Boston is a city rich in history and culture. There are many landmarks and monuments that date back to the colonial era and beyond. If you’re visiting Boston, it’s important to see as many of these sites as possible.
In this blog post, we will discuss 21 of Boston’s most important landmarks and monuments. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, be sure to check out these amazing attractions.
Boston, the capital of Massachusetts and one of the most historic cities in the United States, is home to many landmarks and monuments. From The Freedom Trail to Fenway Park, 21 of the most famous and noteworthy ones are here. As a visitor or resident of Boston, make sure to check out these must-see destinations!
An Overview of Boston
Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, is the largest city in New England and one of the historical and cultural centres of the United States. The city has a rich colonial history dating back to the founding of the Plymouth Colony in 1620.
Boston is also home to some of America’s most iconic landmarks and monuments; some are located on the Freedom Trail.
Here are 21 of the most notable Boston landmarks and monuments that you need to see.
21 Boston Landmarks and Monuments
We have gathered a list of 21 must-see landmarks and monuments in Boston, Massachusetts.
1. Fenway Park
Fenway Park is a baseball park located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the home field of the Boston Red Sox, the city’s Major League Baseball (MLB) team.
The park opened in 1912 and is currently the oldest ballpark in MLB. Fenway Park has a capacity of 37,000 people and is one of the most iconic stadiums in baseball.
The Green Monster, one of the most distinctive features of Fenway Park
Fenway Park is located in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood of Boston. It is bounded by Lansdowne Street to the west, Brookline Avenue to the south, Van Ness Street to the east, and Ipswich Street to the north.
The park has a number of unique features, including the Green Monster, a 37-foot tall wall in left field.
Fenway Park is a popular tourist attraction in Boston and receives over three million visitors each year. Tours of the park are available year-round and include access to the press box, Dugout seats, and the Green Monster.
If you are visiting Boston, a tour of Fenway Park is a must. You can learn about the park’s history and see some of the most iconic features up close.
2. Freedom Trail
Freedom Trail is a historic walking trail that passes by 16 of Boston’s most significant landmarks. These include the Old State House, the Old South Meeting House, the Paul Revere House, and the Bunker Hill Monument. The trail is a great way to learn about Boston’s rich history while getting some exercise.
You can also take a Freedom Trail walking tour if you’re short on time. These tours typically last about two hours and are led by knowledgeable guides who will share interesting stories and facts about the landmarks along the way.
No matter how you choose to experience it, Freedom Trail is a must-see for anyone visiting Boston.
3. Old State House
Old State House is one of the most iconic landmarks in Boston. It is the oldest surviving public building in the city and was the seat of government for Massachusetts from 1713 until 1798.
The building is now a museum operated by the Bostonian Society, and it is open to the public for tours and events.
One of the most popular attractions at Old State House is the Boston Massacre site. On March 19, 1770, a group of British soldiers opened fire on a crowd of civilians, killing five people.
The incident was a major catalyst for the American Revolution. Today, visitors can see where the shooting took place and learn more about this significant event in history.
Old State House is a must-see for anyone interested in Boston history or the American Revolution. It is one of the most important and well-preserved landmarks in the city.
4. African Meeting House
African Meeting House is the oldest surviving black church in Boston, built in 1806. It served as an important gathering place for the African-American community in the 19th century and was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Today, it is a museum that tells the story of the African-American experience in Boston.
You can’t come to Boston without seeing African Meeting House! This important landmark is the oldest surviving black church in the city and served as an important gathering place for the African-American community in the 1800s. It was even a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Today, it operates as a museum that preserves and tells the story of the African-American experience in Boston. Be sure to add it to your list of must-see Boston landmarks.
African Meeting House is a must-see for anyone interested in African American history or culture. The church, built in 1806, is the oldest surviving black church in Boston.
5. Old South Meeting House
Old South Meeting House is a historic building in Boston, Massachusetts, built in 1729. It was the site of the Boston Tea Party and is now a museum operated by the National Park Service.
The Old South Meeting House was initially constructed as a Puritan meeting house in 1729. It was the largest building in colonial Boston and could accommodate up to five thousand people.
The building was used as a site for political rallies and speeches, including the famous Boston Tea Party in 1773. In 1876, the Old South Meeting House was saved from demolition by a group of citizens who raised funds to purchase it and preserve it as a historical site. Today,
the Old South Meeting House is open to the public as a museum operated by the National Park Service.
Visitors to the Old South Meeting House can see the original 1729 meeting house, as well as a museum with exhibits on the history of the building and the Boston Tea Party. The Old South Meeting House is a National Historic Landmark and an important part of American history.
