Boston

Eco-friendly travel guide to Boston advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.

Skyline of Boston

Air quality: 4 / 5

Exploring by foot: 5 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 5 / 5

Public transportation: 4.5 / 5

Parks: 4 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4 / 5

Locals' English level: 5 / 5

Safety: 3.8 / 5

Accommodation: US$70 - $1,200

Budget per day: US$130 - $1,500

Responsible Travel

Boston is one of the favorite cities of Americans and Bostonians are very proud of their city, and whenever they get the chance to show how proud they are of their city, they never hesitate to do that. With a strong link to the country’s founding, a long history, and old colonial buildings, Boston is a historic city repleted with tons of American history, good restaurants, great bars, die-hard sports fans, and it is blessed with plenty of friendly locals. Boston is as well a college town for it has more of a large town feel to it than that of a metropolis, irrespective of the fact that it's one of the biggest cities in the United States of America. Grabbing dinner on the waterfront within one day, seeing a museum or three, and strolling the historic districts of the city is quite easy because Boston is easily America’s greatest walking city. Welcoming millions of visitors every year, it maintains being a bookish and cerebral enclave, and this explains why it's called the “Hub of Universe” by some people. Boston exudes a distinctive European air with its narrow streets and brick buildings, and being a classic and charming New England city, many refer to it as the biggest small town or America’s intimate metropolis. As an eco-friendly traveler in Boston, there are a few things you need to familiarize yourself with, and here are handy tips that can help you travel responsibly in the city;

Prepare to do a lot of walking. Boston is one of the most walkable destinations in the United States of America. It's roughly two square miles (5.1 square kilometers) and its downtown area is compact. Thus, if you plan to be going around often, make sure you're with your seasonal-appropriate footwear and you should also pack comfortably. There are lots of places that are best explored on foot if possible. The red-brick path which connects most of the famous historic sites in that city is the Freedom Trail and exploring it by foot is most preferable and, it's faster to walk than wait for a train for subway stations close to the city center are often just a couple of blocks apart.
You may not need a car. Going around in your rented car can appear to be more nauseating than appealing. Navigating the maze of narrow, traffic-clogged roads could be quite nerve-wracking, even the locals in this city tend to have a hard time keeping their cool while doing that. Parking is another challenge you'll have to face. You'll need a residential-only neighborhood permit for street parking and most of the hotels around charge about $40 and more a day to park on-site. In this city of Boston, a car can appear to be more of a burden than a perk. If you're planning to take a side trip to places like Rhode Island, Newport, New Hampshire, Portsmouth, Salem, or Cape Cod, or, maybe you plan to stay outside the city center, renting a car could be needful, but if you aren't, it's advisable to forgo the idea.
Get a CharlieCard or seven-day T pass. You can choose to either pick up a reloadable plastic CharlieCard or purchase a seven-day unlimited pass; if you prefer to use the subway system which is referred to as the ‘T’. You can enjoy free bus transfers and a 50-cent discount on regular subway fares which is around $2 to roughly $3 if you use the CharlieCard and you plan to pay as you go - this is pretty okay for those who have plans to use the subway sparingly. However, to enjoy a couple of rides on the Charlestown ferry, especially when you know you'll be staying longer than a couple of days, it's recommended to opt-in for the seven-day pass. You can visit subway stations downtown or select stores to add money to your CharlieCard or even pick one up if you don't have any. Or perhaps, just order for one online.
Water transit is an option you can consider. To various spots along the Boston Harbor, there are water taxis and ferries available to convey people. And, this water transit is a compliment to the ride-share services, commuter rail, bus, and subway that operate in the city. There's a 90-minute ferry that can help you get down to Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod. The Boston Harbor Islands, Winthrop, Quincy, Hingham, and Hull are serviced by multiple ferries and, Charlestown is a quick boat ride from downtown.
Boston is directionally challenged. If you'll be going around in Boston, especially in places you're not really familiar with, it's advisable that you don't just double-check addresses but keep your phone’s map app handy as well because there are some roads that intersect with other roads of the same name and, roads twist, turn, abruptly end or change into one-way streets. The streets in the city do not have an organizational structure and they're not arranged in a grid.
You should try some seafood. This is a good way of supporting the city's local food and local businesses as well. Freshly caught and well-prepared seafood is roaming all over the city; and it's a good idea if you choose to please yourself with fruits of the ocean like baked haddock, blackened salmon, grilled swordfish, stuffed quahogs, seared scallops, fish and chips, fried clams, or steamed lobster. Boston is a seafood city, and you should try some of its delectable oysters, and there's this whitefish like cod or haddock which is often the catch of the day on a menu, it's called “scrod”, you should not forget to check it out too.

There are still a few other tips you could use to travel responsibly in Boston;

Move with a tough travel water bottle rather than buying one-use water bottles, and by doing this, you can help in reducing your plastic footprint.
While traveling in Boston, show your fellow travelers respect by not disturbing their peace; if you'll be staying in a hostel, being super loud and obnoxious in the middle of the night is something you shouldn't do.

