Boston Bucket List: 15 Must-Do Activities for First-Time Visitors

15 Best Things to Do in Boston

1. Walk the Freedom Trail ♥️ Must Do

One of the highlights of visiting Boston is definitely to walk the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile (4 km) walking trail that runs from Boston Common all the way to Bunker Hill in Charlestown across the river and that's one of the first things I recommend you do in Boston.

As you may know, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, with a long and rich history dating back to its founding in 1630. It was also a hotbed of resistance against British rule and the site of several key events that sparked the American Revolution, such as the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston.

This walking trail was created in 1951 to connect all of these sites into one epic route. It is a fantastic way to learn about the history of the American Revolution while visiting some of Boston's most iconic landmarks, all in one go.

You can start your walk from Boston Common and follow the red brick line on the ground to reach the next site. Some of the key landmarks you'll visit include King's Chapel, the Old State House, the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, and Bunker Hill, so be sure to keep an eye out for them.

The walk is quite straightforward, with only a few ups and downs, except near the end, where the trail climbs slightly up to Bunker Hill. There are plenty of things to see and do along the way, which should keep you occupied for half a day or more.

If you don’t want to rush, you can easily spend an entire day exploring the Freedom Trail, allowing plenty of time to visit each site and enjoy the journey at your own pace. It was definitely the highlight of my trip to Boston, and I highly recommend it.

For a complete travel guide to the Freedom Trail, check out:Boston's Freedom Trail: A Walking Guide

Where to Stay in Boston?

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2. Hang out at the Boston Common

Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States. Spanning over 44 acres in the heart of Boston, it serves as a vibrant space for public gatherings, activism, and recreation.

Standing right next to the park is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, the Massachusetts State House, a beautiful Federal-style government building with its iconic golden dome. It was built in 1798 and has served as the seat of Massachusetts' government since its construction.

When I think of Boston, the Massachusetts State House always comes to mind. It's that iconic! The entire area is an excellent spot to hang out, with interesting events taking place during the summer months.

It also offers a lovely space for picnics and relaxation when the sun comes out in autumn and spring, which is when I visited and the weather was perfect. So, if you are looking for a place to take in the wonderful vibe of Boston, this is where you'll want to be.

The Freedom Trail starts here, so if you plan to follow it, be sure to spend some time exploring Boston Common before heading out for the day.

3. Explore the Food Scene at Faneuil Hall Marketplace 🥘 Place to Eat

As you follow the Freedom Trail, you’ll encounter Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a cornerstone of Boston’s history since the 18th century. Originally built in 1742, this iconic building served as both a bustling marketplace and a meeting hall where pivotal protests and speeches during the American Revolution were held.

Today, it’s a lively market with rows of stalls selling everything from food to souvenirs. It’s the perfect spot to take a break from the Freedom Trail and enjoy a quick bite at Quincy Market, which is where you’ll want to be if you're looking for a place to eat.

At Quincy Market, you’ll find over 50 eateries, vendors, and kiosks offering all kinds of food and products. If you haven’t tried Boston’s famous seafood dishes, such as Clam Chowder and Lobster Roll, I highly recommend grabbing some from Boston Chowda Co, a local quick-serve chain specializing in chowders and freshly baked breads.

There are seats available on the second floor, so once you grab your food, you can sit and enjoy it from above while overlooking the bustling market below. I absolutely love this market, it’s extremely lively and the perfect place for people-watching. The market is open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM.

4. Check Out the View from Bunker Hill Monument

At the end of the Freedom Trail, you'll come across a massive obelisk located at the top of Bunker Hill, overlooking Boston. This is the Bunker Hill Monument, built to commemorate the pivotal Battle of Bunker Hill fought in 1775 during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War.

The British ultimately won the battle, but at a significant cost, suffering more than twice the casualties of the American forces. The battle highlighted the colonists' determination and marked an important early moment in the revolution, precisely what this monument commemorates.

