Things to Do in Boston During Your Soccer Trip
As you travel to Boston to watch the seven 2026 FIFA World Cup matches taking place in the city, you’d be remiss not to give yourself additional time for sightseeing. Cobblestone streets, historic pubs, waterfront parks—Boston has it all, and then some.
Outside of Beantown, Massachusetts is full of rich history and jaw-dropping natural beauty. Fortunately, Boston’s location, along with the state’s comprehensive transportation network, makes visiting these destinations on day trips not just possible, but easy.
Top Experiences in the City
Boston offers travelers the opportunity to experience a rich tapestry of layers. While there’s no wrong way to explore, centuries-old landmarks and the city’s dynamic food scene make for great places to start.
Tour 400 Years of History
Boston’s colonial history dates back to 1630, when a group of Puritan colonists founded the city on the Shawmut Peninsula. Over the next several decades, it expanded, and colonists constructed the city’s first church, tavern, and college (Harvard College—originally called New College) during this time. Today, nearly four centuries later, many of these structures remain, nestled beside modern storefronts and seafood restaurants.
The Paul Revere House, for example, was built in 1680, almost a century before the famous silversmith and military officer made his midnight ride. He acquired the house in 1770, and today, it offers an insightful look into 18th-century life. A short walk away is the Boston Common, and while it may not be a building, it opened in 1634, making it the oldest park in the United States. Today, visitors can bask in the sun as they sip coffee in a space that’s seen grazing livestock, British encampments, and abolitionist meetings. Finally, Faneuil Hall is another site worth visiting and dates back to 1742. Nicknamed the “Cradle of Liberty,” it held meetings, public speeches, and general rabble rousing in the buildup to the Revolutionary War.
Visiting the city’s historic attractions makes for one of the most unique things to do in Boston during the World Cup. And as the sites are largely clustered in the Downtown, North End, and Charleston neighborhoods, Boston FIFA fans can efficiently tour several in a morning or afternoon.
Enjoy a City Built for Foodies
When you’re ready to enjoy Boston’s world-class (and more modern) amenities, tapping into the local food scene is a great place to start.
Neptune Oyster in the North End may require a short wait, but once you’re past the blue awning and inside the restaurant, the lobster rolls, fried clams, and fresh oyster platters will more than make up for it. If you’re craving fusion, Nautilus Pier 4 in the Seaport District features a unique combination of New England classics and Asian staples. Blue crab fried rice with Thai dipping sauce? Yes, please!
Notably, Boston’s food scene extends far past the city center. Located in Cambridge, Jahunger is a top-rated restaurant serving Uyghur (an ethnic Muslim minority in China) dishes like hand-pulled noodles and a famous 15-spice chicken stew. Another top Cambridge pick for Boston FIFA fans is Saigon Babylon, near the neighborhood’s Central Square. Located on the fifth floor of a hotel, the Vietnamese restaurant and bar offers delicacies like coconut salmon, duck with rice noodles, and steamed Manila clams.
Eating your way through Boston serves as an excellent way to appreciate the city in between moments like the June 23rd England v. Ghana match. Along the way, make sure to stop by attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Public Library, and the Charles River Esplanade to further tap into the fibers of the city.
Explore Beyond Boston
Besides being a place of history, great food, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Boston can also serve as a hub to explore the surrounding region—even if you’re not keen on driving.
Tap Into More Local History
Massachusetts and the other New England states were part of the original Thirteen Colonies and served as the epicenter of colonial resistance against the British Empire. Figures like John Adams, Samuel Adams, and Roger Sherman all called the region home, and their impact on New England can be felt to this day.
To that end, Lexington and Concord are must-visit sites for FIFA World Cup fans looking to deepen their understanding of the United States’ origins. The towns saw the first military engagements in the Revolutionary War, which visitors can learn about at locations like Battle Road Trail and Old North Bridge. Concord, specifically, is also home to a rich literary history, and visitors today can tour the homes of Ralph Waldo Emerson, David Thoreau, and Louisa May Alcott. Like many locations in Massachusetts, driving to either location isn’t necessary—the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) can have you in both towns in less than an hour.
Besides Lexington and Concord, the town of Salem is also worth a visit, being famous for very different reasons. The Salem Witch Trials happened in 1692 and led to the death of 25 accused people, with over 200 town members facing accusations. Structures like the Corwin House (nicknamed the Witch House) and Proctor’s Ledge Memorial had direct ties to the trials and remain standing to this day. After immersing yourself in witch lore, you can also walk through the city’s charming streets and learn about Salem’s history as a seaport. At just over 20 miles away from the city, Salem serves as another great day trip option for Boston FIFA fans looking to sightsee outside of the city.
