Welcome to Boston

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

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Art & Music

The arts have thrived in Boston ever since the 19th century, when this cultural capital was dubbed the Athens of America. Certainly, the intellectual elite appreciated their fine paintings and classical music, but they were also dedicated to spreading the cultural wealth, establishing museums, libraries and symphony orchestras for all to enjoy. Today the lucky residents of (and visitors to) Boston benefit from their largesse. These venerable institutions play an integral role on Boston's cultural stage, which has significantly expanded to include dynamic contemporary art, music and theater scenes.

Sports

'Fanatic' is no idle word here. Boston fans are passionate about sports. And with the four-time world-champion Patriots, the long-overdue World Series–winning Red Sox, the winningest basketball team in history, the Celtics, and the highly successful and historic hockey team, the Bruins, there is a lot to be passionate about. Boston's college teams also inspire fierce loyalties and staunch rivalries. No less spirited is the country's oldest and most celebrated running event, the world-famous Boston Marathon, and the world's largest two-day rowing event, the Head of the Charles Regatta.

Food

A word of advice: when in Boston, eat as much seafood as possible. Local specialties include the 'sacred cod,' fresh steamed lobster, oysters on the half-shell and thick, creamy chowder. You can eat seafood around the city, but especially in the fish-centered Seaport District, where it's accompanied by spectacular harbor views. The creatures of the sea are your top priority, but don't miss the chance to devour delectable pasta in the North End and to sample diverse Asian dishes in Chinatown. Trendy fusion restaurants draw on all of these eclectic influences to present contemporary cuisine that is uniquely Boston.

History

For all intents and purposes, Boston is the oldest city in America. And you can hardly walk a step over its cobblestone streets without running into some historic site. The Freedom Trail winds its way around the city, connecting 16 historically significant sites. These are the very places where history unfolded: from the first public school in America to Boston’s oldest church building to sites linked to America's fight for independence from Britain – Boston is, in effect, one enormous outdoor history museum.

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Top experiences in Boston

Amazing hotels and hostels

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Boston activities

$44.05 Tours & Sightseeing

Boston Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour

The Boston Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour - named one of the best hop-on, hop-off tours in the world by Forbes - is the easiest way to get around town! Take advantage of discounted admission at area attractions, see the city at your own pace with unlimited rides, and enjoy a flexible route that features 18 stops throughout town. Hop on the Old Town Trolley at any of its stops and take a seat while your engaging guide and narrator regales you with entertaining and educational anecdotes about Boston's past. Get to know Boston's iconic institutions and roam its lively districts, from the waterfront to the Back Bay. Route stops include: New England Aquarium and Faneuil Hall Marketplace Historic North End and Little Italy USS Constitution and Charlestown Navy Yard Old State House Museum Cheers "The Original" Cambridge, MIT, and Harvard Square Charles Street and Antique Row Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum Liberty Wharf Trolleys depart every 20–30 minutes. Each loop lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
$35.62 Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours

Boston Duck Tour

You've never toured Boston in anything that comes close to Boston Duck Tour! The fun begins as soon as you board your "DUCK", an authentic, renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicle. First, you'll be greeted by one of their legendary tour ConDUCKtors, who'll be narrating your tour. Then you're off on a journey like you've never had before. You'll cruise by all the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts, from the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill and the Fleet Center, Boston Common and Copley Square to the Big Dig, Government Center to fashionable Newbury Street, Quincy Market to the Prudential Tower, and more. And, as the best of Boston unfolds before your eyes, your ConDUCKtor will be giving you lots of little known facts and interesting insights about our unique and wonderful city. And just when you think you've seen it all, there's more. It's time for "Splashdown" as your ConDUCKtor splashes your DUCK right into the Charles River for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines, the kind of view you just won't get anywhere else. So take the ride of your life. Hop on a Boston Duck Tour! Important Note: All foreign language tours depart from 53 Huntington Ave
$79 Tours & Sightseeing

Boston in One Day Sightseeing Tour, with Lexington and Concord

Meet in Downtown Boston in the morning or arrange for pickup from your hotel. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing! Throughout your 7-hour tour, you’ll see the Boston area’s main must-see sights while learning some fascinating history from your expert guide.Start with a drive by comfortable coach to neighboring Cambridge, where you'll drive by the campuses of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University. See historic Harvard Yard before continuing on to the nearby town of Lexington, where you’ll stop to visit historic Cambridge Common and the Lexington Battle Green (formally Lexington Common), the site of the first shots of the American Revolutionary War. Your guide will entertain you with historical anecdotes as you obverse this US National Historic Landmark. Next, head to the town of Concord to see the Battle Road Trail, the route that Paul Revere took when he warned the Minutemen about the oncoming of British troops. You’ll also see the homes of novelist Louisa May Alcott and essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, and stop by the notable Old North Bridge.Back in Boston, start your afternoon with 1.5 hours of free time at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Quincy Market) to explore, shop and have lunch on your own. Then, hop back on the bus and begin your narrated sightseeing tour of Boston. View Beacon Hill’s 18th-century steeples and stately townhouses and explore the West End and North End neighborhoods. See the New England Aquarium from the outside, cruise through the Seaport District, view the site of the Boston Massacre, and stop to visit the USS Constitution, a wooden-hulled, masted ship named by President George Washington after the US Constitution. This is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat!See below for a full list of sights seen on your Boston sightseeing tour. At the end of the day, you’ll be taken back to your original departure point with a whole new appreciation for Boston.
$94.50 Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trip to Martha's Vineyard

