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Top 10 attractions in Boston

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Harvard University
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in New England

Harvard University

7.5
4.5/5
572 reviews
Harvard University is one of the world's most famous institutions of higher learning and a tourist destination rich in history and culture. The campus centers around Harvard Yard, where red-brick walkways, ivy-covered walls, and classical buildings constructed over the centuries intertwine. The Johnston Gate on the west side of Harvard Yard is considered the main entrance, and a short walk into the yard brings you to the John Harvard Statue. This statue is known as the "Statue of Three Lies" because the inscription on its base contains three inaccuracies. Many tourists touch the statue's left foot for photos, a habit that has polished the bronze foot to a shine. Across the lawn from the statue stands The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, a grand building donated by the mother of an alumnus who perished on the Titanic. Memorial Church is the only building in the yard with a spire, and its walls are inscribed with the names of Harvard students who died in World War I. Memorial Hall is famous for its ornate stained-glass windows, and its freshman dining hall is often compared to the Hogwarts dining hall in "Harry Potter". Massachusetts Hall, built in the early 18th century, is one of the oldest surviving buildings on campus. Harvard Square is one of the bustling neighborhoods in Cambridge, packed with bookstores, cafes, and various shops. The area around the campus also features the Harvard Art Museums, which house a collection of European and American art ranging from classical to modern works, including self-portraits by Van Gogh and paintings by Monet.Cambridge · 5.1 km from Boston
Boston Duck Tours
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in New England

Boston Duck Tours

7.5
4.7/5
32 reviews
Boston Duck Tours is a highly recognizable amphibious sightseeing attraction on the streets of Boston. The vehicles used are dual-purpose, modeled after the amphibious landing vehicles of the US military during World War II. They can navigate through city streets and directly enter the river, allowing travelers to experience both a city tour and a cruise in one itinerary. This makes it especially suitable for first-time visitors who want to get a comprehensive impression of Boston in a short time. The itinerary features live commentary by the driver and on-site guide, passing landmarks such as the golden-domed State House, Boston Common and Public Garden, the shop-lined Newbury Street, Copley Square, Trinity Church, the Prudential Tower, and the historic districts around Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall. Just when you think you've seen all of Boston, the driver makes a splashdown into the Charles River—the moment the vehicle hits the water is the highlight of the tour. The vehicle then cruises slowly along the river, offering views of the skylines of Boston and Cambridge, which is also a great time for photos. A signature interactive tradition on board involves every passenger receiving a duck-bill-shaped "quacker" whistle. When encountering another duck tour vehicle or waving crowds on the street, everyone blows their whistles in response. The chorus of quacking has been a hallmark of this tour for years, and families with children particularly enjoy this playful experience.Boston · 2.2 km from downtown
Quincy Market
2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

Quincy Market

6.8
4.2/5
203 reviews
Quincy Market is a famous tourist attraction and shopping attraction in Boston. In 1822, Boston's commercial activity exceeded the capacity of Faneuil Hall and expanded outward to form the Quincy Market today. Quincy Market is characterized by its unique Romanesque architectural style, with large columns and iconic triangular roofs, classic Roman carved doors on the front and rear doors, and granite building materials and modern American-style rectangular glass, successfully combining classical beauty with modernity. Beauty is two in one.Boston · 347m from downtown
Freedom Trail
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in New England

Freedom Trail

6.8
4.4/5
345 reviews
The Freedom Trail is a historic sightseeing line in Boston. The road surface is paved with red bricks, winding all the way, extending in three kilometers of streets. In 1951, the citizens of Boston preserved this unique street of red brick. The right way to open up American history is to set foot on the road to freedom. The Freedom Trail begins at the Visitor Center in Boston Common and ends at the towering Penga Hill Monument across the Charles River, with 16 attractions and many 17th and 18th century houses, churches and Independence War sites along the way. It takes about half a day to walk the entire freedom road, but if you want to visit carefully, it may take at least a day.Boston · 614m from downtown
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
No. 7 of Best Things to Do in New England

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

6.8
4.2/5
48 reviews
Faneuil Hall, located on Boston's Freedom Trail, was built in 1742 by the wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil. Originally a marketplace, it later became a venue for Bostonians to gather and engage in free discussion. It has witnessed countless meetings and speeches by patriots, earning it the nickname "Cradle of Liberty," playing a significant role in American history.Boston · 319m from downtown
Boston Public Library
No. 8 of Best Things to Do in New England

