Guide to Boston
Boston is a lively and intellectual city known for its history, culture, and art.
Boston is a hub for art and culture. We are home to the Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and Institute of Contemporary Art. There are loads of galleries, like The Stone, 808, Annex, and Sherman Galleries. Here’s more information about Boston museums and art.
Theatre
The theatre district packs amazing and historic venues into a few blocks complete with a variety of restaurants and cafes. Whether you see a show in the Boston Opera House, Schubert, or Wang Theatre, you’re sure to be as delighted by your surroundings as you are by the show. Here’s more information about our theatres.
Boston Sports Teams
Boston is also known for its sports teams. The Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins all play within city limits. The New England Patriots' and New England Revolution’s home is in nearby Foxborough, meaning students have lots of access to some of the best sports teams in the county. Here’s more information about our sports teams.
In addition, there are plenty of adult sports leagues. No matter if you want to play soccer, softball, pickleball, or hockey, there’s a local team for you.
Shopping
Boston has an array of shopping choices, ranging from cute boutiques to upscale shops. You can shop on high-end Newbury Street or Fanueil Hall, with its endless choices. Whatever you’re in the mood to shop for, Boston has it. Here’s more information about Boston shopping.
Sightseeing in Boston
Whether you want to take in some of Boston’s tourist attractions as a visitor or resident, there is plenty to do in Boston. Take your visitors on a Duck tour of Boston, or go on a historical foot tour on your own. In Boston you can experience the past in a way no other city allows.
Boston Museums and Art
All information provided by the city of Boston website:
The school remembers the life of African Americans from the beginning to the end of
slavery, with a focus on the work to give everyone an education.
The museum has interactive and educational exhibits for kids, in addition to hosting
a ton of awesome family-friendly events.
Learn the story of the African American community in 19th-century Boston.
The Athenaeum was founded in 1807. It's the oldest independent library and cultural
institution in the US.
The Mayor's Gallery and Scollay Square showcase local artists and groups. The temporary
exhibits support the City's creative diversity.
The museum has taken up space in the old firehouse on Congress Street since 1983.
You can see memorabilia and learn more about firefighting.
Curious to see where artists create? Open Studios are a great opportunity to see behind
the scenes of local artists' spaces. You can purchase art work directly from local
artists, see demonstrations, and enjoy music.
The nation's first public library offers free tours with plenty of architecture and
art to explore.
Relive December 16, 1773, the famous day when American Colonists opposed British rule
(and steeped the Harbor with liber-tea).
The Stone, 808, Annex, and Sherman Galleries are all within walking distance to the
school's campus.
The home to the Boston Society of Architects features a gallery on architecture and
design. Admission is free.
The museum about Massachusetts focuses on the history of the state and its people.
The Library founded in 1854 features information about the religious activities of
the early American colonists.
The institute educates the public about the role of the Senate in our government.
The French Library and Cultural Center is a nonprofit that promotes the culture and
language of France.
The Back Bay museum is a historical single-family home that's preserved with original
furniture and features dating from the mid- 1800's.
The organization is the oldest and largest regional heritage preservation group in
the US.
Located on Boston's waterfront, the picturesque museum is home to works of contemporary
art from the past 65 years. The unique architecture in the Poss Family Mediatheque
alone makes a visit worthwhile.
A vibrant woman and patron of the arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner's legacy lives on
in her Venetian style home preserved as a Museum. The Gardner Museum features contemporary
and historic art, music, and even has an artist-in-residence program.
The library located in Dorchester is a tribute to the life and leadership of President
Kennedy.
At the museum and research library, you can find out why Mary Baker Eddy was one of
the most influential women of the 19th century.
The independent research library preserves the history of Massachusetts.
The museum has exhibits and educational programs about one of the country's first
metropolitan water systems.
The museum works to maintain an accurate history of African-American lives in colonial
times.
The museum features many exhibits and galleries, including one of the world's largest
Asian art collections in addition to one of the most important Egyptian collections
both in breadth and depth
From butterflies to nanotechnology: the interactive museum features hands-on exhibits
and even a planetarium.
Learn more about the City of Champions and Boston's sports legacy at the museum inside
TD Banknorth Garden.
The historic home shows what domestic life was like in Beacon Hill at the turn of
the last century.
The oldest surviving church in Boston is also the place where two famous lanterns
were lit to signal Paul Revere's ride.
The National Historic Landmark was part of the events that shaped democracy in the
US.
Find out the role the Old State House played in the American Revolution.
The former home of Paul Revere and the oldest building in downtown Boston.
Trinity Church is still home to a thriving congregation in Copley Square.
Learn the history of the ship and the people who sailed her.
Discover the story of Mass General Hospital through interactive exhibits, artifacts,
and photos.
A place to learn about Jewish culture and history for ages 12 and up.
The collection of roughly 15,000 artifacts and cases includes anatomical models, photos,
paintings, and more.
Once home to the author William Hickling Prescott, the museum features his original
study and a bedroom from the late 18th century.
The neighborhood museum preserves the history and culture of the West End.
Visit the Theatre
All information provided by the city of Boston website: www.boston.gov/departments/tourism-sports-and-entertainment/things-do-around-boston#theater
Get half-priced tickets to performance arts shows in the City.
