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(And most of them are free!)
The city of Boston is full of must see sites for any traveller in America!
The abundance of revolution era history found here is unrivalled by any other US city. Some of America’s oldest must see sites are in Boston!
Plus its location on the East Coast makes it a perfect jumping off point for any American Road trip!
We flew into Boston to start our three month Road Trip across America and it was an amazing first stop.
With very little knowledge of the city it was great to explore and learn about the country.
America is such a varied and diverse place. Boston really gives visitors a glimpse into how the nation as it is now began.
Not to mention the fact that Boston has without a doubt, some of the BEST seafood in the world! Do not visit without sampling at least some warming chowder in a bread bowl!
There is so much to see and do, even in the freezing winter months!
And to make things even better, many of the must see sites in Boston are free to visit!
Bonus: save money on some of the paid attractions by investing in the Boston City Pass. It costs just $64 for and Adult pass and saves you 45% compared to paying admission on the door.
It’s a great investment and will enhance your sightseeing experience beyond these must see Boston sites.
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Must See Boston Sites
#1 The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail should be the first must see Boston site on you agenda.
It is a great way to explore the city and visit many must see Boston sites all along the way. How many other cities do you know that have a walking tour build right into the pavement?!
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red line leading to 16 nationally significant historic sites. These sites include museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond. (https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/about)
You can walk the trail as part of a guided tour or self navigate it at your leisure. We opted to walk it ourselves (albeit backwards and across two days) and stopped off to explore some of the locations enroute in more detail.
There are a bunch of apps that allow you to self guide the trail. Some providing historical information so you can self guide.
I tend to opt for the City Walk app, or you can pick up a paper map at most tourist sites.
#2 USS Constitution
The oldest ship in the United States Navy and can be found in the Navy Yard.
She is nicknamed “old Ironsides” as cannon balls are said to bounce off her strong wooden hull.
The USS Constitution is in incredible condition and you are able to explore three decks, really giving you a feel for what life aboard was like.
As well as the ship, this must see Boston site includes an incredibly interactive museum attached to the Navy Yard. Now whilst perhaps intended for children, the museum is a great place for anybody to learn about American history in a fun fashion.
For example, you can practice hauling in the main sail (don’t worry it’s only a few centimetres off the ground! I can’t imagine doing it 100 foot in the air whilst out at seas with no safety harness!)
And then there is the hammock room…
Trust me, do not miss it!
Admission to visit both the ship and the museum is free, but do make a donation if you can!
#3 Bunker Hill Monument
The Bunker Hill Monument is the official end of the Freedom Trail.
It stands at 221-feet tall, is made of solid granite, and was completed in 1842.
The monument was built in memory of the 1000+ people who died in the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. During the battle, New England soldiers faced the British army for the first time.
Brilliantly, the monument is free to enter! Plus, you are able to climb the 294 steps to the top (providing weather conditions allow!) to obtain amazing view of the city below.
This must see Boston site simply has to make your list of attractions!
#4 Copps Hill Graveyard
Visiting a cemetery might not make everyone’s must see list of Boston sites.
However I do recommend taking a walk through Copp’s Hill Burying Ground whilst following the Freedom Trail.
The graveyard is named after shoemaker William Copp, and is the final resting place of merchants, artisans, and craftspeople who lived in the North End.
The site of all these tombstones is above the sea level, and looks over the rest of the city.
“During the Revolution, the burying ground’s prominent location overlooking the harbour gave it strategic military importance… Legend has it that British troops used gravestones for target practice. Many have interpreted the round scars of the Captain Daniel Malcolm gravemarker as the result of musketballs shot at close range.” (https://www.boston.gov/cemeteries/copps-hill-burying-ground)
The designs on the tombstones are of particular interest. There are three repeated patterns: a winged skull, a cherub’s face, or an oil lamp with an overhanging willow branch.
Apparently, these designs are typical of the period, symbolising death and peace.
#5 Boston Common
Boston Common is America’s oldest public park. It was established in 1634 and is the official start of the Freedom Trail.
At 44 acres this vast open space is home to a multitude of attractions and activities.
