Things to Do in Boston
In the Neighborhood
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is at once an intimate
collection of fine and decorative art and a vibrant,
innovative venue for contemporary artists, musicians and
scholars. Housed in a stunning 15th-century Venetian-style
palace with three stories of galleries surrounding a sun- and
flower-filled courtyard, the museum provides an unusual
backdrop for the viewing of art. The Isabella Stewart
Gardner Museum's preeminent collection contains more
than 2,500 paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture,
manuscripts, rare books and decorative arts. The galleries house works by some of the most recognized
artists in the world, including Titian, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Manet, Degas, Whistler
and Sargent. The spirit of the architecture, the personal character of the arrangements and the artistic
display of the enchanting courtyard in full bloom all create an atmosphere that distinguishes the Isabella
Stewart Gardner Museum as an intimate and culturally-rich treasure. The Isabella Stewart Gardner
Museum is located at 280 The Fenway (enter on Evans Way).
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is one of the most
comprehensive art museums in the world; the collection
encompasses nearly 450,000 works of art. We welcome more
than one million visitors each year to experience art from
ancient Egyptian to contemporary, special exhibitions, and
innovative educational programs. Highlights from the past
years include the opening of a new wing dedicated to Art of
the Americas and a new Contemporary Art wing. The Museum
of Fine Arts, Boston is located at 465 Huntington Avenue (Avenue of the Arts).
Fenway Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox
Visit the park where the Babe pitched, The Kid
hit, Yaz dazzled and today's stars still thrill Red
Sox Nation. Fenway Park Tours provide a 50
minute historic walking tour of the ballpark,
guided by an official Fenway Park Tour Guide.
Fenway Park is located within a 5-10 minute
walk from Boston University and is located at 4
Yawkey Way. The neighborhood is filled with fun sports bars. The Red Sox have home games the week of
the conference, so you can try to score some tickets.
The Emerald Necklace
It took civic visionary Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. almost twenty years (18781896) to create the six parks and waterways now known as the Emerald
Necklace. The Arnold Arboretum, Back Bay Fens, Franklin Park, Jamaica Pond,
Olmsted Park, and the Riverway stretch five miles from the Charles River to
Dorchester and make up over 1,000 acres of parkland. The Emerald Necklace is
the only remaining intact linear park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr.,
America's first landscape architect. As such, it is listed on the National Register
of Historic Places. Green and open spaces, rivers and ponds, and a wealth and
diversity of trees, shrubs, flowers, wildlife habitat, riparian life, bridges and other
structures make up this urban jewel. Walking and jogging trails in the Back Back
Fens area of the Emerald Necklace are located near the Boston University campus.
The Boston Pops
Affectionately known as "America's Orchestra," the Boston
Pops is the most recorded and arguably the most beloved
orchestra in the country, beginning with the establishment
of the modern-era Pops by Arthur Fiedler and continuing
through the innovations introduced by John Williams and
the new-millennium Pops spearheaded by Keith Lockhart.
According to Lockhart, “The Boston Pops Orchestra
performs the best music of the past and present, appealing
to the widest possible audience with a broad spectrum of
styles, from jazz to pop, indie rock to big band, film music to the great American songbook, and Broadway
to classical, making it the perfect orchestra for people who don't know they like orchestras!” Join the
Boston Pops in Boston’s historic Symphony Hall, designed by McKim, Mead & White. Symphony Hall is
located at 301 Massachusetts Avenue.
Further Afield
The Freedom Trail
Welcome to the Freedom Trail. There is no other place in
the United States where you can take in the rich history
of America’s Revolution — the events that led up to the
historic break from Britain and the brave people who
shaped our national government. The Freedom Trail is a
2.5 mile red-brick walking trail that leads you to 16
nationally significant historic sites, every one an authentic
American treasure. Preserved and dedicated by the
citizens of Boston in 1958, when the wrecking ball threatened, the Freedom Trail today is a unique
collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers
that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.
Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market
There's a magical place in the center of Boston like no other Faneuil Hall Marketplace. As alive today as it was in 1742 when
our nation's fathers proclaimed it "The Cradle of Liberty," it
combines the glories of Boston's past with the urban
sophistication of the city today.
