There’s not a better city in the United States to learn about the history of the Colonial and the Revolutionary War era than Boston. It will come as no surprise that some attractions in Boston have become a pilgrimage destination for those who hope to get a sense of that history. It’s not all about history though, as the city also boasts an artsy side, plus two of the most prestigious universities in the US.
There is a lot to see in Boston, and a rental car is what you need for a comfortable and convenient trip. With choices ranging from sedans to SUVs to luxury rentals, SIXT is here to get you where you need to go.
- Freedom Trail
- Faneuil Hall
- Boston Common
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Boston Symphony Orchestra
- Boston Children’s Museum
- Fenway Park
- Museum of Science
- New England Aquarium
- Best Places to Eat & Drink in Boston
Must-see attractions in Boston
1. Freedom Trail
The three-mile Freedom Trail leads you past 16 of the most historic sites, including Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, and Old North Church. The trail is easy to navigate on your own, but most people recommend a guided tour or at least downloading an audio tour. Most guided tours are available at the Boston Common Visitor Center from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but if you want a self-guided tour, the Freedom Trail Foundation offers audio tours for $15.
Address: 139 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02108
Entry fees: Free
Hours: www.thefreedomtrail.org
Time required to see the attraction: 2-4 hours
2. Faneuil Hall
Popular as the “cradle of liberty,” Faneuil Hall, completed in 1742, was created as a market hall and presented to the city on the condition that it would always be open to the public. Today, you’ll find the ground floor still occupied with market stalls. On the upper floor is the council chamber, which was a meeting place for the revolutionaries and, later, abolitionists. Faneuil Hall hosts the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Museum on the fourth floor, with weaponry, uniforms and paintings from significant battles.
Address: 367 S. Market St., Boston, MA 02109
Entry fees: Free
Hours: www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/about-faneuil-hall-boston-ma/
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
3. Boston Common
In the city’s heart is America’s oldest park and the start of the Freedom Trail Boston Common. You’ll find a variety of activities and events hosted year round in this park, including theater and musical performances. Boston Common is the perfect place for family time, especially in the summer, when you can have a picnic as the kids play at the Frog Pond. You can get your skates on at the same Frog Pond during the winter, which turns into an ice-skating rink.
Address: 115 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: You can spend as much or little time here as you like
4. Museum of Fine Arts
If you’re an art lover, you’ll need to spend a good chunk of your day here. The museum is home to one of the world’s best art collections, including the celebrated Art of The Americas wing. Inside are galleries showcasing pieces from indigenous cultures of North, Central and South America. Contemporary artists like Edward Hopper and celebrated women artists such as Joan Mitchell also have an exhibit dedicated to them. You’ll also find a remarkable Asian art collection, and in special temporary exhibitions, you can admire masterpieces from artists like J.M.W. Turner and Picasso.
Address: Avenue of the Arts, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: https://www.mfa.org/visit
Time required to see the attraction: 5 hours
5. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
After the death of her husband, Isabella Stewart Gardner set to open a museum to showcase her impressive Italian art collection. In 1901, she achieved her goal, and today you can visit the museum to get your fill of Italian art. The museum also displays beautiful furniture, rare books, photographs, and sculptures straight from Europe.
Address: 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: www.gardnermuseum.org/visit
Time required to see the attraction: 4 hours
6. Boston Symphony Hall
If you’re looking for some Saturday night entertainment, this is the place to be. You don’t have to be a classical music aficionado to enjoy the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra performs everything from family shows to traditional concerts and the Boston Pops – something most visitors enjoy. The symphony hall also offers tours where you can get some insight into this structure dating to 1881 and some of the past musicians and conductors who have performed there.
Address: 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02115
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: Depends on the event
Time required to see the attraction: Depends on the event
7. Boston Children’s Museum
With a gigantic milk bottle at the entrance, it is hard to miss the Boston Children’s Museum. In this museum, hands-on exhibits present a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about various sciences, art, culture, health and wellness, among other subjects. Fun exhibits include the Construction Zone, where kids play with kid-size construction equipment, and the Explore-a-Saurus, where kids can learn about fossils and dinosaurs.
Address: 308 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/visit
Time required to see the attraction: 4 hours
8. Fenway Park
Regardless of whether you are or aren’t a diehard fan of the Red Sox, you should try to catch a game at Fenway Park. This stadium has been the site of home runs, thrills, and a few spills since 1912. Must-see spots in the park include the Pesky Pole and the Green Monster wall. You can also take a guided tour of the facility. Tip: If you are visiting during the baseball season, you’ll want to purchase your tickets at least a few weeks in advance.
Address: 4 Jersey St., Boston, MA 02215
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: Varies by game
Time required to see the attraction: 3-4 hours
9. Museum of Science
If your young ones are joining the Boston adventure, make sure you swing by the Museum of Science. Here, kids can learn about anatomy, astronomy, and earth sciences and try out the interactive exhibits. The museum includes a planetarium where you can engage your inner astronaut, and if that doesn’t get you, the IMAX-like Mugar Omni Theater will. Although the museum is very kid-focused, most visitors find that adults and teens can also get a kick out of this place.
Address: 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: https://www.mos.org/
Time required to see the attraction: 4-6 hours
10. New England Aquarium
With more than 20,000 fish and aquatic animals, the New England Museum is one of the must-visit attractions for families. The aquarium features an artificial coral reef habitat home to over 1,00 sea animals, including eels, sea turtles, and barracuda. There’s also a penguin exhibit, jellyfish, and sea dragons exhibit, and a giant theater where visitors can learn about sea creatures and more.
Address: 1 Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: https://www.neaq.org/visit/hours-directions/
Time required to see the attraction: 4 hours
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Boston
Yes, there is a lot to see in Boston, but you cannot tour the city on an empty stomach. When your stomach starts to rumble, here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Boston.
Contessa: In the heart of Back Bay, Contessa offers delectable Italian fare with breathtaking skyline views. They offer everything from pasta and pizza to innovative dishes like octopus agrodolce and bruschetta contessa.
Bistro du Midi: For lengthy, beautiful, and seriously satisfying French meals, visit this restaurant. It is one of the best brunch places in town, and the Parisian café vibes will make you feel as if you’re in Paris.
Barra: If you’re looking for a fun night, Barra is the place to be. The Mexico City-inspired bar is the place to unwind after a long day of exploring. They offer everything from craft beer to classic cocktails with a modern twist, and the kitchen is always ready to serve up some pub fare.
