Why Should I Visit Boston
The real question is Why Not?
Boston is the epitome (perfect blend/ combo/merger/mix/fusion) of the historical and the contemporary. Personal preferences for entertainment and interests are virtually endless - from historical trails and artifacts to fringe theatre, from inspirational architecture to dining on local fare, from the old masters to the new brew masters. Each season brings its own specialties and favorites enjoyed by locals and visiting families, LGBT travelers and everyone else. Popular annual events and festivals include First Night First Day, the Boston Marathon, Boston Calling, Pride Week, Outside the Box, Harborfest, the biannual Dine Out Boston, Head of the Charles and many holiday events from tree lightings and caroling to The Nutcracker and Black Nativity performances. Throughout spring, summer and fall a variety of ethnic festivals take place - no passport required!
4th of July
Celebrate the Fourth of July in a city full of history. Explore the many events happening all over...
Patriots' Day
Celebrate Patriots' Day in Boston - a festival commemorating the anniversary of the Battles of...
St. Patrick's Day
Make March memorable and magical with a variety of activities that celebrate Irish...
First Night First Day
This New Year, visit Boston and experience all the excitement of First Night and First...
Boston Pride
Boston Pride has organized a series of virtual events for the month of June that will bring LGBTQ...
Head of the Charles
Experience the largest two-day regatta in the world right in the heart of Boston. Find information...
Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon is the world's largest annual marathon. With the exception of this year, it...
Theatre marquees are lit year round and Boston’s music scene hits all the right notes from classic to rock and every genre in between. The renowned Boston Symphony and the Pops and guests artists at the House of Blues and TD Garden perform for your enjoyment. Our comedy clubs will make you laugh again and again while our dance clubs and lounges will have you on your feet ‘til they hurt!
Whether you’re a bona-fide fashionista or a whimsical window shopper, Boston’s independent boutiques, galleries, department stores and brand name outlets are certain to suit your needs.
From spring through fall, local farmer and artisan markets beckon from city parks and squares.
Boston Common and the Public Garden are inspiring whether in full bloom, a riot of color or during a gentle snowfall. Tours and trails can be enjoyed by foot, bikes, boats, trolleys, segways or "ducks" almost year long. Permanent treasures, hands-on exhibits and ever-changing temporary exhibitions can be found at the city’s famed museums: the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Children’s Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum, the Museum of African American History Museum, the Harvard Art Museums and the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum to name but a few.
Adams National Historical Park
Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA, is comprised of the birthplace homes of Presidents John...
Alcove Boston
Now open for late-night dining! Alcove features New England coastal cuisine, creative cocktails, a...
Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Urban Adventure Quest
Turn Boston and the Freedom Trail into a giant game board with this fun scavenger hunt adventure....
Avery Bar - at The Ritz Carlton, Boston
A beautiful horseshoe bar, an inviting fireplace and mid-century modern style borrowed from the...
Banners Kitchen & Tap
Banners Kitchen & Tap is a modern sports bar located in The Hub on Causeway, adjacent to TD Garden...
Beacon Hill Circle Tours
For more than 50 years, Beacon Hill Circle for Charity members have invited groups of visitors to...
Better Sorts Social Club - Hotel AKA Boston Common
We’ve created a space that evokes a familiar warmth, where conversations can unfold over flavorful...
Big Night Live
Big Night Live is a premier luxury music hall unlike any other venue in Boston. An expert blend of...
Black Market Gallery
Black Market Gallery will serve as an anchor platform for special exhibitions and projects...
Boston Athenaeum
All are welcome to visit this National Landmark library and cultural center with stunning reading...
Boston Children's Museum
Boston Children's Museum has been building innovative, meaningful, and fun exhibits for over 100...
Boston CityPASS
Boston CityPASS® — Spend less and experience more at the best attractions in Boston with CityPASS....
Boston Duck Tours
Hop aboard Boston Duck Tours and enjoy a fully narrated, historic tour of Boston in a "DUCK", a...
Boston National Historical Park
Boston National Historical Park tells the story of the events that led to the American Revolution...
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library is America's first public library serving the city of Boston with 27...
