Historic places in Boston

45 historic buildings, sites and memorials in Boston.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 45.

BuyEast Boston
Atlantic Works Gallery
The art scene in East Boston has exploded over the years with the redevelopment of the East Boston Artists Group's Atlantic Works Art Gallery. Here you can drop in, view art at the dozens of studios artists keep in the historic building and, of course, purchase something for your wall.
Sat Sun 1PM-5PM
DoSouth End
Boston Center for the Arts
This non-profit coordinates multiple spaces in the South End, and is dedicated to hosting original events alongside visual and performing arts. Supports working artists by connecting them to the community, and patrons of the arts. Check the calendar daily for new performances, gallery openings, open studios, and more. The BCA has used the historic Cyclorama as its principal building since its inception in 1970. The city of Boston funded redevelopment costs in an effort to revitalize the South End area and the art scene.
Times and locations vary$0-50
SeeSouth Boston
Boston Fire Museum
The history of firefighting in Boston on display. Mostly artifacts from the 20th century, but a few items are much older. Only open on Saturdays, this museum is often overlooked, so you're likely to receive more of a personal tour from the staff. They're not burned out from saying the same thing over and over.
Sat 10AM-4PMFree, donations appreciated
SeeDowntown
Boston Stone
Imported from England in the 17th century by a painter, today you can see the Boston Stone embedded in the foundation of a building in the Historic Blackstone District. No one really knows its exact function, or why it was placed there. The current theory is that it's 18th-century advertising for the shops and stores along this historic street; or a sort of London Stone copycat.
24 hours dailyFree
DoSouth Boston
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Listen to colonial music while you climb aboard 18th-century ships afloat in Boston Harbor. Once aboard historical re-enactors teach you about the original tea party, and let you "toss the tea into the sea". These interactive participatory tours last about an hour. Be prepared to wait to get into this very popular and widely regarded tourist attraction.
April 1-Oct-31ː 10AM-5PM daily. Nov 1-Mar 31: 10AM-4PM daily$29.95 adult, $21.95 child
SeeCharlestown
Bunker Hill Monument
For the history buffs in the family there is the Bunker Hill Monument. Even for those who are unfamiliar with history that dates back to 1775 will enjoy the history lesson given on the site of this revolutionary war landmark. Climbing to the top of the monument is free, but during the months of April, May, and June, a pass must first be obtained from the nearby Bunker Hill Museum, which are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mid-Mar to Nov: 9AM-5PM daily; Dec to mid-Mar: Mon-Fri 1PM-5PM, Sat-Sun 9AM-5PMFree
SeeCharlestown
Charlestown Navy Yard
Boston Navy Yard
Another Historical landmark are the grounds of the Charlestown Navy Yard, which was established over 200 years ago. The navy yard is located in the Boston National Historical Park, and from here you can access a visitors center, museum, and of course the USS Constitution and the Cassin Young.
24 hours dailyFree
SeeCharlestown
City Square
City Square is one of the city's newer parks, although the history of parks on this site dates back to 1629 when Market Square was laid out and Charlestown was still a separate city. In 1901, an elevated railroad was built through the square and then the busy Tobin Bridge was constructed. The rail line was eventually torn down and the Tobin ramps were put into a tunnel in the 1990s, allowing the park to be reconstructed above the highway.
BuyDowntown
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.
Mon-Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-5PM
DrinkDorchester
Eire Pub
Historic Irish pub in the Adams Village neighborhood. Politicians like Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, and many who are lesser known have stopped by during their campaigns. You can't go wrong with corned beef and a Guinness.
Mon–Sat 8AM–midnight, Sun noon–midnightMains $5-10, pints $6, and one dollar hot dogs! Cash only
SeeSouth Boston
Fort Independence
A star fort built around 1850 to provide defenses for Boston harbor. Today, the guns are long gone, and it's a great place to go exploring. Fantastic views are rewarded to those who scale its granite walls. Even if the fort is closed, the grounds are always open. It's a great place to see families picnicking, going for a stroll around Pleasure Bay, or out flying kites in the brisk wind blowing in from the water. Kids love seeing (and hearing!) the planes up close, as they make their final approach to Logan Airport.
Thu 7PM-dusk, Sat Sun noon-3:30PMFree
SeeRoxbury
Franklin Park
The crown jewel in Frederick Law Olmstead's Emerald Necklace system of parks, Franklin Park brings together rural scenery, a woodland preserve, and areas for recreation and sports. Although funding for upkeep has been inconsistent over the years, the park's 485 acres provide thousands of city dwellers with unmatched green space. Take your time and investigate the old stone bridges and ruins scattered along the 15+ miles of rustic walking/hiking paths. Urban explorers shouldn't miss the Long Crouch Woods, site of Boston's first zoo, or the historic White Stadium, built in 1949, home of nearby public high school Boston Latin School's football team, and host of a large Black Panther rally back in 1969. A grand staircase, deteriorating for a century, arcs up to reveal a long arcade lined with giant bear cages built of iron. If you're looking for a more focused undertaking, check out the entries for the golf course and modern zoo below.