Located in the heart of
downtown Boston, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is the nation’s
premier urban marketplace. It combines the glories of the past
and vitality of the present, with 49 shops, 44 pushcarts, 13 full
service restaurants, and 35 food stalls. Across the street from
Boston’s waterfront, the Marketplace is comprised of three
restored 19th century buildings. A blend of Neoclassic and
Greek Revival architecture, the complex is a beautiful
representation of old Boston, tastefully enhanced by urban
contemporary additions. Ethnic foods, unique gifts and street
performers are just a few elements that make the cobblestone
streets of Faneuil Hall Marketplace such a festive and special
restaurants and pubs feature varied menus, and are open for
lunch and dinner. During the warm weather, the outdoor cafes are a perfect spot to relax and have a meal
or appetizer and drink.
New England Aquarium
Take a trip to exotic waters and experience more than 70
exhibits featuring aquatic animals from around the world.
Greet the African penguins as you enter, feel the smooth
wing of a cownose ray and then wind your way around the
four-story Giant Ocean Tank, home to a huge Caribbean
coral reef. Go out back to see the Northern fur seals in
action in their open-air exhibit, and be sure to visit the
Atlantic harbor seals out front.
Boston Museum of Science
Long respected as a leader in science education, the
Museum of Science promotes thoughtful
participation in today's increasingly technological
society. With over 700 permanent exhibits, and an
ever-changing cavalcade of touring exhibits, films,
and shows, groups can encounter the fresh and
unfamiliar, ask questions, and actively address the
provocative issues raised by innovations in science
and technology.
Institute of Contemporary Art
The Institute of Contemporary Art strives to share
the pleasures of reflection, inspiration, provocation,
and imagination that contemporary art offers
through public access to art, artists, and the creative
process.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Located on a ten-acre park, overlooking the sea that
he loved and the city that launched him to greatness,
the Library stands as a vibrant tribute to the life and
times of John F. Kennedy. Come tour our Museum
which portrays the life, leadership, and legacy of
President Kennedy, conveys his enthusiasm for
politics and public service, and illustrates the nature
of the office of the President.
Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory and the
Shops at Prudential Center
Visit the Skywalk Observatory, Boston's only sky-high
vantage point for sweeping 360 degree views of
Greater Boston and beyond. Let your eyes and ears
do the walking as you experience the exclusive stateof-the-art Acoustiguide audio tour detailing the city's
many points of historic and cultural interest.
Downstairs, you'll find unique shopping, including
places like Vineyard Vines, Lacoste, Lord & Taylor,
Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora, and Arden B. Plus you'll
find a variety of popular activities, and restaurants such as Haru and Wagamama, and it's all under one
roof. The Shops at Prudential Center. Easy to get to, and easy to get anywhere from. It should be the
starting point of every Boston visit.
Boston Duck Tours
You've never toured Boston in anything that comes
close to Boston Duck Tours. The fun begins as soon as
you board your "DUCK", a W.W.II style amphibious
landing vehicle. First, you'll be greeted by one of our
legendary tour ConDUCKtors, who'll be narrating your
tour. Then you're off on a journey like you've never
had before. You'll cruise by all the places that make
Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts,
from the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill
and the TD Banknorth Garden, Boston Common and
Copley Square to the Big Dig, Government Center to fashionable Newbury Street, Quincy Market to the
Prudential Tower, and more. And, as the best of Boston unfolds before your eyes, your ConDUCKtor will
be giving you lots of little known facts and interesting insights about our unique and wonderful city.
Newbury Street Shopping
Boston's most enchanting street. Eight blocks filled
with salons, boutiques, and fabulous dining. Located
in the historic Back Bay, Boston's Newbury Street
has something for everyone. Newbury Street shows
an individuality and uniqueness that is lacking in so
many other commercial districts. Broad sidewalks,
storefronts that extend into the sidewalk and street
vendors all encourage a wide mix of people to
traverse the street. Ultimately, Newbury Street
embodies a rich urban and retail environment not
often found in American cities.