Air Quality and Pollution

Federal PM2.5 standards for annual and daily exposure has been met by the air quality in Boston for more than a decade. Targets for criteria pollutants which include sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone, carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 as stated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are met by the city's air quality which validates why Boston's air quality is considered to be generally clean. Howbeit, it's worthy to note that neighborhoods and proximity to major emission sources are other indicating factors of the city's air quality, and this is to point out that the city's air quality varies, even though Boston averages healthy air quality overall. Some people in the city are liable to be exposed to higher pollution levels, particularly those who live near major pollution sources like fossil-fuel burning complexes, power plants, refineries, factories, transportation hubs, major roadways, new construction, and the likes. Emission sources related to the combination of transportation, residential, and commercial activities are where the air pollution in the city comes from. Speaking of the climatic condition in Boston, the city has snowy winters, warm summers, and mild springs, and the city's weather basically is common to that of other cities in the Northeastern part of the country.

Respect the Culture

Boston is the right place to be if you love baseball; it has a sizeable student population, and it's big on culture. With its culture and customs, it's pretty glaring that it's a true melting pot pulsating art, and the state capital of Massachusetts; Boston, is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the United States of America, and it does have more to offer than its history, irrespective of it being one of the oldest cities in the United States of America. Bostonians take pride in sharing all these beautiful things about the city with its guests and this is where respecting the city's culture steps in. The locals in this city are known for their intellectual capacity. Their huge desire for knowledge blending with their tolerance, moderation, and unique talents ring their fame worldwide. In this city, you'll see a lot of young people on the streets as there are several colleges and universities around, and, it's quite important that you understand that Boston is a college town as it receives high traffic from youngsters from different parts of the world who seek quality education. This, however, is just to tell you that you'll probably find a lot of cerebral people in this city, and another thing you should respect about the locals is their snobbery national trait. Boston natives are very talkative and smiling but you will never call them prudish and closed people judging by your communication with the locals. This particular trait of the residents has come to be subjected to several jokes and anecdotes. On a clearer term, understanding and valuing Bostonian's mannerism is a clear way forward to respecting the culture here too. More so, you should take note that there are lots of customs and traditions connected with some celebrations in this city and you should be conscious of all these.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Boston is where the first pages were written; if you’re interested in the American biography, you'll definitely find this city fascinating. In the whole of the United States of America, Boston has the reputation of being not just one of the oldest but one of the most historically significant locations. And aside from these, it offers everything from helicopter touring and rock climbing for both locals and visitors to enjoy.

Those who seek a one-of-a-kind location would be glad to be in Boston because it's one of the best places to visit in the country as it's thrumming with history, culture, and art. If you choose to explore one of the northeast states, Boston is one of your best bets because it's not only one of the country's most historical cities, it gives a really cool vibe that’s so unique, it's home to a wide array of stunning attractions, and it houses several world-class universities.

