Boston, Massachusetts is a pioneering city in the US and is known as a major cultural hub offering business, arts, history, sports and entertainment. Home to the iconic Fenway Park, Harvard University and a world famous theatre district, this city offers an abundance of activities and sites to explore on your next visit.
Take advantage of the multitude of sights when planning your business travel to Boston - the city is yours to explore with our countdown of 21 things to do during any length of stay in Massachusetts’ most populous city.
Discover the Boston Harbour Islands
Set off on a mid-week adventure during your corporate stay in Boston and explore these 34 islands: just a 15-minute ferry ride from the departure wharf in downtown Boston.
Scattered across the harmonious harbour, these historical islands are bounded by sandy beaches and undiscovered charms, including Boston’s tallest lighthouse.
The islands are popular with hikers, and fishing and kayaking can also be enjoyed throughout the year. This also makes for a great outdoor activity with family or young children.
Getting there: Jump on a ferry from Long Wharf North 66 Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
Next to Christopher Columbus Park
Take in the view
Bask in the picturesque view of Boston from the Skywalk Observatory, one of many favoured things to do in Boston due to the full, panoramic landscape of the city it offers. Boston’s only sky-high vantage point offers a full 360-degree view that sweeps across the city from the Prudential Tower.
Curate your ultimate Boston itinerary on the 50th floor with the help of the 3D model of the city with projection mapping and an interactive neighbourhood discovery tool to explore various landmarks, restaurants and attractions.
Getting there: Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, 50th Floor, Boston, MA 02199-8142
Sam Adams Brewery Tour
As the leading beer in the US, this brewery tour is a mandatory must for those perusing things to do in Boston.
Sip your way through an official tour of Sam Adams Brewery, an immersive visit to the homeland of America’s signature beer, completed with a perfectly paired meal and 18 different crafted brews to explore.
Getting there: 60 State St, Boston, MA 02109
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
This extraordinary museum first opened its Venetian style doors in 1903, conceived by Isabella Stewart herself, alongside her husband. The museum display is a heart-warming gateway to their worldly travels and the growing collections they amassed over the years.
The collection of Islamic, Asian and European art has been meticulously cultivated by Gardner herself and visitors can immerse themselves in the 2,500-piece collection that scales the exquisite space.
Explore the depths of the rich Venetian culture and a stunning 15th century interior during your trip to Boston and book tickets online to visit the palace.
Getting there: 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Bouldering Project
Venture out to the Bouldering Project in Somerville, Boston and join the community of Bostonians at this lifestyle facility.
This versatile venture is a must to include when planning for business travel to Boston, welcoming experts and beginners alike to an inclusive climbing scene. With rock climbing facilities, yoga and fitness classes, there’s a whole hub of opportunities for everyone to explore.
Getting there: 12A Tyler St, Somerville, MA 02143
Kayak on the Charles River
Don’t be misled by the bustling city ambience during your corporate stay in Boston; there is an array of ways to enjoy the outdoor space, especially when the weather is appealing. Sightseeing along the popular trail beside the Charles River is one of the most revitalising things to do in Boston.
The Charles River drifts through 23 cities and towns until it ends in Boston, with several of Boston’s neighbourhoods running alongside allowing you to pick up a kayak or canoe in multiple locations.
If the water isn’t for you, you’ll often find people running and cycling on the trails beside the Charles River which is just as enjoyable during the spring, summer and fall.
Getting there: 1071 Soldiers Field Rd, Boston, MA 02134, United States
Tour Fenway Park
Nestled in the city of Boston, Fenway Park is America’s most beloved ballpark. With fans visiting from all over the world, Fenway Park is a firm favourite when organising things to do in Boston.
It is described as the pulse of Red Sox Nation and for good reason. The tours are completed every hour on the hour and allow you to fully explore the park, home to the Boston Red Sox.
Getting there: 4 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215, United States
Observe the night sky
Enjoy downtime in Boston and soak in the evening sky at Lookout Rooftop and Bar, a trendy spot in the city overlooking Boston’s Harbour.
The panoramic views of the city skyline offer some of the best views in Boston, with comfortable seating and glowing fire pits. There are also covered seating areas with built in heaters for cooler evenings.
Getting there: 70 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210, United States
Try one or all of the city’s best lobster rolls
This ubiquitous dish of the city is commonly lapped up by locals and new visitors to the area.
To make the most of the offering of lobster rolls when perusing things to do in Boston, check out The Yankee Lobster Company, famed for their abundance of fresh seafood and lobster rolls described as the official ‘Taste of New England’.
Getting there: 300 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210, United States
Visit the Mapparium
Make the most of your business travel to Boston and take a rare detour into the centre of the universe.
The Mapparium is a three-story-tall inside-out stained glass globe, originally designed by the architect of the Christian Science Publishing Society, Chester Lindsay Churchill. It’s a truly entrancing experience and one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in Boston, with bookable tours granting full access to this fascinating perspective of the world.
