Things to do in Boston for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Boston
All self-guided activities
Discover the wonders of Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA, a 26-acre haven brimming with incredible wildlife! Get captivated by snow leopards, be enchanted by the playful North American river otters, and marvel at the majesty of Mexican gray wolves. With so many more fascinating species to encounter, a visit to Stone Zoo promises an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers of all ages. Plan your visit today and embark on a journey into the wild!
Ahoy there mateys! Are you ready to embark on a swashbuckling adventure into the world of Real Pirates? Join us for an immersive experience that will transport you back to the Golden Age of Piracy. Located in Salem, Massachusetts, Real Pirates offers an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of some of history's most notorious pirates. With general admission, you'll have access to a treasure trove of artifacts, including authentic pirate weaponry, navigational tools, and personal belongings. The interactive exhibits will take you on a journey through pirate history, from their notorious raids on merchant ships to their fierce battles with the Royal Navy. Meet some of the most famous pirates of all time, like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, and learn about their exploits and adventures. With activities for all ages, including treasure hunts and interactive games, Real Pirates is the perfect destination for families and pirate enthusiasts alike.
This self-guided audio walking tour explores Boston’s Revolutionary past along the Freedom Trail. It is ideal for first-time visitors, history lovers, and travelers curious about how key events of the American Revolution unfolded in the streets, churches, burying grounds, and meeting houses of one city. The route begins at Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, where the early battle for Boston is remembered, then continues to USS Constitution, the famed warship launched in 1797. From there, the walk crosses into the North End to visit Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, Old North Church, the Paul Revere House, and the Pierce-Hichborn House before heading into downtown Boston. In the city center, the tour follows the story of protest and independence through the Samuel Adams Memorial, the Boston Massacre Site, Old South Meeting House, Old Corner Bookstore, the Boston Latin School and Benjamin Franklin Statue, King’s Chapel, King’s Chapel Burying Ground, Park Street Church, and Boston Common. The tour ends at the Liberty Tree memorial, where resistance to British rule found one of its strongest symbols. Along the way, the most memorable moments include standing beneath the granite obelisk at Bunker Hill, seeing the lantern church tied to Paul Revere’s ride, walking past some of Boston’s oldest graves, and tracing the path from fiery protest to independence.
This self-guided audio walking tour explores Boston through its most notorious crimes, scandals, and disasters. It is a strong fit for travelers interested in true crime, courtroom drama, urban history, and the stranger side of one of America’s oldest cities. The route begins near Boston Common at the Massachusetts State House, where the shocking Parkman-Webster murder case opens the story. From there, you move through Downtown Crossing and the Financial District to uncover a violent child case, the rise of Charles Ponzi, and the old market streets of the North End. The walk continues past South Station and across downtown to sites linked to the Boston Strangler, the Sacco and Vanzetti case, and the crimes of Jane Toppan, before heading toward the waterfront and the North End. The tour ends near Hanover Street after stops tied to Whitey Bulger, the Brink’s story, the Great Molasses Flood, and a tale of mob surveillance. Along the way, the most memorable moments include standing where fraud changed the language forever, tracing the path of one of Boston’s deadliest industrial disasters, and hearing how polished streets and historic buildings can hide stories far darker than their postcard views suggest.
This self-guided audio walking tour explores Revolutionary Boston and the landmarks that shaped the birth of the United States. It is ideal for first-time visitors, history lovers, and any traveler who wants an easy-to-follow route through the city’s oldest streets. Your walk begins in Boston Common, the green heart of the city, then climbs past the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House. From there, you follow the Freedom Trail to Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel, Old City Hall, the Old Corner Bookstore, Old South Meeting House, and the Old State House, where cobblestones and brick facades bring colonial Boston into view. The route continues to lively Faneuil Hall Marketplace and into the North End, where narrow streets lead you to the Paul Revere House, Hanover Street, the Paul Revere Statue, Old North Church, and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. The tour finishes in Charlestown near the USS Constitution Museum and Bunker Hill Monument, ending at Copp’s Hill Terrace. Along the way, you will stand beside weathered gravestones, look up at steeples and granite monuments, pass busy market halls, and trace the path of famous patriots through some of Boston’s most unforgettable scenes.
