Boston is a beautiful city rich in culture and vibrant energy. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this historic city is home to a diverse range of attractions, events, and businesses that cater to visitors of every age and interest. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a lover of the arts, Boston has something to offer.
In this guide, I’ll share the many reasons I believe you should visit Boston. This includes my favourite must-see attractions, mouthwatering restaurants, and opportunities to learn about the powerful and moving history of the area. The city’s welcoming energy and rich history make it easy to see why many consider it a “must-see destination” for all travellers.
Let’s start planning your trip to this fascinating city…
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History of Boston
- The city was founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers led by John Winthrop. The first church was established.
- The Boston Latin School, America’s first public school, was opened in 1635.
- In 1636, “New College” or “the College at New Towne” was founded. This well-respected educational institution would be renamed “Harvard College” in 1639.
- The Molasses Act increased taxes on molasses in 1733, directly impacting the livelihood and businesses in Boston. That and the Sugar Act of 1764 inspired the “no taxation without representation” movement.
- In 1770, five Bostonians were killed in the Boston Massacre after British troops fired on a large mob following an argument between a British office and a wigmaker’s apprentice over an unpaid bill.
- The 1773 Tea Act, imposing taxes on imported tea, led to the Boston Tea Party, where approximately 45 tons of tea were dumped into Boston Harbor.
- Boston was seized in April 1775 following the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. This continued until March 17, 1776, when the city was finally evacuated – an event still celebrated today as “Evacuation Day.”
- The Great Fire destroyed much of the city in November 1872, including more than 500 buildings in a 65-acre area.
- The first Boston Marathon was held in 1897.
- In 1919, a steel molasses tank ruptured, causing the Great Molasses Food, resulting in 21 deaths.
How to Get to Boston
If you’re interested in driving to Boston, it isn’t a short trip from Toronto but it is doable. The drive will take approximately 9 to 10 hours, depending on your chosen route. However, some great destinations along the way would make it easy to turn this trip into a multi-destination adventure.
Those who prefer public transportation have several options. FlixBus prices start at $132 a round trip. The total trip will take approximately 21 hours, including one transfer. Greyhound also offers bus routes to Boston starting at $98 round trip and taking approximately 23 hours.
You can also travel by train, but it would require taking VIA Rail to New York Penn Station (starting at $174 one way) before boarding the Amtrak from New York to Boston (starting at $70 USD one way). The complete trip would take approximately 17 hours.
Finally, the quickest way to get to Boston is by flying from Toronto to Boston’s General Edward Logan International Airport. Flights with Air Canada, for example, start at approximately $220 one-way and take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes for a non-stop flight.
Top Hotels in Boston
A comfortable and relaxing hotel is the secret to any great trip. Your hotel serves as a home base and the foundation of your travel plans. Plus, who doesn’t want a comfortable place to rest their heads at the end of the night? Here are a few City of Boston hotels I recommend for your trip:
The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection
70 Sleeper Street
An award-winning hotel in the heart of Boston, The Envoy Hotel combines comfort and creativity to create a unique and welcoming experience. Here, you’ll find 136 guest rooms and suites, each designed to showcase the city’s artistic energy while still honouring the rich history of Boston. The rooms have a light, airy feel with city views, ranging from the urban skyline to the Boston Harbor (depending on the direction your room faces).
In addition to the beautiful hotel, I also had the opportunity to check out the hotel’s rooftop bar – a popular destination for both locals and visitors to the city. Rooftop at the Envoy is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail while taking in some of the city’s best views.
The Langham, Boston
250 Franklin St
A beautiful luxury hotel, The Langham, Boston, was named the Best Hotels 2023 Winner by U.S. News and World Report. There are several room types to choose from, including standard rooms, family rooms, club rooms, and suites, ensuring there is an option for all forms of travel. Whether you’re visiting Boston with the family or taking a work-related trip, they have you covered.
When it comes time to refuel, two dining options are available on-site. Grana is a classic family-style restaurant serving a menu of authentic Italian cuisine. They offer breakfast and lunch options throughout the week, with a special Brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays. If you’d like a more laid-back atmosphere, The Fed is a British-inspired cocktail bar. They offer pub-style foods with an elevated twist and an impressive list of creative cocktails. They also have an outdoor terrace, allowing you to grab a drink in a beautiful rose garden.
