Best Attractions in Boston

Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston (ICA)

A striking cantilevered glass-and-steel museum jutting over Boston Harbor in the Seaport, showcasing rotating contemporary art, video and performance with sweeping water views from its grandstand lobby. Go for cutting-edge exhibitions and the waterfront architecture. Practical note: closed Mondays, open late Thursday and Friday to 9 pm, with free admission every Thursday from 5 to 9 pm.

Attractions

The Freedom Trail

A 2.5-mile red-brick path winding through downtown Boston that links 16 nationally significant historic sites, from Boston Common and the Old State House to Paul Revere's grave and the site of the Boston Massacre. It is the single best way to absorb Revolutionary-era history on foot, free to walk on your own or via guided costumed tours. Practical note: pick up a map at the Boston Common Visitor Center (open daily 8:30 am to 4 pm) and wear comfortable shoes, as the full walk takes 2 to 3 hours.

Attractions

USS Constitution & Charlestown Navy Yard

'Old Ironsides' is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat, an active-duty US Navy vessel you can board free of charge, with the adjacent USS Constitution Museum telling the ship's War of 1812 story. Go for a hands-on dose of naval history and skyline views across the harbor. Practical note: ship boarding runs Wednesday to Sunday (roughly 10 am to 6 pm) and all visitors 18-plus need a government-issued photo ID for the security screening.