Boston Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know
Boston is among the finest places to visit in New England. The state capital of Massachusetts, the city has a fascinating history as one of the oldest cities in the U.S., with English Puritans settling in the area in 1630. Boston is also seen as one of the key cities during the American Revolution due to events such as the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Modern Boston has lots of cultural and historical attractions, from important monuments to traditional Irish pubs and excursions to please all ages. Book a luggage locker in Boston, and get ready to explore the best of Beantown.
A weekend in Boston
You won't be short of things to do during a weekend away in Boston. Home to many of Massachusetts' best attractions, Boston is a bustling metropolis that makes for a great getaway destination. Check in at a Boston luggage storage service and check out some of these intriguing attractions.
- Follow the Freedom Trail. A 2.5-mile marked route through the center of Boston takes you past 16 of Beantown's best historical churches, museums, and monuments.
- Swing by one of Boston's most famous historic buildings, Faneuil Hall. The sight of seminal speeches by Samuel Adams and John Otis encouraging U.S. independence, Faneuil Hall is often referred to as the "Cradle of Liberty."
- Chow down at one of the best bistros in Boston. Beantown is home to an array of different dining options, including Dakzen, Tasting Counter, and Fox & The Knife.
- Take your family out to a ball game at Fenway Park. Home to the Red Sox, Fenway Park and is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.
Boston lockers
Walking around Boston is pretty easy, and many people call it the walking city, thanks to its marked walking routes and pedestrian-friendly roads. If you're planning a walking tour of Boston, you may want to find somewhere to stow your cumbersome belongings. You'll do plenty of walking across this sweeping city, and many of the best attractions prohibit large bags. Bounce offers the best places to store suitcases in Boston, with secure and convenient facilities across the city. Check out what's available on the Bounce app to find the perfect Boston luggage locker for your trip.
Off the beaten path in Boston
Fancy escaping the city to stroll Massachusetts' serene coastline or discovering the lush New England countryside? You'll find plenty of parks and walking trails near Boston, where you can get back in touch with nature.
- Explore the best of Massachusetts’ coastline at Boston Harbor Islands State Park. Consisting of 34 islands, visitors can board the ferry to this state park and spend their time boating, fishing, or hiking.
- Top up your tan on Revere Beach. The first public beach in the U.S., Revere Beach stretches for over three miles to the north of downtown Boston.
- Get some respite from the hectic city at Back Bay Fens. Situated just a few minutes from the center of Boston, this urban park features a jogging track, rose gardens, war memorials, and more.
What to do alone in Boston
While in Boston on business or just passing through Beantown, you might be looking for some fun excursions to try on your own. Boston has a range of museums and solo attractions to enjoy. Stop off at a Boston bag storage location before heading to one of these excellent activities for lonesome travelers.
- Discover your artistic side at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. One of the most popular museums in Massachusetts, MFA Boston, holds a collection of works from around the world, including pieces by Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Paul Cezanne.
- Tour the Paul Revere House. Dating back to the late 17th century, the Paul Revere House was home to silversmith and renowned American patriot Paul Revere.
- Find out what lurks in Boston Harbor at the New England Aquarium. You'll find some impressive displays at this aquarium, including a 200-000 gallon Caribbean Reef exhibit, home to over 1,000 aquatic animals.
The best souvenirs in Boston
There are plenty of unique mementos to remember your time in Boston by. Many of these can be picked up from the souvenir stores across the city or at major attractions. The Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall is also the perfect spot to pick up a Boston sweatshirt or fridge magnet.
If you're looking for something typically Boston, consider picking up some Boston Baked Beans or some Red Sox memorabilia. A great inexpensive souvenir from your visit is an MBTA token from Boston's subway system, the oldest of its kind in the U.S.
11 best ways to experience Boston in 2024
Boston has lots to offer visitors. But if you want to dive deeper into what really makes the city tick, you may need professional help. Several tour companies can guide you into getting a deeper understanding of Boston. Try one of these tours and see aspects of the city most visitors never do. And drop off your unneeded luggage at a Bounce luggage storage before you go. The lighter you travel, the easier it will be to have fun.