Freedom Trail: As one passes through some of the most well-traveled areas of the city, it serves as a gateway for further sightseeing, and it's both interesting and entertaining. Without doubts, the Freedom Trail is a good way to start your vacation if you’re considering what to do in this beautiful city. Here, you can enjoy snapping a commemorative photo with a statue, and if you feel like grabbing a coffee at a local cafe, you can wander from the trail at any time. There are several historical meeting houses, graveyards, churches, museums, and shops you'll pass by here; aside from the plentiful big-name attractions. Winding through Boston with a series of brick pathways, the Freedom Trail is a little more than two miles overall, and places like the site of the Boston Massacre of 1770, the USS Constitution, the Bunker Hill Monument, and the Paul Revere House are some of the important landmarks in the city it'll take you through.
Fenway Park: If it interests you to experience the heart and soul of Major League Baseball, do well to schedule a tour of Fenway Park. Without mincing words, nothing is as Boston as the home of the Boston Red Sox! Come here to admire trading cards, balls, bats, and mitts at this place as it's filled with memorabilia. You can choose to take a tour of the press rooms and clubhouses of the stadium or hail old-fashioned hotdog vendors. Offering a close, personal view of your favorite pitchers and batters, this stadium still seats the same number of people as it did in 1912. It boasts a classic, clean-cut vibe and it's carefully preserved as an athletic landmark. It's one of the country's oldest baseball stadiums with the smell of popcorn often in the air, rickety seats, and green fields.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Anyone with the slightest interest in art would find this place to be a must-visit. All the things it houses inside will keep you in awe, even if you aren’t amazed by the architecture. It's one of the top places to visit in the city and you'll find everything from rare books to old paintings included in its artifact collection. While there are textiles, archways, patios, and a collection of trees in its courtyard, wallpapers, and ornate carpets are used to decorate its halls. This place was initially sketched to appear like a palace in the middle of a garden and a patron of the arts from the 1800s; Isabella Stewart Gardner, is the brain behind its creation. From the moment that you step across the tiles, you'll find your breath taken away because the artwork inside of it is stunning and so is the building.
Boston Rowing Center: It you don't mind making some new friends while you as well get to fit right in with the locals, rowing is a common activity in this city that can help you achieve that effortlessly. You can oblige to a leisure afternoon on the river or rent your own boat. You can as well join a group rowing tour or take a class if you're a beginner. Come here and join those who want to flex their biceps with an oar. This center welcomes people of all ages and it's an extension of the Hull Lifesaving Museum. Renting a rowboat and enjoying a splashing good time is so enthralling and this center gives you the opportunity to do just that. Places like the Boston Rowing Center are where tourists don't love missing out on and people in rowboats are a common sight in this city.
Boston Common: It's one of the top 10 destinations in the city and it offers something for all to do anytime whenever. You can enjoy sledding on the hills or ice skating on the pond if you visit in the winter, watch the leaves change and crunch underfoot if you visit in the fall, and work up a sweat on the tennis courts and baseball fields if you visit in the summer. Offering all kinds of events and activities for all, it's a large, well-tended recreational area that is equivalent of Central Park or the Golden Gate Park, and it's one of the country's oldest public parks. Boston Common can make it happen whether you desire to splash in an enormous frog pond, ride a carousel, or enjoy a morning jog as the sun rises over the trees.
Kendall Square: If you seek cool and unique things to do in Boston that you can't find elsewhere, stop by at this place. As you're enjoying incredible views of the city, you can breathe in the scent of fresh flowers at its free rooftop garden. There's a wide array of restaurants, shops, and bars engulfing this place, and these are the spots the locals love visiting whenever they desire to take a break from the grind. Young professionals are always scurrying the environs of this place because it's situated pretty close to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). From start-up companies to science centers, you'll find a cluster of high-tech buildings at this Kendall Square which is referred to as the most innovative square mile on the planet.
Boston Harbor: Coming here, your mortal mind could find It overwhelming to comprehend the plenty of options around here. You won't even know what to do first when you're here because there's just so much neat stuff here. You can visit a floating museum located on a boat, grab a bite to eat from a local cafe, or enjoy pedaling down the boardwalk filled with shops and restaurants as you hop on a bike. Take a ferry tour of the islands of Massachusetts here and immerse yourself in the culturally relevant things here. Home to landmarks, statues, shipyards, lighthouses, and museums, it boasts being the historical site of the Boston Tea Party which amps up its significance, and there are just so many attractions you'll find here.
New England Aquarium: Having a great time with penguins without being a zoologist has been made easy! Put the New England Aquarium on your shortlist if you’re looking for places to go in Boston. Without having to pay for a ticket, there are some exhibits you can enjoy seeing here, such as the seal exhibits. Sea urchins, hermit crabs, and snails can be touched at its gigantic pool and you can see sea dragons, stingrays, sharks, and all kinds of eels here. You can walk under 200,000 gallons of water with its “Ocean Tank” which is the main attraction here. New England Aquarium is a smorgasbord of fun as you'll spot everything from colorful sea turtles to cute little penguins. You’ll probably need a dozen pairs of eyes to catch everything because there is just too much to see.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace: If you desire to have some good souvenirs of your short trip to this city, don't miss out on this lovely, lively place. If you’re looking for the top things to do in this city, come here. There are lots of interesting activities to be enjoyed here even when it’s dark outside because the lights come on when the sun goes down. Aside from being active at all times of the day and night, you can find all sorts of goodies here; be it locally-grown flowers or homemade crafts. Truly, the sheer diversity of its wares it offers adds to its quality. As you explore here, the scents of the spicy meat dishes and oversized pretzels coming from the dozens of vendors will peruse your nostrils, and everyone knows that food is the main draw here. And, you might be lucky to spot buskers or jugglers performing for cash here when you visit. You can relieve yourself of some coins when you drop by here, especially when you feel your money is burning a hole in your pocket.
Castle Island: During the madness of a busy vacation and you seek a perfect place to take a breather, you'll find Castle Island to be the exact spot where you need to be. You can comfortably "recharge your batteries" here as the quiet afternoon seamlessly blends with the serene atmosphere. However, you can as well enjoy picnicking, fishing, swimming, and biking here too. Visitors who want to learn more about the history of this place can take advantage of the every day free tours available and for centuries, this place has been preserved as a historical landmark; it was originally built in 1634. The military bastion called Fort Independence is the main attraction here.

