These are the best places to travel this summer

Boston

Boston Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
African American Students sightseeing in Boston with Skyline background

Raymond Forbes Photography / Stocksy United

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Boston

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

Boston's history recalls revolution and transformation, and today the city is still among the country's most forward-thinking and barrier-breaking destinations.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Museum of Science

    Museum of Science

    Boston

    The educational playground that is the Museum of Science has more than 600 interactive exhibits. Favorites include the world’s largest lightning-bolt…

  • Boy watching sea turtle in aquarium

    New England Aquarium

    Boston

    Teeming with sea creatures of all sizes, shapes and colors, this giant fishbowl is the centerpiece of downtown Boston's waterfront. There are countless…

  • Boston, MA - 9/11/20: A welcome arch of butterflies and flowers made of traditional Chinese lanterns, spans the entry of the Franklin Park zoo for Boston Lights; Shutterstock ID 1824698471; your: Claire Naylor; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: Boston POIs

    Franklin Park Zoo

    Boston

    Tucked into Franklin Park, the zoo features a half-dozen different habitats, as well as special exhibits devoted to birds and butterflies. The highlight…

  • 500px Photo ID: 101923015 -

    Old North Church

    Boston

    Longfellow’s poem 'Paul Revere’s Ride' has immortalized this graceful church. It was here, on the night of April 18, 1775, that the sexton hung two…

  • 500px Photo ID: 14084519 -

    Institute of Contemporary Art

    Boston

    Boston has become a focal point for contemporary art in the 21st century, with the Institute of Contemporary Art leading the way. The building is a work…

  • Old State House

    Boston

    Dating from 1713, the Old State House is Boston’s oldest surviving public building, where the Massachusetts Assembly used to debate the issues of the day…

  • Underground at Ink Block

    South End & Chinatown

    What used to be an abandoned parking lot beneath the interstate is now an 8-acre playground and art space. The main draw is the fantastic mural project,…

  • USA, Massachusetts, Boston

    Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

    Boston

    'Boston Harbor a teapot tonight!' To protest against unfair taxes, a gang of rebellious colonists dumped 342 chests of tea into the water. The 1773…

Advertisement

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

From incredible culture and delicious cuisine to walking tours and front row at the ballgame, here are the top 11 things to do in Boston in 2024.

Read article

Best Time to Visit

Though summer is arguably Boston’s high season, this New England city is still buzzing through the winter and its two shoulder seasons.

Read article

Things to Know

From navigating the streets to understanding the social dynamics, here is everything you need to know before you visit Boston.

Read article

Transportation

From riding the T to using the city's bike-share scheme, here are the best ways to get around in Boston.

Read article

Free Things to Do

Here’s how to see the best of this historic and lively city without spending a dime.

Read article

Best Neighborhoods

From gleaming storefronts and bars to historical sites and districts packed with international culture, these are Boston's best neighborhoods.

Read article

Day Trips

Many of New England's best places to visit are just a day trip from Boston. These are some of our favorites.

Read article

Money and Costs

Beantown may be expensive but you don't have to break the bank when you visit. Here are 13 tips and tricks to experience the best of Boston on a budget.

Read article

Traveling with Kids

Boston engages kids of all ages. Here are the best things to do there as a family.

Read article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Boston

Advertisement