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Things to do in Boston: public spaces and a museum day

Things to do in Boston: historic public spaces and a well-planned museum day, with official visitor links.

Boston works well when you give its public spaces as much attention as its museums. Start with the Common and Public Garden, follow a tree-lined promenade through Back Bay, or set aside longer for the arboretum. Then choose a museum afternoon with enough time to enjoy it. Here are five places to build a day around.

1. Boston Common

Start with the public space that has seen so much of Boston’s history. Founded in 1634, the Common has hosted militia gatherings, anti-slavery meetings and civil rights rallies, and it still serves as a place for public assembly. Walk through it before choosing a longer park route or an afternoon indoors.

Good to know

  • Look for Frog Pond if you are visiting with children: its activities change with the season.
  • Use the city’s park page for background before your walk; this is a historic landscape, not just a shortcut.

2. Public Garden

The Public Garden gives you a different kind of park visit. Created in 1837 as a botanical garden, it has winding paths, ornamental planting and a lagoon rather than the Common’s more practical origins. Slow down here and look at the plants as well as the monuments.

Good to know

  • The Swan Boats are an operated attraction, not part of an ordinary walk; check their own schedule before planning a ride.
  • Pair this with the Common, then continue towards Commonwealth Avenue Mall if you want more time outside.

3. Commonwealth Avenue Mall

This tree-lined promenade is a good way to keep walking through Back Bay without making every stop a ticketed attraction. Monuments punctuate the central path, and the planting includes elms, maples and lindens. It also connects the Public Garden with Boston’s wider park system.

Good to know

  • Follow the central promenade rather than treating this as a shopping mall: the name refers to a landscaped avenue.
  • Make this an extension to the Public Garden rather than a separate cross-city journey.

4. Arnold Arboretum

For a longer outdoor visit, head to Harvard’s living collection of trees. You can simply walk, or use the maps and plant information to turn the visit into a closer look at how different trees grow. It is a good choice when you would rather spend your time outside than move between galleries.

Good to know

  • The landscape is free and open every day from sunrise to sunset.
  • Download a map before choosing your route; the arboretum covers 281 acres.
  • Self-guided family activities are available, and you can arrive by subway or bus as well as by car.

5. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Make the MFA your museum day rather than trying to squeeze every gallery into a hurried stop. Its collection ranges from ancient art to contemporary work, so choose a theme or take the self-guided highlights route. Leaving room to follow something unexpected is part of the pleasure.

Good to know

  • Admission is paid; check current prices and free or discounted admission options on mfa.org.
  • The museum is normally closed on Tuesdays, with additional holiday closures.
  • Thursday and Friday have later opening hours; check the visit page before building an evening around it.
  • The museum’s mobile guide includes a highlights tour if you do not know where to start.

Quick tips

  • Try the Common, Public Garden and Commonwealth Avenue Mall as one outdoor route.
  • Give the MFA its own afternoon, and check its opening day before booking other plans.
  • Want company? Check upcoming events in Boston on Socroo below and find someone to go with.

Upcoming events

Things to do in Boston by season Boston Common Public Garden Commonwealth Avenue Mall Arnold Arboretum Museum of Fine Arts, Boston