MUSEUMS
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The MFA is one of the largest museums in the United States. See art from around the world and explore collections that date back to the ancient world. Plan to spend a few hours here to experience all the museum has to offer. A ticket purchase also allows visitors to come back for free within a week; therefore, they can split up the exhibits over a few days if they are in town.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The stunning Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum was built to evoke a 15th-century Venetian Palace, and it does so successfully. The museum opened in 1917 and was Isabella Stewart Gardner’s life work – she believed the young country was in great need of art. View paintings, rare books, drawings, furniture, and more from ancient Rome, Asia, Medieval Europe, and Renaissance Italy, and be sure to stop at the picturesque courtyard.
Boston Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum is the number one stop for families with young children. Let them explore the kid-friendly play spaces, see Arthur and friends, or create artwork in the art studio. The museum also has seasonal attractions, such as sock skating, and even hosts occasional “Boston Grown-Ups Museum” nights.
Museum of Science
The Museum of Science is another ideal option for both children and adults. Learn something new as you wander through the interactive exhibits, or watch an IMAX film. Check out the Butterfly Garden, Cosmic Light exhibition, and the very popular Science in the Park room.
Institute of Contemporary Art
The ICA is an architecturally unique waterfront museum. Located on the Boston Harbor, the museum’s modern design offers gorgeous views from inside. Within the venue, you can see the work of leading contemporary artists, as well as emerging artists and new commissions. The beautiful outdoor seating space behind the museum often hosts events and musical or dance performances.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
The JFK Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to the United States’ 35th president and those interested in making change through politics. View exhibits that range from JFK’s Campaign Trail to the Space Race and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s life.
Harvard Museum of Natural History
The Harvard Museum of Natural History is both comprehensive and intimate. View exhibits about mammals, extinction and evolution, and marine life. Be sure to check out the treasured Glass Flowers exhibit that features the internationally acclaimed Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, complete with over 4,000 models that represent 830 plant species.
Old State House
The Old State House museum allows you to experience the Revolutionary Era through its collection of artifacts. View historical documents, maps, and newspapers, and enjoy the Old State House itself. See the floating spiral staircase, John Hancock’s coat, and the Council Chamber.
USS Constitution Museum
Located at the Charlestown Navy Yard in a restored shipyard building near the USS Constitution boat, the USS Constitution Museum is the last stop on the Freedom Trail. Learn about the boat’s story, the people who designed and sailed her, as well as her influential role in the War of 1812.
MIT Museum
The MIT Museum features artifacts, photographs, and instruments that highlight MIT’s innovation in science and technology over the past decades. See the world’s largest holography collection, with over 2,000 holograms, and check out the exhibits on architecture and naval engineering.
PARKS
Boston Public Garden
The Boston Public Garden is the perfect place to go on a relaxing walk or stroll. With greenery surrounding its borders, the Boston Public Garden proves to be a great place to take some time for yourself and enjoy the beauty of Boston. Boston is truly at its best in the Public Garden.
Boston Common
The Boston Common is located at the tail end of Newbury street and is the center of the city, connecting many different areas to each other. The Boston common is a great place to lie out and get a tan on a sunny summer day or go ice skating with friends around Christmas time. The Boston Common is malleable, and each season brings something new and exciting to the Boston community.
Charles River Esplanade
The Esplanade is a great place for peace and quiet, people watching, or exercising. The parks runs parallel to the Charles river and has a beautiful view of downtown Boston. With a pathway made for joggers, walkers, bikers, there is a lot of room to get active at the Charles River Esplanade.
The Emerald Necklace
The Emerald Necklace is a beautiful, fun way to get some fresh air in Boston. Coming from the center of Boston and extending into Brookline, this park connects two communities and has many fun activities for all ages. The Emerald Necklace is a park that encourages getting up and getting active.
Rose Kennedy Greenway
This rooftop urban park winds through and connects several different neighborhoods in Boston including Chinatown, the financial district, and the North End. This park was built to raise funds for the city but now gives back to the community in so many ways from events to community service.
MARKETS
SoWa Open Market
The SoWa Open Market features live music, a beer hall, and hundreds of vendors, and is open every Sunday from May to October. It has over 75 artisans selling handmade goods, a farmer’s market, and plenty of local food trucks. During the winter months, be sure to check out the three-day Winter SoWa Festival, complete with carolers, winter cocktails, and unique gifts.
South End Open Market
The South End Open Market is the mecca of flea markets. Located at Ink Block, the market is actually three separate bazaars partnered together – Arts Market, Foot Truck Market, and the South End Farmer’s Market. There are over 100 local art vendors, more than 60 delicious food stands, and 15 local food trucks. Dreams do come true! The market is open every Sunday from May to October.
SoWa Vintage Market
Can’t keep all the SoWa’s and the South End markets straight? Not a problem as it’s worth exploring all three! All located within a 10-minute walk from each other, they each offer unique goods. The SoWa Vintage Market is located next to SoWa Open Market and is one of the few markets open year-round. Full of fashion, jewelry, art, and décor treasures, it’s a perfect place to wander around and find fresh finds for all seasons. Open every Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
The Somerville Flea
The Somerville Flea market is brimming with unexpected finds. The marketplace features gifts, collectibles, art, music, jewelry, as well as beer and wine. From June to October, they operate every Sunday outside, rain or shine. During the winter, the holiday market is located in the historic Arts at the Armory building and is held only on certain dates, so check the site and mark your calendars!
Cambridge Antique Market
The Cambridge Antique Market is open Tuesday through Sunday and has over 150 vendor spaces on five floors. Check out this beautiful space for collectibles, artwork, furniture, and more, and don’t forget to look at the mural outside. The antique market also has a location down on Cape Cod in Provincetown.
The Flea at MIT
The Flea at MIT is a “swapfest” for buying, selling, and – you guessed it – swapping radio, electronic, and computer equipment. What else would you expect from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology? Visit the market on the third Sunday of every month, from April to October. All are welcome, regardless of computer expertise, to find reasonable deals on electronics.