The Obelisk is 221'5" or 67.5 meters high and you can climb its 294 steps all the way to the top for free. However, they do limit the number of people allowed up there, especially in the summer, as it can get pretty hot inside and you will be sweating a lot as you make your way up.

Personally, I found the climb to be a fun experience overall, although it can be a bit challenging at times. However, the view of Boston from the top is well worth the effort. You can also visit in the evening for a stunning view, but be sure to plan your visit carefully. The monument is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, Wednesday through Sunday, and is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

If you want to learn more about the events that unfolded here, you can visit the museum located right across the street. The museum is free to enter and is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. During the winter, its hours are shortened to the afternoon only.

5. Walk Inside the USS Cassin Young and USS Constitution

One of the coolest things you can do here, at least to me, is walking around the USS Cassin Young, a destroyer that was originally commissioned during World War II. The ship saw extensive combat, participated in seven battles in the Pacific, and even survived two Kamikaze hits.

The USS Cassin Young was recommissioned during the Korean War and eventually decommissioned in 1960. It was then moored in Charlestown, Boston, where it was turned into a National Historic Landmark. Today, you can walk around the destroyer, freely roam its decks, and observe exhibits about the missions it conducted during its service.

Each of its small rooms is used as a display to showcase how the crew lived, how missions and planning were conducted, what the engine room looked like, and my favorite part of all, the guns and how they operated.

The USS Cassin Young is located near the docking area at Charlestown, and you will be able to see some really nice historic structures as you make your way across the dock.

You will also see another frigate moored near the destroyer. That's the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship still afloat. It was launched in 1797 and has played a significant role in early American naval history, particularly during the War of 1812, where it gained fame for its resilience against British forces.

You can also go inside and tour the wooden frigate, or visit the USS Constitution Museum across the dock to dive even deeper into its history. Although both the frigate and the museum are free of charge, you can donate $10 to $15 to help with upkeep, as the museum is a non-profit organization. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.

6. Check Out New England Aquarium

Located right on the waterfront, east of Boston's city center, you will come across New England Aquarium, another awesome attraction to see in Boston. This massive aquarium is a great place to see some of the rarest marine life that you might not get to see every day, such as the African Penguins, Giant Pacific Octopus, and more.

Right from the start, you’ll encounter a massive tank where you can interact with the forever-friendly California sea lions. I call them the "dogs of the sea" because of how playful and friendly they are toward humans. You’ll see them swimming around (often upside down for some reason) and sunbathing. These animals are just so darn cute!

One of the coolest features of the aquarium is the Giant Ocean Tank exhibition, which houses a massive 200,000-gallon cylindrical tank that simulates a Caribbean coral reef. Here, you'll be surrounded by sea turtles, rays, eels, and hundreds of tropical fish. Thanks to the spiral ramps, you can enjoy a 360-degree view and get up close to the marine life.

The aquarium is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and from 9 AM to 6 PM on weekends. The entrance fee is 39 USD per person, which is quite expensive, but the ticket price helps support their research and conservation efforts for marine life. So, at least you're paying a premium for a good cause.

7. Visit Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Not too far from New England Aquarium, you will find the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, an interactive history museum where you can learn more about the famous Boston Tea Party event that helped accelerate and intensify colonial support for the American Revolution.

Located on a floating barge in Boston Harbor, you can participate in a reenactment by tossing "tea" into the water, just like the patriots did in December 1773. This act helped spark the Revolutionary War when the British tried to impose taxes on tea in the American colonies to fund their empire expansion.

There are also several multimedia exhibits and two fully restored ships, "The Eleanor" and "The Beaver", which you can explore. It is the perfect place to visit if you are a big history buff like I am. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM and the entrance fee is 35 USD per person. You can buy the ticket online here.

