Guide to Boston

Boston is a lively and intellectual city known for its history, culture, and art.

Boston is a hub for art and culture. We are home to the Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and Institute of Contemporary Art. There are loads of galleries, like The Stone, 808, Annex, and Sherman Galleries. Here’s more information about Boston museums and art.

Theatre

The theatre district packs amazing and historic venues into a few blocks complete with a variety of restaurants and cafes. Whether you see a show in the Boston Opera House, Schubert, or Wang Theatre, you’re sure to be as delighted by your surroundings as you are by the show. Here’s more information about our theatres.

Boston Sports Teams

Boston is also known for its sports teams. The Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins all play within city limits. The New England Patriots' and New England Revolution’s home is in nearby Foxborough, meaning students have lots of access to some of the best sports teams in the county. Here’s more information about our sports teams.

In addition, there are plenty of adult sports leagues. No matter if you want to play soccer, softball, pickleball, or hockey, there’s a local team for you.

Shopping

Boston has an array of shopping choices, ranging from cute boutiques to upscale shops. You can shop on high-end Newbury Street or Fanueil Hall, with its endless choices. Whatever you’re in the mood to shop for, Boston has it. Here’s more information about Boston shopping.

Sightseeing in Boston

Whether you want to take in some of Boston’s tourist attractions as a visitor or resident, there is plenty to do in Boston. Take your visitors on a Duck tour of Boston, or go on a historical foot tour on your own. In Boston you can experience the past in a way no other city allows.

Boston Museums and Art

All information provided by the city of Boston website: www.boston.gov/departments/tourism-sports-and-entertainment/things-do-around-boston#museums

Abiel Smith School
The school remembers the life of African Americans from the beginning to the end of slavery, with a focus on the work to give everyone an education.

Boston Children's Museum
The museum has interactive and educational exhibits for kids, in addition to hosting a ton of awesome family-friendly events.

Boston African American National Historic Site
Learn the story of the African American community in 19th-century Boston.

Boston Athenaeum
The Athenaeum was founded in 1807. It's the oldest independent library and cultural institution in the US.

Boston City Hall Galleries
The Mayor's Gallery and Scollay Square showcase local artists and groups. The temporary exhibits support the City's creative diversity.

Boston Fire Museum
The museum has taken up space in the old firehouse on Congress Street since 1983. You can see memorabilia and learn more about firefighting.

Boston Open Studios
Curious to see where artists create? Open Studios are a great opportunity to see behind the scenes of local artists' spaces. You can purchase art work directly from local artists, see demonstrations, and enjoy music.

Boston Public Library
The nation's first public library offers free tours with plenty of architecture and art to explore.

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
Relive December 16, 1773, the famous day when American Colonists opposed British rule (and steeped the Harbor with liber-tea).

Boston University Art Gallery
The Stone, 808, Annex, and Sherman Galleries are all within walking distance to the school's campus.

Boston Society of Architects Space
The home to the Boston Society of Architects features a gallery on architecture and design. Admission is free.

Commonwealth Museum
The museum about Massachusetts focuses on the history of the state and its people.

Congregational Library and Archives
The Library founded in 1854 features information about the religious activities of the early American colonists.

Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
The institute educates the public about the role of the Senate in our government.

French Cultural Center
The French Library and Cultural Center is a nonprofit that promotes the culture and language of France.

Gibson House Museum
The Back Bay museum is a historical single-family home that's preserved with original furniture and features dating from the mid- 1800's.

Historic New England
The organization is the oldest and largest regional heritage preservation group in the US.

Institute of Contemporary Art
Located on Boston's waterfront, the picturesque museum is home to works of contemporary art from the past 65 years. The unique architecture in the Poss Family Mediatheque alone makes a visit worthwhile.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
A vibrant woman and patron of the arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner's legacy lives on in her Venetian style home preserved as a Museum. The Gardner Museum features contemporary and historic art, music, and even has an artist-in-residence program.