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
A live theatrical performance reenacting the "single most important event leading up to The American...
Bostonia Public House
A polished and playful restaurant within a vibrant bar atmosphere, delivering the right balance of...
Brighton Music Hall presented by Citizens Bank
We set the stage for amazing live events. We host a variety of performances from live bands to...
City Winery Boston
Intimate music venue, fully functioning winery, restaurant, and unique event space.
City Winery Boston on the Greenway
City Winery Boston on the Greenway is an outdoor pop-up wine garden operating 4 days a week on...
Commonwealth Museum
The Commonwealth Museum brings history alive through exhibits and educational programs. Changing...
Concord Museum
Renowned as the site of the battle that began the American Revolution and as the home of the most...
Deck 12 at YOTEL Boston
Deck 12 is a creatively designed space offering all-day casual dining and food-to-go. It's the...
Destination New Bedford
Discover New Bedford, a city with a vibrant working waterfront, history, museums, arts + culture,...
Eataly Boston
Eataly Boston is a vibrant Italian marketplace that features an array of cafes, counters,...
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate
The Kennedy Institute is open for pre-booked tours and programs. Visit the Institute Experience...
Encore Boston Harbor
Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MA, features 671 Deluxe guest rooms, 50,000 square feet of meeting...
Rooftop Lookout at the Envoy Hotel
A favorite for locals and visitors alike, the Lookout Rooftop atop The Envoy, an Autograph...
The First Church of Christ, Scientist
Located in the heart of Back Bay, the Christian Science Plaza is home to The First Church of Christ,...
Flight Club Seaport
Located in the heart of Boston’s vibrant Seaport neighborhood, Flight Club Boston is a social...
Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame at the Wang Theatre
Visit the historic Boch Center Wang Theatre and take a behind-the-scenes tour of one of Boston’s...
Freedom Trail Foundation
Boston's official Freedom Trail® tours take you to places where history was made! Walk Into History®...
Friends of the Public Garden
Friends of the Public Garden tours - "Untold stories of the Public Garden". Free one-hour guided...
Go City
Save up to 55% on admission to over 40 of Boston’s top attractions like the New England Aquarium,...
The Grand
A luxury nightclub built for private events with state of the art LED technology and custom sound...
The Greatest Bar
The Greatest Bar is a celebration of the GREATEST people, places, moments & events that make the...
Hammond Castle Museum
A unique museum and event venue nestled into the rocky cliffs of Gloucester's shore. It was built by...
Harpoon Brewery
Located on Boston's waterfront, Harpoon Brewery is New England's largest brewer of specialty...
Harvard Art Museums
The Harvard Art Museums are open to all, and Sundays are free for everyone! Make your reservation...
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Just an eight-minute walk from the Harvard Square T Station through Harvard Yard, the Harvard Museum...
Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, Harvard University
Read the new Harvard Museums of Science & Culture “Know, Show, Go,” policies and make an advance...
Hearby.com | Live Music • Local Scene
If you're a passionate live music fan, Hearby.com ensures you don't miss a beat on new scenes and...
History At Play, LLC
We produce Immersive Living History Experiences. Whether creating an interactive, educational...
The House of Blues
From private dining to whole-house buyouts, our team is dedicated to designing an event that is...
Improv Asylum
The funniest show you will ever be a part of! Our interactive comedy show features a cast of actors...
Institute of Contemporary Art
Founded in 1936, The Institute of Contemporary Art is the oldest non-collecting contemporary arts...
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Modeled after a 15th-century Venetian palazzo surrounding an indoor courtyard garden, the Isabella...
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Come to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum every third Thursday of the month for a night of seeing...
Jamaica Plain Historical Society
The JPHS preserves and promotes the rich history of Jamaica Plain. In summer, we offer weekly...
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
The JFK Library is temporarily closed due to ongoing public health and safety concerns. Step back...
John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse
Welcome to a unique American landmark...where the charisma of Boston meets the open sea. Where more...
K1 Speed Boston
Experience the thrills of full-throttle indoor go kart racing at K1 Speed Boston! Their all-electric...
Key to Amaze
It’s time to have some fun and be the hero of your own adventure! Virtual Reality gives you the...