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
450 Summer St
If you prefer to stay near the Boston Harbor, another hotel I highly recommend is the Omi Boston Hotel at the Seaport. Staying here positions you conveniently in the heart of the Seaport District, with so much to do and explore just beyond the hotel’s doors. The property offers over 1000 guest rooms, a heated roof-top pool and hot tub, six dining options, and an on-site day spa. It’s enough to plan a complete getaway without ever having to leave your hotel!
The restaurant options cater to various tastes, from Kestra’s Mediterranean-American menu to the whimsical and contemporary options available at the Lifted Rooftop Restaurant & Bar. If you’d prefer to settle in for a relaxing drink, I recommend checking out the wine and beer selection at the Crescendo Lobby Bar or catching the game with a cold one at The Sporting Club.
Best Restaurants in Boston
Comfort Kitchen Boston
611 Columbia Road
Whether you’re looking for a cozy café to start your day on the right foot or a welcoming and intimate dinner experience, Comfort Kitchen Boston has you covered. In addition to a light and airy dining space inside, they also offer patio dining where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by lush greenery and local artwork.
Proudly black-owned, immigrant-owned, and women-owned, the team at Comfort Kitchen Boston has crafted menus that celebrate the flavours of the African diaspora, including jerk roasted duck, banana leaf roasted chicken, new fish curry, and many other mouth-watering options.
Fasika Café
51 Roxbury St
Originally from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, Fasika Café’s owner, Defar, is passionate about sharing his love of Ethiopian culture through the country’s food. He is so dedicated to the authenticity of his flavours that Defar or his wife travel to Ethiopia at least once a year to pick up spices in bulk.
Fasika Café is a family affair, with Defar cooking, his wife helping in the kitchen, and his children working as hosts and servers. The result is a welcoming atmosphere and an incredible menu of traditional dishes that everyone should experience at least once.
Grace by Nia
60 Seaport Blvd #325
This is the perfect stop for anyone who enjoys Southern classics, like bourbon peach ribs, fried catfish bites and lobster mac and cheese. Enjoy a hearty brunch from the brunch buffet menu, or stop in for dinner and embrace the timeless charm of this modern-day supper club.
Grace by Nia is the third restaurant owned by Nia Grace to grace Boston’s Seaport, joining Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen and The Underground Café.
The location also features a stage for live music, showcasing jazz, soul and R&B artists. If you love live jazz and soul music as much as we do, check out the full live schedule before planning your visit.
MIDA
782 Tremont St
Are you a lover of Italian cuisine? If so, MIDA needs to be on your schedule in Boston! Located in Boston’s South End, this popular restaurant is known both for its delicious traditional Italian menu and friendly staff. Chef and owner Douglass Wiliams enjoys it when visitors stop by to say hello and let him know where they are travelling from. During my visit, I had the opportunity to speak with Chef Williams and learn about the inspiration for the restaurant and his menu.
Nubian Markets
2565 Washington St
More than just a café, Nubian Markets is a marketplace, café, and gathering space dedicated to celebrating the African diaspora through food. Whether you’re interested in enjoying a flavourful dish from the kitchen or picking up fresh ingredients to cook yourself back in your suite or rental, this is the place to be. Created by Ismail Samad and Yusuf Yassin, they set out to create a space to showcase and celebrate the flavours and culture of the African diaspora. The gathering space serves as a community hub, hosting public and private events. I recommend checking if there is anything on the events calendar before you arrive so you don’t miss out!
Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom
60 State St
This one’s for the beer lovers! You’re more than likely familiar with Samuel Adams. What you may not know is that there is a Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom here, just waiting to be explored! The taproom is just steps away from the iconic Samuel Adams statue (more on that below), featuring a 3-floor tap room and a rooftop deck. Grab a bite to eat with their menu of classic pub-style food and, of course, pair it with one of the many beer options on tap. With such a wide assortment, you’ll find at least one beer you love (or several – you wouldn’t be alone on that).
