Though the nearby New York can sometimes seem more popular, we would highly recommend that you spend a week in Boston. Boston is one of the most historic cities in the US and played a significant role in its founding. During the American Revolution, the city was a scene of various key events, including the Boston Tea Party, the Siege of Boston, and the Boston Massacre. It is an ideal destination for visitors as it offers the benefits you would find in a vibrant metropolis while being compact and easy to get around.

Boston has plenty of green spaces and is near the Charles River and the Atlantic Ocean. Despite having a subway that allows you to go anywhere, it is a walkable city with a neighbourhood feel and a rich, exciting history.

The downtown area can be difficult to navigate when driving due to the few parking options and dated road layout. However, it is walkable and full of taxis and various modes of public transportation. The streets, thought to have originally been cow paths, are busy and ideal for exploring on foot. You can drive when leaving the city for day trips, but it is recommended that you walk, use public transportation, rent bikes, or use ride-sharing apps.

This post will prepare you for a seven-day itinerary in Boston by showing you which places will leave a mark in your memory. We’ll discuss various historical landmarks, the best outdoor spaces and restaurants, and areas that will excite learners and explorers.

Explore Boston’s Historical Landmarks

The Freedom Trail will be an ideal option if you are looking for a shorter hiking trail that is under 3 miles. It is a perfect starting point for your Boston exploration. This 2.5-mile trail offers a leisurely experience and connects you to at least 16 of Boston’s most iconic historic sites.

One of the most historic landmarks you don’t want to miss is Paul Revere’s House, built in 1680. It is the oldest house in downtown Boston. Despite various renovations over the centuries, it retains a significant portion of its original structure. 

Paul Revere’s House is between Bolton’s oldest surviving church, the Old North Church, founded in 1723, and Faneuil Hall. The Faneuil Hall marketplace comprises at least 40 vendors selling gifts, accessories, and apparel to visitors, so that you can bring home souvenirs after your week in Boston.

Enjoy Nature and Outdoor Spaces

If you are an outdoor lover looking for an area with gatherings and events, you’ll fit right in at the Common and Public Gardens, which date back to 1634. This 75-acre green area is located in the downtown core of Boston and is vibrant with activity.

Thanks to the extensive sweep down from the State House, the Common offers a breathtaking city view. This park also hosts plays, concerts, and gatherings, making it more lively and active.

Despite being adjacent to the Common, the Public Garden focuses more on ornamental design. It also has a swan pond where you can ride in majestic swan boats. They provide a short and peaceful ride across the lagoon, which can be a welcome break after a week in bustling Boston.

Medicine

In-person

Immerse yourself in Boston’s medical excellence, a city...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
Student participating in a medicine summer programme
Ages: 15-18

Engineering

In-person

Explore cutting-edge engineering in Boston, home to world-renowned...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
a yellow robot on a table
Ages: 15-18

Immerse Yourself in Boston’s Art and Culture Scene

Boston has preserved its history and maintained its culture in multiple ways, including several museums and a calendar full of recurring events. The Museum of Fine Arts Boston is one of the best art museums to visit in the world, comprising at least 450,000 works of art.

You can spend around two to three hours in the Museum of Fine Arts taking in views of exhibitions like Van Gogh’s Houses of Auvers, painted in 1890, and Abbott Thayer’s Caritas, painted between 1894 and 1895.

You can also spend a few minutes at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which combines American, Asian, and European Art. The museum’s interior is well-maintained and has a beautiful, flowery garden.

Boston also reenacts the Boston Tea Party, a political protest held on 16 December 1773. Bostonians broke into cargo ships in the harbour and threw tea overboard. 

Thanks to technology, you can relive an enhanced version of the Boston Tea Party, in which history enthusiasts use talking portraits and holographs to make it as realistic as possible.

Another culture music lovers touring Boston will look forward to is the Boston Symphony Orchestra playing at the Symphony Hall. The Hall was created in 1900 and is still in active use as a host of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and other popular events you may enjoy.

Join the Immerse Education 2024 
Essay Competition

The Immerse Essay Competition is open for 2024! Follow the instructions to write and submit your best essay for a chance to be awarded a 100% scholarship.

Join competition

Savour the City’s Culinary Delights

Boston has a diverse food selection, from iconic seafood to Italian meals and Asian fusion restaurants. As you stroll across the Freedom Trail, you will encounter various culinary delights in the neighbourhood.

One of the most popular restaurants is O Ya, a Japanese izakaya that offers exquisite sushi, omakase, and sashimi. You can also enjoy steak and seafood at Grill 23 & Bar and complement your meal with wine from a list of world-class delicacies.

If you like to make your own food, the Boston Public Market has all types of food, including animal and plant products.

Catch a Sunset or Experience Nightlife

During Boston’s summer weather, you can catch a sunset at Castle Island, which is always buzzing with activity from a diverse crowd, including joggers, individuals, and families out for a stroll. The 22-acre island is also home to Fort Independence, which is open to the public. However, access to the inside of the Fort is only available through guided tours.

You can also hire a bike and experience the car-free path along the Charles River, which extends up to 17 miles long. The Charles Esplanade Park is a green space along the river’s bank where you can have a family picnic or participate in minor sports activities.

The best and probably most memorable way to enjoy the sunset is by going on a Sunset Harbour Cruise. These cruises allow you to enjoy the sea weather while rocking gently in a boat.

Boston’s nightlife doesn’t disappoint, with many theatres, restaurants, and late-night cultural activities. One of Boston’s newest bustling areas is the Seaport District, which boasts a wide selection of modern estaurants and waterfront nightlife. You can also enjoy various calibre shows and live performances at the Theatre District – Broadway in downtown Boston.

Take Day Trips

Since Boston is not that large, you may also take trips to the outskirts of town, in areas like Salem, less than an hour’s drive from the city. Salem has a spooky history, including the 1962 witch trials and plenty of shops and eateries to try out.

If you visit the city during summer, the 40-mile Cape Cod seashore is home to sand dunes, coastal bluffs, and vibrant sandy beaches. It provides the ideal hiking spot, bird-watching spot, or sunbathe with family and friends.

Blend Learning and Exploration

Boston’s rich history is a source of knowledge for many learners who travel the world to learn first-hand information. Educational tours are available to different places, including the iconic Harvard University in the Greater Boston area, Boston University, and other significant historical landmarks.

While in Boston, you can indulge in an educational excursion to learn about historical battlegrounds and hundreds of other points of interest.

Some tours are customisable to your desire, and narrators whose sessions can take you through museums, the Boston University Observatory, Fenway Park, and many more.

Takeaway: Spend a Week Full of History, Culture, and Unforgettable Experiences in Boston

Boston’s unique mix of historical landmarks, vibrant green spaces, rich cultural offerings, and exciting culinary scene make it a destination that promises lasting memories. 

If you prefer strolling the Freedom Trail, catching a sunset on Castle Island, or exploring the arts, this city offers something for everyone. With educational tours and day trips to nearby attractions, a week spent in Boston will be both enriching and exciting.

As a history enthusiast or art lover looking to get more out of Boston’s learning and exploration offerings, Immerse Education’s Programmes in Boston can help. These will help you make a more memorable experience with the city’s rich educational experience.

Get the best out of your next visit to one of the most historical cities with our Boston Summer School programme. Make your high school experience more thrilling and hard to forget with Immerse.