With our rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and legacy of arts, culture, and education, Boston has something for everyone.
guide
Visiting Boston
Last updated
9/8/17
WALKING TOURS
There are a variety of free walks and trails throughout the City of Boston.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
The City has a wealth of museums, with everything from The Museum of Fine Arts to the Boston Fire Museum.
SHOPPING AND DINING
Boston offers world-class dining and shopping options as well as local, artisan, and ethnic favorites.
THEATERS AND VENUES
We have a number of places for residents and visitors to watch plays, films, and concerts.
SPORTS
With the recent success of Boston’s professional teams, there’s much to experience in the City of Champions.
FARMERS MARKETS
The Office of Food Access helps to oversee almost 30 farmers markets in Boston.
America’s first historic walking tour
In just a few hours, you’ll see 16 historical sites and look back on centuries of history. The red trail painted on the ground serves as your guide.
Boston’s Public Art
Search Boston’s art collection, watch artist videos, access a map of public art installations across the City, and more!
Walk to the Sea
This walk encompasses four centuries of Boston history. Mixing historical landmarks with Boston’s skyscrapers, this walk is truly one worth taking.
State House
Tours last about 30-45 minutes and include an overview of the history and architecture of the State Capitol.
Swan Boats
The Swan Boats paddle passengers around the Public Garden Lagoon for a 15-minute peaceful cruise.
CrissCross Signal Spire, 2015
Meejin Yoon’s dynamic light sculpture in Dudley Square encourages viewers to interact by tweeting #signalspire. Learn about this piece — and more — from Public Art Boston.
Digital Access Initiative
Learn about the City's effort to digitize records and make them available to the public.
Boston Records
View the City's collections through our online public access catalog.
Boston's history
Understand Boston's history through our past Mayors, City Council members, and major land acquisitions.
Burying Grounds
Granary
This burying ground was established in 1660 to alleviate overcrowding in the King’s Chapel Burying Ground. Learn more about Boston’s Historic Burying Grounds Initiative.
Keep these dates and events in mind as they are usually busy times in Boston.
- December 31/January 1: First Night/Day
- March (mid-month): St. Patrick's Day Parade
- April (third Monday of the month): Boston Marathon
- June (beginning of the month): Pride Parade
- May (throughout the month): College graduation season
- July 1 - 4: Harborfest
- End of August/Early September: Moving day, students return
- October (mid-end of month): Head of the Charles Regatta
- December: Holiday season
We can't mail you any printed maps or guides, but these websites have some helpful maps.
BostonUSA
Find a number of interactive maps of the Boston area.
MassVacation
Find printable maps of Boston as well as the Greater Boston area.
Public Transit
Find your way around Boston's comprehensive public transit system.
BUS SERVICE
The MBTA offers free Silver Line bus service from all airport terminals to South Station.
FERRY BOAT
The MBTA offers ferry-boat service from Hingham or Hull to the airport, weather permitting.
Get help before you plan your next visit to our great City.
GREATER BOSTON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
The primary private sector marketing and visitor service organization.
HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATIONS
The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau’s list of hotels.
MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM
Dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination.
Check out Visit Boston on Twitter
Get updates on events going on in the City.
Visit the Tourism Facebook page
We also put updates about events on our Facebook page.