Zazi Bar
60 Seaport Blvd Atrium
If you’re searching for a fun and unique dining experience, the flavour palette at ZaZiBar is unlike anything I have had before. It offers a Caribbean-Asian fusion menu that includes options for everyone, including vegan, gluten-free, and 100% halal. Chef Olrie Roberts, originally from Grenada before moving to the United States as a teenager, combines his diverse experience in the culinary world, including attending Le Cordon Bleu in Boston and interning in Spain, to bring authentic flavours and dishes with a creative spin. The third restaurant in the growing Zaz brand, it’s clear to see why they continue to expand and thrive!
15+ Things to Do in Boston During Your Visit
Downtown
Boston City Hall
1 City Hall Square
Built in 1968, Boston City Hall continues to function as the seat of city government for the city. The Brutalist style of the building’s design was controversial at the time. Today, its bold architectural appearance is well-known; many visit just to take pictures of the building. If you tour the inside, you’ll see how impressive it truly is, with marble walls and floors and modern art displays. A guided tour will explain the history and architecture of the building in depth.
Old State House
206 Washington St
The Old State House was built in 1713 and served as the seat of the Massachusetts General Court until 1798. As the oldest surviving public building in Boston, it is a vital piece of the city’s history and is one of the landmarks on the Freedom Trail.
The property was the site of the Boston Massacre, and it was on the balcony of the Old State House that the Declaration of Independence was announced. In 1960, it was designated a National Historic Landmark and now serves as a museum, sharing the city’s role in the American Revolution.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace & Quincy Market
Once serving as a central meeting place and marketplace, Faneuil Hall was a prominent location in the heart of Boston. The hall was built in 1742 and expanded in 1826 to include Quincy Market.
Today, the Faneuil Hall Marketplace is considered one of the top things to visit in Boston. The location’s 200,000+ square feet of retail space now hosts over 80 retailers, allowing visitors to explore and shop from a mix of talented local makers, business owners, and nationally recognized stores. In addition to the shopping opportunity, you can enjoy the many restaurants, food carts, and live performances.
Seaport Neighbourhood
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
306 Congress St
If you’re interested in learning more about the Boston Tea Party, the event credited with starting the revolution, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum are worth visiting. Here, you can experience interactive exhibits, historical interpreters, artifacts, and full-scale replicas of 18th-century sailing vessels, making you feel like you have been transported back in time. End your visit with a hot (or cool, depending on the season) beverage at Abigail’s Tea Room & Terrace.
Boston Children’s Museum
308 Congress St
For those looking for things to do in Boston for kids, here’s a location that should be at the top of your list. The Boston Children’s Museum is the perfect spot for a fun and family-friendly afternoon. Their exhibits encourage hands-on play and learning, with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) workshops, arts programming (visual arts, music, dance, and theatre), and activities encouraging healthy play. With three floors of exhibits, the hardest decision will be how much you can check out with the time you have available!
Institute of Contemporary Art
25 Harbor Shore Drive
Arts lovers, you’re in luck. The Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston was founded in 1936 and is dedicated to supporting artists and fostering a love for contemporary art and ideas. Here, you can take a guided or self-guided tour of the many art exhibitions, including thematic exhibitions, new commissions, and emerging artists. Their contemporary displays are creative, thought-provoking, and moving. For family travellers, they offer Play Dates on the last Saturday of each month with a full day of hands-on activities, performances, and more.
Beacon Hill Neighbourhood
Take a Tour with Boston By Foot
Another great way to experience Boston’s history (and even its darker side) is through one of Boston By Foot’s daily and weekly walking tours. They have several different tours, depending on your interests. This includes historical tours, arts-related tours, tours showcasing architecture and urban planning, and more.
The tour we went on was “Black Voices: Writers for a 19th Century Revolution.” The tour showcased the talented Black writers who used their skills to focus on the topic of slavery, including David Walker, Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins, and Dorothy West. The tour showed different locations connected to their lives, including where they lived and raised their families, where they worked and wrote, and places integral to their fight against injustice.
This included the hidden passages runaway slaves would use to escape Slave Catchers or authorities. In Beacon Hill, these mazes of alleyways allowed residents to move skillfully and sometimes discreetly through and around the buildings. Especially when bounty hunters, authorized by the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, posed a threat to the black community, pathways like this one were valuable for avoiding detection or arrest.