Boston Public Library

6.1
4.4/5
257 reviews
The Boston Public Library is divided into two areas. One is the old library with fine frescoes and classical decorations. Another area is the modern style of the extension, which includes multilingual services.Boston · 2 km from downtown
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Boston

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

5.7
4.3/5
46 reviews
The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is located at the end of Congress Street, with a replica of the historic tea merchant ship named "Beaver II" docked beside the museum. The museum is small but displays a collection of original artifacts and souvenir replicas from the event, including reproductions of the original cargo ships. Additionally, the museum offers tea to visitors. After touring the museum, visitors can sign in to board the nearby "Beaver II" merchant ship and step onto the deck to relive the historic moment. After the visit, you can walk along the waterfront promenade or relax in the leisure area while enjoying the scenic views of Boston Harbor.Boston · 1.1 km from downtown
Chinatown
No. 12 of Best Things to Do in Boston

Chinatown

5.3
4.0/5
109 reviews
Boston Chinatown is located in the center of Boston, with a large Chinese population and a rare Chinatown in New England. Once you enter Boston's Chinatown, you will find many unique Chinese restaurants and other Asian country cuisine restaurants, most of which provide Chinese service.Boston · 1.2 km from downtown
Boston Common
No. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Boston

Boston Common

5.1
4.4/5
405 reviews
Boston Common was built in 1643 and is located in the center of Boston. It is the oldest park in the United States and the starting point of the Freedom Trail. Today's Boston Common has become a green park open to the public for people to enjoy. At the main entrance of the park stands a majestic statue of a war hero, Washington on horseback.Boston · 782m from downtown
Boston Harbor
No. 19 of Best Things to Do in New England

Boston Harbor

5
4.3/5
72 reviews
The Boston Bay is close to Boston's North District, facing the General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport and facing the Boston Common. It is a must-see attraction for tourists in Boston. There are many boats docked in Boston Bay, including private yachts, coast guard patrol boats, and antique sailboats. These sporadic boats have become a beautiful landscape in Boston. The way to get around the Boston Sound is by boat. You can choose to take a small boat on the azure sea at Long Wharf near Quincy Market and enjoy the beauty of the sky and water. You can also take a cruise to explore the Boston Bay, where you can overlook Boston's financial district. Views of the cable-stayed bridge connecting Boston to the Bay and planes taking off and landing. From Long Wharf, you can walk to the nearby Boston Tea Party Ship Museum, an antique merchant ship that is now a museum. After visiting, you can stroll on the walking path by the bay. This is a leisure area and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Boston Harbor. The scenery is very pleasant. In the evening, when night falls, the bay is also a good place to enjoy the sunset. Here, even if you are not playing at sea, walking on the shore and the gust of sea breeze can be enchanting.Boston · 7.3 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Boston

Featured Cultural experiences in Boston

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Boston CityPASS City Pass
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Boston museum of fine arts
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Boston Museum of Fine Arts admission ticket
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Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum - Ticket with Guided Tour
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Duration: 24 hrs
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2-hr interactive science walking tour at the Museum of Science in Boston | Thousands of interactive exhibits
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2-hour historical walking tour at the Boston Tea Party Museum in the US
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Duration: 2 hrs
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Featured Food & drink in Boston

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Secret Food Tours Boston North End
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Duration: 24 hrs
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From$118.50
Secret Food Tour: Boston Express Tour
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Duration: 24 hrs
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Boston: Guided Seafood Tasting and History Tour
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4.9/5
· 96 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
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Boston Pizza Lovers Food and History Walking Tour
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4.7/5
· 1.1k reviews
Duration: 150 mins
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92.5% of travelers recommend
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Boston Universities and Harbor Cruise Day Tour
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Duration: 6.5 hrs
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Boston: Seafood Tasting & Historical Walking Tour
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5.0/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
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Boston: North End & Little Italy Food Tour with Local Dishes
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4.9/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 2–3 hrs
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Boston Food Tour: Pizza & North End Italian Classics
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5.0/5
· 23 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Boston

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Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour of Boston's Historic District
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Private Full Day Tour to Coastal Maine from Boston with Hotel pick-up
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From$1,692.54
Boston: Ultimate Martha's Vineyard 1-Day Escape Small Group
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4.5/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 12 hrs
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5% off
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From Boston: Cape Cod and Plymouth Day Tour
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Duration: 9 hrs
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90 Minute Scenic Newport Narrated Trolley Tour (Ages 8+)
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4.8/5
· 16 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
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5% off
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From$30.78$32.4
From Providence: Day Trip around Rhode Island
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
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From$118.71$124.96