24 hours dailyFree
DoRoxbury
Franklin Park Zoo
Franklin Park Zoo, founded in 1912, is a 72-acre site nestled in Boston’s historic Franklin Park. This zoo contains a combined 10,000 sq ft of playground area and uses play to teach children about conservation and wildlife. In addition, it has an Australian bird aviary, a bird world's exhibit, an African lions exhibit, a tigers exhibit, a tropical forest environment, an outback trail, a butterfly tent, barn houses with farm animals, expansive giraffe and zebra savannah, a camel trek, a carousel, a train ride, a stationary jeep ride, picnic areas, a southwestern-themed grill concession stand, and a children's zoo!
Summer: Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-6PM; Winter: 10AM-4PM dailyAdult $20, senior: $17, child $14. Members and children under 2, free
DoAllston-Brighton
Harvard Stadium
Soldiers Field
This historic stadium was actually where football's forward pass was invented, and modern field dimensions were defined. Buy your tickets way in advance for the big Harvard-Yale game. Root for them to lose, if only to hear the cruel Crimson chant: "It's alright, it's OK, you're gonna work for us some day!" The stadium and grounds will also occasionally play host to concerts and music festivals, like Boston Calling for example. When there aren't games or other events planned, get here early to run up and down the 1000+ steps with the rest of the post docs.
Gates open dawn-duskFree-$50
SeeRoxbury
Highland Park
Roxbury High Fort
This site once contained earthwork fortifications built by the Continental Army during the Siege of Boston, and its clearly defendable location still offers sweeping views of downtown Boston. Fort Hill, the neighborhood's modern name, was inspired by these earthworks. The small park contains the Cochituate Standpipe, also known as Fort Hill Tower, built in 1869. It was once used to provide water pressure to area residents, but was only in use for a few decades. The tower makes a good point of reference when navigating Roxbury. Keep checking its location when you're worried about getting turned around.
24 hours dailyFree
SeeDorchester
JFK Presidential Library and Museum
The JFK Presidential Library and Museum opened in 1979, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei who called it "the most important commission in my life". Visitors walk through exhibits in roughly chronological order. Starting with Kennedy on the campaign trail, and moving through the Cuban missile crisis, the space race, and civil rights issues. A dark claustrophobic hallway shows the events on the day of his assassination, before delivering you to a massive glass atrium of light and air. It's really quite moving. A more than worthwhile visit for those with an appreciation of American history, the museum can be toured in half a day.
9AM–5PM dailyAdults $18, seniors and students $12, teens $10, kids free
SeeDorchester
James Blake House
Most locals drive right on by the James Blake House, the oldest house in Boston. Built circa 1661 and owned by the Dorchester Historical Society, the house is one of the only remaining examples of post-Medieval timber-frame construction in the United States. The home remained in the Blake family until being sold in 1825. The next family held on to the property for 70 years until selling it to the city. Shortly thereafter, the house was moved 400 yards to its current location to save it from demolition.
3rd Sun of Each Month: 11AM–4PMFree
SeeJamaica Plain-Mission Hill
Loring-Greenough House
This mid-Georgian mansion was built in 1760 as a country residence and farmstead for a wealthy British naval officer. Well preserved, this large colonial structure rests on property that includes sweeping lawns, historic flower beds, handsome trees. Call ahead to take a tour of the house and view the large collection of historical artifacts. Or just swing by in the warmer months, when the grounds are often host to festivals, markets, and other special events.
Sun 1-3PM$5
EatEast Boston
Mario's
Standard Italian-American. Kind of cool atmosphere and lots of history.
Mon-Fri 11:30AM-2PM, 5PM-9PM, Sat 5pm-10PM
SeeFenway-Kenmore
Massachusetts Historical Society
MHS
Founded in 1791, the Massachusetts Historical Society is the nation's oldest historical society. The collections of the MHS bring alive the stories of America's past through a series of changing exhibitions and public programs that are free and open to the public. Thomas Jefferson's handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence is a particularly significant piece in their collection. Many famous people sit on the board of directors, including professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, and director Ken Burns.
