Best things to do in Boston

Boston's Essential Historical Journey

Boston’s historical core centers on the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, connecting 17 pivotal sites including the 1634 Boston Common and the 1723 Old North Church. This route features the Paul Revere House, the city's oldest wooden residence, and Faneuil Hall's Georgian marketplace. Beyond the trail, the Federal-style architecture of Beacon Hill and the 19th-century cobblestones of Acorn Street showcase the city's colonial layout. Key maritime landmarks include the USS Constitution frigate and the historic Long Wharf pier, while the Boston Public Garden preserves one of America's oldest botanical spaces alongside revolutionary-era cemeteries like Granary Burying Ground.

Boston's Essential Historical Journey — Map

Ingfbruno / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Boston Common

Historic public park established in 1634, featuring green spaces, historic monuments, and recreational facilities including the Frog Pond. It serves as a site for public gatherings and is part of a larger historic park system.

Ben Schumin / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path through Boston that passes by 17 locations significant to the history of the United States.

Ranjansanjeev / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Paul Revere House

Historic colonial wooden house from 1680 that served as the home of American patriot Paul Revere and now operates as a biographical museum focused on his life and the American Revolution.

Victorgrigas / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Old North Church

Historic Episcopal church built in 1723, known for its role in the American Revolution and distinctive steeple with lantern signals.

City of Boston Archives / CC BY 2.0

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Faneuil Hall

Historic marketplace and meeting hall featuring Georgian architecture, known for its role in American history and local commerce.

Ian Howard / CC BY 2.5

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Beacon Hill

Historic neighborhood known for colonial and Federal-style architecture, brick row houses, and the Massachusetts State House. Features narrow streets illuminated by gas lamps and rich cultural heritage.

Twp / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Boston Tea Party - Ships and Museum

Your chance to re-live the events of the Tea Party - on a replica on one of the ships. Thrilling and educative at the same time.

Chensiyuan / GFDL

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Old State House

The Old State House is a historic building in Boston, Massachusetts, built in 1713.

Kimberly Vardeman / CC BY 2.0

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Boston Massacre Site

On this site an incident that is now considered to be one of the sparks that ignited the Revolutionary War happened in 1770.

JPizzle1122 / Public domain

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Granary Burying Ground

The Granary Burying Ground in Massachusetts is the city of Boston's third-oldest cemetery, founded in 1660 and located on Tremont Street.

Daderot / Public domain

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Boston Public Garden

The Public Garden, also known as Boston Public Garden, is a large park in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, adjacent to Boston Common.

Yuvb / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Quincy Market

Quincy Market is a historic building near Faneuil Hall in downtown Boston, Massachusetts.

yeowatzup / CC BY 2.0

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Park Street Church

Park Street Congregational Church, founded in 1804, is a historic and active evangelical congregational church in Downtown Boston,…

John Phelan / CC BY 3.0

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Kings Chapel

King's Chapel is an American independent Christian unitarian congregation affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association that is …

USS Constitution / Public domain

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USS Constitution

USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy.

MassDEP Photographs / CC BY 2.0

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New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit organization located in Boston, Massachusetts.

Jeremy Keith / CC BY 2.0

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Long Wharf Boston

Long Wharf is a historic American pier in Boston, Massachusetts, built between 1710 and 1721.

Luciof / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Copp's Hill Burying Ground

Copp's Hill Burying Ground is a historic cemetery in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts.

Das Nili / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Acorn Street

This historical street was built in the 19th century and is governed by a neighborhood association.

Other Lists

Boston's Museums & Art Centers Historic Boston Landmarks Historic Religious Sites Boston Parks and Recreation