John F. Kennedy Library and Museum
The library located in Dorchester is a tribute to the life and leadership of President Kennedy.

Mary Baker Eddy Library
At the museum and research library, you can find out why Mary Baker Eddy was one of the most influential women of the 19th century.

Massachusetts Historical Society
The independent research library preserves the history of Massachusetts.

Metropolitan Waterworks Museum
The museum has exhibits and educational programs about one of the country's first metropolitan water systems.

Museum of African American History
The museum works to maintain an accurate history of African-American lives in colonial times.

Museum of Fine Arts
The museum features many exhibits and galleries, including one of the world's largest Asian art collections in addition to one of the most important Egyptian collections both in breadth and depth

Museum of Science
From butterflies to nanotechnology: the interactive museum features hands-on exhibits and even a planetarium.

New England Sports Museum
Learn more about the City of Champions and Boston's sports legacy at the museum inside TD Banknorth Garden.

Nichols House Museum
The historic home shows what domestic life was like in Beacon Hill at the turn of the last century.

Old North Church
The oldest surviving church in Boston is also the place where two famous lanterns were lit to signal Paul Revere's ride.

Old South Meeting House
The National Historic Landmark was part of the events that shaped democracy in the US.

Old State House
Find out the role the Old State House played in the American Revolution.

Paul Revere House
The former home of Paul Revere and the oldest building in downtown Boston.

Trinity Church
Trinity Church is still home to a thriving congregation in Copley Square.

U.S.S. Constitution Museum
Learn the history of the ship and the people who sailed her.

Russell Museum of Medical History and Innovation
Discover the story of Mass General Hospital through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and photos.

The Vilna Shul
A place to learn about Jewish culture and history for ages 12 and up.

Warren Anatomical Museum
The collection of roughly 15,000 artifacts and cases includes anatomical models, photos, paintings, and more.

William Hickling Prescott House
Once home to the author William Hickling Prescott, the museum features his original study and a bedroom from the late 18th century.

West End Museum
The neighborhood museum preserves the history and culture of the West End.

Visit the Theatre

All information provided by the city of Boston website: www.boston.gov/departments/tourism-sports-and-entertainment/things-do-around-boston#theater

BosTix
Get half-priced tickets to performance arts shows in the City.

Boston Symphony Orchestra
The Boston Symphony Orchestra is now in its 129th season. They've performed throughout the US and the world.

Boston Opera House
The venue is full of French and Italian styles, and is a great example of the design from the vaudeville era.

Wilbur Theatre
The Wilbur is a great destination for music and comedy in Boston.

Shubert Theatre
You can see world class acts of every genre at the Shubert.

Wang Theatre
The Wang offers many different types of performances, from Broadway shows to opera.

Calderwood Pavilion
Calderwood is both a theater hub and cultural landmark.

Lyric Stage Company
The award-winning nonprofit theater is in the Back Bay.

Shear Madness
A comedy play that's been active since 1980 and is different every time you see it.

Strand Theatre
The Strand serves as a cultural and educational resource to artists and audiences.

Attend a sporting event

Boston Red Sox
Visit Fenway Park, home of the eight-time World Champion Red Sox.

New England Patriots
Learn about the five-time Super Bowl Champions. The Patriots play at Gillette Stadium.

New England Revolution
Head over to Gillette Stadium, where our Major League Soccer team plays.

Boston Cannons
The Major League Lacrosse team plays at Boston University's Nickerson Field.

Boston Bruins
TD Garden is home to the six-time Stanley Cup Champions play. The Bruins were the first team to be awarded an NHL Franchise.

Boston Celtics
The Celtics won 17 world championships, including eight in a row from 1959 - 1966.

Head of the Charles Regatta
The Head of the Charles is the world's largest boat race. Each October, rowers come from around the world to take part.

Boston Marathon
The Marathon is held each April on Patriot's Day. Learn about one of the most prestigious and oldest marathon events.

Collegiate Sports
Our college teams have been gaining national recognition in hockey, basketball, and football.