Mon-Sat 10AM-4PMFree
SeeAllston-Brighton
McMullen Museum of Art
Devlin Hall
The museum holds an extensive permanent collection, which spans the history of art from Europe, Asia and the Americas, and has significant representation of Gothic and Baroque tapestries, Italian paintings of the 16th and 17th centuries, and American paintings of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Mon-Wed, Fri 10AM-5PM, Thu 10AM-8PM, Sat Sun noon-5PMFree
EatCharlestown
Navy Yard Bistro
Fancy French restaurant in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard.
5PM-10PM dailyStarters $6-12, mains $18-26
SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Norman B. Leventhal Map and Education Center
An independent geographic research and education center including an exhibition gallery that features changing thematic exhibitions, a public learning center with research books, and a reading room for rare map research. It is ranked among the top ten in the United States its collection of over 250,000 geographic objects, the significance of its historic (pre-1900) material, its advanced digitization program, and exceptional educational programs to advance geographic literacy among students in grades K to 12.
Free
SeeDowntown
Old City Hall
Old City Hall, unlike the current city hall, is undeniably beautiful. This Second Empire style building was built in 1865 and served as Boston's City Hall until 1969. It has since been converted to office space and also houses an expensive steak house. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and is a much touted example of adaptive re-use in architecture.
SeeNorth End
Old North Church
Christ Church in the City of Boston
Old North Church was Boston’s second Anglican church. It is most famous for sending the message from Paul Revere that the British were coming by lighting the steeple with lanterns. "One if by land, two if by sea." Paul Revere had convinced congregant Robert Newman to alert the American militia in Concord, Massachusetts to British troop movements. Newman placed two lanterns in the church steeple and alerted the militia to the approaching British army as Paul Revere began his ride to warn John Handcock and Samuel Adams. By taking a more in-depth behind-the-scenes tour of the church, its history is revealed while exploring the bell tower, and its crypt.
Jan-Feb: 10AM-4PM daily, Mar-May: 9AM-5PM daily, Jun-Oct: 9AM-6PM daily, Nov-Dec: 9AM-5PM daily$3 donation; behind-the-scenes tours are $6 adults, $5 students/seniors/military, $4 children under 12
SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Old South Church
Third Church
As one of the finest High Victorian Gothic churches in New England, the Old South Church is a stunning aesthetic landmark within the Back Bay. The interior is filled with sumptuous materials, musical instruments, and stained glass. After a misguided makeover in the 1950s, a painstaking restoration took place during the late 1980s. Historical members of the congregation include Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and William Dawes; Paul Revere's lesser known counterpart. (Although this building would be news to them.) Willard Sears, one of the architects responsible for this structure, also takes credit for the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, another European inspired masterwork.
Sun 9AM-noon, Thu 6PM-7PMFree
SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Park Street Church
Founded in 1809, this Park Street Church is on the Freedom Trail and known for a number of historical firsts. Among other things, William Lloyd Garrison delivered his first anti-slavery address here, and "My Country Tis of Thee" was first sung on the front steps. Very much still an active pro-life parish, it hosts many classes teaching English as a second language, ministers to the homeless, and assists low income families within the city of Boston. Fun fact: this was the tallest building in America for almost two decades!
24 hours daily; services Sun 8:30AM, 11AM, 4PMFree
SeeRoxbury
Roxbury Heritage State Park
Dillaway-Thomas House
This heritage park is located in the John Eliot Square area of Roxbury, originally the center of town after its founding in 1630. The Dillaway-Thomas House here was built in the Georgian style during 1750 for the pastor of the First Church of Roxbury. Which still stands today just across the street. In April 1775, John Thomas, an American commander in the Continental Army, took possession of the house. Using it as a base of operations during the siege of Boston. By early March 1776, Henry Knox had transported cannons from Fort Ticonderoga in New York and through Roxbury, when Thomas led the charge to fortify Dorchester Heights. He and his men used the cannons to force the evacuation of the British from Boston on March 17. The house returned to the ownership of Pastors and Educators until was eventually purchased by the City of Boston in the 1920s, and slated for demolition. Activism by Roxbury residents saved the structure, and it began its current path to restoration in the 1930s.
Call ahead for toursFree
SeeDowntown
Spring Lane
Get off the Freedom Trail for a second and spend a minute reading plaques in this narrow alley. Beneath your feet once flowed clean spring water used by the residents of Boston for hundreds of years. The lane runs parallel to Water Street so you know it's for real. Several other notes relating to Boston's history adorn adjacent building walls, if you're interested. Use caution during the evening, however, as the homeless sometimes use this semi-protected area as a campsite.
24 hours dailyFree
EatSouth Boston
Sullivan's Castle Island
Not to be missed South Boston dining experience. No frills beachside shack in business since the 1950s. No indoor seating. Lines are long during summer hours, but they move fast. If the weather is bad, you'll have the place to yourself.
