SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

Boston Common

Founded in 1634, this is the oldest park in the United States. Over the years, the Common has been used for everything, from grazing cows and livestock, to British encampments in the revolutionary period, to modern protests during the 20th and 21st centuries. Early after the city was founded, this was also the site of a town gallows, responsible for executing Quakers and "witches" alike. Today the Common is a nice spot for walking around and people-watching at all times of year. The Frog Pond, Central Burying Ground, and various monuments are all worthy of investigation, and scattered throughout the park. If you're visiting in winter, the big Christmas tree near Brewer Fountain is donated by Halifax, Nova Scotia, in thanks for Boston's help after an explosion there in 1917.

Address: 139 Tremont St
Getting there: T: Park Street
Hours: 7AM-9PM daily
Price: Free
Website: boston.gov (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Boston/Back Bay-Beacon Hill, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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DoBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Frog Pond
A great place for the kids, and open year round. In the wintertime an ice skating rink is set up, and children and adults skate around in circles all day. During the warmer months, the Frog Pond expands beyond the rink, providing ankle deep water perfect for toddlers to wade around in. Right next door is the "Tadpole Playground" with all manner of slides and other activities for the little ones. Stroller city.
Mon 10AM-3:45PM, Tue-Thu 10AM-9PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun 10AM-9PMSkate rental $6, humans shorter than 58 inches free
DrinkDowntown
Thinking Cup
A great place to get a cup of coffee. The staff is young and hip, but they are always very friendly, upbeat, and professional. They offer an array of sandwiches and baked goods.
DoDowntown
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.
BuyDowntown
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.
Mon-Sat 9AM-5:30PM