View of Boston from a ferry in Boston Harbor

Explore

Boston is repleted with a lot of nice, appealing tourist attractions. With the massive 15-year renovation it went through, it has grown to be a place where travelers looking for fun and relaxation can consider. From enjoying a clambake on an island beach and strolling along the new Harborwalk to taking in a game at Fenway Park, Boston offers a wide variety of things to do for its residents and visitors alike. The spirit of American independence was born right in the city and for nearly 400 years, it has been defined and shaped by its history, making it one of the historical cities you'll find around in the United States. Boston is undoubtedly a great destination to visit year-round as it's home to historic attractions, great shopping, beautiful parks, and museums, many of which are free. The USS Constitution Museum, Boston Children's Museum, and the Museum of Science are some of the favorite spots of many, and if you're looking for things to do in this city, you can stop by at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, stroll through Boston Public Garden, explore the Museum of Fine Arts, or follow the iconic Freedom Trail. Visiting most of the must-visit attractions in Boston is so easy because most of them can be seen on foot and the fact that Boston is very walkable is one of the beautiful things about this city. Boston is one of the most amazing and beautiful cities in the United States of America and you should be able to fit in lots of its iconic, unique places whether you're just visiting for just a few days or you'll be sticking around for more weeks.

Boston's Children Museum is amongst the many places worth exploring in Boston

City Parks

Whether you want to soak up some sun while sitting on a bench overlooking the water, take a stroll along winding paths and countless statues and monuments as you experience nature, kick a soccer ball around a grassy field, throw a frisbee, or enjoy the colorful fall foliage and gorgeous spring flowers, the parks in Boston give you the plenty of space to do all that. Boston is home to many beautiful parks; besides being home to the gorgeous Charles River, and it's so much more than just a city.

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University: Led by experienced arboretum docents, it has free weekend tours it offers seasonally. There are periodic lectures and public workshops offered with the exhibits on the facility's plantings at the visitor center for those who seek additional information. There are plantings of coniferous plants from different parts of the world and spacious flowering meadows showcased alongside the bonsai, crabapple, crabapple, lilac, and maple collections included in the gorgeous flora collections. With seasonal hours offered for its indoor facilities, it's open to the public for free throughout the year during daylight hours, and it spans 281 acres throughout the Jamaica Plain and Roslindale neighborhoods. The legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted designed this arboretum which was founded in 1872.
Boston Common: A large grassy lawn hosting frequent special events, softball fields, and a seasonal bandstand are some of the attractions it's home to. It also houses the official Boston visitor center, a Boston Massacre Memorial, and a Soldiers and Sailors Monument, which are some of the wide variety of landmarks and monuments you'll find here. Throughout the year, it welcomes visits from international luminaries while it as well keeps hosting protests, sporting events, concerts, and for citizens of Boston from all walks of life; it has served as a common gathering space. Stretching 50 acres between Boylston, Charles, Park, Beacon, and Tremont streets, it's one of the most noted public parks and it's typically referred to as the Common.
Boston Public Garden: Boston is truly at its best in the Public Garden because this is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of Boston and it's a perfect spot to take some time for yourself. With greenery surrounding its borders, it's the right place for a relaxing walk or stroll.
Charles River Esplanade: There are lots of opportunities to get active here as bikers, walkers, and buggered can enjoy the pathway specially made for them. It has a beautiful view of downtown Boston and it runs parallel to the Charles River. This is a place where you can enjoy exercising and people watching for it's peaceful and quiet.

The majestic Boston Public Garden

National Parks

Some of the national parks in Boston include:

Boston National Historical Park: Dorchester Heights in South Boston, Bunker Hill Monument, Charlestown Navy Yard, and Faneuil Hall are some of the key attractions here. This national park relates the naval history of the city tied with the landmarks and the revolutionary it focuses on. Set on 43 acres in the heart of downtown Boston is this national historical park with very little green grass growing. It was designated a national park on October 1, 1974.

Discover how one city could be the Cradle of Liberty, site of the first major battle of the American Revolution and home to many who espoused that freedom can be extended to all

Boston African American National Historic Site: Taking a ranger-guided walking tour of the Black Heritage Trail is free but you'll be charged an admission fee to enter the Museum of African American History here. For historic talks and programs throughout operating hours, you'll find rangers stationed at this Museum. Year-round, there are ranger programs offered at the African Meeting House. William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglas are some of the speakers hosted at the African Meeting House operated here. The Abiel Smith School is operated by the Museum of African American History here. This national park offers tours of historic buildings, it's open year-round, and it's situated in Downtown Boston.
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area: There are interpretive programming and picnicking opportunities offered at the Georges and Spectacle Island which are some of the top sites within the NRA and passengers can get transported there with the available plenty of seasonal ferry routes. The United States' oldest preserved lighthouse, Little Brewster Island's Boston Light are some of the attractions here and from wildlife and bird watching to camping, hiking, swimming, and boating, there's a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities all through the year available for all to enjoy here. The Civil War-era Fort Warren and the Boston Harbor Islands State Park are some of the landmarks it's home to and the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership oversees the National Recreation Area.

