Things to Do
Your comprehensive guide to the best events and things to do in Boston
Things to do outdoors in Boston
The best parks in Boston
Where would we be without our green spaces? Boston may have notoriously fickle weather, but when the time is right to get outside, the city has plenty of beautiful green space to enjoy some fresh air and nature. The so-called Emerald Necklace—the nation’s oldest linear park system—links several of Boston's best parks, including The Fens, Boston Common, and the Public Garden. Other options include the celebrated Arnold Arboretum and the multi-use Rose Kennedy Fitzgerald Greenway. Whichever one you choose, make it a perfect outing by pairing that stroll through a park with a bite at one of the best restaurants in Boston, or with a drink at one of the best bars in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
The best hiking near Boston
Serious local hikers may head farther afield to the White Mountains or the Appalachian Trail, but when you just need a little bit of nature, there are plenty of quality hikes near Boston that are easy to get to. Whether it’s climbing a lung-busting hill or exploring trails through scenic wooded reservations, these Boston hikes offer relaxation and a healthy dose of fresh air. No time to get away? Try one of Boston’s best parks. Looking to get away for a bit longer? Check out the best weekend getaways from Boston. All that fresh air and activity will surely work up an appetite for one of Boston’s best restaurants. RECOMMENDED: Best things to do in Boston
The best Boston beaches
Boston and its coastal Massachusetts environs are not world-renowned when it comes to beach culture. When it comes to sand and seaside, thoughts turn to a day trip to Cape Cod and beyond. That said, Boston’s North and South Shores have picturesque beaches, all less than an hour’s drive from the city, summer traffic withstanding. Within Boston city limits, there are also sandy beaches perfect for relaxing or taking a refreshing dip in the ocean. While most public beaches are free, some may have a fee, particularly in the summer months. Generally, dogs aren’t allowed on beaches from May through September; check all the regulations before you go. Looking for other warm weather activities? Check out our guide to the best summer activities in Boston, best waterfront restaurants in Boston, and best cruises in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
Free and cheap fun for the family
The best free things to do in Boston
Boston is widely recognized for its high cost of living, but fortunately there are some pretty fun cheap things to do in Boston that are easy on the wallet. In fact, you can even find plenty of free things to do. With ample history, architecture, museums and green space, going out in Boston can be very budget-friendly. Whether catching the best live music in Boston, touring the best Boston attractions, or figuring out where to see art in Boston, the city offers a variety of free things to do both indoors and out. After having some fun for free, apply your savings towards having a meal at one of the best restaurants in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
The best things to do with kids in Boston
Figuring out ways to occupy your kiddos on the weekend is a constant struggle. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of G-rated pleasures in Boston. With its intellectual, architectural, and artistic legacies, Boston has an ideal urban landscape upon which to set the little ones free. From the best Boston museums and the best Boston parks to the best attractions in Boston, the city overflows with solid, kid-friendly offerings that appeal to the parentals as well. For activities that are both kid- and wallet-friendly, check out the best free things to do in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
Best family restaurants in Boston
Dining out with the kids doesn’t have to be a stressful or sub-par experience. Boston has several family-friendly restaurants that cater to the little ones with dedicated menus, kids-eat-free deals, and even fun activities to keep them occupied so parents can enjoy dinner in peace. Before heading out with the kids in tow, pick an activity from our list of the best things to do with kids or the best things to do in Boston, and check out the best desserts in Boston for an after dinner treat. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston
The best cheap things to do in Boston
Though Boston is known for its high cost of living, there are a number of ways to enjoy some of the best things about the city while sticking to a budget. Believe it or not, there are many free things to do in Boston, as well as plenty of activities and outings that will usually cost less than $12. When you want to save your dough to splurge on the best fine dining in Boston or Boston’s best shopping, stick to our list of the best cheap things to do in Boston, from cheap eats to cheap activities. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
The best cheap eats in Boston
While there are some great free things to do in Boston, it seems like everything else is notoriously expensive. When you feel like eating out, save your money for later by seeking out a cheap but tasty meal. The best cheap eats in Boston offer satisfying fare that’s actually delicious. In addition to the top spots listed here, you can usually find cheap eats at the best Mediterranean restaurants, best Thai restaurants, and best Indian restaurants in Boston. When you’re up for a splurge and money is no object, try one of Boston’s best fine dining restaurants. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Boston
Where to see art in Boston
The best Boston museums to check out right now
Many of the most lauded museums in Boston have rich histories going back generations, but the city also boasts museums with modern design and cutting-edge art. Stroll the Museum of Fine Arts to view the classics or check out the ICA for more contemporary art. Don't forget about science and history - from the Harvard Museums to the Museum of Science, you can have fun while learning about our world. Looking for more art? Check out our list of where to see art in Boston. For more fun things to do, our lists of the best free things to do in Boston and best things to do with kids in Boston have you covered. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
The best Boston art galleries
Boston was called the Athens of America in the 1800s and it's a reputation still upheld and nurtured by its arts community, including numerous renowned commercial art galleries. Boston’s most notable art galleries are found in inviting neighborhoods like the Back Bay and the South End, where the SoWa (south of Washington) Art + Design District lures countless art lovers. But art galleries have also spread throughout the city, and to less central neighborhoods, too. You might discover the next great master right on your doorstep. Still, if you crave a formal collection experience, check out the best art museums in Boston. (There are plenty of other cool places to see art in Boston as well.) If taking in all the fine art leaves you feeling peckish, head over to Time Out Market Boston, and be sure to check out the Artbox out front. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
The best Boston comedy clubs
Sometimes you just need a good laugh. How about hitting up a Boston comedy club? Some of America’s most popular contemporary comedians (Conan O’Brien, Denis Leary, Amy Poehler, Dane Cook) found their funnies in Greater Boston. Big names passing through town might stop at the Wilbur Theater or other venues, but it's easy to check out the up-and-coming scene at smaller comedy clubs or improv nights around town. Make a night of it with drinks at the best rooftop bars in Boston or set the mood with dinner at one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston
A guide to the best live music in Boston
As one of America's top cities for enjoying live music, Boston sports quite the musical legacy. Aerosmith, Donna Summer, The Cars, Mission of Burma, New Kids on the Block, Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers, Aimee Mann, Dropkick Murphys, and, yes, Boston all called the Hub home over the years. Star Wars composer John Williams led the Boston Symphony Orchestra and singer songwriter James Taylor honed his craft here. Rock and roll, classical, jazz, folk, and even country music play out in clubs and halls across the city, night after night. As a bonus, some venues are also great places to eat, or noted gay bars, and all showcase stellar sounds. From the best nightclubs in Boston to the best record stores in Boston, music is, indeed, what we do. More of a visual art kind of person? You might want to browse through our Boston museum guide. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in Boston