Add dates

BostonFor first-time visitors

Our most recommended Boston For first-time visitors

Boston Duck Tour: The Original and World-Famous

1. Boston Duck Tour: The Original and World-Famous

Make a splash on an 80-minute “Duck” tour of Boston and see the city from the land and water on one non-stop journey. Climb aboard your World War II-style amphibious landing vehicle at the Museum of Science or Prudential Center, and set off to discover unique neighborhoods. You will be welcomed on board by one of the legendary “ConDUCKtors®” who will narrate your tour and tell you about Boston as the birthplace of freedom and place of “firsts.” Travel by the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill, and continue to Boston Common and Copley Square. Hear about the “Big Dig,” and marvel at fashionable Newbury Street. Go to historic Quincy Market, and more. As the best of Boston unfolds, your “ConDUCKtor®” will give you lots of little-known facts and interesting insights into the heritage of the city. Then, just when you think you've seen it all, it's time for a splash into the Charles River. Enjoy views of Boston and Cambridge that you won't get anywhere else. All tours feature a fun, informative local guide. In addition, foreign language tours depart every half hour from the Museum of Science location. These tours utilize cutting-edge GPS technology to offer tours in Spanish, German, French, Mandarin, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian dialect), Cantonese and Korean, at no additional cost to you. If you require this multilingual commentary, be sure to choose the option from the Museum of Science.

Boston: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

2. Boston: Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Go whale watching off the coast of Boston on a comfortable, high-speed catamaran with maximized outdoor and indoor viewing capacity. Look out for humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as white-sided dolphins on this adventure cruise. Benefit from the best-guided experience, with professional researchers from the Whale Center of New England, the region's foremost authority on whale populations, on-hand to provide you with expert commentary. After you find your crew at the dock, board the high-speed catamaran that offers the fastest, most comfortable way to explore the Atlantic.  Make the most of the 3 outside viewing decks, climate-controlled cabin space with cushioned seating, tables, state-of-the-art sound and video systems, and a galley offering snacks and beverages for purchase. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for:  Humpback whales The humpback’s name comes from the way its back arches out of the water when preparing for a deep dive. “Megaptera” is its true scientific name, which means “large-winged,” in reference to its long flippers. Finback whales Finbacks are second only to Blue Whales in overall size, measuring in at 45-70 feet in length and weighing approximately 40 tons as full-grown adults. Minke whales A sleek, small dolphin-like baleen whale, Minkes are the most abundant whale in the world today with a population numbering well over 1 million worldwide. White-sided dolphins Found only in the North Atlantic, in waters just south of New England and north to Norway, these playful mammals feed on single prey such as squid, unlike whales, who feast on large numbers of small fish.

Boston: Hop-on Hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour

3. Boston: Hop-on Hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour

Enjoy a hop-on hop-off tour aboard Boston’s charming orange and green Old Town Trolley and visit more than 100 points of interest in the city at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to hop on or off all day and discover sights like the Boston State House, Liberty Wharf, and the Charlestown Navy Yard. Take in double-decker height views while protected from the elements. The comfortable enclosed trolleys allow you to experience elevated viewing come rain, snow, or shine. Choose between 1-day and 2-day ticket options with free unlimited re-boarding. The Boston Trolley tour covers all the major areas including downtown, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the theater district, and the waterfront. Conductors narrate the tour, offering a fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. There are 14 stops conveniently located close to over 100 points of interest in Boston, these are: • Stop 1: New England Aquarium/Faneuil Hall Marketplace • Stop 2: Historic North End • Stop 3: USS Constitution/Charlestown Navy Yard • Stop 4: North Station/TD Bank Garden • Stop 5: Old State House * Stop 6: Beacon Hill/Antique Row • Stop 7: Cheers Bar "The Original" • Stop 8: Prudential Center/Skywalk Observatory (Currently closed due to construction) • Stop 9: Christian Science Plaza/Symphony Hall • Stop 10: Copley Place Shopping Galleries • Stop 11: Copley Square/Trinity Church • Stop 12: Old Town Trolley Welcome Center • Stop 13: Boston State House/ Boston Common/Beacon Hill • Stop 14: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (discounted admission included)

