So you are heading to the Hub for the first time and you need help - what to see, where to go, how to immerse in authentic, local experiences. Meet Boston Is here to help. Allow us to make an initial introduction to a city that simply never gets old. Here are our top suggestions for first-time visitors.
The Food Scene
The Boston culinary scene is absolutely on fire. Sure, we are well known for our exceptional seafood and traditional fare, and If you want a delicious lobster roll or cup of chowder we've got you covered. But there's so much more. From Little Saigon (in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood) to our version of Little Italy (The North End) Boston features some of the best International, ethnic cuisine In the country with some of the hottest chefs Including Cassie Puima, Tiffani Faison, Jason Santos, Douglass Williams, Ana Sortun, and so many more! Many of these chefs have satellite stations set up at local food halls such as Time Out Market, High Street Place, and Hub Hall. So don't sleep on Boston's food scene. It's delectably electric!
Concert Scene
Boston boasts an iconic inventory of performance venues - Symphony Hall, Boston Opera House, and the Boch Center just to name a few. Our spectacular sports stadiums and arenas are also scintillating spots to take in a show, including Fenway Park, TD Garden, Agganis Arena, and of course south of Boston at Gillette. The venues are countless, each offering memorable and unique experiences. Take in a jazz show at an intimate setting like Wally's or Scullers, hit up a storied rock club like Paradise or Brighton Music Hall, stroll Lansdowne Street to see what's on at House of Blues and MGM Music Hall, or head out to Boston Landing for a great night at Roadrunner. See all concerts here!
Urban Green Spaces
Boston is a haven for lush green spaces, many of which feature cool activations, beer gardens, public art, and Immersive experiences. The Rose Kennedy Greenway stretches from Chinatown to the North End, offering diverse food and retail options along with plenty of space to relax and unwind. Boston's famous Emerald Necklace stretches from the historic parks downtown, through Commonwealth Ave and the Fens, and out to the Arnold Arboretum. The banks of the Charles - both the Esplanade and Memorial Drive - are perfect for fun recreation and sunset views, while the Boston Harbor Islands are an oasis overlooking the skyline.
23 Neighborhoods - murals, food, culture
Boston Is a city of eclectic enclaves and vibrant neighborhoods. From South Boston to the South End, Hyde Park to Hyde Square, East Boston to the West End, Little Saigon to our Little Italy, these communities make up the diverse tapestry that is Boston. The experiences vary, but It's all unmistakably Boston - great food, amazing public art, rich culture, and communities that welcome the world to our shores. Most are familiar with the Back Bay and Beacon Hill, but Boston has so much more, including the country's third largest Chinatown and the modern and contemporary Seaport District.
Famous Firsts to Explore
Boston is a city of innovation and invention. A city of firsts. The first public transit system, the first public school, first municipal library, the oldest Major League Baseball ballpark, oldest university, first public park, the list goes on. Strolling through famous Boston landmarks and locales - including Fenway Park, Faneuil Hall, and the Freedom Trail - one can learn about the emergence of the American nation along with so many other critical social and political movements, from abolitionism to the birth of American literary culture.
On the Water Fun
Surrounded by beautiful waterways and adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, Boston offers visitors and locals alike great access to on-the-water experiences: sailing or kayaking on the Charles, paddleboarding through Boston Harbor, swimming off the Boston Harbor Islands, and so much more. For those who enjoy waterfront views more than aquatic activity, Boston offers sunset sails, island clambakes, harbor cruises, Duck Tours, and so much more!
Gateway to New England
New England Is one of the most breathtaking regions In the entire world. Are we biased? Sure, but the fact remains that Boston is a gateway to a region full of colonial charm, bucolic landscapes, rugged coastlines, mountains, and of course diverse urban areas. If you are interested in exploring all that New England has to offer Boston is the place to start, with ferries running to Cape Cod and Salem, train service to Maine and Rhode Island, and many options for getting far north into the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Across the River
The Charles River divides Boston and Cambridge and visitors should explore neighborhoods on both sides. Cambridge is a city of eclectic squares, accessible enclaves full of great restaurants, hip cafes, innovative breweries, interesting shops and local gems. If you find yourself across the river, journey beyond the famous schools situated in Harvard Square and Kendall Square to explore areas such as Inman Square and Porter Square.
Sports Fandom
Boston is the City of Champions, with more major professional sports championships this century than any other city. And it’s not even close. From the famous ballpark in the Fens, to the stellar accomplishments on Causeway Street (TD Garden), Boston is a bucket list destination for sports fans that who want to explore the intersection of sports history and excellence. Every spring the running of the Boston Marathon brings in tens of thousands of visitors, and the same can be said for the Head of the Charles Regatta every fall.
World-Class Museums
Boston is brimming with dynamic cultural experiences and renowned museums. In the Fenway Cultural District, world-class galleries await you at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Across town in the Seaport District, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston welcomes guests with acclaimed exhibitions from international artists, along with immersive programming. Don’t miss the ICA’s Watershed installation in East Boston during the summer months. The Harvard Art Museums also offer compelling exhibitions housed in an exquisite space in Harvard Square, part of the university’s broader network of museum and gallery experiences. Boston is also known for its history, of course, with a number of historical spaces and museums along the Freedom Trail and beyond that tell that story. And on Columbia Point in Dorchester is one of the nation’s most striking presidential libraries – the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum.