Are you looking for cool things to do in Boston? If so, keep reading!

If you’re looking for cool things to do in Boston, MA – then we know you’ll find loads of ideas on this list!

Boston is one of those great cities, where you’ll find so many activities, day trips and museums to fill your time!

If you’re looking for inspiration for cool things to do in Boston, then hopefully this list will giver you plenty of ideas!

We’ve included a variety of things to do in Boston, from budget-friendly ideas, to splurging ideas too!

cool things to do in Boston MA

But before we get into it, here’s a tip for you!

Top tip! If you’re visiting Boston, it’s well worth purchasing the Boston Explorer Pass, it’ll save you a fair bit of cash on seeing the major attractions in the city, and working your way through this list of things to do in Boston! Click here to buy tickets. 


Here are our top ideas for cool things to do in Boston, MA!


Quincy Market

First up on our list of cool things to do in Boston, it’s Quincy Market! Quincy market is a perfect choice for cool things to do in Boston for anyone who loves food or shopping!

You’ll find lots of local retailers, food stalls, coffee shops, etc, and it’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon! It’s also a great place to grab lunch too!

And the best bit? You can browse to your heart’s content, and not spend a dime. So if budget is something you’re conscious of, this is a great free choice for things to do in Boston.

Editorial credit: Albert Pego / Shutterstock.com

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Next up on our list of cool things to do in Boston…. This is our fave attraction/museum in Boston, to be honestly, because it’s honestly pretty weird.

The eponymous Isabella bought the house with her husband, but tragically he died quite early so she was just left with all this cash, and nothing particularly much to do with it. So, she decided to start collecting art.

The museum is just her house, which is a beautiful example of architecture that never fails to take your breath away, with each room presenting a different kind of style.

Then there’s the actual collection, too, which is extensive and impressive. It’s a great choice for cool things to do in Boston. 

Read more about East Coast travel: 41 fun things to do in Portland, Maine

Editorial credit: Mark Zhu / Shutterstock.com

SoWa Arts District: First Fridays

Next on our list of cool things to do in Boston, it’s the SoWa Arts District.

If you didn’t know already, Boston is known for it’s art scene, so we definitely had to include this in our list of cool things to do in Boston!

SoWa is Boston’s art district, and for anyone from Art lovers to the casual observe, it is a sight to behold.

You can book a walking tour around the area (a fun choice for cool things to do in Boston!) or you can go and explore at your own pace. 

On the first friday of every month more than 60 local artists invite outsiders into their studios to have nosey at (and hopefully buy up) some of their works, and works in progress. Definitely a must see if you’re in town.

Read more about Boston: Top 25 things to do in Boston at night


Stroll along Boston Harbor

Next on our list of cool things to do in Boston, it’s taking a stroll along stroll along Boston Harbor!

Boston Harbor is one of those lovely areas in Boson that is perfect for spending a lazy morning or afternoon!

Whilst there’s not particularly loads of activities in Boston, there’s loads of great views and scenery to enjoy! Definitely add this to your list of cool things to do in Boston!


Fenway Park – Baseball

Next on our list of cool things to do in Boston, it’s Fenway park. It’s a perfect place to visit – there’s beer and hotdogs, it’s a really inclusive space where everyone from groups of teenagers, to whole families, to people on dates, to old people get to enjoy the game and as most of the people in the stadium are home fans the atmosphere is electric. Which makes it an ideal place for cool things to do in Boston. 

Fenway Park is one of the oldest stadiums, along with Wrigley Park in Chicago and we would definitely recommend adding a Red Sox game to your list of cool things to do in Boston if you can! 

If you’re not there during the game season, you can take a walking tour of the stadium (click here to book tickets) which is the next best thing, and really fun!

cool things to do in Boston...


Samuel Adams Brewery

Next up on our list of cool things to do in Boston, it’s the Samuel Adams Brewery. It’s one of the best local breweries, and one of the most well known in Boston too!

If you’re looking for somewhere fun to drink, and you want to try out one of the city’s best known breweries, then we really recomend the Samuel Adams Brewery.