Boston Fenway Park: Guided Ballpark Tour with Options

4. Boston Fenway Park: Guided Ballpark Tour with Options

Discover Fenway Park, the historic Boston icon and home of the Boston Red Sox, through an array of tour options. Whether you prefer a public one-hour tour, a private one-hour tour, an exclusive Pre-Game Tour, or a convenient 15-minute tour, there's a perfect experience for every fan. Join our public one-hour tour and delve into the rich history of Fenway Park. Led by an expert guide, explore the ballpark and baseball field where Red Sox legends Williams, Yaz, Fisk, and Rice made their mark on Red Sox Nation. See Pesky's Pole and sit atop the world-famous Green Monster, which stands 37 feet 2 inches high overlooking left field. Take in the magnificent sights and breathtaking views of Boston atop the Roof Deck overlooking right field. For a more exclusive experience, opt for our private one-hour tour. In addition to visiting the same locations as the public tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore exclusive areas like the Red Seat, Visiting Team Clubhouse, and more (subject to availability). For the ultimate fan experience, the Pre-Game tour affords you exclusive access to the ballpark and field (subject to availability). Get early access to the ballpark before the general public and enjoy unique privileges. This experience takes place three hours prior to game time on game days. Short on time? This convenient 15-minute tour provides a quick glimpse into Fenway Park's stunning panoramic view of the ballpark and city skyline. Led by an experienced tour guide, this express tour covers the ballpark’s most iconic structures and locations, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and capture your very own memorable photos. No matter which tour you choose, GeetYourGuide’s exclusive tours of Fenway Park offer a unique view into the Red Sox’s remarkable legacy and historic venue.

Boston: Harvard University Guided Walking Tour with Student

5. Boston: Harvard University Guided Walking Tour with Student

Join a student-led walking tour of America's oldest university, Harvard. See the historic campus through the eyes of a student and visit highlights, including the John Harvard Statue and Memorial Hall. Beginning in the heart of Harvard Square, you'll be led into the historic Harvard Yard by an enthusiastic Harvard student. Enjoy the sights while your guide entertains and inspires with tales of Harvard history and personal experience at the university they call home. You'll get an up-close look at major Harvard landmarks including Johnston Gate, the John Harvard Statue, Memorial Hall, and Widener Library. You'll even become privy to a few Harvard secrets along the way! Whether you're a student visiting colleges or a family on vacation, the Hahvahd Tour is undoubtedly the top way to see Harvard.

Boston: New England Aquarium Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

6. Boston: New England Aquarium Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

Enjoy a skip-the-line entry ticket to the New England Aquarium. Start your visit to the New England Aquarium at the charming penguin colony, before experiencing 360-degree views of the spectacular new 4-story Caribbean coral reef teeming with more animals than ever before. Take a stroll on the spiral walkway around the reef as sea turtles, sharks, moray eels, and tropical fish glide through their vibrant habitat. From sea jellies to sea dragons, you will explore the planet without leaving downtown Boston. The Aquarium is a treasure trove ready for exploration by families and ocean lovers. Your admission ticket includes entrance to the following exhibits: Amazon Rainforest Head to the Amazon rainforest without leaving Boston. The New England Aquarium’s 6 Amazon exhibits allow you to dive into the Amazon River and climb through the dense forest without getting wet or needing bug spray. Several of the exhibits feature large windows that reach nearly to the floor, providing perfect viewing opportunities for small children. Atlantic Harbor Seals The harbor seals exhibit is the only one you can actually visit before buying your Aquarium ticket. Watch the seals swim, play, and sleep, and learn more about them during a free training session. The 42,000-gallon harbor seal exhibit is located outside on the Front Plaza, to the left of the Aquarium’s front doors. The exhibit is open to the New England weather, which suits these New England creatures perfectly. Blue Planet Action Center This dynamic exhibit presents the serious challenges facing the oceans and showcases the Aquarium's global leadership in searching for solutions, through its interactive displays, interpretive presentations, and small live animal exhibits. Coral Reef Center At the top of the Giant Ocean Tank, a glass railing maximizes your view of many of the predators swimming high in the water column. You can now easily recognize creatures resting on the tank’s bottom more than 24 feet below. That exceptional viewing is enhanced by a theatrical-quality lighting system that is built into a beautiful blue reflective ceiling dome. A new exhibit gallery on the same level showcases reef biodiversity and gives visitors a closer look at a hidden world populated by unique coral reef animals. The Giant Ocean Tank The 4-story Giant Ocean Tank features a brand new coral reef, an underwater communications system, large windows, and hundreds of Caribbean reef animals, including sea turtles, stingrays, eels, and fish. At its deepest point, the exhibit goes down 26 feet, is 40 feet wide, and holds 200,000 gallons of salt water. The water is heated to between 72 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the perfect temperature range for this tropical exhibit. The exhibit is so big that it was built first and then the rest of the Aquarium was constructed around it. Gulf of Maine The Gulf of Maine stretches from Cape Cod to Canada and includes Boston Harbor and the Stellwagen Bank. The water is cold but bursting with life. As you explore exhibits ranging from shore to deep-water boulder reefs and sandy sea floors, you will encounter lobsters, cod, goosefish, and giant sea stars. The 6 Gulf of Maine exhibits cover more than half of the Aquarium’s third level. Pacific Community Reef Dive into the tropical waters of a Pacific coral reef and get to know some of the rainbow-colored fish that call it home. This 5,100-gallon exhibit houses nearly 70 different kinds of tropical reef fish. Marine Mammal Center Watch California sea lions dart through the water and limber northern fur seals lope in this beautiful open-air exhibit space. Learn about the challenges marine mammals face in the wild, and get a new perspective on these fascinating marine mammals. Penguins The Aquarium is home to more than 80 penguins who live in a bustling colony found on Level 1 surrounding the Giant Ocean Tank. The Aquarium breeds African penguins as part of a Species Survival Plan and promotes educational programs about penguins. Seadragons Every visit to the New England Aquarium should include a stop at the seadragon exhibit. There are only 2 seadragon species in the world, and this stunning exhibit displays both of them. The leafy seadragon and the weedy seadragon both use their exceptional camouflage to hide from hungry predators. Challenge yourself and see how many seadragons you can find during your visit.

