Boston is a historic city with plenty to see and do. From the Freedom Trail to Fenway Park, there is something for everyone in Boston. If you’re planning a trip to this great city, be sure to add these 10 top tourist attractions to your itinerary.
Fenway Park
Fenway Park is the home of the Boston Red Sox, and is one of the most iconic baseball stadiums in America. Fenway has been hosting Major League Baseball games since 1912, and is the oldest ballpark still in use today. A visit to Fenway Park is a must for any baseball fan, and even if you’re not a fan of the game, the stadium offers a unique experience that is sure to be memorable.
Fenway Park is located in Boston’s historic Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, and is accessible by public transportation. The best way to experience Fenway Park is by attending a Red Sox game, but there are also a number of tours available that will take you around the stadium and provide some history about the team and the ballpark. If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat before or after the game, there are plenty of great restaurants and bars in the area.
Whether you’re a diehard baseball fan or just looking for something different to do while in Boston, Fenway Park is definitely worth checking out.
The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Boston. The trail is a 2.5-mile-long (4.0 km) path that runs through the city, from the Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument. The trail is marked by a red line on the pavement, and there are plaques along the route that provide information about the historic sites.
Some of the highlights of the Freedom Trail include:
* The Boston Common: The oldest public park in America, dating back to 1634.
* The State House: Built in 1713, this is where George Washington was inaugurated as President in 1789.
* Faneuil Hall: A marketplace and meeting hall since 1742, it was also a site of several speeches by Samuel Adams and other revolutionary leaders.
* The Old North Church: Made famous by Paul Revere's “midnight ride,” it is the oldest standing church in Boston.
* The USS Constitution Museum: Located on the site of the shipyard where “Old Ironsides” was built, this museum tells the story of one of America's most famous ships.
The USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Boston. The museum is dedicated to the history of the USS Constitution, also known as “Old Ironsides”. The museum is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, which is also home to the USS Constitution Museum. The museum features exhibits on the history of the ship and its crew, as well as interactive displays and hands-on activities for kids. Visitors can also take a tour of the USS Constitution Museum, which includes a visit to the ship itself.
The Boston Tea Party Museum
The Boston Tea Party Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Boston. The museum is located on the site of the original Boston Tea Party, which took place on December 16, 1773. The museum features interactive exhibits, a replica of the tea ship Eleanor, and a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party. Visitors can also learn about the history of tea and the American Revolution.
The Old State House
The Old State House is one of the most iconic buildings in Boston. It was built in 1713 and served as the Massachusetts State House until 1798. The Old State House is now a museum operated by the Bostonian Society. Visitors can tour the museum to learn about the history of the building and see some of the original artifacts that were used in its construction.
The New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is one of the top tourist attractions in Boston. Located on the central waterfront, the Aquarium is a great place to visit for all ages. With over 20,000 animals, the Aquarium has something for everyone. Some of the popular exhibits include the Giant Ocean Tank, penguins, sharks, and rays. The Aquarium also has a 4D theater and asimulcast theater where you can watch live shows.
The Boston Symphony Orchestra
The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is an American orchestra based in Boston, Massachusetts. It is one of the five major American symphony orchestras commonly referred to as the “Big Five”. Founded in 1881, the BSO plays most of its concerts at Boston's Symphony Hall and in the summer performs at Tanglewood. Andris Nelsons is the current music director of the BSO.
The BSO was founded in 1881 by Henry Lee Higginson and its first conductor was George Henschel. The orchestra made its debut performance in October of that year playing Beethoven's Symphony No. 5. From 15-20 weekly rehearsals during the season, to working with renowned soloists and guest conductors, to performing for over half a million people each year, being a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra is a demanding and rewarding experience.
The Boston Symphony Orchestra has been led by some of the greatest conductors in history including Serge Koussevitzky, Charles Munch, Erich Leinsdorf, William Steinberg, Seiji Ozawa, Bernard Haitink, James Levine, and currently Andris Nelsons. In recent years under Maestro Nelsons’ leadership, the BSO has embarked on several European tours as well as maintaining its regular schedule of performances at home in Boston and at Tanglewood.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) is one of the world’s great art museums. With a collection that spans from ancient Egyptian to contemporary art, the MFA has something for everyone. The museum is located in the heart of Boston’s historic Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, and is just a short walk from many of the city’s other top attractions.
While the MFA’s collection is vast, some of its most iconic pieces include paintings by Claude Monet, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Vincent van Gogh; sculptures by Auguste Rodin and Pablo Picasso; and an extensive collection of Chinese art. The museum also houses a comprehensive collection of Musical Instruments from around the world.
In addition to its incredible permanent collection, the MFA also mounts special exhibitions throughout the year. Recent exhibitions have included “Rembrandt: The Late Works” (2014), “Monet: Water Lilies” (2016), and “China Through the Looking Glass” (2015).
Whether you’re a Boston local or visiting from out of town, a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts is a must.
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Boston. It is a beautiful tribute to our 35th President, with stunning views of the city and an impressive collection of artifacts and documents.
Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace, or take a guided tour. The museum covers JFK's early life, military service, presidential campaign, and assassination. There is also a section on Jackie Kennedy, which includes her famous pink Chanel suit.
The museum store has a great selection of books, souvenirs, and Kennedy-themed merchandise. And be sure to check out the amazing 360-degree rooftop observatory for unbeatable views of Boston!
Conclusion
We hope this list of the top 10 tourist attractions in Boston has helped you plan your next trip to Beantown. From historic sites to world-class museums, there's something for everyone in Boston. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!