The Top 10 Tourist Attractions In Boston - America’s most walkable, and arguably, most historic city. Often referred to as “The Athens of America,” it was here afterall that the American Revolution was born. From the Boston Tea Party to the Boston Massacre, every year some 17.2MM Americans travel to visit and experience these historic sites. But when the history wears out, where does one go to enjoy the sites and sounds of Boston? Well, we here at IWalked have compiled our favorite recommendations for :
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Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Boston
1. Freedom Trail
his brick-paved or red painted path extends approximately 2.5 miles throughout the city and connects 16 historical sites related to the American Revolution. Just a tip, of these 16 sites, while only 3 advertise admission fees (the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House and Paul Revere House) you may be expected to provide a donation at some of the churches (including Kings Chapel and Old North Church).
Address: Begins at the Visitor Center within the Boston Common. SE corner, along Tremont Street.
Cost: $11 Adult and $5.50 Children (Ages 6-12) for guided tours. Self-guided tours are, of course, free.
2. Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market
The center of tourist activity for Boston and a destination which has claimed at points to have more visitors per year than Disneyland. Tourists and locals alike gather and congregate here for the areas numerous (>140) shops, restaurants, pubs, and people watching. Some of this people watching may include some of the local street performers who typically perform outside of the markets. Each of these performers must audition so as to perform here.
Address: 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
3. Beacon Hill
Check out 19th century America at it’s most preserved. Check out Acorn St, the most photographed street in the US with its cobblestone paths. If you’re hungry, head over to Charles Street—the only commercial street in the neighborhood. When all is said and done, enjoy a frosty beverage at the Bull and Finch Pub (better known as Cheers).
Address: Charles Street, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
4. Boston Duck Tours
The tours on these W.W. II style amphibious landing vehicles are extremely popular with kids (probably because they get to drive in the water!). A great overview of the city if you prefer to ride it instead of walking. The tours are guided by various “conducktors,” each with their own personality (sometimes a positive and sometimes not).
Address: Departures exist for 2 locations. (1) The Museum of Science at 1 Science Park, Boston, MA. (2) The Prudential Center in Boston’s Back Bay at 53 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA.
Cost: $31 Adult and $21 Children (Ages 6-12)
5. Cheers
There are actually 2, so be sure to check out the original in Beacon Hill (aka – The Bull and Finch Pub). Here you will recognize the famous awning and façade. The inside is a traditional Irish pub style but still worth braving the crowds. The 2nd locale in Faneuil Hall-Quincy Market is supposed to replicate the interior of the bar, however, the similarities end there.
Address: 84 Beacon St, Boston, MA or 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA.
Cost: Depends on how much you eat/drink.
6. Fenway Park
Check out the home of beloved Red Sox since 1912(!). Capacity is less than 40,000 so tickets are hard to come by. You may need to acquire tickets on the street near Kenmore Station. Also check out Lansdowne Street for pre-game festivities. A couple of our favorite pre-game locale are: Game On (82 Lansdowne St) and Boston Beerworks (61 Brookline Avenue).
Address: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA
Cost: Tours are $10 (children) to $12 (adults). Tickets to game (if you can get them at face value) range from $12 to $165.
7. North End
Boston’s own Little Italy. Each restaurant supposedly brings with it cuisine from a specific region of Italy. Hanover Street is the most popular but Salem Street is a bit quieter. Also located here are the Old North Church (“One if by land, two if by sea,”) and Paul Revere’s home. For a special treat off the beaten path, check out charming All Saints Way shrine at 4 Battery Street. (Note: This is a private residence, however, the shrine is viewable from the street.)
Address: Hanover Street, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
8. Boston Common / Public Garden
The Swan Boat rides in the Public Garden are a nice relaxing ride in the lagoon. Afterwards, let the kids climb all over the Make Way For Ducklings statues within the Public Garden. Finally, take a stroll in the country’s oldest park and check out the Robert Gould Shaw & 54th Regiment Memorial. A memorial in tribute to the 1st all black regiment in the Civil War. You may know the tale via the 1989 Matthew Broderick film, Glory.
Address: Boston Common may be found at intersection of Tremont Street and Park Street in Boston, MA. Boston Public Garden may be found at intersection of Arlington Street and Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA.
Cost: Free
9. New England Aquarium
Another popular destination if you have children. The centerpiece is the 4-story, 200,000 gallon tank which visitors walk around in a winding path to the top. The acquarium features over 8,000 varities of sea creatures. If price is an issue at least check out the harbour seals outside of the acquairum within a glass case for some free entertainment.
Address: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA
Cost: $21.95 Adult and $13.95 Children (Ages 3-11)
10. Trinity Church
Surprisingly does not make many Top 10s but this is one of the most impressive Gothic churches you will find in America. Trinity’s amazing architecture has made it the only church to make the American Institute of Architect’s (AIA) “Ten Most Significant Buildings in the United States” list every year since 1885. It’s said that prospective brides book this church for their wedding before even meeting their future husband.
Address: 206 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA
Cost: Tours are $6 for adults (guided or self-guided) and free for children under 16.