8:30AM-6PM dailyLobster roll $13
DrinkDowntown
The Green Dragon Tavern
A relaxing place to stop in and take a break from the freedom trail. A replica of the original 1657 Green Dragon Tavern, where the Sons of Liberty met and discussed political revolution. British officers also frequented the original pub and were spied upon by American patriots. Modeled after the “Headquarters of the Revolution”, the Green Dragon was rebuilt in the Blackstone Historic District after a major fire. Featuring lively entertainment and lovely food in an Irish pub atmosphere.
11AM-2AM dailyPints $7, dinner $25-35
SeeDorchester
The Kennedy Institute
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
This political museum offers a variety of engaging interactive exhibits relating to Sen. Edward Kennedy's life, as well as the history of the American senate. A huge digital screen invites you to draft and pass a law (and tricks you into learning along the way)! While other exhibits deal with the current political issues affecting Washington today.
Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM$16, Senior/youth/veteran $14. Child (6-17) $8
SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill
The Museum of African American History
African Meeting House, Abiel Smith School
Dedicated to preserving the historically accurate contributions of African-Americans during America's colonial period. The perfect point to begin walking Boston's Black Heritage Trail.
Mon-Sat 10AM-4PM$5, children under 12 free
SeeFenway-Kenmore
The Museum of Fine Arts
MFA
As the fourth largest museum in the US, the Museum of Fine Art is known for its impressive assortment of French Impressionist paintings as well as its extraordinary collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art. The MFA also has one of the largest collections of Japanese art outside of Japan. A new modernist Art of the Americas Wing was completed in 2010, architected by Norman Foster. A visitor could simply rush through the highlights in a few hours, or linger all day and take it all in properly. The museum also has a great collection of early American art, including the portrait of George Washington used on the dollar bills you might find in your wallet right now.
Wed-Fri 10AM-10PM, Sat-Tue 10AM-5PM$30, youth 7-17 $14, 6 and under Free
DoFenway-Kenmore
The New England Conservatory of Music
Jordan Hall
Catch a performance at the oldest independent school of music in the United States. The New England Conservatory of Music is renowned for its instruction in string, woodwind, and brass instruments. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994, Jordan Hall—along with Symphony Hall—are considered two of America's most acoustically perfect performance spaces. Often used as a concert hall for NEC students and faculty, the BSO will perform in this space as well.
Free, first come first serve
BuyNorth End
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.
Jan-Feb: 10AM-4PM daily, Mar-May: 9AM-5PM daily, Jun-Oct: 9AM-6PM daily, Nov-Dec: 9AM-5PM daily
SeeDorchester
The Pierce House
Ten generations of the Pierce family called this house a home, from its construction in 1683 until it was turned into a museum in 1968. This is not the house of a wealthy merchant, this is where working class colonists (and later Americans) lived out their lives. Touring the home today offers a unique journey through centuries of American history. You can see how the home was adapted over time to fit the needs of each new generation of occupants. Some original features remain, much of it wooden, surprisingly. On street parking available.
Rarely available hour long tours, check their calendar$5, students $3
SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill
The Vilna Shul
A Jewish temple no longer (sort of), this storied edifice now functions as a cultural center. A place where all are welcome to share and enjoy the history of Boston's Jewish community. Major holidays and regular Jewish religious services are still performed here. Interestingly, the seating consists of pews salvaged from Roxbury's Twelfth Baptist Church. These benches would have been used by former African American slaves and volunteers in the heroic 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment.
Wed-Fri 11AM-5PM, guided tours at 1PM and 3PMFree
SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Trinity Church
If you've only got the time to visit one church during your trip, make it this one. The American Institute of Architects called Trinity Church one of the "Ten Most Significant Buildings in the United States" in 1885. Today it is the only building remaining on their top ten list. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the church was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and was consecrated in 1877. Trinity Church established Richardson's reputation, birthing a new style of architecture soon adopted for a number of public buildings across the United States. Its interior murals were completed entirely by American artists.
24 hours daily, tours often available at 1PMFree, tours $7
SeeCharlestown
USS Constitution
Old Ironsides
In this historic park is the warship U.S.S. Constitution which is vital to Boston's history. The U.S.S. Constitution now serves as a training ship and is still commissioned for battle, making it the oldest warship in the world. It's over 205 feet (62 m) tall and weighs 2200 tons.
Tue-Fri 2:30PM-6PM, Sat Sun 10AM-6PMFree

Browse all 621 places in Boston

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Boston (CC BY-SA 4.0).