8. Stroll Around the Public Garden

Although Boston Common is an amazing park, the activities happening there can be a bit overwhelming for some. If you're looking for a quieter space to relax in solitude, I highly recommend checking out the Public Garden, which is located right next to Boston Common.

Although smaller, this lovely garden has a more open-air feel compared to Boston Common, thanks to the lake in the middle, which offers an incredible view of the surrounding area. You can even spot the skyscrapers in the background, much like in Central Park in NYC.

The garden is lined with colorful flowers and beautiful statues, much like a European garden, which is quite fitting given the city’s history. In fact, this garden is considered to be the first public botanical garden in America as it was established in 1837 utilizing the Victorian style that was popular at the time, to create a beautiful space that anyone can enjoy.

I really love this park with its benches facing the lake and all the squirrels that love coming out to greet visitors. The park is open 24/7 and is free to enter.

9. Find Hidden Gems at Brattle Book Shop

One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to visit old bookstores and scour for old vintage books I can score for cheap, and one of the best spots to do that in Boston is Brattle Book Shop, an independent bookstore dating back to 1825. It is one of the oldest antiquarian bookshops in the United States and has a rich history, having moved locations several times over the years.

The bookstore is well-known for its impressive collection of rare books, maps, prints, and other ephemera. One of my favorite things about this bookstore is its outdoor market, where you can find rows of old books at very affordable prices. The market is located on the side of the bookstore and is open year-round, weather permitting.

Even if you do not plan to buy books here, it is still fun to stroll through each row and look at all the books and magazines from the past to see what people were up to back then. It's almost like traveling back in time through books! The bookstore is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM every day, except Sundays. Be sure to check it out while you are in Boston.

10. Be Amazed by Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

Now that you’ve explored many of the attractions in the city, it’s time to venture outside the city center and check out some of the more unique places in Boston. One of my favorite spots to visit is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, a beautifully designed private museum founded by the famous art collector Isabella Stewart Gardner.

Throughout her life, she assembled an impressive collection of fine art from around the world, much of which is displayed in Fenway Court, the museum she designed and oversaw its construction. The architecture of the building, complete with its stunning centerpiece garden and arched hallways, is an attraction in itself.

The museum includes more than 7,500 works of art spanning multiple centuries and cultures, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, textiles, and rare books, all of which are housed inside this incredible Venetian-style palace, with an incredible courtyard garden right in the middle.

The museum is spread across four floors, each with rooms decorated in different styles, and all of them are worth exploring. You can also enjoy views of the courtyard garden from one of the open balconies on each floor.

After visiting so many museums in Boston, I can honestly say that the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum stands out as one of my favorites. The combination of beauty and history here is truly something special.

I was particularly drawn to the flowers and sculptures scattered throughout the museum, but it was the variety of unique rooms and exhibitions that kept me exploring for over an hour. It's the kind of place where you can lose track of time, completely immersed in its beauty.

If you're looking for something truly cool and unique to do in Boston, be sure to check out the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The museum is open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM, except on Tuesdays, and the entrance fee is 22 USD per person.

11. Explore the Museum of Fine Arts

After you are done at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, you might also want to check out the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world, known for its impressive collection that spans across continents and cultures.

The museum is located right next to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, making them perfect to visit together. Inside, you will find thousands of works from ancient to contemporary art, with highlights including famous pieces like The Great Wave by Katsushika Hokusai, The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit by John Singer Sargent, and Water Lilies by Claude Monet.

If you love art galleries and have time to spare, be sure to take a stroll around the Museum of Fine Arts. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on Tuesdays, and the entrance fee is 27 USD per person.

12. Explore Harvard

Boston is home to some of the most famous university campuses in the world, and the one you’ll recognize immediately is Harvard, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the US, if not the world. Believe it or not, it’s a pretty awesome place to visit as a tourist.

The university was founded in 1636, and some of the most famous landmarks you want to check out while you are here are Harvard Yard, a sprawling tree area surrounded by some of the oldest buildings on the campus, Harvard Square, where you can hang out at its lines of cafes, and more.

