
Visiting Boston for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
Explore Boston with ease on your first time in the historic city, thanks to our top recommendations.
Enjoy panoramic views as you picnic in the park; or come face-to-face with sharks, turtles, and rays at the New England Aquarium. See history come to life at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, then set sail for the Harbor Islands on a daytime, sunset, or nighttime cruise.
The bustling Waterfront is featured on the itineraries of many Boston walking tours, bike tours, food tours, and history tours, among others. To see the city at your own pace, stop by on a hop-on hop-off trolley. Most sightseeing passes include admission to some Waterfront attractions.
The Waterfront is a must for first-time visitors to Boston.
Take a light jacket, even in summer, as it can get breezy by the harbor.
The centrally located Waterfront is easily accessible by public transit. The MBTA Blue Line has the closest stations; some buses also stop in the area. Alternatively, take a ferry or water taxi.
Visit Boston between May and October for the best weather, which also overlaps with whale-watching season (April through October).
The first of its kind in Boston, Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park was established in 1976. Relax in the pretty rose garden, or take the kids to the playground. During the summer, check out the free games and movies on the lawn.