Things to do in  Boston

If you have just one day in Boston, discover historic highlights of the Freedom Trail (including Faneuil Hall and Boston Common) before walking or biking along the Charles River. You can also admire city views on a Boston Harbor boat tour, browse boutiques on Newbury Street, and explore Boston's lively Chinatown.

One of the country's oldest cities, Boston is famous for its history, boasting landmarks such as Faneuil Hall and the Paul Revere House. It's also known for its world-class universities (including Harvard, technically in nearby Cambridge), seafood, and sports: don't miss the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Yes, Boston is generally a safe city, and its most central neighborhoods typically have lower crime rates than outlying areas visitors are less likely to explore. Like any major city, it's worth being street-smart: be attentive to valuables (especially in crowded areas where pickpockets may operate), and take caution at night.

Three days is plenty of time to discover Boston's highlights. On day one, tour the historical landmarks along the Freedom Trail. On the second day, explore nearby Cambridge (and Harvard University, its top highlight). Devote the third day to Boston's characterful neighborhoods such as Back Bay, Fenway-Kenmore, and Chinatown.

Boston is full of unmissable sights, and no visit is complete without a stroll on Boston Common, a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, and a trip to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. It's also worth visiting Harvard University in Cambridge—and indulging in a lobster roll at a seafood restaurant.

Yes, Boston is expensive. It was recently ranked the third-most expensive city in the United States, and high-end hotels and top-drawer restaurants cost a pretty penny. That said, there are plenty of budget-friendly options in Boston, from strolls along the Freedom Trail to brewery tours at Sam Adams and cheap eats in Chinatown.