If you’re visiting Boston, be sure to add the Old South Meeting House to your list of must-see landmarks.
6. Acorn Street
Acorn Street is a historic street located in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. The street is lined with cobblestones and gas lamps and is one of the most photographed streets in the city.
If you’re looking for a taste of old-world charm, look no further than Acorn Street. This historic street, located in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood, is lined with cobblestones and gas lamps.
It’s also one of the most photographed streets in the city, so bring your camera!
Acorn Street is the perfect place to take a stroll, do some people watching, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere.
When you’re done exploring this Boston landmark, be sure to check out some of the other nearby attractions, such as the State House, Boston Common, and the Freedom Trail.
7. Union Oyster House
Union Oyster House is one of the oldest restaurants in Boston and has been in continuous operation since 1826. It is located on Union Street in the heart of Boston’s historic downtown. The restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood, and its clam chowder is legendary.
If you are looking for a truly unique dining experience, look no further than Union Oyster House. This restaurant has been a Boston institution for nearly two centuries, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you come for the fresh seafood or the legendary clam chowder, Union Oyster House is sure to leave you satisfied.
So what are you waiting for? Head on down to Union Street and check out Union Oyster House today.
8. Trinity Church
Trinity Church is considered Boston’s finest example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture; the church was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and completed in 1877.
It is located in the Copley Square Historic District on the corner of Clarendon Street and Boylston Street. The church is known for its large stained glass windows and its pipe organ, which has been played by famous musicians such as Sergei Rachmaninoff and Leonard Bernstein.
The church is open to the public for tours and services. Visitors can tour the sanctuary, which is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows and pipe organs, or attend one of the many services offered throughout the week. Trinity Church is a must-see for anyone visiting Boston.
If you’re interested in architecture history or just want to see a beautiful church, be sure to add Trinity Church to your list of places to visit in Boston. You won’t be disappointed.
9. Massachusetts State House
Massachusetts State House is the state capitol and seat of government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, located in the city of Boston.
The building houses the offices of the Governor of Massachusetts, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, and the chambers of the Massachusetts General Court, including the House of Representatives and Senate. The building was designed by architect Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1798.
With its distinctive copper dome, the Massachusetts State House is one of the most recognizable buildings in Boston and has been featured in many films and television shows set in the city. The building is open to the public for tours Monday through Saturday.
The best time to visit the State House is during a legislative session when you can watch the House and Senate in session from the public galleries. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the building, be sure to check out one of the free guided tours offered by the State House Visitor Center.
The Massachusetts State House is one of the most iconic buildings in Boston. Located on Beacon Hill, the State House is home to the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and the Massachusetts General Court.
10. Fort Warren
Fort Warren is a historic fort in Boston that was built between 1833 to 1860. It was used as a prison during the Civil War and World War II. Today, it is a popular tourist destination.
Fort Warren was built on a rocky outcropping on the Boston Harbor. It was designed by engineer Simon Elliot and named after American Revolutionary War hero General Joseph Warren. The fort was built to protect the city of Boston from a naval attack.
11. USS Constitution
USS Constitution is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy. Named by President George Washington after the Constitution of the United States of America, she is the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat.
She was launched in 1797, one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed. Joshua Humphreys designed the frigates to be the young Navy’s capital ships.
So Constitution and her sisters were larger and more heavily armed and built than standard frigates of the period. She had engaged in combat actions, though she saw most of her active service in the 1812–1815 War of 1812 against the United Kingdom when she captured numerous merchant ships and defeated five British warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and the Levant.
The battle with Guerriere earned her the nickname of “Old Ironsides” and public adoration that has repeatedly saved her from scrapping.
She continued to serve as flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons, and she circled the world in the 1840s. She served as a training ship for the United States Naval Academy during the American Civil War. She carried American artwork and industrial displays to the Paris Exposition of 1878.
Constitution was retired from active service in 1881 and served as a receiving ship until designated a museum ship in 1907. In 1934 she completed a three-year worldwide tour as America’s goodwill ambassador.
The officers and crew of the Constitution escorted President Franklin Roosevelt when he sailed to and from the Yalta Conference meeting with Churchill and Stalin in February 1945.
12. Bunker Hill Monument
Bunker Hill Monument is an obelisk located in Charlestown, Massachusetts, commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill. The monument, 204 feet tall, is made of granite blocks quarried from nearby Quincy. It was designed by American architect Richard Upjohn and completed in 1843.