Soak up the Beauty of New England
With its oceanside location, Boston is undoubtedly a beautiful city. But day trips to nearby towns and cities offer the chance to experience a different side of the New England coast.
Cape Cod is a hook-shaped peninsula that extends outward into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s around 70 miles southeast of Boston and offers an idyllic day trip for visitors looking for things to do between the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. Don’t worry about driving to Cape Cod—buses and the Provincetown Fast Ferry offer easy access to the peninsula. Once there, you can enjoy the area’s stunning beaches, explore charming towns, and tour historic lighthouses. As it offers a quintessential New England experience, Cape Cod’s proximity to Boston is well worth taking advantage of.
South of Cape Cod is Martha’s Vineyard. Famed as much for its arts scene as its natural beauty, the island has served as a New England refuge for celebrities and politicians looking to recharge. Like Cape Cod, the island features picturesque coastlines, quaint villages, and a laid-back vibe that makes relaxing a breeze. Buses and ferries make it similarly accessible to Boston FIFA fans looking to step away from the city for a day.
Activities for Families
Plan on bringing your family to the 2026 World Cup? Outside of the matches, you can easily find plenty of things to do with kids in Boston.
The New England Aquarium is a fun and educational attraction, home to penguins, sharks, and hundreds of other marine species. Located right Downtown Boston, it’s easy to walk to from surrounding neighborhoods, while MBTA lines make it reachable from remote areas farther away from the city center. Kids, in particular, will love the daily animal feedings, the touch tanks that let you interact with rays and skates, and the outdoor harbor seal exhibit. The aquarium even houses a cylindrical tank with an immersive circular walkway where visitors can try to spot shyer species, like green moray eels.
North of Downtown Boston and the North End is Charleston, a historic waterfront neighborhood. Among other attractions, the USS Constitution is well worth visiting, providing travelers with an informative yet engaging look at Boston’s maritime past. From furling sails to swinging in hammocks, visitors of all ages have the opportunity to learn while trying their hand at some of the tasks that comprised the daily lives of 19th-century sailors.
Finally, enjoying the area’s natural beauty is another one of the top things to do in Boston with kids. Within the city, companies like Bluebikes offer an easy—and affordable—way to cycle around, letting you bike through popular sites like the Charles River Esplanade, which offers stunning views of Boston and MIT. Similarly, whale watching can also make for an unforgettable experience, as the waters off the Massachusetts coast are teeming with life. Humpback whales, North Atlantic right whales, dolphins, seals, and sharks are some of the many creatures that inhabit the cold New England waters.
Nightlife and Events
Boston abounds with incredible food, day trips, and family-friendly activities. But where should you go if you’re hoping to tap into the city’s nightlife scene? Fortunately—and once again—the city doesn’t disappoint.
Despite its industrial origins, Boston’s Seaport District is now one of the trendiest, most contemporary parts of the city and is home to a collection of lively bars and clubs. With its seventh-floor location, Envoy Rooftop is one such destination, as is Moxies Boston Seaport Restaurant, which features a delicious food menu in addition to its craft cocktails. Boston FIFA fans looking to not just sip drinks, but dance, can stop by Empire and The Grand—two of the most popular clubs in the Seaport District.
Located across the Charles River, Cambridge is home to Harvard, MIT, and several other institutions. In between studying at top-tier universities, its student population is also looking to unwind, making the nearby city a hub for more fun things to do in Boston at night. While the entire area is full of exciting venues, many are near hubs like Harvard Square and Central Square. The Plough & Stars, for example, is a historic pub with an extensive beer selection and regular live music events. The Druid is another hot spot and sports classic wood paneling and proud Irish roots.
Outside of these venues, the city also features a revolving selection of events—especially during the summer. Besides the 2026 FIFA World Cup, June features the June Day Parade, the East Coast’s largest military parade, and Bunker Hill Day, a Charleston celebration that pays homage to the Revolutionary War battle that took place on June 17th, 1775. July is also full of fun, particularly once Boston Harborfest commences. This multi-day event culminates in a July 4th fireworks display over the Charles River.
Whether you’re hoping for an upscale dinner or plan on letting loose after the July 9th Quarterfinals match, Boston’s nightlife and events can handle whatever you plan on throwing at the city.
Your Complete Boston World Cup Guide
Experience your World Cup fandom to the fullest with our Boston World Cup Guide. Find great watch parties, bars, breweries, events, and more for the 2026 tournament.