Museum of African American History
46 Joy St
If you’re interested in learning about the history of African Americans in the Boston area, this is an excellent place to start. The Museum of African American History’s Boston location includes two buildings, the African Meeting House (built in 1809) and the Abiel Smith School (built in 1835).
African Meeting House
The African Meeting House, the first African-American Meeting House, served as a church, a school, and a community meeting place, bringing together members of Boston’s Black Community throughout history. It played key roles in the area’s cultural and political activism. Today, the meeting house has been restored and is now used to host public talks and events, much like it would have been in the past.
Abiel Smith School
The Abiel Smith School is the oldest public school for African-American children in the US. Exhibits throughout the building tell the story of abolition and the figure for equal education. Educational programs are also held here regularly to help share the stories of those who fought hard to further educational opportunities for African American children at the time and for future generations. There is also a museum store where you can pick up further reading for those interested in continuing their learning.
The Boston Common
Embrace Boston
139 Tremont Street
Another opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Boston, Embrace Boston is a self-guided app that will take you around the city, sharing historical accounts and images, cultural moments of interest, stories, and first-hand accounts. In doing so, it gives voices to those that may otherwise be unheard, helping to dismantle structural racism and create a more inclusive future for Boston. They continually accept applications to add new stories and experiences to the growing collection, making it something worth exploring time and time again.
Roxbury Neighbourhood
Live Like a Local Tour with Collin Knight
One of my favourite ways to learn about the history of an area is through guided tours. Luckily, Live Like a Local Tours offers precisely that – a tour through the history of Roxbury’s Nubian Square.
This is a chance to learn about the influence of the civil rights movement and its leaders on the community, the rise of local Black-owned businesses, and the impact of both modern gentrification and generational wealth on the area’s development.
The tour included a bite to eat at a local Jamaican joint and the opportunity to do some shopping. Our tour guide, founder Collin Knight, was entertaining and incredibly knowledgeable!
North End
The Paul Revere House
19 N Square
Another historic site and part of the Freedom Trail, the Paul Revere House was once owned by infamous patriot Paul Revere, as the name suggests. It was built in 1680 and is the oldest remaining building in downtown Boston. The building is now a museum showcasing the life and accomplishments of Revere, including his many business ventures and what daily life looked like for the Revere family. Plus, it allows you to learn about and “experience” the midnight ride by seeing it presented in his own words.
Paul Revere Statue
A few minutes from the Paul Revere House stands a bronze statue of Paul Revere on his horse, depicting Revere on his famous Midnight Ride. Cyrus Edwin Dallin modelled the sculpture after winning a competition in 1883. However, six versions of his model were rejected before the seventh was finally accepted in 1939 and unveiled in bronze in 1940. If you view the statue from the right angle, you can see the Old North Church standing tall behind it, creating an inspiring image.
Old North Church
193 Salem St
Built in 1723, the Old North Church is the oldest standing church building in the city and a National Historic Landmark. But it’s most famous for its role in Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride. On this day, Robert Newman and John Pulling hung two lanterns near the windows in the church’s bell tower to warn of the approach of British Army troops. The American Revolutionary War officially began the next day. If you are a history lover, this is definitely one of the important places to visit in Boston.
St. Leonard’s Catholic Church + St.Leonard’s Peace Garden
320 Hanover St
Those who enjoy the architecture and style of older churches will want to visit St. Leonard of Port Maurice Parish, the “First Roman Catholic Church in New England built by Italian Immigrants” (according to a sign at the front).
While the church has operated since 1873, the current building was consecrated on November 6, 1899, after leadership recognized the need for a larger worship space. In front of the church, a beautiful Peace Garden creates a relaxing place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Waterfront
Long Wharf
66 Long Wharf
An integral part of Boston’s long history of maritime trade, the Long Wharf has a long history, including commercial trade, slave trade, and even a role in the early military history of the city. It was constructed around 1710-1721. Its sheer size made it an ambitious undertaking, attracting much attention. The wharf allowed direct access between the ships and the heart of Boston, making it easier to unload and transport cargo from the vessel. Unfortunately, this also made it a key spot for importing enslaved people. A marker on the wharf recognizes the history of the area as part of the Mid-Atlantic slave trade. The wharf was deemed a National Historic Landmark in 1966.
