If you’re thinking about visiting Boston soon but aren’t sure what spots are worth checking out, look no further. The city’s rich history and various attractions make it the ideal location for a trip, whether you travel solo, with friends, or with family. With so much to offer, and so many different areas to explore, it’s difficult to decide what to do when you’re there. As someone who recently spent a few days in the city, I found myself in the same situation. Fortunately, thanks to the help of some online resources, I came to the city prepared with a list of attractions. If you’re looking to have fun, see historical landmarks, eat a lot of good food, and make some memories along the way, I would definitely recommend checking out some of the spots listed below. 

Hop-on-hop-off Trolley/Duck Tours

If you’ve never been to Boston before, I would definitely recommend taking a ride on a Hop-on-hop-off Trolley or a Duck Boat. What better way to explore the city and learn about its history than by riding around with your own personal tour guide?  Though both options offer similar experiences, they are definitely not the same and do have some major differences you should be aware of. If you choose to take the trolley, you will be able to get off at designated stops, giving you the opportunity to explore the area independently. Once you feel you’re ready to continue your tour, just go back to the stop and wait for the next trolley to arrive. If you want to find out what the stops are ahead of time or want to monitor the trolleys in real time, all you have to do is check out their website, where this information, and much more can be found. The Hop-on-hop-off is the ideal option for those who are more interested in getting to explore the city at their own pace, and those who don’t want to commit more than an hour of their time to sitting on a bus. However, if you are looking for an actual activity to add to your itinerary, the Duck Boat would be the better option. Similar to the trolley, the Duck Boat will take you around the city with a tour guide who narrates Boston’s history for you. This experience is definitely more involved than the trolley, and is catered to those looking for a good time. Expect silly jokes and puns, audience interaction, and lots of laughs. Duck Boats certainly live up to their name as this tour is not restricted to the land. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, your boat will drive straight into the Charles River, making for an unforgettable experience. Both options are great for first-timers and are guaranteed to leave you with some fun memories. 

Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall

My personal favorite spot to visit while in Boston has to be Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market. Located in the North End, the building–an iconic piece of Boston history– has been a marketplace since the 1800’s. It is often referred to as Quincy Market by the public in honor of Mayor Josiah Quincy, but it is formally named Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Inside, visitors can find 50+ eateries, as well as a variety of different vendors and kiosks. Any craving you could possibly have can be found at Faneuil Hall, regardless of if you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, or a quick snack. With unique options such as Korean corn dogs and gourmet mac n cheese, as well as Boston staples like lobster rolls and clam chowda, there is a food stand for everyone. Set up similarly to a food court, there are many different eateries you can choose from on either end of the building, and then a general seating area located in the middle. For those looking for a sit-down restaurant, there is one inside the building, as well as several in the surrounding area. It is the perfect spot for groups who can’t decide on one cuisine, tourists who only want to grab a quick bite before heading off to do some more exploring, or those who just love to eat. 

Freedom Trail

If you like the sound of a walking tour that allows you to explore the city and immerse yourself in rich history, the Freedom Trail is perfect for you. The Freedom Trail is a path that goes throughout the city, connecting all of the most historical spots together. Such spots include Paul Revere’s house, Boston Common, the Old State House, and more.  The trail, indicated by a red brick path on the ground, leads pedestrians from one historical sight to the next, and is in total 2.5 miles long. It starts at Boston Common in Downtown, and ends with Copps Hill Burying Ground in the North End. If you choose to explore the trail independently, you can really start and stop wherever you want, but there are tour groups you can join that will take you down the entire path. Depending on the time of year you go, it is very possible that it will be cold outside, so just make sure to dress appropriately. Regardless of whether or not you’re into history, the Freedom Trail is definitely a cool experience worth checking out. 

Boston Aquarium

Traveling with your family or looking to kill some time? Check out the Boston Aquarium. Tickets for the aquarium can be bought online or in-person just outside the building. Located in the North End, the aquarium is a walkable distance from many other attractions. Don’t worry if it isn’t nearby where you’re staying though, as the T, Boston’s subway system, stops at the aquarium. Before going in, make sure to say hi to the seals whose enclosure is located right outside the entrance. Once inside, you can find a diverse variety of marine animals, including fish, turtles, and a giant octopus, as well as penguins, and even anaconda snakes. With all the aquarium has to offer, you can expect to spend about an hour or two exploring the whole building, especially if it is busy. When purchasing your ticket, you can also buy access to a movie showing at the Simons theater, where you are given the option between a film about sharks, penguins, or dolphins. The aquarium is truly gorgeous and a great place to visit with friends or family. 

Mike’s Pastries

If you’ve got a sweet tooth like myself, then visiting Mike’s Pastries is a must. Regardless of where you stay in Boston, you will absolutely run into someone carrying one of their iconic white boxes with blue lettering and string. Mike’s is very popular not only among tourists, but among locals as well, and for a good reason. They’ve got a wide variety of delicious Italian desserts and pastries, but are best known for their cannolis. With over 20 different flavors to choose from, there is guaranteed to be a cannoli for everyone.  If you plan on visiting, there are some things you should know first. Mike’s is a cash-only establishment, so be sure to have some on you. Otherwise, you’ll have to walk down the road to find an ATM. You should also prepare yourself for the possibility of a line that goes out the door, though you shouldn’t let this deter you, as it moves quickly. Mike’s has four total locations, although only two are actually located in the city. The original location, and the most famous is in the North End, while the other one is located in TD Garden. Out of all the amazing bakeries to visit in Boston, Mike’s Pastries has got to be at the top of the list. 

With so much to do in Boston, trying to narrow it down to the best attractions is certainly not an easy feat. A long list of honorable mentions comes to mind, but I think part of the fun comes from discovering spots on your own. Hopefully you’re now a little bit closer to having your itinerary planned out, but know that regardless of what you do, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable time.