Beaches

You can enjoy wonderful sandy stretches overlooking Boston Harbor if you're up for indulging on a half-hour drive or train trip. Although there are no beaches in Boston, these beaches, which are very close to Boston, give you the opportunity to catch a fun, beachy vibe.

Carson Beach: Its popularity grew after the racial conflict in the mid-70s. This beach has facilities that are extensive, the water quality is strictly controlled, and the old bathhouse has been renovated recently. After the L and M Street beaches as you head from Castle Island, it's the westernmost beach. The water here is cold most of the year and it is suitable for swimming only in midsummer. Offering lovely views of Boston Harbor, it is sandy and smooth - it's a public beach in the South Boston neighborhood.
The Esplanade: The Boston Pops annual concerts at the Hatch Shell amidst many others are some of the public events hosted here. Bikers, rollerbladers, joggers, and walkers usually frequent the 3.5-mile-long walkway. With the staircase going down to the pier, you can walk along the river until you reach the massive stone patio after having crossed the pedestrian bridge over Storrow Drive. Except on foot or by bike, there's no access to this reservation land. Esplanade is very popular on hot summer days and it's not technically a beach.
Castle Island: With a gentle slope into the water, there's a small pebbled beach perfect for kids, grassy areas, benches, and picnic tables. Whether you just want to enjoy some nice views, relax, or run, the 2.2-mile loop hiking trail around the island is cool for any. Linked to City Point Beach and Pleasure Bay Beach, the island is currently a popular 22-acre recreation site, and the Fort Independence is one of the city's famous tourist attractions it houses. Since 1634, it has been the strategic location for a fort, and it's situated on William J. Day Blvd. on the shore of Boston Harbor.

Carson Beach

Landmarks

There's a multitude of famous landmarks with historical significance you'll find in Boston compared to other cities in the United States of America and here are some of them;

The Boston Skywalk Observatory: It's open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m and on Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m to 9 p.m. Here, you can see New Hampshire on a clear day and it's 50 stories tall. People who like taking picturesque photos do flood here because it's ideal for such and the views from this spot are stunning. It’s the highest observation deck available to the public in the city and it's in the Prudential Tower. If you're famished, you can hit up the restaurant on the 52nd floor, Top of the Hub. You'll also get to learn about everything visible from the observation deck with the educational materials on-site available.
Boston Common: It houses the official Boston visitor center and a burial ground interring Boston Tea Party participants, a Boston Massacre Memorial, and a Soldiers and Sailors Monument are some of the wide variety of landmarks and monuments you'll find here. Throughout the year, it welcomes visits from international luminaries while it as well keeps hosting protests, sporting events, and concerts, And, for citizens of Boston from all walks of life, it serves as a common gathering space. Stretching 50 acres between Boylston, Charles, Park, Beacon, and Tremont streets, it's one of the most noted public parks and it's typically referred to as the Common.
Freedom Trail: As one passes through some of the most well-traveled areas of the city, it serves as a gateway for further sightseeing, and it's both interesting and entertaining. Without doubts, the Freedom Trail is a good way to start your vacation if you’re considering what to do in this beautiful city. Here, you can enjoy snapping a commemorative photo with a statue, and if you feel like grabbing a coffee at a local cafe, you can wander from the trail at any time. There are several historical meeting houses, graveyards, churches, museums, and shops you'll pass by here; aside from the plentiful big-name attractions. Winding through Boston with a series of brick pathways, the Freedom Trail is a little more than two miles overall, and places like the site of the Boston Massacre of 1770, the USS Constitution, the Bunker Hill Monument, and the Paul Revere House are some of the important landmarks in the city it'll take you through.
Paul Revere’s: It's the oldest house in Boston and the structure dates back to 1680. It shares insight regarding the citizens during the 17th century as it provides insight into their living conditions. It's as well known for preserving the personal history of some of the notable and popular residents of the city.

Boston Common

Museums

From crocodile exhibits to “bad art”, the museums in Boston feature several arts and they're great places to be if you seek to learn a few things once the weekend hits. At some of the museums in Boston, you can gladly glide through historic streets in amphibious vehicles, tour a local brewery, learn about science while watching a lightning show, see the city from 50 floors up, toss tea into Boston Harbor, and view great works of art from around the world. The Museum of African American History and The Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum are where the history buffs in the city rush to and iconic institutions like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts are perfect for art lovers. Boston does have a plethora of museums that fit a variety of interests as it's a city with a fine blend of sports, academics, modernism, and history.