Kings Dining & Entertainment - Boston Back Bay
Kings Back Bay, Seaport, Dedham, Burlington, and Lynnfield locations offer fans tons of HDTVs and...
Kings Dining and Entertainment Boston - Seaport
Kings Boston Seaport is a 20,000 sq ft dining + entertainment venue located at One Seaport Square....
The Larz Anderson Auto Museum
The Larz Anderson Auto Museum is home to "America's Oldest Automobile Collection". Just a few...
Laugh Boston
Laugh Boston is a high end comedy club/events space that can be used to host private events, with or...
Leader Bank Pavilion
Locally known as “The Pav”, a fixture in the South Boston community for over 25 years and visited by...
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston is undergoing a $12M renovation to become one of the world's first...
Liberty Ride - Guided Trolley Tour of Historic Lexington & Concord
Visit the birthplaces of American liberty and 19th Century literature! Board a classic trolley to...
Lexington Visitors Center: Guided Battle Green Walking Tours
Let our costumed guides transport you back in time to 1775 as they share the events that occurred on...
Loretta's Last Call
Grab your boots and get to steppin’ to Loretta’s Last Call, Boston’s FIRST Country Bar and...
Lucie Drink + Dine - The Colonnade Hotel
Playful and approachable, LUCIE is focused on delivering flavor profiles that our guests will crave...
Lucky Strike Boston
A 70,000-square-foot multi-dimensional entertainment complex with 16 state-of-the-art bowling lanes,...
Lucky's Lounge
With classic cocktails and notable menu, Lucky's takes its food & drink as seriously as its...
Massachusetts Historical Society
Founded in 1791, the Massachusetts Historical Society is the nation's oldest historical society. The...
Public Art Walk
Artists tell the stories of their communities through murals. More than any other public art form,...
Mija Cantina & Tequila Bar - Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Mija Cantina & Tequila Bar is Boston's premier authentic Mexican restaurant located at the entrance...
Mohegan Sun
Owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular...
Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery plays a unique, multi-faceted role within Greater Boston as a vibrant urban...
The Mount Washington Cog Railway
Climb aboard the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway to the highest peak in the Northeastern...
Museum of African American History
With campuses in Boston & Nantucket, the Museum of Afro-American History is New England's largest...
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is one of the world's great art museums with masterpieces from...
Museum of Science
Science and technology come alive at the Museum of Science! Experience the power of discovery...
Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists
The Museum of the National Center of Afro American Artists (NCAAA) celebrates the visual arts...
Ned Devine's Irish Pub and Parris Lounge - Faneuil Hall Marketplace
At Ned Devine’s, you’ll find cozy upper-level dining, plus a spacious dance floor and live acts each...
New England Aquarium
Experience the wonder of 70 exhibits featuring aquatic animals from around the world. Get your hands...
New England Historic Genealogical Society
We are located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, and are America’s leading research center for...
Newport Mansions - Preservation Society of Newport County
The Newport Mansions offer visitors an unequaled trip through America’s past with unique...
Nichols House Museum
The Nichols House Museum is an 1804 Federal townhouse attributed to architect Charles Bulfinch, that...
Old North Church & Historic Site
No trip to Boston is complete without a visit to the Old North Church, an icon of the American...
Paradise Rock Club presented by Citizens Bank
We set the stage for amazing live events. We host a variety of performances from live bands to...
Paul Revere House - Hichborn House
Home to the famed patriot - Paul Revere - the Paul Revere Memorial Association owns and operates the...
Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital
The Russell Museum will be temporarily closed due to ongoing public health and safety concerns. The...
Peabody Essex Museum
Journey through New England's grand and storied past at the stunning Peabody Essex Museum in...
Plainridge Park Casino
For the New England Gambler, Plainridge Park Casino provides the excitement, winning and comfort...
Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Through engaging experiences with history, Plimoth Patuxet Museums explores the complex and...
Puttshack, Boston Seaport
Puttshack is a leading concept in the emerging and growing market of competitive socializing....
Rail Stop Restaurant and Bar
Out of our scratch kitchen comes a mix of modern and classic New England cuisine including dry-aged...