Boston: Guided Walking Tour of the Freedom Trail

7. Boston: Guided Walking Tour of the Freedom Trail

See all 16 of Boston's iconic Freedom Trail sites in a single tour with an experienced guide. Learn about famous Americans like Paul Revere and John Hancock, along with lesser-known stories of women, African Americans, and immigrant patriots and pioneers. Start your tour just inside the Boston Common at the back of the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, located at the corner of Park and Beacon Streets. Discover tales of rebels, gangs, and Midnight Riders, with a few cheap dad jokes for good measure. Gain an understanding of Boston's role in the American Revolution and how the city became a pioneer in the fields of abolition, American education, and immigration. Along the way, learn about the explosive events of the American Revolution like the Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre in the places they happened. See Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King's Chapel, the Benjamin Franklin Statue, the Old Corner Bookstore, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, the Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, Copp's Hill Burying Ground, the USS Constitution, and Bunker Hill Monument.

Boston: Historical Sightseeing Cruise

8. Boston: Historical Sightseeing Cruise

Board a sightseeing cruise in Boston and take a tour around Boston Harbor. Experience breathtaking views, refreshing sea breezes, and vividly told stories of Boston's past and present as you admire the city's sights from the water. Depart from Long Wharf, then Cruise past the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned US Navy warship afloat today, marvel at the Bunker Hill Monument, and catch a glimpse of the fabled Old North End Church steeple. Hear heroic tales told by expert narrators and learn about local legends from the Revolutionary War. You'll also discover how the harbor was transformed into one of the cleanest waterways in the country. Enjoy the best view no matter the weather, with spacious outdoor viewing decks when the weather is fine, and indoor spaces with large windows if you want to be indoors. Onboard refreshments and snacks are also available for purchase.

Boston: Franklin Park Zoo Entry Ticket

9. Boston: Franklin Park Zoo Entry Ticket

Book your entry ticket to the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and meet hundreds of remarkable species from around the world. Explore the 72-acre zoo nestled in the historic Franklin Park. Make your way around at a leisurely pace as you go from exhibit to view remarkable species that call the zoo home. Visit exhibitions such as the Kalahari Kingdom, Giraffe Savannah, Nature’s Neighborhoods, and the Outback Trail. Stand face-to-face with western lowland gorillas at one of five glass viewing stations. Come across ring-tailed lemurs, pygmy hippos, and a giant anteater. Discover African lions, Masai giraffes, Grevy's zebras, cute red pandas, prairie dogs, kangaroos, and emus.

Boston: Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise

10. Boston: Harbor Sunset Yacht Cruise

Embark on a sunset yacht tour of Boston Harbor. Step aboard the classic Northern Lights yacht, a coast guard certified vessel with a captain and crew. The motor yacht Northern Lights is stylized after the classic New England 1920s-style steamships. Sit back and relax in a climate-controlled (with heating and air-conditioning) cabin, or enjoy the sea breeze on the open-top deck. Be sure to visit a fully stocked bar on the main deck to purchase refreshments by credit card, to sip refreshing drinks as you cruise along the harbor. The Northern Lights yacht is one of the most comfortable and versatile cruise vessels in Boston Harbor, at 115 feet in length it features six bathrooms and provides ample seating throughout the ship for up to 149 passengers. Built for taking groups of people on spectacular sightseeing adventures, she is the perfect vessel for taking groups of friends and family out to see the harbor.

15 activities found
Sort by:

You might also like...

Unmissable attractions

Frequently asked questions about Boston For first-time visitors

What are other things to do than For first-time visitors that are worth visiting in Boston?

The other unmissable things to do in Boston are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Boston

Want to discover all there is to do in Boston? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Boston

Our harbor tour was great! The weather was working with us during our hour tour. Seeing Boston from the harbor was wonderful. Give you a different perspective. Plus, the guide was very good. Easy to hear, funny and very informative. I would highly recommend the tour.

The guide was very funny, super knowledgable and managed to fit a huge amount of information into the tour. We left with a much clearer understanding of the MIT Campus and the amazing things that happen within its walls.

Fantastic tour, Charlie was a Harvard grad and current adjunct history professor and was very passionate and knowledgable about the Revolution and Boston. He painted a great picture that brought you back in time.

The 2 tour bus drivers we had the pleasure of travelling with were incredibly entertaining as well as full of fun facts, I wish I could remember their names!

A must for any fan, even if a casual fan. The history that oozes out of Fenway is spectacular!