There are so many hidden gems in Boston that you probably don’t even know about. Sure, the city is known for its historical sites and landmarks like the Old North Church, The Freedom Trail, and Fenway Park. But what about the parks? The cafes? The little shops you stumble upon when you least expect them? We think these are some of the most beautiful places in Boston that you need to see before you leave town.
So many times, when people think of a big city like Boston, they may not be inclined to think of it as beautiful. But as someone who has called this great city home for more than 20 years, I can confidently tell you that there are many beautiful things here. So why not take a step outside your regular routine and check out one (or all!) of these ten beautiful places in Boston!
Boston Public Garden
The Boston Public Garden is one of the few places in Boston that has remained almost entirely unchanged for over a century. Walk through the famous swan boats, and sit beside the pond that inspired the writing of “The Boston Rag” by Henry Russell. The Public Garden is also home to some rare plant species and trees over 100 years old. It’s a beautiful place to sit, relax, and reflect on the city around you. For those interested in history, the Public Garden is also the site of the Mapparium, which is the world’s giant stained-glass globe.
The Mapparium is located inside the nearby Boston visitors’ center, also home to a large aquarium. The Public Garden is open daily, 9:30 A.M. to 9 P.M. The Mapparium is open Monday–Friday, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. The Boston visitors’ center is also open on weekends, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Admission to the Public Garden and the nearby aquarium is free.
Harvard University
If you’re visiting Boston, you have to stop by Harvard University at least once. It’s one of the most beautiful campuses globally, and there’s plenty to see and do while you’re there. Of course, the most notable building on campus is the Harvard University building. While you can’t go inside, the front entrance of the building is still beautiful to admire.
A campus tour highlights the building’s history if you’re interested in architecture. The campus is also home to several museums and exhibits, including the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, the Harvard Art Museums, and the Harvard Museum of Natural History. The Harvard Natural History Museum houses the most extensive collection of birds globally. You can also walk across the Harvard Bridge, which connects the campus to the Longfellow Bridge and is one of the oldest bridges in the city.
The Brattle Theatre
The Brattle Theatre is one of the most beautiful places in Boston to catch a film or a play. Located in the heart of Cambridge, the Brattle Theatre has been screening films for almost 90 years. It’s also the oldest nonprofit theatre in the country. The theatre specializes in screening classic movies, new independent films, and foreign films.
The Brattle hosts poetry readings, music performances, and other events throughout the year. But the place is more than just a theatre. It’s also a cafe and a bookstore.
The theatre is open Tuesday–Sunday, with a few exceptions. Visit the Brattle Theatre website for a full schedule of showtimes and events.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is one of Boston’s most iconic neighborhoods. The cobblestone streets, stately Victorian architecture, and fascinating history make Beacon Hill an exciting place to walk and explore. Beacon Hill is home to the oldest residential neighborhood in Boston. It was once strictly reserved for Boston’s upper class.
Still, a combination of gentrification and preservation has transformed it into an area that people of all walks of life can enjoy. The neighborhood is also home to many gardens and public parks, where you can enjoy the beauty of Boston’s nature even in the city. There are also plenty of shops and cafes in Beacon Hill where you can relax and enjoy the view. The Boston Tea Party Museum and the Louis Pilgrim House are good places to start your neighborhood tour.
Boston Common
The Boston Common is one of Boston’s most famous landmarks. The oldest public park in America has been a part of the city for over 350 years. The park is home to many historical sites, including the Curly Lam bridge, the oldest bridge in Boston, and the famous Swan Boat Lake. Many famous buildings in the Boston Common, including the Boston Public Library and the Massachusetts State House. You can also visit the Massachusetts Historical Society and the Museum of African American History, located on the Boston Common. The Boston Common is open daily from 6 A.M. to 11 P.M.
Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library is one of the most beautiful buildings in Boston. It’s also the oldest public library in the country and one of the most heavily used libraries globally. The city has nine separate branches, but the Boston Central Library is the most impressive. It’s one of the largest buildings in Boston, and the architecture inside is breathtaking. The library is open daily, Monday–Saturday, 9 A.M. to 9 P.M., and Sunday, 1 P.M. to 5 P.M.
MIT Campus and the Charles River
The MIT campus is a must-see if you’re into architecture or design. The buildings are beautiful and designed to inspire creativity and innovation. The MIT campus also overlooks the Charles River, making for a stunning view. There are plenty of places to sit and relax on the Charles River, or you can walk along the banks for a more active experience. Several boat tours cross the Charles River to see the sights from the water. If you’re lucky, you might even glimpse the famous MIT Bridge or the “Freshman Boat.”
The Mapparium at the Museum of Science
The Mapparium is the world’s giant stained-glass globe. It was built in the 1930s and is located inside the nearby Boston visitors’ center, which is also home to a large aquarium. The Mapparium is a beautiful sight to behold, and it’s definitely worth the visit. Unfortunately, the Mapparium is only open on the weekends, so you’ll have to miss it if you visit during the week.
Newbury Street
Newbury Street is one of the most iconic shopping districts in Boston. It’s also one of the most beautiful places in the city. Newbury Street is lined with beautiful brick buildings and home to many upscale shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great place to shop or grab a bite to eat, but it’s also a great place just to walk around and soak in the sights and sounds of the city.
Beacon Hill Walking Tour
If you’re interested in the history of Boston, you can’t miss a walking tour of Beacon Hill. The walking tour takes you through the historic neighborhood and guides you through the sites of important events in Boston’s history. You can also book a time to walk the Freedom Trail, which takes you through many of the city’s most iconic places.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is great for grabbing a bite to eat, shopping for souvenirs, and exploring Boston’s history. There are many great restaurants and shops in the marketplace, and it’s also home to the famous Faneuil Hall. The marketplace is just stepping away from the waterfront, so you can stroll through Faneuil Hall after getting some fresh air by the water.
Bunker Hill Monument
The Bunker Hill Monument is a great place to get a bird’s eye view of Boston. It’s located right in downtown Boston on top of Bunker Hill, which was the site of the first major battle in the American Revolution. The monument offers beautiful views of Boston, Cambridge, and Charlestown, and it’s worth checking out if you have time during your visit.
The Freedom Trail Tour
The Freedom Trail is a 2-mile historic walking trail that takes you through Boston’s most iconic landmarks. You can book tours with various companies throughout the city, or if you want to do it yourself and walk at your own pace, all you need is a map from any local visitor center or museum gift shop. I highly recommend booking an official tour with one of the companies that work along the trail, though, because they provide excellent insight into each location along your journey. Plus they give you some good information about what else to
Conclusion
Boston is a beautiful city. Whether you’re into history, art, design, or nature, there’s something in this city for everyone. From the historic sites on the Freedom Trail to the modern architecture of the MIT campus, Boston is a city worth visiting, and these are some of the most beautiful places in Boston. If you’re looking for a new place to visit or a Boston native looking to explore your home city more, these ten beautiful places in Boston are worth a visit.
Boston Official Tourism Website
Boston Map
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