Things to do

Boston Opera House

Opened in 1928 as a movie theater, it was rededicated as a performing arts venue in 1980, and was restored in 2004. The Boston Ballet is the primary offering here.

Charles Playhouse

Performances of the Blue Man Group and Shear Madness play here. The building first opened in 1839 as a church, and was converted to a performing arts space in 1957.

Cutler Majestic Theatre

Performing arts owned by Emerson College. Originally designed for opera performances in 1903.

Orpheum Theatre

Built in 1852, The Orpheum is one of the oldest theaters in America and was the original home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Seats 2,700 after many substantial rebuilds, including in 2009.

Paramount

Performing arts theater owned by Emerson College. This is the Art-Deco one opened in the 1930s as a movie theater. Two smaller spaces are here as well, the 150-seat Black Box Theatre, and a 170-seat screening room.

Wang Theatre

Opened in 1925, it seats over 3,600 people.

Wilbur Theatre

Comedy and music venue.

Boston Duck Tours

An institution in their own right, these modified World War II DUKWs give a great, breezy, 80-minute tour of the city by land and sea, all in the same vehicle. One of the most famous, or at least most visible, tours in Boston. Visitors will sing songs, quack like a duck, and irritate passing Bostonians going about their business. It doesn't get any more touristy than this. Tours also depart from the Prudential Center and the Museum of Science.

Boston Harbor Cruises

Boston Harbor Cruises is the only real seagoing commercial compliment to the MBTA. They partnered with the New England Aquarium to offer a 90-minute whale watch cruise for $53. If that sounds too tame, they also have something called Codzilla. It's kind of a harbor tour, except you're on a jet engine with seats. Go fast and get wet for $29. Finally they offer a bunch of different harbor cruises. Check out the USS Constitution from the water, investigate a few of Boston's lighthouses, or just watch the sun go down. Costs range anywhere from $23-66 depending on which one piques your interest. Sp

Boston Segway Tours

Everyone looks cool on a Segway. Right? Ticket price includes complimentary gloves (for your hands) and also water.

Classic Harbor Line

Another good option to meet your harbor cruise needs. This company is a little fancier, with two ships for you to choose from. One is a sort of steamboat-inspired art-deco vessel, or opt instead for a schooner and head into the harbor under good old fashioned sail power.

Mass Bay Lines

Another good option for harbor cruising.

Old Town Trolley Tours

Little touristic trollies that make the rounds to all the major sights downtown. You can hop on and hop off all day with your ticket. They also offer a "haunted" trolley tour during evenings.

Urban AdvenTours

Bicycle tours of Boston for families, students and visitors. Also offers a bicycle shop for repairs and sells various necessities for your two-wheeled vehicle.

Improv Asylum

Comedy club.

TD Garden

Home of the Boston Bruins and the Boston Celtics, each legends of the game and boasting multiple championship titles. The former is the oldest NHL team in America, and the latter was one of the eight original NBA teams. This arena replaced the old Boston Garden in 1995, and visitors can spot mementos of the locations previous life scattered throughout the premises. TD Garden is built on top of North Station for easy access, and offers an upscale food court "Hub Hall", open to fans and passerby. Plenty of parking is available on-site, and yes of course there's a Dunks too. The most popular spor

Shubert Theatre

The Sports Museum

If you love sports, check out The Sports Museum. A variety of memorabilia from Boston teams is on display.

Boston Arts Festival

Art in the park during the beginning of September.

Boston Public Market

This year-round market features vendors of high quality goods and comestibles from across New England. It's a great place, but with this location and quality be prepared to pay a little extra. Some of the stalls here sell a fantastic assortment of old fashioned Yankee craftsmanship. American Stonecraft is an artisanal producer of dishes, coasters, food slates and such. All made from stones pulled from farm fields in the region. A producer of fine wood products, Peterman's Boards and Bowls are made from fallen or discarded timber. While Hopsters Alley features a selection of New England beer, w

Brattle Book Shop

Three floor used and rare book store with an outdoor bargain area set up in a neighboring alley. Brattle Book Shop was founded in 1825 and is one of the oldest book shops in the country.

Commonwealth Books

Fantastic bookstore downtown selling antique, rare, used, and new tomes. Particular emphasis on subjects like: the arts, architecture, history, literature, philosophy, and religion. You can also find other exclusive treasures here, like old maps, engravings, and manuscripts. Even just walking down this street and looking around is an experience.

Primark

Come to America to buy cheap clothes from an Irish retailer who sells products made in Mauritius and Bangladesh! In all seriousness, these fast fashions are cheap. Like eerily cheap. You'll get a great deal, but don't expect these clothes to last for years.

Joseph Gann Jewelers

Classy jewelry, watches, crystal, and other high end items. A relative "newcomer" on the scene, this place offers a better selection than the storied E.B. Horn just down the street.

Ministry of Supply HQ

Headquarters of an upscale menswear shop in the Leather District.

Blank Label

Custom fitted bespoke menswear. Suits, jackets, vests, trenchcoats, you name it.

Polcari's Coffee

Old school North End coffee house founded in 1932.

Stanza Dei Sigari

A one time speakeasy "hidden" underground away from the prying eyes of the law. Sells a wide selection of premium cigars, and is also known to mix a fine martini.

The Old North Church Gift Shop

If you're looking for a nicer souvenir, the gift shops at the Old North Church are a great option. There are actually three different ones: Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop; The Printing Office of Edes and Gill; and the main gift shop. You can probably guess what the first two specialize in, while the main shop has a little bit of everything. Even t-shirts for those in the market.

Hilton's Tent City

Today they do most of their sales online, but don't miss this great old shop in the West End. Four stories of outdoor gear, for camping, backpacking, and more uses. Plus a bargain basement!

Kenmore Army & Navy Stores

Fulfill all your surplus military needs at this branch of the Army/Navy store. You'll find the usual run of pants, shirts, uniforms, boots and outerwear. What really makes this place special is the odder items, like flame retardant jumpsuits (including face mask!), army rations, various nettings, and empty ammo canisters.