11 Best Places to Visit in Boston for First-Time Visitors

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore the 11 best places to visit in Boston, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture for first-time visitors.

Boston packs nearly 400 years of history into 89 square miles. The city’s storied sites bear witness to the American Revolution. Skyscrapers soar beside 18th-century brick row houses. Eclectic dining, vibrant arts, lush parks—this soulful city offers unexpected delights around every corner.

Whether you want to do things in Boston that reveal its revolutionary roots or explore world-class museums and locavore eateries, this guide has you covered. From the cobbled lanes of Beacon Hill to iconic Fenway Park, we’ve rounded up 17 of the top places to visit in Boston during your stay.

1. Walk the Freedom Trail

Ready to dive into Boston’s history? The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail weaves past 16 iconic sites from the American Revolution. Look for the trail’s red brick line that starts at Boston Common.

Key stops include:

• Massachusetts State House (1798)

• Old Granary Burying Ground (resting place of Paul Revere and Samuel Adams)

• Old South Meeting House (where the Boston Tea Party began)

• Paul Revere House (home of the famed patriot)

Insider Tip: Book a tour with Freedom Trail Players, who dress in 18th-century garb and share tales of rebellion as you walk.

2. Visit Fenway Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox

No list of things to do in Boston is complete without Fenway Park. Baseball’s oldest major league stadium opened in 1912. Its intimate size puts you close to the on-field action.

• Watch a Red Sox home game from April-September

• Take a 1-hour guided tour of the park, available year-round

• Grab a classic Fenway Frank hot dog at the concession stands

• Snap a photo beside the Green Monster (Fenway’s 37-foot left field wall)

Fun Fact: There’s just one red seat in the sea of Fenway Green. It marks the spot where Ted Williams hit a 502-foot home run in 1946, the stadium’s longest ever.

3. Explore the Museum of Fine Arts

Art lovers, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is a must-see. With over 450,000 works, it’s one of the largest museums in the U.S. You could spend days exploring its vast halls. A few highlights:

• Egyptian artefacts, including King Tut’s golden burial mask

• Masterpieces by Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, and Pollock

• Art of the Ancient World, with Greek and Roman sculpture

• The Art of the Americas Wing, featuring Native American art

Travel Tip: Admission to the MFA is free on Open House days (check website for dates).

4. Stroll Through the Boston Public Garden

Need a breather from sightseeing? Boston Public Garden offers an oasis of green in the heart of the city. America’s first public botanical garden opened in 1837. Today, its 24 acres include:

• Lagoon with famous pedal-powered Swan Boats

• Over 80 species of plants

• Weeping willow trees along winding paths

• Make Way for Ducklings statues (from the children’s book)

• Seasonal blooms like tulips in spring and chrysanthemums in fall

On a sunny day, bring a picnic and relax on the lawn. In winter, watch ice skaters glide on Frog Pond.

5. Admire the Architecture of Trinity Church

This Episcopal church is a masterpiece of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Completed in 1877, its design features:

• Massive central bell tower rising 211 feet

• Walls of granite trimmed with red sandstone

• Intricate stained glass windows

• Hand-carved woodwork and murals inside

Guided and self-guided tours are available. On Fridays at 12:15 pm, stop by for the free organ recital. With nearly 5,000 pipes, the church’s organ is one of the finest in the USA.

6. Try Authentic Boston Cuisine

Curious what Bostonians eat? Here are a few signature dishes—and where to try them in Boston:

Don’t forget to wash it down with a Samuel Adams Boston Lager, the local craft brew of choice.

7. Take a Day Trip to Cambridge

Just across the Charles River lies Cambridge, home to two world-renowned universities. Spend a day exploring the quaint squares and historic campuses:

• Harvard University: founded in 1636, it’s America’s oldest institution of higher learning

• Harvard Yard: stroll the campus’s grassy quad, ringed by red-brick halls

• Harvard Art Museums: admire art from the Middle Ages to today

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): take a guided tour to see cutting-edge labs and Stata Center, designed by Frank Gehry

• Harvard Square: browse bookstores, sip a latte at an indie café, catch live music at The Sinclair

8. Relax on the Boston Harbor Islands

When you need a break from the city, set sail to Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, just 15 miles offshore. Among the top things to see in Boston are these 12 islands and peninsulas scattered across the harbour.

What to do:

• Hike trails and relax on beaches at Spectacle Island

• Tour historic Fort Andrews on Peddocks Island

• Kayak around Lovells Island

• Camp overnight on Grape, Bumpkin, or Lovells Island

• Watch for harbour seals and great blue herons

Ferries depart from Long Wharf North and run from May to Columbus Day. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy with the sea views.

9. Follow the Black Heritage Trail

To learn about Boston’s African American history and culture, walk the 1.6-mile Black Heritage Trail. The route has 14 stops related to the abolitionist movement and Underground Railroad, including:

• African Meeting House (1806): the USA’s oldest standing black church

• Abiel Smith School (1835): among the first public schools for African American children

• Lewis and Harriet Hayden House: a former station on the Underground Railroad

Free ranger-led tours depart from the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial across from the Massachusetts State House.

10. Browse SoWa Open Market

In Boston’s SoWa Art + Design District, a vibrant open-air market pops up every Sunday, May through October. With 200+ local makers, farmers, and merchants, it’s the perfect spot to:

• Shop for handcrafted jewellery, pottery, prints, and more

• Sample fresh cheeses, breads, jams, and other goodies

• Snack on global street food like banh mi, empanadas, and Thai noodles

• Browse indie boutiques and art galleries along Harrison Ave

• Check out vintage wares and antiques at SoWa Vintage Market

Pro Tip: Bring cash for purchases, as some vendors don’t accept cards.

11. Experience the New England Aquarium

Meet creatures from the blue depths at the New England Aquarium on Boston’s Central Wharf. Don’t miss these highlights:

• Giant Ocean Tank: watch sea turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish swim in this 4-story coral reef exhibit

• Penguin Colony: observe the antics of over 80 penguins at the first penguin exhibit in the world

• Shark and Ray Touch Tank: gently touch cow nose rays, Atlantic rays, and epaulette sharks

• Marine Mammal Center: get an up-close view of Northern fur seals and California sea lions

• Simons Theatre: watch films about marine life on New England’s largest movie screen

Insider Tip: For the best experience, go on a weekday and arrive when the aquarium opens at 9 am.

Seamless Connectivity in Boston with Airtel

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Boston offers endless things to see and do. As you explore the city’s cobblestone streets and green spaces, you’ll uncover fascinating history and vibrant culture around every corner.

To navigate Boston with ease, consider an international roaming plan from Airtel. With reliable mobile data, you can access maps, book attraction tickets, find restaurant reviews, and stay connected wherever your adventures take you in Beantown.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to discover the best places to visit in Boston, USA. Trust us, this lively New England city will leave you eager to return again and again.