
Observation Deck
Island / Park
Garden / Park
Landmark
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Getting Around
- MBTA subway, bus and ferries; downtown is walkable.
- City Pass
- Go Boston and CityPASS bundles exist; compare to actual plans before buying.
- Tax
- Massachusetts sales tax is 6.25%; restaurant meals add 7% (Boston, includes local option).
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Walk the Freedom Trail from Boston Common to Bunker Hill; the red line is painted or bricked into the sidewalk.
Buy timed tickets online for the Aquarium, Tea Party Museum and Fenway tours.
The MBTA subway (the T) reaches almost every site; a car is unnecessary and parking is costly.
Many museums have free or reduced evening hours; check each site's website.
Bring photo ID for USS Constitution and the State House.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are needed to see Boston?
Three days cover the main sights; five to seven days allow Cambridge, the harbor islands and day trips.
Is the Freedom Trail free?
Yes, walking it is free; guided tours and some sites charge admission.
Do I need a car?
No. The MBTA and walking cover nearly everything in central Boston.