Best Cambridge tour — Cambridge Historical Tours
The town of Cambridge is older than the nation of the United States, founded in 1630 as the capital of the Massachusetts colony. As the home of Harvard University, it’s been one of the intellectual centers of the United States for centuries. Learn more about this rich history and enjoy the well-preserved buildings of the old town with a history walk from Cambridge Historical Tours. You can reach them at admin@cambridgehistoricaltours.org or 1 413 230 8729.
Best City Walk — Boston Citywalks
In an old city like Boston, walking is often the best way to explore. You’ll see more than you would from a vehicle, and get some exercise in while you learn about the town. Boston Citywalks offers a variety of walking tours exploring different aspects of the city’s history and culture. Knowledgeable guides let you know the significance of what you’re seeing and take you to hidden spots that are off the beaten path. Book a tour at alan@bostoncitywalks.com or 1 508-904-2819.
Best day trips — New England Excursions
As fascinating as the city of Boston is, it’s just one of the highlights of a region that has a lot to offer. New England Excursions will help you explore the wider area of which the city is a part. Visit the millionaire’s playground of Martha’s Vineyard or enjoy the stunning fall foliage of the White Mountains. New England Excursions makes it easy to get a taste of the entire region while on a trip to Boston. Book a tour at info@newenglandexcursions.com or 1 617-706-5284.
Best historical tour — Hub Town Tours
Thanks to its revolutionary history, Boston is known as the Cradle of Liberty. It was here that the American Revolution was mostly planned and organized, and the harbor was the site of the infamous Boston Tea Party. To hear the fascinating stories behind the Revolution, take a tour with Hub Town. The knowledgeable guides will fill you in on everything you need to know about the important role the city played in American history. Contact them at info@hubtowntours.com or 1 857-770-1482.
Best beer tour — City Brew Tours
Their fans can’t miss this lively trip. Boston has a history of brewing that goes back to its founding, and the city is home to many craft breweries to this day. Explore the past and present of brewing in Boston with a tour by City Brew Tours. Let someone else drive while you enjoy yourself at some of the city’s top breweries and sample their product to give you a taste of this thriving industry. Contact City Brew Tours at info@bostontowncrier.com or 1 617-794-7512.
Best pizza tour — Boston Pizza Tours
When it comes to pizza, New York gets all the glory. But Boston, with its long history of immigration, has more than its share of pizza outlets. In fact, some of the best pizza in the country can be found in Boston. Explore the city’s best pizzerias on a quirky pizza tour. You’ll get to sample some of the best food in town. And all the walking you’ll do will help to counteract the calories you’ll be ingesting. Book a tour at info@BostonPizzaTours.com or 1 855-487-4992.
Best photo tour — Photo Walks
Thanks to its long history and its natural location, Boston is a very photogenic city. Blurry selfies are all well and good, but if you want to take your photography game to the next level, consider a photo tour with Photo Walks. The experienced guide will take you to some of the city’s most striking locations and help make sure you capture the perfect shot. Whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced shutterbug, you’ll get a kick out of this interesting tour. Contact Photo Walks to book at saba@photowalks.com or 1 617-851-2273.
Best food tour — Bites of Boston
Food is a huge part of any city’s culture. And Boston has a food scene to rival any in the nation. For a crash course in the most exciting food in the city, take a food tour with Bites of Boston. You’ll learn more about the history of the city while indulging in local delicacies in Boston’s many neighborhoods, such as Allston, the South End, and Chinatown. Book a tour at info@bitesofbostonfoodtours.com or 1 617-702-2483.
Best Freedom Trail tour — The Histrionic Academy
Less a conventional tour and more an immersive and interactive experience, The Histrionic Academy uses costumed guides to bring the revolutionary era to life. As you explore the famous Freedom Trail, the guides will explain the history of what you’re seeing and bring the past vividly to life. It’s a great way to get a more personal understanding of Boston’s important history. Contact The Histrionic Academy at HistrionicAcademy@gmail.com or 1 978-741-1170.
Best regional tour — New England Trips
If you’ve seen what Boston has to offer and still have time on your hands, there’s plenty more to discover in New England. New England Trips offers a variety of excursions from the city, with their Maine Coast Tour being a particular favorite. Explore the unique beauty of New England as you make your way through the quaint fishing towns of the southern Maine coast. Sample local seafood and even take a ride on a lobster boat to learn more about the long tradition of fishing in the area. Contact New England Trips at contact@newenglandtripsinc.com or 1 617-515-340.