Museum of Fine Arts: Leaving Boston without taking in its finest collection of artwork is a sin you shouldn't commit. This museum is one of the major tourist attractions in the city and it boasts classics from Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, Monet - French post-impressionist art. Popular for its Chinese calligraphy scrolls and Japanese woodblock prints, you'll love this museum if you're into oriental works. From ancient sarcophagi tombs to glittering jewels, it's also a place for ancient Egyptian art. There are lots of cool things to see here and this is a museum where you can get lost in its showrooms, display cases, and galleries. It's the fifth-largest museum in the United States and the largest in Massachusetts; offering more than 450,000 artifacts.
Museum of Science: It's a bucket list item for visitors of all ages and it's a highlight of Boston. You definitely won’t want to miss the Museum of Science if you’re traveling to Massachusetts. There are IMAX movies played at the dome theater here and there are often flashing lights to send cosmic messages from space at its planetarium. You can play around with tinker toys, moon rocks, putties, fossils, and tools with the hands-on exhibits and you can as well be amused observing turtles and porcupines at its indoor zoo. If paleontology, history, chemistry, and biology interest you, you would be captivated with all you see here as this museum offers more from a hallway filled with optical illusions to a live butterfly garden.
Harvard Museum of Natural History: Anyone who is willing to step inside this museum and ready to learn something new has a one-of-a-kind experience waiting for him. This museum is one of the best places to be in Boston, no doubt. Carefully preserved behind glass is the meteorite fragments and you'll as well find gemstones glittering in their display cases. Suspended from the ceiling is a massive skeleton of a black whale and this is just a tip of the iceberg, speaking of the several jaw-dropping attractions littered here. You'll find thousands of saplings, seeds, trees, ferns, and flowers here, and this museum is popular worldwide for its “glass garden”. Boasting a dazzling display of art, science, and nature and not just a collection of musty books and artifacts, it's home to an array of unique things that can’t be found elsewhere.

Outside the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston

Eat

Clam "chowdah", fresh seafood, and baked beans are some of the classics you'll find in the city well-dished by the stream of new chefs offering their unique bites for all. Boston cuisine has undergone a gastronomical revolution but it still retains its popularity for its excellent seafood, amidst its several other high-quality options. Most of the restaurants in this city shut their doors when it's around 10 or 11 pm and it's important you note this if you're accustomed to taking meals late. In Chinatown and Allston, you'll find a wide variety of Asian restaurants, and they're great spots for an evening easier on the wallet.

Throughout the Back Bay and South End, there are classic dining options to be explored and there's an unforgettable experience to be enjoyed in the charming North End neighborhood where you can treat yourself to a fine Italian meal and pastries such as rum cakes and cannolis with Modern Pastry and Mike's Pastry being hotspots for sweets. There are as well Thai and Ethiopian restaurants increasingly lined in Cobblestone streets and it's evident that the growing immigrant population in the city has contributed to Boston's diverse cuisine. Local favorites like clam chowder, shepherd's pie, and corned beef sandwiches can be enjoyed at Durgin-Park in Faneuil Hall Marketplace and this is a place where you can enjoy more traditional New England fare.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Some of the popular traditional local restaurants in Boston include:

Parker's Restaurant
Marliave
Union Oyster House
B&G Oysters
Mistral
Bar Mezzana
Toro Boston

Vegetarian and Vegan

You won't love to miss out on some of the fine vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Boston whether you just want to dabble in healthier eating after an indulgent weekend or you're a die-hard vegan. Plant-based food options are in higher demand in Boston as it's bustling with outdoorsy types, tech workers, and students. Even though it's famous for its seafood, it's a town that has stayed committed to being healthy

Red White Buddha Ramen: It's operated by two young chefs from Japan and it has been operating since 2019 on its bustling Newbury Street. It's centrally located and ingredients like original sauces, mushrooms, tofu, and vegan-meat are some of what the dishes feature. This restaurant is a place to enjoy unique offerings such as chirashi vegan sushi, miso udon, and ramen and fusion bowls.
Cocobeet: It offers juice cleanses programs and sells cold-pressed juices and cooked and raw vegan food for takeaway as an organic grab n' go.
My Thai Vegan Cafe: its location demands that you take stairs up to the 2nd floor. It has a revised menu and it was formerly Original Buddha's Delight. Spicy curry, wonton soup, boba milk tea, tofu chickn fingers, pad thai noodles, fried rice, and pumpkin curry are some of the items on its menu. It serves Thai and Chinese food as a vegan restaurant in Boston Chinatown.
By Chloe - Back Bay: Fresh juices, tea, and lemonade are some of what's on its beverage selection while brunch foods, mac n' cheese, grain bowls, salads, fries, subs, hotdogs, and burgers are some of the items on its menu. It serves quick meals and bakery treats, it was founded in 2015 in New York City, and it's a fast-casual chain of vegan cafes.

