When looking for your next travel destination, have you ever considered a trip to Boston? Boston is a popular tourist city due to its significant history and rich culture. It’s a hub of life and experiences, with influences from many different eras all in one place.
Geologically compact, the city of Boston is great for walking around and hitting several sites in a short amount of time – perfect if you’re looking for a fleeting city break. The city also comprises reliable public transport links to get you from A to B. What’s not to love?
What to see in Boston?
The best time to visit Boston will often depend on what sights you want to see or attractions you want to visit. Here’s our breakdown of what to see in Boston, grouped into three main themes:
1 . The Revolutionary Epicenter
Boston is known for its rich colonial history and is the birthplace of the American Revolution – the significance of which can still be felt in the city today.
The famous three-mile Freedom Trail is designated by a line of red brick on sidewalks and footprints at street crossings, and encompasses 16 of the city’s prominent historic monuments and notable sites. This includes the Old State House, Boston’s oldest public building, and the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned ship in the US Navy.
The Boston Tea Party Museum, one of the most patriotic attractions, offers diverse experiences of interactive exhibits, live actors, and rides on replicas of 18th-Century sailing vessels, so you can fully live out the Party experience!
2. The cultural leader
Boston is a diverse cultural centre, home to many ‘firsts’:
- The first institution for higher learning in the United States – Harvard University, established 1636;
- The first public park in America – Boston Common, established in 1634;
- The first publicly funded lending library in America – Boston Public Library, founded in 1848.
The city also offers an eclectic mix of old and modern architecture, with both Gothic and contemporary influences, which makes strolls around the city a sight to see in and of itself.
Boston is also the site of the most living Nobel laureates, thanks to world-famous colleges and universities in the area such as MIT. Challenge your intellect in this prestigious city.
3. The boating fanatics’ dream
Whether you prefer a river cruise or an ocean sail, Boston has a boat ride for everyone.
Boston sits on the coastline and includes an array of islands – all of which should be visited by boat! You can opt to hire your own boat for some island-hopping or take part in some of the pre-booked cruises and tours.
Notable boat rides include: Codzilla, a thrilling speed boat ride; the Classic Harbour Line, for a luxury experience; the Boston Duck Tours which comprise WWII style vehicles that travel on land and finish in the Charles River; and the New England Aquarium Whale Watch.
The best time to visit Boston by seasons
So, when is a good time to visit Boston? Well, that depends on what you’d like to see, and the weather you most enjoy:
-
Spring – the best time to visit Boston for museums
March and April are the wettest months of the year in Boston. Whilst the temperature can be quite mild, the weather is unpredictable which can make outdoor trips somewhat difficult.
If you like a good museum then this time of year is for you. And there’s many! We recommend the Museum of Fine Arts for a cultural fusion of art from around the world, or the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology which is strong in Native American exhibitions.
-
Summer – the best time to visit Boston with family
June until September boasts some of the best weather – but the heat packs a punch, so it’s not for the faint-hearted.
The summertime is when outdoor attractions are open, all of which are family-friendly – such as the frog pond in Boston Common, the swan boat lake next door in the Public Garden, baseball games at the historic Fenway Park, and the Pleasure Beach on Castle Island.
This time of year is high season for tourists, so expect sites to be busy, and entry fees and accommodation more expensive.
-
Fall – the best time to visit Boston for sightseeing
Fall is a good time to visit Boston if you want to see an array of colors and enjoy public parks.
Boston’s Emerald Necklace is a string of city parks which are most colorful during the foliage peak in October. There are wooded parks such as Arnold Arboretum which is famous for its huge maple trees, and the Back Bay Fens which is an urban wild.
Foliage fall bike tours are also available across New England this time of year, which is one of the most exciting ways to tour the city.
-
Winter – the best time of year for feeling festive in Boston
Wintertime in Boston has something for everyone. If you still want to venture outdoors, you can skate on Boston Common or appreciate the views of the city from the Prudential Skywalk Observatory.
It’s a great time of year for shopping, whether you want to visit the traditional Holiday Markets or stay warm indoors at the Prudential Centre.
Many family attractions, such as the New England Aquarium and the Taza Chocolate Factory are also still open this time of year. You can also see a great number of shows in the Theatre District to really get you in the festive spirit!
Plan your trip to Boston with Flight & Hotel Guru! Click here for some amazing deals on flights to Boston.
Also looking for a hotel in Boston? Click here for Boston hotels.