New England Aquarium
1 Central Wharf
Whether you’re travelling with the family, searching for a family-friendly activity, or simply want to see the thousands of aquatic animals that call the New England Aquarium home, this is a fun way to spend the afternoon. The Aquarium operates as a non-profit research and conservation organization, helping protect marine life while educating the general public and inspiring a love for the ocean and all things in it. In addition to the over 1600 animals, you can browse the many exhibits and displays featuring fun facts and information about ocean life.
Simons Theatre
1 Central Wharf
If you’re already visiting the Aquarium, I recommend watching a 3D film at Simons Theatre. The massive screen is nearly five stories high! Here, you can see movies that make you feel like you are encountering wildlife firsthand – like coming face-to-face with tiger sharks and manta rays in Secrets of the Sea 3D. The shows are only approximately 45 minutes long, but it’s a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
South End
Black Owned Boston
100 Seaport Boulevard | 623 Tremont St
Dedicated to promoting and supporting Black-owned businesses through Boston and the surrounding area, Jae’da Turner created Black Owned Boston to connect consumers and business owners while building a more inclusive community. The network currently includes over 1,600 businesses, many of which can be seen at their pop-up markets and events (on Seaport Boulevard) or in the Bos. Shop South End (on Tremont St).
Cambridge
Innovation Trail
Located just across the Charles River from Boston, only a 20-minute drive (depending on traffic), Cambridge is a beautiful city filled with a relaxing and comforting atmosphere. During our recent visit, we went on The Innovation Trail, a walking tour through the city highlighting the many discoveries and innovations that can be traced back to the area.
Not only is this an excellent opportunity to learn about the city’s history, but you’ll also learn about the cutting-edge work being done today that will likely make the history books for future generations!
Places to Visit Near Boston (2 Fun Day Trips)
Tour the Salem Witch Museum (Salem)
You’ve likely heard of Salem, Massachusetts and the 1692 witch trials. Today, the city attracts many visitors who want to learn about its history and tour historical landmarks. Just under an hour from Boston, this is the perfect day trip for history buffs. While there is a lot to see throughout the city, make sure you check out the 1692 Salem Witch Museum. Here, two presentations will introduce you to the area’s tragic history, including the history leading up to the Salem witch trials and what took place during that time. Plus, they explore the perception of “the witch” and how it continues to evolve and change today.
Beach Day at Long Point Beach (Provincetown)
Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from Boston, Provincetown is well worth the trip for beach lovers. Found on the northern tip of Cape Cod, it offers an incredible bohemian beach getaway with incredible Custine and a vibrant arts community. There are several beaches to choose from, but I recommend Long Point Beach. Its location at the tip of Cape Cod, surrounded on three sides by water, will leave you feeling like you’ve left the world behind to escape to your own slice of paradise.
Discover Why Boston is A Must-See Destination
Boston is a city steeped in history and vibrant culture, making it an unforgettable destination for travellers of all ages. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an arts enthusiast, the many diverse attractions and things to do when you visit Boston will leave you wanting more.
So, pack your bags and prepare to go on a journey through time and culture. Boston is waiting!
FAQs
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Boston?
This city offers fun things to do and places to visit every month of the year, but most travellers will agree that the best time to visit Boston is from June to October. This allows you to enjoy the area’s warmer temperatures when most local festivals and events are held.
How Many Days Is Enough to Enjoy the City of Boston?
With so much to explore in the city, you can easily fill your schedule for an extended trip.
There is no magic number for the best length of visit. Instead, it will depend on your preferred style of travel and what attractions you enjoy most. For example, if you’re only interested in a foodie tour of the city, you may not need as many days as if you wanted to experience all the city’s museums and historical spots.
That being said, most travel experts recommend planning to stay at least 3-4 days to truly experience the city.
Do You Need a Car in Boston?
Whether you’re planning to travel to the city via public transit or flying in for your getaway, you may find yourself visiting Boston without a car. Don’t worry! Much of the city is walkable. This is further supported by a reliable transit system and the availability of rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, which allow you to easily get around the city without a vehicle.