Regattabar Jazz Club - Charles Hotel, Harvard Square
The Regattabar opened its doors to the public on January 29th, 1985. Since then it has become the...
Revere Beach Partnership
The Revere Beach Partnership hosts the annual Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival...
Revolutionary Spaces
Revolutionary Spaces connects people to the history & practice of democracy through the stories of...
Royale
Located in Boston's historic Theater District, Royale is Boston's largest and newest night club...
Salem Witch Museum
The Salem Witch Museum takes visitors back to 1692, when accusations of witchcraft struck fear in...
Samuel Adams Boston Brewery - The Boston Beer Company
During your visit to Boston, you’ll no doubt learn about Samuel Adams and the role he played in the...
Samuel Adams Boston Taproom
The Samuel Adams Boston Taproom, located in the heart of Downtown Boston, offers 15,000 sq. ft of...
Scullers Jazz Club - DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Boston, Cambridge
Since 1989, Scullers Jazz Club has offered some of biggest names in straight ahead, Latin and...
Selfiewrld Boston
Arguably one of the most instagrammable places in the East Coast, here you can immerse yourself into...
Shore Leave
Shore Leave is our interpretation of a tropical escape through the lens of our love for Boston's...
Don’t limit your Boston experience to the main attractions and Boston proper. Meander into the neighborhoods - each unique with a personality all to itself. Stroll through Roxbury where abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison lived and where Billie Holiday sang the blues. Pass under Chinatown’s ceremonial gate and explore the culinary and cultural traditions of this diverse Asian community, the third largest in the country. Browse gift and curio shops, bakeries and markets selling live poultry, fish, vegetables and spices. A tip for night owls, many of the restaurants remain open until 3am. The nation’s largest intact Victorian row houses reside in the South End. Visitors will also find an array of restaurants, cafes, stylish shops, art galleries and lovely pocket parks sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Landmarks include the Boston Ballet Center, Boston Center for the Arts and Wally’s Café showcasing some of the best jazz and break-out jams since 1945.
West End
The West End neighborhood of Boston was once the most densely populated area of the city, with 174...
Waterfront
Boston Harbor has always played an important role in the development, history and culture of the...
Theater District/Chinatown
Boston's Theater District hosts an endless array of Broadway shows. Productions at the Boston...
South Boston
South Boston, the site of the Dorchester Heights National Historic site and Castle Island, was once...
Somerville
The most densely populated community in New England and one of the most ethnically diverse cities in...
Seaport District
The fastest growing and newest neighborhood in Boston, the Seaport District is part of the Port of...
Roxbury
For over 250 years Roxbury has been an essential ingredient in the story of Boston as a pioneering...
Roslindale/West Roxbury/Hyde Park
Explore the "streetcar suburbs" of West Roxbury, Roslindale and Hyde Park for the...
North End
With dozens of eateries serving homemade pasta, fresh-baked breads, cannoli and cappuccino, the...
Mattapan
Initially inhabited by the Native American Mattahunt Tribe, the name Mattapan translates to “a...
Jamaica Plain
Once a summertime resort destination for Bostonians, Jamaica Plain is now a diverse and dynamic...
Fenway/Kenmore
Fenway/Kenmore is known for its strong academic presence, including Boston Latin School,...
East Boston-Airport-Chelsea-Revere
Originally a center of shipbuilding, East Boston has always been a neighborhood of immigrants. Today...
Downtown Crossing/Financial District
Downtown Boston Financial District has historic sites, lively nightlife and delicious...
Dorchester
Dorchester is a historic neighborhood of over 6 square miles. The town was founded by Puritans who...
Charlestown
Settled by English colonists in 1628, Charlestown is Boston's second oldest neighborhood. ...
Brighton/Allston
Brighton/Allston (aka Brighton, MA and Allston, MA, 2 subdivisions of Boston proper) are known...
Beacon Hill
A 19th century residential area adjacent to Boston Common, Beacon Hill is named for the location of...
Back Bay
The Back Bay is a affluent neighborhood in the heart of Boston and is home to landmarks such as...