There are also many awesome museums you can visit, like the Harvard Art Museums and Harvard Museum of Natural History. While they are a bit smaller than government-run museums, they are still very impressive for campus museums. My favorite is the Harvard Art Museums, which often host creative and exciting exhibitions that you can explore.

When I was there, there was an exhibition called "Deutschland wird deutscher" or "Germany becomes more German", a famous large-scale photographic print by German artist Katharina Sieverding, which critiques the rise of nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment in Germany following the fall of the Berlin Wall.

It featured some really cool art installations and pieces, as well as unique photos of the event that I had never seen before. The entire area is quite expansive but very walkable, so if you're looking for something to do in Boston for half a day, be sure to visit and explore the oldest university in the country and see what it has to offer.

13. Shop for Authentic Old Vintage Maps at WardMaps 💎 Hidden Gem

While you are in Harvard, be sure to check out WardMaps, an antique map shop in Porter near Harvard where you can buy old authentic maps from all over the world and other vintage souvenirs like stickers and license plates. I probably blew more than 200 USD on these vintage maps alone 😂.

They offer a wide variety of authentic maps, some of which are decades or even a century old, as well as newly printed maps that are more affordable. You can even order prints online and pick them up in the store the next day.

You can check out their website for the catalog and order prints the day before. Your order will be ready for pickup the next afternoon. I ordered a few vintage maps of Bangkok from the 1800s, and they turned out beautifully.

I absolutely love this place! If you're a fan of old, awesome maps to decorate your home, you're going to adore WardMaps. The store is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, and from 12 PM to 6 PM on weekends.

14. Walk Around MIT

Another famous campus you might want to check out is MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), one of the most prestigious technology universities in the world. In fact, I really wanted to attend this university when I was in engineering school, but I didn’t have the brains or the money to be here, so visiting it as a tourist will have to do 😂.

One of the most iconic landmarks is the Great Dome, a beautiful neoclassical structure built in 1916 with a library and lecture hall inside. The courtyard in front of it is an awesome place to hang out and chill, or you can go for a stroll along the waterfront path where you can get a pretty awesome view of Boston.

They have some really awesome buildings here, like the Stata Center, with its unique sculptural crinkled form blending sharp, utilitarian materials like metal with more traditional materials like red bricks. Be sure to keep an eye out for them as you explore MIT!

15. Spend a Day in Salem ☀️ Great Day Trip

If you have a day to spare, you can go on a day trip and visit Salem, a city rich with history, particularly centered around the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. If you visit around Halloween, you're in for a treat, as the city really leans into its dark history and truly celebrates Halloween in the best possible way, with events, parades, and wonderful decorations.

Outside of Halloween, the city is still an awesome place to visit, especially if you like history, with awesome sites like the Witch House, where you can learn more about the witch trial that took place, Ropes Mansion and Garden, the filming locations from the beloved 90s movie Hocus Pocus, the House of the Seven Gables, a restored 1668 home that inspired Hawthorne's novel, and more.

To get here, you can either take the Newburyport/Rockport commuter train line from North Station in Boston to Salem. The trip will take about 30 minutes and cost around 8 USD per person. The train goes directly and runs almost hourly from 5:37 AM to 11:50 PM every day.

Another option is to take the ferry from Long Wharf South and it will take you to Safe Harbor Hawthorne Cove in Salem in about one hour. The ferry ticket is 33 USD per person, and it is an awesome way to see the Northeast coastline as you travel to Salem.

The ferry ride is especially beautiful at sunset, but be sure to book the sunset time slot in advance as it tends to sell out quickly. My recommendation is to take the train to Salem, explore the city center, and before sunset, walk to Safe Harbor Hawthorne Cove.

