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One’s idea of what constitutes a nice tourist activity largely depends on one’s perspective….traveling with children? A romantic getaway? Reunion with friends? This list includes something for everyone, whether seeing Boston for the first time or the 40^th. And you won’t find shopping centers or malls on this list- you can do that anywhere.

Here goes:

1.The Boston Public Gardens. Also know as the Boston Common, this used to be a “common ground” in Revolutionary War times for cows to graze. Although you won’t find cattle here now, the Swan Boats take tourists for a spin around the pond, alongside beautifully arranged flower beds. Check out the bronze duck family from the story “Make Way for Ducklings”.

2.Museum of Science. This is Boston’s most-visited museum for a reason…there are over 400 interactive displays and exhibits, plus the IMAX Theatre and the Hayden planetarium, Touring exhibits, in which you use forensic skills to solve crimes or get up close and personal with reptiles are well worth it.

3.Beacon Hill. Longtime residential district of the Brahmins (Old Money), Beacon hill is situated between Back Bay, the Boston Common, and the Charles River. Gaslit cobblestone streets climb the Hill, revealing flora-filled courtyards and high ceilinged, chandeliered interiors. On Charles and Beacon Streets, stop by for a pint at the inspiration for TV’s most famous bar- Cheers- at the Bullfinch Pub.

4.Fenway Park. Best if you can catch a Red Sox game, but even if the Olde Towne Team is on the road, take in the flavor of baseball’s second oldest ballpark, in continuous use since 1912. Stroll the concourse, eat a RemDawg, or take a tour of the beloved, idiosyncratic park.

5.JFK Museum. As birthplace to President Kennedy and home to the entire clan, an astounding collection of artifacts charting JFK’s childhood, service years in the war, rise to power and untimely death are displayed in this architecturally unique building on Boston Harbor.

6.Quincy Market. These restored warehouses are in the style of South St. Seaport in NYC, but we were first (actually 1975)! Great food, drink, and souvenir hunting, and still nothing like in on a warm summer’s evening. Try McCormack & Schmicks’ seafood, and top it off with a stroll though the adjacent…

7.…North End. You’ll think you are in Italy, as Espresso Café’s vie with Gelato vendors for the consumer dollar. No need to choose, try one of each. Hanover Street and Prince Street are the main thoroughfares, but each street offers delightful Italian restaurants, many of them open-air.

8.MIT/Harvard. Take the Red Line “T” to Kendall Square to see where many of the world’s high tech wizards were trained. The MIT museum chronicles past contributions, and ((weird building) is worth a look. Continue on the Red Line to Harvard Square where John Harvard opened a little school named after him in ( 1636??). Take a tour of the grounds and enjoy the sites and sounds of The Square, a world unto itself. Buy a HARVARD sweatshirt at the COOP department store and pretend you studied there…everyone else does.

9.New England Aquarium Whale Watch. Operating only late spring into the fall, the Whale Watch is a truly unique chance to get close to area whales. High speed vessels whisk you to view these behemoths as they “breach” , or dive, with tails breaking the surface of the water. The boat captains always seem to know where the whales are, and even more astounding is that the whales seem to enjoy the attention!

10.Duck Tour. Amphibious vehicles with names like “Fenway Frank” and “Beacon Bertha” hit the hot spots around town, complemented by a running monologue of wisecracks, anecdotes, and half-truths. The Duck enters the Charles River near the Museum of Science for a riverspin. Back on dry land, implore passersby to “QUACK-QUACK”.. You’re a tourist, so why not?!?

Provided by Boston Academy of English, Boston MA. | Learn English, Live English