Want to get friendly with some fish, or maybe learn a little about our oceans? Flash this smartphone ticket and cruise on into the New England Aquarium. Watch the ocean life swimming around you, from seals to sea lions, penguins, sea turtles and jellyfish. Touch the stingrays in their pool, and try and catch the octopus when he's changing color – that's a sight you don't see every day. Behold Boston's most visited tourist attraction, the impressive New England Aquarium, where the star attraction is a 200,000-gallon giant ocean exhibit! Don't miss the new octopus Tatoosh, who resides in the Olympic Coast Exhibit, also home to many other marine animals from this region of the Pacific Northwest.
Step back in time and immerse yourself in an interactive visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, where you can relive a significant event in American history. This fully interactive experience is a must-see attraction in Boston, offering a fun and educational guided tour. Explore the museum's holographic displays and films, which bring the courageous individuals who fought for freedom during the Revolution to life. Witness the recreation of the tea being thrown overboard and join your 18th-century host for an engaging walk through a colonial town meeting. Step onto the massive ships, where you can personally 'dump the tea' into the harbor, exactly as it happened centuries ago. Discover the inner workings of the ships by taking the helm, visiting the crew's quarters, and exploring the cargo hold and Captain's cabin. This experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past and gain a deeper appreciation for the events that shaped American history.
View Boston is an observatory that overlooks the city from the top three levels of the iconic Prudential Tower. There, visitors are treated to indoor and outdoor vistas. Step out onto the Cloud Terrace and sip on a cocktail from Stratus, Boston's top-tier outdoor lounge. Next, engage with interactive exhibits for an in-depth look at the city. Get must-see recommendations using the unique Explore Boston screen, or craft a personalized itinerary with the complimentary ViewPrint experience. Don't forget to stop by Boston 365, where a 3D model of the city showcases Boston's vibrancy throughout the year. After all that excitement, it's time to refuel at the Beacon Bistro. Here, expert chefs whip up Boston-inspired dishes that complement a selection of cocktails, beers, and wines.
Embark on a wild adventure at Franklin Park Zoo, where you'll encounter magnificent animals from around the globe! Get up close and personal with our Western Lowland gorillas at Gorilla Grove (seasonal). Take the chance to marvel at the majestic African lion in the Kalahari Kingdom and admire the graceful Masai giraffes roaming the Giraffe Savannah. With countless extraordinary species awaiting your discovery, Franklin Park Zoo promises an unforgettable experience for all ages!
Step into a world of wonder at the spectacular LEGO® Discovery Center! This enchanting LEGO haven transforms dreams into tangible realities, all crafted from a whopping two million bricks. Picture constructing a magnificent space rocket, then watch it ascend into the digital universe with the LEGO Spaceship Build & Scan experience. It's not just about assembling; it's about weaving tales, embarking on adventures, and crafting unforgettable memories. Wander into the fantastical realm of MINILAND, a fusion of imagination and LEGO that births awe-striking creations. But don't stop there! The LEGO Discovery Center also offers interactive workshops, honing building skills and kindling the creative flame. Afterwards, put those newly minted skills to the test in the Build Adventures area, a dedicated playground for LEGO enthusiasts. So, what's holding you back? Snag a ticket to this LEGO paradise and kickstart the adventure of a lifetime!