The Boston Symphony Orchestra is now in its 129th season. They've performed throughout
the US and the world.
The venue is full of French and Italian styles, and is a great example of the design
from the vaudeville era.
The Wilbur is a great destination for music and comedy in Boston.
You can see world class acts of every genre at the Shubert.
The Wang offers many different types of performances, from Broadway shows to opera.
Calderwood is both a theater hub and cultural landmark.
The award-winning nonprofit theater is in the Back Bay.
A comedy play that's been active since 1980 and is different every time you see it.
The Strand serves as a cultural and educational resource to artists and audiences.
Attend a sporting event
Visit Fenway Park, home of the eight-time World Champion Red Sox.
Learn about the five-time Super Bowl Champions. The Patriots play at Gillette Stadium.
Head over to Gillette Stadium, where our Major League Soccer team plays.
The Major League Lacrosse team plays at Boston University's Nickerson Field.
TD Garden is home to the six-time Stanley Cup Champions play. The Bruins were the
first team to be awarded an NHL Franchise.
The Celtics won 17 world championships, including eight in a row from 1959 - 1966.
The Head of the Charles is the world's largest boat race. Each October, rowers come
from around the world to take part.
The Marathon is held each April on Patriot's Day. Learn about one of the most prestigious
and oldest marathon events.
Our college teams have been gaining national recognition in hockey, basketball, and
football.
The Boston Sports Trail takes you on a tour of our City's sports history. Download
the guide on your phone or GPS.
Do you like shopping? Boston has many great spots to explore.
Boston's chic shopping address mixes elegant boutiques with funky salons and trendy
galleries.
Most major cities have something like it now, but this was one of the first urban
historic shopping districts and its success inspired many imitators. Now it features
a similar assortment of shops as you'll find everywhere, although some of the restaurants
have a definite Boston flavor.
Located in the historic Back Bay, at 100 Huntington Ave, Boston MA 02116, Copley Place
is Boston's most distinctive shopping destination with 75 fabulous stores including
Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, Tiffany &Co., Jimmy Choo, Intimacy, Tourneau, Salvatore
Ferragamo, Porsche Design, David Yurman, A|X Armani Exchange, Louis Vuitton, Emporio
Armani, Elie Tahari, Christian Dior, Burberry, and BCBGMAXAZRIA. A dazzling mixed-use
complex, Copley Place is a concept unlike any other in the Boston area. Located on
a 9.5-acre site, the upscale center includes two levels of shopping, restaurants,
four office buildings, 1,400 parking spaces and two hotels, The Westin Hotel and The
Boston Marriott Copley Place.
Mall at Chestnut Hill is an upscale, two-level enclosed shopping mall, located in
the Chestnut Hill section of Newton, Massachusetts on Boylston Street (Route 9). Featuring
the only Bloomingdale's in Massachusetts, Mall at Chestnut Hill features over 50 speciality
retailers, including Uniqlo, Michael Kors, Tiffany &Co., Apple Store, Stuart Weitzman,
CUSP: Neiman Marcus, Sidney Thomas, and Coach. While at the center visit Besito Mexican
Restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory, or Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse for a unique dining
experience. Shopper amenities include complimentary parking, coat and package check,
Wi-Fi, lounge seating, EV charging station, and concierge.
The Street is home to a dynamic mix of exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment
destinations including Showcase SuperLux, Davio's Cucina, Intermix, Calypso St. Barth,
Vince, Bluemercury, Jonathan Adler, Legal Sea Foods, Del Frisco's Grille, The Cottage,
Star Market and more. As part of a major redevelopment currently underway, existing
shops will be joined by other best-in-class retailers and restaurants. The 406,000-square-foot
property is conveniently located along Route 9 between Hammond Street and Hammond
Pond Parkway.
Boston Sightseeing
All information provided by the City of Boston website www.boston.gov/visiting-boston.
Take a tour around the streets and waters of Boston on one of the famous amphibious
Ducks.
A 2.5 mile brick path brings visitors to some of the most historic and significant
places in the city and country's history.
The oldest Major League baseball park in the United States. Its small, intimate atmosphere
really allows you to feel like you are "in the game." On a warm summer night there
is nothing better than going to the park, sipping a beer and watching the game.
The Samuel Adams Brewery is one of Boston’s most famous breweries. They offer tours
and tastings.
Famous for its Swan Boats, the park has over 600 varieties of trees and an ever-changing
array of flowers. It is America's first public garden
The famous Boston Brahmin neighborhood of red brick sidewalks, cobblestoned streets,
elegant townhouses and gas street lamps.
The site of a fort erected in 1634, Castle Island is a great place to walk, jog or
just unwind and enjoy the view.
If you've enjoyed the Harpoon Ale products you will want to tour the brewery or join
the fun at one of Harpoon's annual beer festivals.
This 220-foot granite tower commemorates the Patriots' undaunted bravery in defeat
at the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill.
For a nearby escape from the city, check out Blue Hills in the warm months for hiking
and in the winter for skiing/snowboarding.
An open-air fruit and vegetable market open during the daytime on Fridays and Saturdays.