Getting there: The Mary Baker Eddy Library, 200 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Arnold Arboretum
Escape to the world’s leading centre for plant study during your business travel to Boston and take a brisk walk through the 281–acre park designed by the esteemed Fredrick Law Olmsted.
The park remains open to the public to explore the landscapes and woody vines that make up some of the best and most comprehensively documented plants in the world.
The greenery is a fantastic way to break up a busy day of appointments, with free guided tours available on designated days throughout the year.
Getting there: 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130, United States
John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library
Schedule a date to The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and embark on a fascinating insight into his life and times, brought to reality with high definition, large-screen projections.
The journey through John F. Kennedy’s life and through the history of America is an unforgettable journey and boasts original artefacts to dissect and discover.
Getting there: Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125, United States
Trail a beach
Go trawling along the five miles of Crane Beach’s white sands and discover Boston’s coastal culture at these top beach locations.
Crane Beach, once part of the private Crane Estate in Ipswich, Boston is adorned with the whitest sands and rarest wildlife, with piping plover birds that are near-extinct nestled in the beach and protected by the Shorebird Protection Program.
Getting there: Blue Line to Wonderland
If you’re looking for a smaller beach whilst exploring the top things to do in Boston, Revere Beach is a 3-mile crescent-shaped wonder with annual highlights welcoming visitors such as the International Sand Sculpting Festival.
Getting there: Drive the scenic coastal road, or take the Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail from North Station to Ipswich
Visit Castle Island
Castle Island’s northern tip anchors the historic Fort Independence overlooking all of the magnificent Boston Harbour Islands.
The protected swimming area is popular, especially in the summer, and makes for a perfect break during your business travel in Boston, with a sandy seafront perfect for a stroll.
Getting there: 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, United States
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
A business trip to Boston wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this floating museum.
Jump on board to this multi-sensory exhibit and absorb the treasured past of restored tea ships and their fascinating history. With an interactive cast of actors reliving the many seminal events that took place, the exhibition is a lively retake of events and even gives you the rare opportunity to re-enact the throwing of tea overboard.
Getting there: 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, United States
Shakespeare on the Common
Join in with this 25-year-old tradition and make sure to attend one of the many Shakespeare plays which are performed throughout the year in Boston Common.
It’s a totem of tangible delight to fully immerse in during your stay. The performances are highly regarded amongst locals, who all gather on Central Park to be a part of the most attended annual arts event in Boston.
Getting there: 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, United States
Admire the Union Square former storage building turned Bow Market
Tucked away in Union Square, Bow Market is the new, up-and-coming courtyard that offers visitors a wholesome, palpable spread of things to feast on and do.
The former storage building turned Bow Market is a vibrant marketplace in Boston offering a selection of shops, diverse dishes, comedy acts, and time to relax during your business trip to Boston.
With an incredible view of the open sky, Bow Market is still open in the winter with additions such as heat lamps, blankets and igloos to prepare you for the Boston weather.
Getting there: 1 Bow Mkt Wy, Somerville, MA 02143
Experience Taza Chocolate Factory
Indulge in this sweet escape and experience this one-of-a-kind trip to the Taza Chocolate Factory and unwrap the secrets of Boston’s top chocolatier.
The 17,000-square foot factory opens its doors on a weekly basis to tours on the Intro to Stone Ground Chocolate - a process so unique that Taza Chocolate offers a brief talk on their skilful procedure that includes grinding cacao beans using a hand-carved granite millstone.
The result is Taza Chocolate’s bold flavoured chocolate which can be sampled throughout the tour.
Getting there: Taza Chocolate 561 Windsor Street, Somerville, MA 02143
Take a walk through Boston Public Market
What better way to feed your curious appetite during your business stay in Boston than to peruse the Boston Public Market, open all year round.
The indoor market is based in North End and boasts samples of all of the city’s best delicacies, including artisanal cheeses, regional wines and numerous takeaways to help you settle into the accustomed food preferences of locals.
The market also offers a Sip & Shop experience every Thursday and Friday, allowing you to nurse a local beer or glass of wine whilst you enjoy this top thing to do in Boston.
Getting there: Located in Haymarket station, 100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108, United States
Partake in an old fashioned tour of the city
It wouldn’t be a successful business trip to Boston without going on a certified tour of the city.
Boston has such a rich and diverse history that tours are offered throughout the year on multiple modes of transport, giving you the opportunity to have full reign of your own experience of the city.
With bike tours, duck boat tours and even Segway tours available, the variety adds a versatile twist to your business trip to Boston to soak up the stories of the city.
Before you leave…
Before heading to the airport, finish your stay at Santarpio, famously regarded as Boston’s best pizzeria.
This family-owned restaurant is one of the many charms of East Boston, renowned for its hearty mix of pizza and grilled barbeque meats.
It’s a cash-only phenomenon in the neighbourhood, with both locals and travellers favouring the short cab ride to Logan airport, perfect to round up your experience of the best things to do in Boston.
Getting there: 111 Chelsea Street, Boston
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