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As far as North American historical destinations go, Boston is up there with the best of them. With sites that date back as far as the 17th century, it’s often referred to as one of America’s most historical cities. As the “birthplace of the American Revolution” it’s also played a key role in the country’s history. Whether you’re looking for museums, historical buildings or a great place to eat, Boston is full of historical gems. Here’s 10 historical things to do in Boston, Massachusetts.
1. Visit the Paul Revere House, the oldest building in downtown Boston.
One of the most fascinating attractions in Boston is the Paul Revere House. Built around 1680, it is the oldest surviving building in downtown Boston. Paul Revere purchased the home in 1770 and owned it up until 1800. He worked primarily as a silversmith but was also involved with the Sons of Liberty and acted as a courier in the years leading up to the American Revolution. On April 18, 1775 he left this house to embark on his famous Midnight Ride to Lexington, to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock of the British approach. The story has been slightly romanticized, thanks to the poem, but he is certainly one of the great American folk heroes.
For a very reasonable entry price of about $6 USD, I highly recommend walking around the inside. One of the guides told me that the building is 90% original, so visitors get a real sense of the layout of the original home. Visitors will also get an idea of how things might have looked during the time of Paul Revere and will learn more about Revere and his role in historical events.
You can learn more about visiting the Paul Revere House here.
2. Try Boston’s famous seafood at the Quincy Market.
The Quincy Market first opened to the public in 1826. Located within Faneuil Hall, the building has always played a central role in Boston life and at different points has been both a retail and wholesale provider. Boston is well-known for its seafood and this is a great place to try some of the famous dishes, including New England Clam Chowder. The chowder is believed to have been brought to the area by French, British and or Nova Scotian settlers. By the 18th century, it had become an extremely popular dish. I recommend stopping by Boston Chowda for a delicious bowl!
3. Take part in interactive history at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
One of the most well-known historical events to have taken place in the city is the Boston Tea Party. On December 16, 1773 the Sons of Liberty, in protest of the British Parliament’s tax on tea, destroyed a shipment of tea that had been sent by the East India Company. The protest is often referred to as one of the main catalyst’s for the American Revolution. At the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, visitors can take part in an interactive experience detailing the events of that night. Visitors will get to attend a gathering at the Meeting House (led by Samuel Adams), throw tea overboard an 18th century vessel and journey through the museum which tells the story of the beginning of the revolution. I always enjoy interactive history and this one is definitely an experience for the whole family.
4. Try a Boston Cream Pie where it originated at the Omni Parker House hotel in 1856.
The Omni Parker House is one of the most fascinating hotels I have ever visited… not only because I’m a fan of the Boston Cream Pie, but because of the number of historical figures who have been through its doors. The hotel was founded in 1855 and the world-famous Boston Cream Pie dessert was created for its opening in 1856. The list of visitors over the years is endless, including individuals like Charles Dickens, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Sarah Bernhardt, Babe Ruth, Judy Garland, James Dean, Stevie Knicks, Yo-Yo Ma and many, many more. There were even historical figures among the employees, as both Ho Chi Minh and Malcom X worked there. The hotel is also famous as the place where John F. Kennedy is said to have proposed to Jackie Bouvier in the 1950s.
Today, the Omni Parker House is a popular place for visitors to stay in downtown Boston. Even if not staying there, you can pop into the restaurant or bar for a drink, meal or dessert.
5. See the graves of some of Boston’s most notable historical figures at the Granary Burying Ground.
Granary Burying Ground was established in 1660 and is Boston’s third oldest cemetery. There are approximately 2,300 markers, but it’s estimated that over 5,000 individuals are buried here. Among these 5,000 individuals are some of the city’s notable historical figures. Visitors can see the Franklin Cenotaph, which marks where Benjamin’s Franklin’s parents are buried, as well as other graves including those of Paul Revere, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Crispus Attucks, Peter Faneuil and more. There is also a marker for the victims of the Boston Massacre who are buried within the cemetery. There’s often a volunteer at the gate handing out maps… they’re incredibly useful so I would be sure to take one and leave a tip if you’re able to.
6. Learn about the African Americans who changed history in the 18th and 19th centuries a the Museum of African American History.
African Americans played an important role in the history of Boston and beyond, but as the museum rightly states, “there are missing pages in the history books”. The Museum of African American History tells the stories of individuals who influenced the course of American history in the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum explores the personal stories of Black families, while also showcasing their contributions to art, education, religion, politics and advancing the cause of freedom in America. The museum actually has two locations (one located in Boston and the other in Nantucket) and through exhibits, programs and educational activities, visitors will gain an understanding of these impactful individuals.
7. Take a walk through Boston Common, America’s oldest public park.
Boston Common was established in 1634, making it the oldest public park in America. The land was originally purchased by Puritan colonists and has been used for a number of purposes over the years. It was used to graze livestock, it was a “trayning field” for Redcoats during the British occupation of Boston in 1775 and in more recent history has been the site of political demonstrations, including Anti-Vietnam War and civil rights rallies. Boston Common was also the site of “The Great Elm”... an infamous tree that individuals (including murderers, pirates and those found guilty of witchcraft) were hanged from. It is also said to have been a rallying point for the Sons of Liberty. Today, the tree no longer exists, but there is a plaque in the grass that marks its original location.
8. Have oysters at Union Oyster House, which has been serving them since the 1820s.
This wonderful restaurant claims to be the oldest restaurant in Boston and the oldest continuously serving restaurant in the United States. For a historian’s dinner, it doesn’t get much better! The restaurant is located in a historic building, and while there are no official records of it being built, it’s said to date back over 250 years. The building has functioned as a few different things, including operating as a fancy dress goods business and also where Federal troops would have received their pay in the 1770s. The building also has an interesting connection to French royalty, as the future French king Louis Philippe I lived on the second floor while in exile in the United States. The building opened as a restaurant in 1826 and has been serving oysters ever since. In more recent history, the restaurant is also known for its Kennedy connection, as it was a favourite dining spot of J.F.K.
Union Oyster House has a number of incredible dishes to try and is pretty reasonably priced for a seafood establishment. I highly recommend it for a historical meal out!
9. Visit the Boston Massacre Site.
The Boston Massacre took place on March 5, 1770 and is another event that is often referred to as a key catalyst of the American Revolution. An altercation took place between Redcoats and Bostonians, which had been a result of built up tension during the previous years of British occupation in the area. This led to a protest which resulted in the death of five civilians, including Crispus Attucks, Samuel Gray, James Caldwell, Samuel Maverick and Patrick Carr. Today, visitors will find the memorial marker outside of the Old Town House, not far from where the events took place.
10. Have a drink in a historical tavern such as the Bell in Hand Tavern.
Boston has a number of historical taverns which are great places to grab some food and drink after a day of sightseeing. One of my favourites to visit is the Bell in Hand Tavern, which was established by in 1795, by one of the city’s former town criers (hence the name!). Historically, it was a popular meeting place for politicians, sailors, printers and today. If you stop by today, I highly recommend trying the lobster roll! Across the street is also the Green Dragon Tavern, which was first established in 1654 and is where figures like Paul Revere and John Hancock used to frequent. Neither of these taverns are in their original locations, but they’re still filled with history and definitely worth a stop.
This article’s information was last updated in August 2023.