Read more about Boston: 30 fun things to do alone in Boston

Editorial credit: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock.com

Warren Anatomical Museum

The Warren Anatomical Museum is next on our list of cool things to do in Boston. If you’ve been to the Grant Museum of Zoology in London (the one with the Jar of Moles) then you kinda know what you’re in for here.

It’s a really interesting choice for cool things to do in Boston. And it’s definitely unique too!  

This museum is all about human anatomy, instead of Zoology, but there’s some truly gruesome stuff in jars that’s worth a look-see.

One of the weirdest but coolest things to do in Boston by anyone’s standards. The Warren Anatomical Museum doesn’t disappoint, so be sure to add it to your list of cool things to do in Boston. 


Do a food tour

Next on our list of cool things to do in Boston, it’s a food tour! There are some seriously awesome food tours in Boston, and some seriously delicious food to discover and explore!

There is SO MUCH food to try in Boston and one of the best ways to try as much as possible (because that’s the goal right!?) is to book tickets onto a food tour.

It’s a great way to skip to all the good stuff, find the locations the locals love, and taste all the local favorites. It’s a perfect pick for cool things to do in Boston. 

I’ve found 3 of the best Boston food tours below, so you can pick which ever suits your tastes best!

There are some amazing old restaurants in Boston too – so make sure you check them out if you really want to try something unique!


Shakespeare on the Common

Next on our list of cool things to do in Boston, if you like theatre, but don’t like paying through the nose for it, and can handle Shakespeare being done with an American accent (it’s weird and takes some getting used to!) then this is for you. And it’s free!

It’s definitely a good choice for cool things to do in Boston, and it’s budget friendly which we love! 


Arnold Arboretum

Next up on our list of cool things to do in Boston, it’s the Arnold Arboretum. If you like the outdoors, but you don’t really want to leave the city for it, this is perfect.

The Arnold Arboretum is gorgeous. Come in early May for the Lilac walk – the smell is heavenly!

But all year round, this place is well worth a trip, and definitely a lovely place to add to your list of cool things to do in Boston. 


Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop

Next up on our list of cool things to do in Boston, it’s visiting the Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop.

If you’ve got a little bit of a sweet tooth, then you’re going to LOVE visiting this place.

Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop is a one-of-a-kind experience in Boston, and whilst this place might be small, it’s magical! Especially for those who love the sweet stuff!

Editorial credit: C.Echeveste / Shutterstock.com

Open air movie screenings

Our next idea for cool things to do in Boston, is an open air screening. For any movie lover, these open air screenings are a truly cool thing to do in Boston.

There’s loads dotted around the city, in big or small parks during the spring and summer months.

The ones at Hatch Shell focus on Family movies from any period of time, but there’s some where you can catch horror movies, musicals, and anything in between! It’s a great pick for cool things to do in Boston. 

cool things to do in Boston


Take a bus tour in Boston

Next on our list of cool things to do in Boston, it’s a bus tour. OK, we know a bus tour might not sound like the most exciting way to spend the day, but if you look into the more specialist bus tours, there are some pretty cool options available.

Editorial credit: Jaclyn Vernace / Shutterstock.com

From brewery bus tours, historic bus tours, and even ‘find the best mansion’ bus tours – there’s something for everyone.

We found a few and included them below – we think all of these sound pretty cool and are definitely great enough for cool things to do in Boston. 


Acorn Street

If you’re looking for cool things to do in Boston, we really recommend checking out Acorn Street.

Sure, it’s not the most exciting activity, but if you love exploring cool little streets and beautiful corners of the city – then we think you’ll adore checking out Acorn Street.

It’s a great location in Boston to explore, and definitely a perfect choice for cool things to do in Boston.

Read more about Boston: A guide for where to stay in Boston! 


Swan Boats

Next on my list of cool things to do in Boston… It’s the swan boats. OK, so, this one isn’t the most obvious choice for cool things to do in Boston, but we think it’s a definite MUST DO that should appear on every Boston list.

