Boston has a way of pulling you in from the moment you step off the train. Cobblestone streets, harbor views that stretch toward the horizon, a sports identity that borders on religious — this is a city that earns its reputation every single day.
If you're heading here for soccer's biggest event this summer, you're in genuine luck. Boston is compact, walkable, and packed with things to see, which means even the busiest match week leaves room for real exploration.
There are fun things to do in Boston at every turn: a 2.5-mile trail linking 16 Revolutionary War sites, an Italian neighborhood that smells like Sunday dinner, harbor cruises with sweeping skyline views, and world-class museums that could absorb a full day without trying. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning for another look, this guide covers the Boston attractions worth your time, plus a few tips to make match week run smoothly.
Explore the Birthplace of Liberty Along the Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is the logical starting point for any Boston visit. This 2.5-mile walking route connects 16 historic sites tied to the American Revolution, marked by a red line — painted or bricked — that winds through downtown and into Charlestown. The stops include the Massachusetts State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, Old South Meeting House, and Paul Revere's House in the North End. The trail wraps up at the Bunker Hill Monument, a 221-step climb rewarded with sweeping views of the city and harbor.
Faneuil Hall is an essential stop on the route and one of the most recognizable Boston landmarks for good reason. Built in 1742, it served as a meeting place for Revolutionary leaders — earning the nickname "the Cradle of Liberty" — and it still functions as a public gathering space today. The adjacent Quincy Market is now a food hall with all sorts of spots to snack and plenty of unique street performers around its perimeter. Plan for about three hours on the trail at a relaxed pace, though history enthusiasts can easily spend much longer.
Iconic Stops for Sports Fans and History Buffs
Boston is a sports city through and through, and that energy is part of what makes it such a fitting host for the world's most-watched soccer tournament. Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox for over 100 years, offers year-round tours of the oldest Major League Baseball park in the country. You don't need to be a baseball fan to appreciate the layers of history packed into those green walls.
For families and anyone looking for something hands-on, the New England Aquarium stands out as one of the city's most beloved Boston attractions. The centerpiece — a four-story, 200,000-gallon ocean tank filled with sea turtles, sharks, and more than 1,000 fish — is genuinely spectacular. The aquarium sits right on the waterfront, making it a seamless add-on to any harbor-side afternoon.
Combining the sports history of Fenway with a few hours at the aquarium makes for a well-rounded day that covers a lot of ground without feeling rushed.
Experience the Beauty of the Boston Harborwalk and Seaport
Boston's connection to the water goes back centuries, and the Harborwalk puts that relationship front and center. Stretching 43 miles along the city's shoreline, it ties together neighborhoods from East Boston to Dorchester, though even a stretch near the Seaport District delivers standout harbor views and plenty of places to sit and watch the city in motion.
The Seaport itself is Boston's most modern neighborhood and one of the best spots for pre-match or post-match socializing. Lined with restaurants, outdoor patios, and gathering spaces, it has the feel of a place that knows how to have a good time. During the tournament, expect the atmosphere here to ramp up considerably.
Out on the water, a scenic Boston Harbor cruise offers a fresh angle on the skyline and a chance to spot the Harbor Islands in the distance. These cruises are equal parts informative and entertaining, and a surprisingly effective way to get oriented in a new city.
Discover Culture at Boston's World-Class Museums
Museum-goers have a lot to work with here. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is one of the most comprehensive art institutions in the United States, with a collection spanning ancient Egyptian artifacts, European masters, and contemporary works across multiple wings.
A short distance away, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum occupies a gorgeous Venetian-style building filled with masterpieces collected by one of Boston's most singular personalities. Come for the architecture, stay for the legend surrounding the greatest unsolved art heist in history.
For a different kind of day, the Museum of Science sits on the Charles River Dam and offers interactive exhibits, a full planetarium, and an IMAX theater. It's the kind of place that keeps adults just as engaged as kids, and one of the top fun things to do in Boston when summer temperatures peak and an air-conditioned adventure sounds ideal.
Essential Tips for Navigating Boston During Match Week
A few practical pointers go a long way during a busy tournament week. Boston's subway, known colloquially as the T, is your most reliable transportation option when traffic fills the streets. The Green, Red, Blue, and Orange lines cover the city's major neighborhoods and attractions, and day passes make the system more economical for visitors planning multiple trips. Walking remains a perfectly viable option throughout central Boston, particularly between the waterfront, Faneuil Hall, the Freedom Trail, and the North End.
That North End dinner should be on your list early, with reservations secured before you arrive. Authentic Italian restaurants crowd the narrow streets of Boston's oldest neighborhood, and the cannoli rivalry between Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry is a debate worth settling for yourself.
When you're ready to build your full itinerary, Boston CityPASS® tickets offer access to the city's most popular sights at savings of up to off regular admission prices.