Recreational activities range from spectator sports (think Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins & Celtics) sailing and kayaking the Charles River, cutting figure eights on Frog Pond, jogging along the Esplanade or posing downward dog on the Greenway. Harborwalk along the city’s waterfront is filled with pocket parks, public art, cafes and dramatic vistas. Boston’s newest gem, the Rose Kennedy Greenway is inviting any time of year. Kick back, relax and enjoy musical performances, art installations, outdoor markets and movies, a spin on the carousel and Rings Fountain with its unpredictable water patterns that jet into the air. The Greenway’s Winter Lights brings warmth throughout the season and you just might be able to snowshoe or cross country ski some winters.
Sporting Facilities
When it comes to sporting events, the Greater Boston area has a variety of flexible venues for...
Head of the Charles
Experience the largest two-day regatta in the world right in the heart of Boston. Find information...
Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon is the world's largest annual marathon. With the exception of this year, it...
New England Revolution
The New England Revolution are one of Major League Soccer’s original clubs, having competed in...
Boston Celtics
The list of legends who have played for the Boston Celtics is more impressive than any other...
Boston Bruins
The legendary blue-collar boys of Causeway Street, the Big, Bad Bruins brand has endured for decades...
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are one of the most successful teams in NFL history. Winning 16 AFC...
Boston Red Sox
The 9-time champion Boston Red Sox are a Boston institution. From Williams and Yaz, to Pedro...
Boston Sports Teams
Boasting 11 professional championships in the 21 st Century, Boston IS Titletown. Each...
Boston’s dining options are dynamic and delicious. No longer the home of “the bean and the cod”- area chefs present signature specialties made from the freshest local ingredients. New restaurants and old favorites cater to every palate and every pocketbook. Contemporary cuisine, traditional New England fare with a few twists and an eclectic mix of international and ethnic dishes make for exceptional dining.
Abe & Louie's
Abe & Louie’s sets the standard for the classic American steakhouse, offering unparalleled flavor...
Alcove Boston
New England coastal cuisine on the waterfront with award-winning food and drink, friendly...
Amelia's - Stoughton
Our extensive wine list and fine selections of cocktails and single malts complement our most tender...
Antico Forno
Located in Boston's North End, Antico Forno's specialty is Southern Italian cuisine, distinctly...
Artu Rosticceria & Trattoria
Plates of roasted vegetables draw your eye to the front window and the accompanying aromas will lure...
Assaggio
Intimate bi-level eatery for romantic dining, offering Italian-American classics & a full bar.
Atlantic Fish Company
Atlantic Fish's dinner menu features over a dozen innovative and contemporary seafood dishes to...
Atlantico
Atlántico is the third restaurant from Chef Michael Serpa and is inspired by the simple seafood...
B&G Oysters
Located in Boston's historic South End, B&G Oysters is Chef Barbara Lynch's modern take on a classic...
Bar 'Cino Brookline
Bar 'Cino is an informal neighborhood spot. We are Italian inspired but as we like to say it is the...
Bar Cicchetti by Fabio Viviani
Blending the welcoming charm of a traditional Italian restaurant with the robust excitement of...
Bar Enza
Bar Enza is a lively restaurant in the heart of Cambridge, MA. We use the best ingredients and...
Basile Fine Italian Kitchen
BASILE – Fine Italian Kitchen is renowned and highly recognized in Boston’s stylish restaurant...
Battery Wharf Grille - Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston Waterfront
Adding a modern twist to classic New England cuisine, dining at Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston...
Beauport Cruiselines
North of Boston's newest and most exciting dinner ship, the Beauport Princess! Dine, Dance and enjoy...
Berkshires - Hilton Boston Logan Airport
Enjoy the breakfast at Hilton experience enhanced with a mix of local flavors in our bright and...
Bistro 5
A neighborhood restaurant and bar serving seasonally inspired food with an Italian twist and...
A quick heads up- Boston is truly a walking city- absolutely no need for a car. Public transportation is accessible and convenient. Pedicabs, taxis and bike rentals are also readily available. The best way to enjoy this compact, friendly and delightful city is to take to the streets - walk, explore, peruse and then relax with a cool beverage, cup of coffee or you got it - ice cream - no matter what time of year!