You can check out the House of the Seven Gables and the coastal area before taking the ferry back during sunset. That way, you won't have to backtrack to return to Boston. That's how I did it and it was perfect, although I couldn't score the sunset ticket myself, so be sure to book one early. You can buy tickets here.

For a complete guide to Salem, check out:Discover Salem: 10 Highlights You Can't Miss

What to Eat and Drink in Boston?

1. Enjoy Lobster Roll at Luke's Lobster

If you are looking for a place to try a Lobster Roll that's in the city center, I highly recommend Luke's Lobster, a famous seafood chain restaurant from Maine known for its sustainability approach to sourcing seafood, and they serve some of the finest Lobster Rolls here in Boston.

The menu includes lobster rolls, lobster dinners, and other seafood dishes, all made with high-quality ingredients. I had one of their Lobster Roll Flights, which comes in 3 different seasonings you can sample. They have lemon butter, spicy honey butter, and truffle butter seasonings, and it was delicious.

It's not the cheapest place in the world, but you are really getting your money's worth here if you want to try a quality lobster roll. You can also try the cheaper Luke's Lobster Roll for 26 USD. The restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to 7 PM.

2. Hangout at Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar

One of my favorite cafes in Boston that I often hang out in on rainy days is Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar, a cozy hangout spot that serves delicious coffee, light bites, baked goods, and dessert.

They also serve wine and cocktails for the evening if you are looking for a nice and cozy place to chat with friends over a drink or two. The space is very cozy with lots of tables to accommodate many people, and they are open quite early and close quite late, which is great for those who are early birds or night owls.

The café is open from 6:30 AM to 11 PM on weekdays and from 7 AM to 11 PM on weekends. If you're looking for a place to get your coffee fix or a quick lunch, this is the spot to be.

3. Try Clam Chowder at James Hook & Co

Another popular dish you might want to try is Clam Chowder, a rich, creamy soup typically made with clams, potatoes, onions, and celery, and often flavored with herbs like thyme. It's a staple of New England cuisine, and the best place to try it is at James Hook & Co, located along the waterfront area, east of the city center.

There are known for serving really fresh seafood, especially its clam chowder and Lobster Rolls. While the indoor seating is limited, the outdoor patio is a great option in warmer months. The place is perfect for a quick and tasty seafood meal as you explore the waterfront area in Boston.

The restaurant is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Prices range from 7 USD for Clam Chowder to 35 USD for a large Lobster Roll. If you're looking for a spot to enjoy fresh seafood, James Hook & Co. is an excellent choice.

How to Get to Boston?

By Plane: If you are traveling from abroad, you should be able to get to Boston via airlines like KLM, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines. There are several flights flying in and out of the city's Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) every day, so you should have no trouble finding one. For the best price, check out Skyscanner or Expedia.

By Amtrak: If you are within Amtrak's northeast corridor, you should be able to catch the Amtrak train to Philadelphia. The Northeast Regional Trains are not the newest, but they are mostly in good functional condition, equipped with modern facilities like a plug and working WIFI. They are also not too expensive, safe, and often on time.

I took the Amtrak all over the northeast, and the experience was surprisingly great. No hiccups at all. To get the cheapest price, be sure to book the ticket at least a few weeks in advance. Depending on where your accommodation is, you can either get off at the South Station (which is where most people will likely get off) or Back Bay. You can book the Amtrak train here.

By Bus: Although affordable, buses can be a bit dodgy sometimes, but not always, so if you want to save some money, check out Flixbus.

How to Get From Boston Airport to the City?

The most affordable option is to take the Silver Line Bus #1 (SL1) from the airport's bus stop. This bus will take you directly to South Station in Boston's city center. From there, you can either take the subway or walk to your accommodation.

The bus journey will take about 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The fare is approximately 2.40 USD. You can pay with a contactless credit card on the bus or with cash. If paying with cash, please have the exact amount ready as bus drivers typically do not carry change.

You can also use Uber or organize your own transfer if you have a lot of luggage, but for most people, the Silver Line Bus should be sufficient.

