Timeline
15:06
Start with a coffee and a light bite at Brew. It is just a three-minute walk from the Institute of Contemporary Art. The space is modern and serves salads and sandwiches alongside fresh brewed coffee and a few beers on tap. It is a calm way to begin before the crowds arrive.
15:36
Walk into the Institute of Contemporary Art. The building is a striking modernist structure on the water. Spend the next hour exploring the temporary exhibitions. The large windows face west, offering early views of the harbor as the afternoon light begins to shift.
16:36
Head to the terrace or the large windows for the sunset. The sun sets toward the WSW around 16:36. The Institute’s position on the waterfront provides an unobstructed view of the light fading over the water. This is the key moment of the experience.
17:21
End the evening with seafood at Barking Crab. It is an eight-minute walk from the museum. The outdoor clam shack atmosphere overlooks Boston Harbor. The lights of the downtown skyline are visible as you enjoy your meal. It is a lively spot with live music daily.
Local tip
The ICA is open until 17:00 on weekdays, so you have plenty of time to stay inside after the sun goes down. Barking Crab is open until 21:00 on weekdays, giving you a comfortable window to dine after the sunset.
Check before you go
- The Institute of Contemporary Art is open Tu, We, Sa, Su 10:00-17:00 and Th, Fr 10:00-21:00.
- Brew is open Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00.
- Barking Crab is open Mo-Th, Su 11:30-21:00 and Fr, Sa 11:30-22:00.
Worth knowing
- Brew is open at 15:06 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Boston (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).