Street Food

It's almost impossible to stay hungry in Boston as the city offers everything from local and international cuisine to affordable and pricey and savoury to sweet. Boston has some of the most delicious street food and you should try them out

Grilled cheese sandwich
Porchetta (pork roast)
Sopapillas (deep-fried pastry)
Fried cauliflower
Chicken tinga
French Fries
Hot Dogs

Knowing the best street food is minor, knowing where to get them is major, and for this purpose, you can check out any of these food trucks:

The Bacon Truck
Big Daddy Hot Dogs
Bon Me
The Chicken & Rice Guys
The Chubby Chickpea
Compliments

Drink

Unlike most other places in the United States of America, there's no "happy hour" in Massachusetts, and this is one of the unique things that set Boston apart from other major cities in the country. Nevertheless, there are several "drinking" venues that cater to sports fanatics, business people, and college students in the city. It's easy to hop from bar to bar in Boston because it's a drinking town with a thriving nightlife. Even with this, it's important to note that most of the venues in the city close once it's 1 am and it's only a very few that close when it's 2 am. How early everything closes is one of the city's major drawbacks.

Tap-water

Boston is regarded to have the cleanest urban drinking water in the whole of the United States of America and it's not surprising that a national water association named; the American Water Works Association, also reckoned with its quality, noting that it's of the highest quality in the whole of the country. The tap water in Boston is safe to drink and the water in the city is provided by the Quabbin and Wachusetts reservoirs.

Organic Cafés

Life Alive Organic Cafe is one of the best organic cafés in the city. It's a great stop for your convenience, whole foods goodness, and fantastic flavor without any compromise. It claims it offers a world of therapeutic, organic, and delicious food, and it's a great spot for gluten-free, raw, macrobiotic, vegan, vegetarian, omnivore, or other foodies. On its webpage, it describes itself with several adjectives; connected, strong, confident, sustained, delighted, energized, and satisfied. It urges residents and visitors alike to drop by for a soulful service in its relaxing sensual environment to experience fresh fantastic fusion food.

Other nice organic cafés in the city include:

The Farmacy Cafe
Blue Glass Cafe

Breweries

Boston is an unapologetic beer-drinking town, it's home to some of the largest craft beer producers, and it boasts a rich drinking history. Breweries are indeed great! Whether you're speaking at a neighborhood zoning ordinance meeting, adopting a rescue dog, watching The Bachelorette, buying farm-fresh produce, speed dating, listening to poetry, or doing yoga, there are now places in Boston for you to drink a beer. Everything is better with a beer and these breweries are making the scene more delectable for beer lovers;

Trillium Brewing Company: It has pop-ups around the city — credits to co-founders JC and Esther Tetreault who are doing a great job. Its Canton taproom is a quick 35-minute drive from the city and it also has a restaurant that is only a few blocks away. There are growlers, bottles, and cans for takeaway at its original Fort Point location and it has produced renowned Sours, Stouts, and Pale Ales. This brewery has been at the forefront of the hazy IPA movement for years.
Night Shift Brewing Co.: You can enjoy a glass of Whirlpool and purchase a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans when you swing by the expansive Lovejoy space. Its flagship American IPA, Santilli, was recently launched, and at Lovejoy Wharf, there's a massive space and coffee roasting program offered. From decadent Mexican-style milk stouts and dialed in IPAs to light lagers, it offers a diverse selection of stellar beers. It was founded in 2012 and it has been on a tear over the past few years.
Remnant Brewing Co.: If you find yourself here, do well to try the Crown Vic or Just Pils. You'll find one of the best natural wine bars in the country, a music studio, and a paper store in the market here which offers an opportunity for one to enjoy some quality shopping. Remnant Brewing Co. is situated on the first floor of Bow Market.
Aeronaut Brewery: You cannot talk about the best breweries in Boston without mentioning Aeronaut Brewery. Brewed in part with cacao nibs from Somerville Chocolate, its creamy, chocolate-y stout; the Cocoa Sutra Milk Stout, is a must-try; this sturdier brew is a favorite of many. You'll find lesser-known beer styles and creative IPAs and stouts here with drafts rotating regularly. Three MIT graduates are the brains behind this brewery. From dance takeovers and live music to trivia, there are nightly events hosted here which draw in crowds. Doubling as a community hub and an in-city brewery, Aeronaut offers a good time for all.

Activities

There are lots of things to see and do in Boston from beaches and parks to beer tours, walking tours, museums, music events, and lots more. Boston has a lot of free things to see and it's a relatively cheap place to visit as it's home to plentiful young people, recent graduates, and tons of students. It's safe to say that Boston is not a big metropolis city like Miami, New York City, or Los Angeles but it's more like a collection of small towns. And, despite being a historic city, it poses to be a great place for outdoors lovers.

Walk the Freedom Trail
Eat in Faneuil Hall
Lay Out in the Common
Catch a Concert at the Hatch Shell
Head to Castle Island
Take a Tour of Harvard
Free Beer Tours
Explore the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain
Tour the Massachusetts State House
Climb the Bunker Hill Monument
Visit the USS Constitution
Take a Tour of MIT
Explore the Black Heritage Trail
Go Stargazing at the Coit Observatory at Boston University
Take a Free Walking Tour
Go Hiking in the Blue Hills
Visit Forest Hills Cemetery
Stroll Along the Charles River
Go Ice Skating
Tour the Custom House
Walk the Irish Heritage Trail

Yoga and Retreats

For your yoga and retreats in Boston, you can hit up any of these places:

Radiant Yoga Boston
Mission Hill Yoga
Boston Yoga Union
Coolidge Yoga South End
Health Yoga Life
North End Yoga Llc

Accommodation

There’s something for you in Boston whether you're traveling, a working professional, or a backpacker. There's a huge variety of accommodation catering to all sorts of travelers. There are some cool Airbnb options available and you can stick to one of them if you crave to have a place of yours.

