I lived in Boston for 6 years (2007-2013). The city has a lot to offer from duck boats to killer lobster (see here for good places to eat). This list is intended for both newcomers and locals. I hope you find something fun to do next time you’re in Boston.
- Pilot a canoe or kayak through the Charles River with Paddle Boston
- Sip, socialize and paint at the Urban Art Bar
- Reflect at the Institute of Contemporary Art
- Walk along the harbor at the Fan Pier
- Explore Back Bay
- Eat in Chinatown
- Laugh your butt off at The Comedy Studio, Improv Asylum or Improv Boston
- Find Bates Hall at the Boston Public Library
- Watch the New England Aquarium feed the seals
- Visit the JFK Library & Museum
- Go on a Duck Tour
- Get scientific at the Museum of Science
- Gaze at the art in the Museum of Fine Arts
- Find the holograms at the MIT Museum
- Relax at JFK Park in Harvard Square
- Wander through the botanical gardens at the Arnold Arboretum
- Hike the Blue Hills Reservation
- No need for a boat to get to Castle Island
- A bit of innovation history on The Red Line Innovation Tour of Boston
- Find the Trinity Church in Copley Square
- Walk along the Charles River starting at the Esplanade
- 2.5 miles of the Freedom Trail
- Go on a tour of: Fenway Park, Harvard University, the State House, Sam Adams Brewery or Harpoon Brewery
- Stargaze from the observatory at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
- Nice ocean view from the Long Wharf-North Pier
- Eat a cannoli in the North End (the Little Italy of Boston)
- Visit the historic Old North Church
- Go for a swan boat ride in the Public Garden
- See a show at Wally’s Cafe or Lilypad
- Tip a street performer at Quincy Market / Faneuil Hall
- See a movie at an independent theater: Kendall Square Cinema, Brattle Theatre, Coolidge Corner Theatre
- Every August is the Saint Anthony’s Feast in the North End
- Every September is the Cambridge Carnival in Kendall Square
- Explore the Fort Point Open Studios Art Walk
- Rent a bike and go for a ride along a bike path
- Go to a theatre or see an outdoor play
- Go sailing or whale watching
- Take a train to to New York City, Salem or Newburyport
- Go swimming in Mystic Lake or Walden Pond
- Visit a zoo
- Play a game of pool at Flat Top Johnny’s
- Go bowling at Sacco’s Bowl Haven
- Charter a boat and cruise around the harbor
- See a laser light show
- Get a hot chocolate at L.A. Burdick
- Visit Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Gloucester or Portsmouth
- See Blue Man Group
- Soak in a hot tub at the Inman Oasis
