Boston is one of the most friendly cities to visit as a solo traveler. With walkability, easily navigable public transit, and friendly locals (yes, we are breaking the stigma!), there isn’t one reason you shouldn’t visit Boston on your own. The New England city has plenty to explore, from historical sites and unique museums to sweet treats, old markets, and more. Boston is full of eclectic neighborhoods, charming cobblestone streets, and local independent stores to discover. And everything seems to have a story attached. From the oyster craze of the 1800s to a still unsolved heist that turned the art world upside down, exploring Boston is more than just visiting a few important sites. It’s becoming absorbed in centuries of people and their lives, where you can feel the impact of everyone from immigrant fishermen to influential historical figures. 

We try not to play favorites, but it’s hard not to name Boston as one of our favorite cities. The New England destination is packed with history, culture, and charm, offering endless things to explore. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, history buff, nature lover, or anything else, Boston has something for everyone to enjoy. The waterfront city has seen centuries of milestones and history, with many of those moments captured in the streets and buildings. Whether you’re visiting Boston for the first time or returning for the hundredth, here are twelve things everyone should do at least once. 

Boston is hard not to love. There’s so much the coastal New England city has to offer. Nearly four centuries of history can be felt in every cobblestone and brick-paved road. Cultural roots have been planted deep from heavy immigrant movements that shaped the city we now know today. And thanks to those immigrants, a diverse food scene that can’t be replicated anywhere else. The people of Boston are proud of where they come from. They’re proud of their ancestry, their history, and, most importantly, their sports teams. Boston has played a significant role in pop culture, with every side of the city represented from the grittiest corners of Southie to the privileged halls of Harvard and MIT. It’s a place everyone should visit at least once, but don’t say we didn’t warn you if you find yourself returning time and again. 

Quick trips can feel limited. Between travel time, settling in, and making decisions, sometimes spending the money on a weekend away doesn't feel worth it. If planned well, you can pack quite a bit in two days, and Boston offers just enough versatility – and walkability – to make it work. While a week in Boston is even better, if two days are all you have, the city is laid out beautifully to make it possible.

Any history lovers out there? Boston is your city. It has buildings that date back to pre-revolutionary times and many of them have seen some pretty incredible moments in history. Most of these locations can be found on the Freedom Trail, but we’ve highlighted a few that are notable on their own. Boston is full of incredible history and historical sites so please do not stop at this list while you’re planning a visit. There’s so much it’s impossible to include everything in one go.