Top Things to Do in Boston

Historic Attractions

Boston’s density makes it easy to absorb a lot in a short amount of time, particularly when it comes to the city’s history. Many of its attractions are near the city center, allowing travelers to walk between numerous sites in a single morning or afternoon.

The aptly named Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile path that winds from Boston Common through Downtown, North End, and Charleston. Taking a walk down the red-brick path lets travelers see 16 of the most significant historic sites in the city. Most guided tours take around 90 minutes, but Boston FIFA fans who want to be particularly thorough can budget up to three hours.

Some of the most popular sites include:

• Boston Common: The oldest park in the United States
• Massachusetts State House: The famous golden-domed Capitol
• Paul Revere House: The oldest building in downtown Boston
• USS Constitution: The world’s oldest commissioned warship (still afloat!)
• Bunker Hill Monument: Pays homage to the first battle in the Revolutionary War

The Black Heritage Trail is another excellent option, as it showcases residences and community buildings in Beacon Hill that played important roles in African-American history. From championing abolition to housing freedom seekers fleeing along the Underground Railroad, walking the trail makes for an empowering experience, as it showcases how community and resistance go hand-in-hand.

Aside from walking trails, Boston is also home to dozens of incredible museums and cultural sites. The Museum of Fine Arts, for example, is home to a collection of art from around the world, including works from famous painters like Monet and Van Gogh. Located right on the water, the New England Aquarium is another popular attraction and houses hundreds of marine species. The diversity of wildlife, along with interactive events like animal feedings and touch tanks make the aquarium one of the top tourist attractions in Boston.

Waterfront and Outdoor Activities

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Boston was one of the most important American cities in the British Empire. Its location allowed it to develop into an international trade hub—connecting both goods and ideas between Europe, the Americas, and other parts of the Empire. Over time, this helped the city become a center of anti-British resistance, leading to events like the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party.

Today, Boston’s relationship with water remains just as important, but has evolved from commerce and conflict into recreation and public life. Fans visiting the city for the 2026 World Cup can tap into its watery past and present in numerous ways.

The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum allows travelers to reenact the famous 1773 event almost exactly where it took place. From getting a secret identity to throwing tea into the harbor, the immersive experience is both high-energy and memorable.

The Charles River Esplanade is another great option. Stretching three miles along the Boston side of the river, the park makes for a scenic walking, jogging, or cycling destination. Activities like sailing and kayaking further connect the city to its surroundings and make the esplanade one of the top attractions in Boston Massachusetts.

Lastly, nature lovers won’t want to miss out on whale watching, as the cold New England waters are home to a cornucopia of marine life. From migrating humpbacks to seals, dolphins, and great white sharks, tours offer the chance to see some of these incredible animals while enjoying unforgettable views of Boston and the coast.

Food and Local Experiences

If you’re making the trek to Boston to see the June 23rd England v. Ghana match or another World Cup highlight, you’d be remiss not to tap into the city’s dynamic culinary scene. And while Boston offers delicious foods across an endless number of cuisines, its seafood is what legends are made of.

Lobster rolls, clam chowder, and oysters are some of the many New England staples travelers can sample while in the city. Given seafood’s ubiquity in the region, pop-up stands and five-star restaurants alike often serve catch-of-the-day meals, making it easy to try dishes regardless of your budget or dining preferences. While highly-rated venues aren’t hard to come by, Neptune Oyster, Mare Oyster Bar, and Nautilus Pier 4 in the Seaport District are all worth checking out.

Outside of seafood, Boston doesn’t leave room for disappointment. North End is home to a thriving Italian scene, with restaurants like Cantina Italiana and Tony and Elaine’s offering classic red sauce dishes with portion sizes that almost guarantee leftovers. Travelers craving Mediterranean or Middle Eastern dishes can’t go wrong with Sarma in Somerville, and nothing beats a classic Boston cream pie from the Flour Bakery + Cafe chain when it comes time for dessert.

With its large student population, nearby Cambridge is another mecca for foodies. Close to the city’s Central Square, Saigon Babylon is a highly-rated Vietnamese restaurant, while Jahunger serves traditional Uyghur cuisine. Dumpling Xuan is a no-frills option for affordable yet tasty Chinese dishes, while Asmara serves up classic Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes.

Sports and Entertainment

FIFA fans looking for additional sporting and entertainment events in Boston outside of the World Cup have plenty to choose from.

The Red Sox form an integral part of the city’s fabric, and home games at Fenway Stadium offer a quintessential Boston experience to even the most casual of baseball fans. Likewise, TD Garden hosts the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins, as well as frequent concerts throughout the summer months, ensuring there’s something exciting happening every few days. These venues also offer tours, letting you enjoy an informative yet fun behind-the-scenes look.

Finally, the city’s entertainment scene is also worth exploring. The Theater District, in particular, exudes energy, with opera, dance, and frequent shows in Boston. Likewise, historic venues like the House of Blues often have live music, making it easy to pair World Cup matches with unforgettable nights out.