Cities in United States
About Boston
The must-see attractions in Boston for a first visit are:
The best walking tours to do in Boston are:
- Darkest Side of Boston: Uncovering the City's Criminal History and Brutal Crimes
- Highlights of the Freedom Trail: Touring through the American Revolution Sites
- Boston Downtown: Explore the City's Highlights and Hidden Gems
- Boston: Allston's Rhythmic Heritage Audio Tour
- Boston: Heritage Trails Audio Tour
The best tours to do in Boston with kids are:
Insider tips for visiting Boston
izi.TRAVEL is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2022 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Boston on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Boston.
When I’m in Boston, I always tell friends that the best things to do in Boston start with walking the Freedom Trail early, before the brick line fills up, then ducking into the North End for a cannoli on Hanover Street. For classic attractions in Boston, I love the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for its intimate courtyard and the Public Garden at golden hour, when the swan boats glide past. If you’re weighing tours in Boston, I’d focus on neighborhood walks through Beacon Hill or the Seaport instead of busier options. For what to see in Boston, don’t skip sunset from the Charles River Esplanade.
When I visit Boston, I mostly get around on foot and by the T. In any travel guide Boston visitors read, you’ll see the subway praised, but locals know it works best for hopping between Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Cambridge, and Fenway, then walking the rest. Boston is compact, and many of the best things to do in Boston are close together, especially downtown. I usually avoid driving here unless I’m heading far outside the center; parking is expensive and streets like those around the North End can be maddeningly narrow. If you visit Boston in good weather, the Bluebikes stations are also really handy along the Charles.
When I tell people when to visit Boston, I usually point to three standout annual events. In April, Marathon Monday gives Boston an electric, neighborhood-by-neighborhood energy; I like watching near Coolidge Corner or Kenmore, where the crowds feel local but lively. In July, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Charles is classic, though I prefer staking out a spot farther down the Esplanade for more breathing room. In autumn, Head of the Charles brings rowers and spectators to Cambridge and Boston alike, and the river paths are wonderful then. In any travel guide Boston offers, these are some of the most memorable things to do in Boston.
When I want quieter attractions in Boston, I head to places locals tend to keep for themselves. In Boston’s Back Bay, I love the Mapparium, a stained-glass globe you can walk through inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library. Another favorite is Acorn Street at sunrise, when Beacon Hill is still hushed and the gas lamps are glowing. For what to see in Boston beyond the obvious, I’d also suggest Castle Island in South Boston for harbor views and a walk along the water, plus the tiny Nichols House Museum nearby. If you’re comparing tours in Boston, these spots reward exploring at your own pace.
When families ask me for the best things to do in Boston, I usually point them to the Boston Public Garden and the nearby Boston Common. Kids can ride the Swan Boats, chase squirrels under the willow trees, and cool off at the Frog Pond if it’s warm. I also like that you’re steps from Beacon Hill, so parents get one of the prettiest attractions in Boston without extra planning. For what to see in Boston with children, this area feels easy and relaxed rather than overprogrammed. If you’re skipping structured tours in Boston, it’s one of the simplest places to enjoy the city at a family pace.
When I help someone plan where to visit Boston, I usually suggest Back Bay first. In any travel guide Boston travelers pick up, it stands out because you can walk to the Public Garden, Newbury Street, the Charles Esplanade, and plenty of the best things to do in Boston without relying much on transit. I also like that Copley and Prudential make it easy to get around Boston by T. If you want something quieter and more atmospheric, Beacon Hill feels classic Boston, especially on early morning walks around Mount Vernon Street. I’d only choose the Seaport if modern hotels and waterfront restaurants matter more to you than old Boston character.
When I visit Boston, I always make time for a few foods that really feel tied to the city. Boston is known for creamy clam chowder, lobster rolls, oysters, and roast beef sandwiches if you want something locals actually crave. I usually send people to the North End for cannoli, but I also tell them not to miss a seafood meal around the waterfront or in the South End, where Boston’s dining scene feels more current than overly touristy. In any travel guide Boston visitors read, baked beans get mentioned, though I rarely see locals ordering them. For me, tasting these is one of the most rewarding things to do in Boston.