When I first moved to Boston for grad school, I was overwhelmed by how much the city has to offer. How do you determine what to do on any given day, when there are historical monuments, history, shopping, drinking, and sports games to head to? Over time, I started to figure out what is worth visiting, and what is all hype. Here’s my list of 12 must-see Boston attractions – whether you’re a tourist or a local!

1. Christian Science Plaza

This plaza acts as a quick way to walk between busy intersections. However, at certain views along the water, you can see all of Boston’s beautiful monuments and towers in one snapshot. Just take a look at the picture above. It’s breathtaking.

210 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115

2. Green Dragon Tavern
If you’re looking to order a beer with a side of history, the Green Dragon Tavern has you covered. In the 1650’s, Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Daniel Webster were said to spend their days discussing war plans for the revolution while sipping an ale.

11 Marshall Street, Boston, MA, 02108

3. Bunker Hill Monument  This will be painful and tiring, but you must climb the 221 stairs within the monument to for 360 views Boston’s city line.

Monument Square, Charlestown, MA, 02129

4. The Mapparium  Disclosure: I love maps and it’s always been a dream of mine to own a giant globe. However, I never thought I would (or could) enter the insides of a giant globe. But that’s EXACTLY what the Mapparium is. You have to check it out.

Mary Backer Eddy Library; 200 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115

5. The Charles River  While the Charles River is a beautiful and colorful path for a nice run, I would also suggest bringing snacks and drinks for a romantic picnic. There are docks alongside the path where you can sit out, enjoy the sun, and relax.

Path located along the Boston and Cambridge sides of the Charles River

6. Boston Public Library The Boston Public Library has the ability to make you feel like you’re in a European country and Hogwarts at the same time. You don’t even need to check out the books there, just walk around, explore the corridors, and channel your inner wizard.

700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116

7. Connor Farms in Danvers  If you want to get outside of the city for some classic New England fun, go to the Connor Farms in Danvers. The fun corn mazes, apple picking, and pumpkin patches will make you feel like you are in another world.

30 Valley Road, Danvers, MA, 01923

8. Top of the Hub restaurant  While I wouldn’t suggest visiting the Top of the Hub for a casual night, it’s a beautiful restaurant to make a reservation for on special occasions. Just be prepared to eat overpriced food (although it’s delicious) and drink overpriced cocktails.

Prudential Center; 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02119

9. John F. Kennedy President Library Even if you aren’t a republican, you should really consider visiting the John F. Kennedy President Library. Be prepared to enter a time warp – you embark on a journey through his race to presidency, the Cuban Missile Crises and even the Space Race against the Soviet Union.

Columbia Point, Boston, MA, 02125

10. The Commonwealth Avenue Mall  This area of Boston is beautiful to walk down on a warm evening night, and especially during the holidays. I mean, look at the picture above. How can you not go walking through trees draped in sparkles and gold? I know I couldn’t. And fun fact – this area (known as Back Bay) was named Back Bay for a reason – during the colonial times, the Commonwealth Avenue Mall was literally under water.

Along Commonwealth Avenue between Huntington Avenue and the Boston Public Garden. 

11. Make Way for Ducklings and the Boston Public Garden First, I will always recommend going to the Boston Public Garden at any time. In the summer and spring, it’s the best place for a picnic. The fall is the time to watch the leaves change. And the winter is the perfect place to ice skate. But if you’re visiting the garden, you have to see the ducks. They get dressed up for each holiday, too!

Boston Public Garden; 69 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02108

12. Fenway Park I mean, how much more Bawston Boston can you get?

4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA, 02215