Featured Day tours in Boston

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Boston New England Aquarium City Cruise Whale Watching Tour
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4.8/5
· 4 reviews· 182 booked
Duration: 4 hrs
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Ferry from Boston to Salem - Ticket
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Duration: 24 hrs
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From$42.00
Boston, Harvard and Freedom Trail Day Tour from New York
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 10 hrs
English
Free cancellation
From$124.62
From Boston:Small Group Harvard, MIT, Quincy Market Day Tour
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Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour
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4.5/5
· 938 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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Whale watching catamaran cruise in Boston
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Boston Universities and Harbor Cruise Day Tour
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Duration: 6.6 hrs
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Free things to do in Boston

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What travelers say about Boston

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中西南北东September 14, 2026
4.0
Most universities abroad don't have walls, and Harvard is no exception. The first picture shows the visitor center, where you can use the restrooms. The campus is divided into several sections by city streets, but overall it remains quiet and orderly.

Harvard University

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Anonymous userOctober 8, 2024
5.0
The experience was very good. The tour guide kept talking for an hour and entertained everyone. You can experience all the city views on land and water. The moment you got into the water, everyone was recording. When you met other duck boats during the journey, everyone would imitate the duck's call to greet each other

Boston Duck Tours

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BeachButterflyApril 18, 2024
5.0
This place has a great selection of food and treats to choose from. You can get some good stuff to take home to friends too.

Quincy Market

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西行阿里May 22, 2021
5.0
The terminal of the Freedom Trail This granite monument in Charlestown, Boston, is said to be one of the earliest monuments in the United States, used to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill between the British Army and the North American Colonial Militia (OK, I admit that I checked it recently ) Now this is the terminal of Boston's Freedom Trail. If the weather is good, you can walk all the way from Boston Park~ The only way to get to the top of the monument is to climb the stairs There are a total of 294 steps, and numbers are marked every few steps, so that people who are panting and climbing the stairs can have a number in mind There is actually only a small space on the top of the monument, but looking out through the small windows on all four sides, I immediately feel that climbing the stairs is worth it~

Freedom Trail

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东张西望望东西February 29, 2020
5.0
Faneuil Hall is a building on the Freedom Trail. Its red brick exterior is easy to recognize. Faneuil Hall was a historically significant place during the American Civil War. If you are interested, you can visit it.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

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Jessica I’dNovember 29, 2023
5.0
A Boston essential. Not only good for book lovers, but fans of art and history will love this refuge right in the heart of the city. Be respectful if you visit just for some photos, it is an active community resource hub and welcoming event space year round.

Boston Public Library

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palettes_nyNovember 13, 2021
4.0
A museum located by Boston Harbor. The classical architecture is unforgettable. The staff at the ticket office are also dressed in classical costumes. There are also cruise ships in the museum that sail by the harbor.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

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ロジャーNovember 26, 2021
5.0
It is no exaggeration to say that this place is the center of Boston. If you stay in a hotel near here, you can get to anywhere quickly. There seem to be many Chinese restaurants, but there are also Japanese restaurants and they are very delicious.

Chinatown

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fooler0809October 26, 2020
5.0
It's a nice city park, quite rich and large, with lush trees and spacious pedestrian paths. It also has a lot of content. It's located in the center of the city, not too crowded, and is a good place to relax.

Boston Common

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素素77February 24, 2020
5.0
Boston Harbor is a breathtakingly beautiful harbor, perfect for enjoying the city's beauty. Cruises are usually offered as part of group tours, costing $20 per trip and lasting about half an hour. The shore itself is bustling with activity, and exploring on your own is also enjoyable.

Boston Harbor

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Boston?

Don't miss these attractions in Boston: Harvard University, Boston Duck Tours, and Quincy Market. If you like Cultural experiences, try Boston CityPASS City Pass. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Secret Food Tours Boston North End.

You can give Secret Food Tours Boston North End and Secret Food Tour: Boston Express Tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Boston New England Aquarium City Cruise Whale Watching Tour, Ferry from Boston to Salem - Ticket, and Boston, Harvard and Freedom Trail Day Tour from New York. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 8, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Boston is around USD 42 – USD 159. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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