You will notice how locals wear their intellect with pride, engaging in spirited debates over coffee or beer while navigating the charming, hilly neighborhoods. It is a walkable metropolis that rewards curiosity, offering world-class museums and historic sites just steps away from bustling cafes, making it an ideal base for exploring New England’s rich past without sacrificing contemporary comfort.
Do Boston the way locals do: start slow at Middlesex Fells Reservation, eat where the regulars do at STK Steakhouse, let the evening run long at Cheers.
Top things to do in Boston
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Boston Common
Storied, nearly 50-acre urban park that hosted British troops during the American Revolution.
Check tours & tickets2
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Shopping center with many stores & restaurants comprising 3 historic market buildings & a promenade.
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Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Neoclassical & modern wings house a vast collection from ancient Egyptian to contemporary American.
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Museum of Science
Venerable institution with interactive exhibits, dome-shaped IMAX/3-D film theater & a planetarium.
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Public Garden
Placid, verdant, circa-1837 city park with a lagoon, boat rides, fountains & other sights.
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Trapology Boston
Interactive escape room game center offering several room themes, plus team-building workshops.
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New England Aquarium
A giant glass tank spiraled by a multilevel walkway is the main draw at this waterfront attraction.
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Boston National Historical Park - Charlestown Navy Yard
The 43-acre park with 2 visitor centers offers ranger-guided tours & talks about the city's history.
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Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Evocative of a 15th-century Venetian palace, this museum houses a world-class art collection.
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USS Constitution Museum
Interactive museum near the 1797 wooden frigate made famous as "Old Ironsides" in the War of 1812.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
STK Steakhouse
Website12
Regina Pizzeria
Circa-1926 local chain for thin-crust, brick-oven pizzas in a no-frills setting.
Website13
14
Boston Sail Loft
Waterside maritime mainstay with floor-to-ceiling windows & seafood staples, plus bar scene.
Website15
Union Oyster House
Historic eatery serving chowder & other New England seafood standards since 1826.
Website16
The Friendly Toast
Trendy hangout serving all-day breakfasts in quirky surroundings, with vegan options.
Website17
James Hook & Co
Classic Boston lobster restaurant & showroom on the historic waterfront with live lobsters & prepared shellfish, plus takeout.
Website18
Legal Sea Foods - Long Wharf
Specializing in upmarket seafood, this contemporary chain also serves steaks & cocktails.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Boston
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Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Boston Harbor City Cruises
Boat tour company specializing in water taxis, ferries, harbor cruises & whale watch tours.
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North End Boston Food Tour
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Landry's Bicycles Boston
Spacious, employee-owned bike sales & service center with fittings & frequent group rides.
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Tiki Boat Boston
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Boston History Company
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Boston Hidden Gems
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Middlesex Fells Reservation
2,575-acre natural haven including hiking trails around a pond, plus areas for dog-walking & biking.
Website26
Blue Hills Reservation
Massive park with views of Boston from the 635-ft-high Great Blue Hill, plus hiking & biking trails.
Website27
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
Quarter-mile rift between ancient granite formations provides climbing space & picnic sites.
Website28
Halibut Point State Park
Coastal area on 440 million year old granite offers spectacular views, wildflowers, visitors center.
Website29
Breakheart Reservation
This forest with hiking trails, lakes & a river offers activities such as fishing & swimming.
WebsiteAfter dark
30
31
Marcelino’s Seaport
Website32
Apex Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Website33
Wicked Craft Co.
Sandwiches, cocktails & craft beers served in an easygoing, plant-filled hangout with a terrace.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
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