There’s ice skating in the winter, outdoor theatre during summer nights, plus tennis courts and baseball fields, memorials and monuments, a carousel, running paths, a tourist information center, and even its own graveyard. (https://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/boston-common.html)
Whatever the weather there is something to see and do at Boston Common, making it a truly must see site.
Also a useful fact to lead into the next item on the agenda: at 84 Beacon Street just off the Common you’ll find a bar where everybody knows your name…
#6 Cheers
Is there any more iconic bar in the world than Cheers?
Originally the Bull and Finch Pub, this location became the inspiration behind 80’s sitcom Cheers. A place with a real neighbourhood feel and a home away from home vibe.
Nowadays the place is cashing in on the culture created by the TV series. It has changed its name and started selling all sorts of memorabilia.
Whether you’re a fan or not, this pub is worth a visit.
The atmosphere is great and the place a busy hu of tourists and locals alike.
And after a long day walking the Freedom Trail backwards, it’s the perfect must see Boston site to finish your day with.
Pull up a stool and grab a pint!
#7 Jewish Memorial
The Boston Holocaust Memorial is dedicated to the memory of the 6 million Jewish men, women, and children (more than half the Jewish population of Europe at that time) as well as the other 5 million people killed by the Nazis.
Completed in 1995, the memorial consists of a series of six tall glass chambers containing steam, which creates a walkway. At night the towers illuminate emulating a row of memorial candles.
Each chamber you walk through is named for a concentration camp; the glass inscribed with the serial numbers the Jews were marked with during this abominable time in history.
“The Memorial represents the effort of more than 3,000 individuals and organizations, coming together to create a vibrant beacon of memory—and hope foster memory of, and reflection on, one of the great tragedies of our time.” (https://www.nehm.org/)
You’ll find this humbling must see Boston site off Union Street, near the Union Oyster House.
Whilst emotive and deeply sad, it really is one of the most fitting memorial tributes I’ve come across. Make the effort to visit and pay your respects.
#8 Quincy hall
Named for Mayor Quincy (the man behind the vision of the market) this indoor “market house opened to the public on August 26, 1826. The two-story Greek Revival edifice of 535 feet in length and 50 feet in width allowed 128 food stalls on the ground floor and exhibition area on the second floor.” (https://www.quincy-market.com/history)
There is also a replica of Cheers inside amongst the glorious the array of food stands. But really, you want to go visit the original in Beacon Street if your going to have the Cheers experience.
In the central market square there are three parallel long buildings, the middle of which is Quincy Market.
You can step inside from any entrance you choose and are met with rows upon rows of market stalls . They sell everything from bags and hats to strange lanterns and Boston paraphernalia.
Then you can go downstairs into sublevel stores that span the width of the building. This allows you to walk all the way through and up out the other side.
Here you are met with a mirror image of stalls selling different wares.
The pièce de résistance
The best part of the market in my opinion, however, is up the steps where you’ll find a communal food court-esque seating area in the middle of the building. On either side you are met with the most astounding array of lunch choices imaginable.
The smells are incredible, everything from Indian curries, to sushi, to Italian, and of course Boston fare consisting of lobsters, clams and oysters.
Do not miss the opportunity to eat a lunch of clam chowder from a bread bowl!
To this day I have not a had better warming meal, perfect to keep you going on a cold winter day visiting Boston’s must see sites.
#9 Union Oyster House
The final must see Boston site on my list is one I want to return to visit myself.
The Union Oyster House is America’s oldest restaurant and is located in a building that dates back to Pre-Revolutionary days. They started serving food in 1826 and have continued ever since!
The history of the place is incredible and is connected to the very bones of Boston. The food doesn’t come cheap, but isn’t unreasonable either. Half a dozen fresh oysters will set you back $17.95, pretty standard for decent food.
If you’re on a budget then stop in for lunch and have a cup of chowder and some oysters just for the experience. Stick to tap water and the meal will only cost you $25 (pre-gratuity so realistically the price will be closer to $30). Not a cheap lunch, but visiting this landmark of Boston history is something not to miss.
I certainly plan to add this to my itinerary next visit as staring longingly through the window and not sampling the food is one of my few Boston visit regrets!