Get picked up from your Boston hotel in a mini-coach for a comfortable and relaxing 1.5-hour ride to Falmouth. Water, a light morning snack, and light commentary will be provided.Once in Falmouth, you'll be dropped off at the Island Queen Dock where you'll board the passenger ferry. Your ferry ticket is included so you won't have to wait in line at the dock. Relax on a short 35-minute mini-cruise as you sail across the sparkling waters off the coast of Massachusetts.You will arrive at the island of Martha's Vineyard around 9:30am. You will then have approximately six hours to explore Martha's Vineyard on your own. Your bus driver will be happy to provide you with more information and maps of the area should you wish to book additional activities. Upgrade to a 3-hour narrated island tour to get an initial overview of the island. On the tour you will have a 15-20-minute stop at the Gay Head cliffs in scenic Aquinnah, where the first lighthouse was built. Next, you'll pass through the beautiful historic village of Edgartown. Along the way, enjoy the commentary from your professional tour guides as they share their knowledge of the island's history and present-day events. You will then have approximately 2.5 hours to explore Martha’s Vineyard on your own. Upon completion of your day on the Island, you will board the ferry which departs at 3:45pm for a relaxing sail back to Falmouth, where the shuttle will be waiting to complete the final leg of your unforgettable day trip experience. A light snack and water will be provided on your trip back to Boston.
$55.65 Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours

Boston Whale Watching Cruise on a High-Speed Catamaran

You'll visit Stellwagen Bank, the East Coast's most famous whale watching destination. Stellwagen's heavy concentration of humpback, finback, and minke whales guarantees an adventure filled with opportunities to view and learn about whales as they frolic in their natural habitat. Each Boston Whale Watching Cruise is narrated and guided by a naturalist from the noted Whale Center of New England (WCNE). The WCNE has been studying the whales of New England for more than 20 years and its members are recognized worldwide as authorities on whales. One of the whales you're likely to spot during a Boston Whale Watching Cruise is the humpback. These Northern hemisphere humpbacks reach an average length of 50 feet, and a weight of about 37 tons! Sadly, they're also among the most endangered, and its estimated that only 8 percent of their original population remains. With the data collected on each cruise, WCNE is able to further the understanding of whales and their world. And, their presence on board ensures that your whale watch will be an exciting and educational trip. Whale sightings on every whale watch. If you do not see a whale on your trip, you will receive a free ticket for a future Boston Whale Watching Cruise. The catamarans feature 3 outside decks for optimum viewing capability. Inside you will find climate controlled cabin space with cushioned seating, tables, state-of-the-art audio-visual, and a galley offering snacks and beverages for purchase.
$72 Day Trips & Excursions

New England Coastal Tour from Boston, with Kennebunkport

Morning pickup is available from downtown Boston hotels if pre-arranged at time of booking. Otherwise, meet in downtown Boston and hop aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach for a comfortable, scenic ride north through North Shore, the region between Boston and New Hampshire.Soak up views of the rocky coastline dotted with marshes, wetlands, beaches and harbors. Your guide will explain why this is an important historical, cultural and economic region of Massachusetts.Visit Hampton Beach in New Hampshire for a brief stop to stretch your legs and a look at the Atlantic shoreline from the sands of this popular summer destination.  After Labor Day, this stop will be a drive by and a visit to the famous Stonewall Kitchens will be added.Afterward, continue your journey along the coast to Maine. Your next stop is Nubble Light, formally known as the Cape Neddick Lighthouse. Located on Cape Neddick near entrance to York River, this 19th-century lighthouse is a famous American icon and a classic example of a picturesque lighthouse, so be sure to snap some photos!Stop in the town of Kennebunkport for free time to enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many eateries featuring all kinds of fresh seafood. After lunch, browse the shops and  enjoy Kennebunk's charming tree-lined streets showcase typical 18th- and 19th-century architecture constructed by merchants and sea captains.You’ll also drive by Walker Point to view President Bush's summer home before returning to Boston.This tour is seasonal and only operates from May to October.

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