Boston Sports Trail
The Boston Sports Trail takes you on a tour of our City's sports history. Download the guide on your phone or GPS.

Do you like shopping? Boston has many great spots to explore.

Newbury Street
Boston's chic shopping address mixes elegant boutiques with funky salons and trendy galleries.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Most major cities have something like it now, but this was one of the first urban historic shopping districts and its success inspired many imitators. Now it features a similar assortment of shops as you'll find everywhere, although some of the restaurants have a definite Boston flavor.

Copley Place
Located in the historic Back Bay, at 100 Huntington Ave, Boston MA 02116, Copley Place is Boston's most distinctive shopping destination with 75 fabulous stores including Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, Tiffany &Co., Jimmy Choo, Intimacy, Tourneau, Salvatore Ferragamo, Porsche Design, David Yurman, A|X Armani Exchange, Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani, Elie Tahari, Christian Dior, Burberry, and BCBGMAXAZRIA. A dazzling mixed-use complex, Copley Place is a concept unlike any other in the Boston area. Located on a 9.5-acre site, the upscale center includes two levels of shopping, restaurants, four office buildings, 1,400 parking spaces and two hotels, The Westin Hotel and The Boston Marriott Copley Place.

Mall at Chestnut Hill
Mall at Chestnut Hill is an upscale, two-level enclosed shopping mall, located in the Chestnut Hill section of Newton, Massachusetts on Boylston Street (Route 9). Featuring the only Bloomingdale's in Massachusetts, Mall at Chestnut Hill features over 50 speciality retailers, including Uniqlo, Michael Kors, Tiffany &Co., Apple Store, Stuart Weitzman, CUSP: Neiman Marcus, Sidney Thomas, and Coach. While at the center visit Besito Mexican Restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory, or Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse for a unique dining experience. Shopper amenities include complimentary parking, coat  and package check, Wi-Fi, lounge seating, EV charging station, and concierge.

The Street–Chestnut Hill
The Street is home to a dynamic mix of exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment destinations including Showcase SuperLux, Davio's Cucina, Intermix, Calypso St. Barth, Vince, Bluemercury, Jonathan Adler, Legal Sea Foods, Del Frisco's Grille, The Cottage, Star Market and more. As part of a major redevelopment currently underway, existing shops will be joined by other best-in-class retailers and restaurants. The 406,000-square-foot property is conveniently located along Route 9 between Hammond Street and Hammond Pond Parkway.

Boston Sightseeing

All information provided by the City of Boston website www.boston.gov/visiting-boston.

Duck Tours
Take a tour around the streets and waters of Boston on one of the famous amphibious Ducks.

Freedom Trail
A 2.5 mile brick path brings visitors to some of the most historic and significant places in the city and country's history.

Fenway Park
The oldest Major League baseball park in the United States. Its small, intimate atmosphere really allows you to feel like you are "in the game." On a warm summer night there is nothing better than going to the park, sipping a beer and watching the game.

Samuel Adams Brewery
The Samuel Adams Brewery is one of Boston’s most famous breweries. They offer tours and tastings.

Boston Public Gardens
Famous for its Swan Boats, the park has over 600 varieties of trees and an ever-changing array of flowers. It is America's first public garden

Beacon Hill
The famous Boston Brahmin neighborhood of red brick sidewalks, cobblestoned streets, elegant townhouses and gas street lamps.

Castle Island
The site of a fort erected in 1634, Castle Island is a great place to walk, jog or just unwind and enjoy the view.

Harpoon Brewery
If you've enjoyed the Harpoon Ale products you will want to tour the brewery or join the fun at one of Harpoon's annual beer festivals.

Bunker Hill Monument
This 220-foot granite tower commemorates the Patriots' undaunted bravery in defeat at the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill.

Blue Hills Reservation
For a nearby escape from the city, check out Blue Hills in the warm months for hiking and in the winter for skiing/snowboarding.

Haymarket Square
An open-air fruit and vegetable market open during the daytime on Fridays and Saturdays.