The Bunker Hill Monument Association, which oversaw the monument’s construction, invited President John Quincy Adams to lay its cornerstone in 1825. The monument was completed in 1843, but the Association ran into financial difficulties and was unable to pay for a staircase inside the monument. In 1859, the City of Boston took over ownership of the monument from the Association and completed construction of the stairs.
The Bunker Hill Monument is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. There is no admission fee, but there is a charge for parking in the lot adjacent to the monument. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the monument for views of Boston and beyond.
The monument is located on Bunker Hill, which was the site of one of the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. The battle, which took place on June 17, 1775, was a victory for the British, but it was a significant morale booster for the Americans.
If you’re interested in American history or just want to see some of Boston’s most iconic landmarks, be sure to add the Bunker Hill Monument to your list!
13. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, MIT has produced some of the world’s greatest thinkers and innovators. If you’re interested in science or technology, a visit to MIT is a must.
MIT is home to several iconic buildings, including the Great Dome, which houses the university’s main library. Other notable facilities include the MIT Museum, which is full of interesting scientific exhibits, and the Stata Center, which is home to the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.
When you’re visiting MIT, be sure to take some time to explore the campus and all it has to offer. You’ll find a number of interesting things to see and do, and you’re sure to have a great time.
14. Boston Common
Boston Common is the central public park in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. It is sometimes erroneously referred to as the “Boston Commons”. Dating from 1634, it is the oldest city park in the United States.
The 52-acre (21-hectare) park is bounded by Tremont Street, Park Street, Beacon Street, Charles Street, and Boylston Street.
The Common is part of the Emerald Necklace of parks and parkways that extend from the Back Bay Fens through the Fenway and Beacon Hill neighborhoods to Franklin Park at the end of the Muddy River in Roxbury.
A visitor center for all of Boston’s sites, tours, and events is located on Tremont Street at the park’s visitor information center.
15. Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library is the largest public library in the United States; It has a central location in Copley Square and branches all over the city.
The main branch is a beautiful Beaux-Arts building with a grand staircase and two lions out front. Inside, there are plenty of places to sit and relax with a good book.
16. Boston Public Garden
Boston Public Garden is the first public botanical garden in America. Located in the heart of Boston, this 24-acre park is a beautiful oasis in the city.
The Public Garden is home to over 700 species of plants and flowers, as well as several sculptures and monuments. A visit to the Boston Public Garden is a must for any visitor to the city.
17. Harvard Square and Art Museu
Harvard Square and Art Museu is a great place to visit if you want to see some of the most famous landmarks in Boston.
The square is home to Harvard University, and the museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.
If you’re looking for a place to take a break from sightseeing, Harvard Square is the perfect spot. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, and you can even catch a movie at the Harvard Film Archive.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Boston, the Harvard Square and Art Museum are definitely worth a visit.
You can find out more about the city’s past by taking a tour of the museum or visiting one of the many historical sites. If you’re looking for a place to relax and have some fun, Harvard Square is definitely the place to be.
There are plenty of things to see and do, and you’re sure to find something that interests you. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Harvard Square and Art Museum today.
18. Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is made up of four historic buildings, including Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market.
The marketplace is located near the waterfront in Boston and is always bustling with activity. Over 100 shops and stalls sell everything from souvenirs to fresh produce.
19. Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is located in the Fort Point neighborhood of Boston. It is a living history museum that tells the story of the Boston Tea Party.
The museum has three replica ships, the Eleanor, Beaver, and Dartmouth. These ships are fully rigged and furnished to look like they did in 1773. Visitors can take part in hands-on activities, such as throwing tea overboard and learning about the events that led up to the Boston Tea Party.
20. The Paul Revere House
The Paul Revere House is the oldest standing structure in Boston, built around 1680. It is most famous for being the home of silversmith and Patriot Paul Revere during the time leading up to the American Revolution.
Today, it is a museum operated by the Paul Revere Memorial Association that is open to the public year-round.
21. Charles River Esplanade
Charles River Esplanade is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Boston. It is a gorgeous park that offers stunning views of the skyline and the river.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including walking, biking, picnicking, and more. The Charles River Esplanade is a must-see for any visitor to Boston.
Conclusion: Boston is a city rich in history and culture, with an abundance of landmarks and monuments that tell the story of America’s first colonial capital. From the iconic Statehouse to lesser-known gems like the Dorchester Heights Monument, these 21 Boston Landmarks and Monuments You Need to See will give you a well-rounded view of the city’s fascinating past. So grab your camera and get ready for some sightseeing!