Green Hotels

Green hotels are plentiful in Boston!

The Lenox
Topia Inn
The Boxer Boston
Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel
InterContinental Boston
Mandarin Oriental

Hostels and Guest Houses

Staying at a hostel is a great option because lodging in Boston is very expensive:

HI Boston Hostel
No. 284 - A Boston Guest House
Oasis Guest House
Boston Homestel
The College Club of Boston

Apartments

There are several apartment options you'll find in Boston and Airbnb options are as well plentiful in the city.

Couchsurfing

If you want to visit hidden Boston and experience a more authentic side of the city, staying with a local host offers you that opportunity, and couchsurfing helps you save on cash.

Camping

Campsites are often located on the outskirts of town. They're cheap, safe, sociable, comfortable, and urban camping is a growing trend in many cities. There are tons of nice campgrounds in and around Boston.

How to Get There

There are several options to explore to get in Boston and your nearness to the city is the determining factor.

Air

Boston Logan International Airport provides frequent non-stop service to most major cities in the country. It's the primary gateway to Boston and New England, it's easy to navigate, clean, and modern.

Inside the International Arrivals Hall at Boston Logan International Airport

Bus

There are several bus several providers serving Boston and South Station is where virtually all the buses departing or arriving in the city "take off".

A local bus in Boston

Train

There are suburban commuter trains and a national passenger rail service serving Boston.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is illegal in Boston.

Others

There are a few options to arrive by ship in Boston and you can as well take one of the cruise ships to Quebec City, Montréal, or Ft. Lauderdale.

Moving Around

The best way to get around in Boston is by walking and the MBTA.

Walk

The interesting shops, historic sites, and charming streets will inspire you as you take a walk around. Boston encourages pedestrians as it's a self-proclaimed walking city with great sights to behold.

Bicycle

Biking is an effective and appealing way to get around in Boston because of the city's relative flatness and small size. As a matter of fact, a large portion of the residents of the city oblige to bicycling as their primary mode of transportation.

Electronic Vehicles

Electronic vehicles should be available for rentals at one of the car rental companies around.

Public Bus

You can pay your bus rides with CharlieCards, CharlieTickets, and cash. There are almost 200 bus routes operating throughout the city, local buses are more affordable than the T, and most buses run between 4:30 and 1 a.m.

Tram, Train and Subway

Whether you're just going one-stop or traversing the city, train rides cost $2.25. If you know you'll be riding the train a lot, you can enjoy unlimited rides by buying something called a "LinkPass" instead of paying per ride. The traditional subway service comprises of the Red, Orange, and Blue lines, and the Red line is the busiest and one of the most helpful for visitors in the city. Train service starts around 5:30 AM and ends around 12:30 AM.

Sustainable Shopping

There are lots of sustainable stores where you can shop sustainably in Boston.

Food Markets

Some of the best food markets in Boston include;

Boston Public Market
Quincy Market
Foodie's Markets South Boston
Roslindale Village Farmer's Market
Haymarket

Flea Markets

SoWa Vintage Market and SoWa Open Market are some of the best flea markets in Boston.

Second Hand Stores

Shopping in second-hand stores can be quite intriguing and it's a conscious activity to stay eco-friendly.

Boomerangs
Castanet Designer Consignment
Covet
The Goodwill Store
Buffalo Exchange

Eco-Fashion

To buy ethical fashion in Boston, you can visit any of these places:

Viola Lovely
Boomerangs Special Edition
Olives & Grace
Third Piece
Patch NYC
Ash & Rose

Recycling

Boston provides mixed curbside recycling pickup services for residents and some of the acceptable recyclables in the city include pizza boxes, books, spiral cans, plastic, glass, cardboard, paper, and boxboard.

Waste

Disposing trash is easy in Boston and all you have to do is to use a sturdy trash bag or trash in a container with a lid.

Work and Study Abroad

Boston is a city repleted with plenty of world-renowned universities and the plenty of graduates and students residing in the city is an attestation of it being a popular location for work and study abroad.

Exchange Student

Virtually all the colleges and universities in the city offer student exchange programs.

Au Pair

Mingling with the locals and making researches can help you find opportunities as an au pair in Boston.

Volunteering

There are lots of places to volunteer in Boston:

Casserly House
Friend's of Boston's Homeless
Rosie's Place
Christopher's Haven
Haley House
CommonCare Meals Ministry
Community Servings
Greater Boston Food Bank