Get yourself to the Boston Public Garden. Mostly because it’s beautiful, but also because on the lake, for the small price of $20 you and your pals can take a swan pedalo around the lake and yes it is every bit as hilarious and stupid as it sounds.

It’s cute, quirky and has to make your list for cool things to do in Boston. 

Read more about Massachusetts: The best water parks in Massachusetts!

Editorial credit: cdrin / Shutterstock.com

Dim Sum – we won’t say it twice

Next on our list of cool things to do in Boston, it’s something food related!

Boston’s China Town has some bloody great restaurants but you should really get Dim Sum at China Pearl. You won’t regret it.

Head there around lunch time, and catch up on some relaxation and delicious food! The perfect way to spend an afternoon in Boston. And certainly, a great choice for cool things to do in Boston. 

cool things to do in Boston 2020


One-Buck Shucks (OYSTERS)

Next up on my list of cool things to do in Boston, eating of course!

Oysters aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, and whether or not they’re really an aphrodisiac is still undecided, but for some reason it’s a thing in Boston – so, when in Rome… Go Bastille Kitchen, or the Red House (where it’s a buck for two!). 

There are so many places that serve up Oysters in Boston, and it really is one of the main local dishes that restaurants and vendors take pride in!

So make sure you try a Boston Oyster during your trip! And add this to your own list of cool things to do in Boston. 


Whale Watching

Next on our cool things to do in Boston, it’s whale watching! Whilst not strictly ‘in’ Boston, you can take amazing whale watching tours from Boston.

Whale watching is so much fun, and there’s nothing more amazing and awe-inspiring than when you spot your first whale in the ocean!

There aren’t many places you can go whale watching – so make the most of being somewhere where it is possible!

You can book whale watching in Boston by clicking here.

cool things to do in Boston..


Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

Next on our list of cool things to do in Boston, it’s the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.

When you’re in Boston people will make a million jokes about throwing your tea in the harbour… Especially if you have an English accent!

This is a big part of Boston history, so it’s definitely worth checking out. It’s pretty cool, especially if you like History and/or boats.


Take a Harvard tour

Our next suggestion for cool things to do in Boston, is to take a Harvard Tour.

Boston is probably most famous for being home to Harvard University, so heading there to tour the amazing compus definitely qualifies for cool things to do in Boston.

For most of us, Harvard University is that place we’ve seen in movies and TV shows – and it’s a pretty cool (and beautiful) campus to explore and see in person.

If you’ve got the time during your trip to Boston, taking a tour of the campus is a really cool way to spend the day. You can book tickets to a Harvard tour here.

cool things to do in Boston usa


The Greenway

Next on our list of cool things to do in Boston… This is a really nice way to see some green space, and some public art in the city.

A bit like New York’s High Line, or Chicago’s 606, but not an old railway – it’s a couple of miles of green space in a long walk with Murals, and installations along the way.


Have a picnic in Boston Public Garden

Next on our list of cool things to do in Boston, it’s the Boston Public Garden. This is a great choice for cool things to do in Boston if you love the outdoors.

It’s a perfect activity for a summer’s afternoon, pack yourself a picnic from a local grocery store, and enjoy the sunshine, the views and some people watching! A perfect afternoon in Boston!


Walk the Freedom Trail

If you’re interesting in learning more about Boston’s history, then the Freedom Trail is a great choice for cool things to do in Boston.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path through central Boston, and you’ll pass lots of the city’s most significant historical monuments and areas.

You can begin the Freedom Trail near Boston Common, and follow it round to North End and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. It’s a really interesting choice for cool things to do in Boston, and a great way to learn more about the city.


Nantasket Beach

Next on our list of cool things to do in Boston, it’s visiting Nantasket Beach. Nantasket Beach is a great local beach close to Boston city center, and it’s a perfect place for a day out of the city.

Nantasket Beach is a pretty awesome place to visit during the summer. You can have a swim, paddle, read on the beach, whatever takes your fancy!

Read more: Top 10 weekend breaks near Boston!


I hope this list of cool things to do in Boston has been helpful! Have fun out there!

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