How to Get Around Boston?

By Walking: Boston, one of the most European-style cities in the US, is as walkable as it gets. In fact, one of the city's highlights is the Freedom Trail, a walking trail that takes you across town to see all the attractions on foot. You should have no trouble walking here.

By Metro/Bus: That said, there are some attractions that are a little further to reach, like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, so you can rely on Boston's excellent metro and bus systems. It costs about 2.40 USD and 1.70 USD respectively, and you can pay with a contactless credit card or CharlieCard. You should be able to reach all the attractions I listed here with the Metro.

By Uber: You can also rely on Uber to get around the city if you don't mind paying a premium for it. That said, for this itinerary, you won't be needing it.

By Car: You can rent a car through DiscoverCars. However, keep in mind that parking in Boston can be both challenging and expensive. Since most destinations are not that far apart, consider this option only if you need to travel to areas not accessible by the metro and buses.

How Many Days to Spend in Boston?

I think 3 days is a great amount of time to explore both the historical sites of the city and its charming neighborhoods, with a day to spare for a trip to Salem. It will be jam-packed, but three days is the minimum I’d recommend for a visit to Boston. If it feels too rushed, you can always add another day to your itinerary, and you'll be all set.

For a complete Boston itinerary, check out:3 Days in Boston: A Backpacking Itinerary

What to Pack for Boston?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Boston, United States of America:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with Omio when traveling in Boston, United States of America while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Northeast USA

If you are looking for more articles about the Northeast USA, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:

• First time visiting the USA and looking for a complete itinerary? Check this out: First Time USA: 2 Weeks Itinerary Without Cars.
• Planning to visit Washington DC for 3 days? Here's an itinerary for you: 3 Days in Washington DC: A Backpacking Itinerary.
• First time visiting the US? Why not start Washington DC, its capital city known for its world-class museums and iconic landmarks like the White House and the Capitol. Here are the 10 best things to do in Washington DC.
• Here's a quick guide on how to get from Dulles Airport to Washington DC Downtown: How to Get From Dulles Airport to Downtown Washington DC.
• Want to visit world-class museums in Washington DC, but not sure where to begin? This is the article for you: 8 Best Museums to Visit in Washington DC.
• Have a day to spare in Washington DC? I highly recommend you check out Georgetown. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Georgetown, DC.
• Looking to visit Philly for the weekend? Here is the ultimate 2-day Backpacking Itinerary for Philly.
• If you’re a fan of food and history, Philadelphia offers the perfect blend with its incredible museums and some of the best food scenes in the country. Check out the 12 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia (Philly).
• Philly is best explored with your stomach and taste buds. Here are the 7 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Philadelphia (Philly).
• New York City is truly one of the best cities in the world and if you are planning to visit the city, here are the 15 Best Things to Do in New York City.
• Planning to visit New York City, but not sure where to begin? Check out our 4 Days New York City's Backpacking Itinerary.
• Looking for the best places to eat and drink in NYC? You might want to check out: Places to Eat & Drink in New York City: My 9 Favorite Places.
• Chelsea, one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC, is one awesome place to explore. Here are the 8 Awesome Things to Do in Chelsea, NYC.
• Central Park deserves an entire day of exploration. Here is a complete travel guide to Central Park.
• Should you go up the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock? Let's find out: Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock: Which One is Better for You?.
• Is it worth buying the CityPass for your trip to New York City? Let's find out: NYC CityPass: Is it worth it?.
• Wondering how long to spend in Boston? Check this out: 3 Days in Boston: A Backpacking Itinerary.
• Want to walk the Freedom Trail in Boston, but not sure where to begin? Check out: Boston's Freedom Trail: A Walking Guide.
• Planning to visit Salem? Here's a travel guide for you: Discover Salem: 10 Highlights You Can't Miss.
• To see all articles about the United States of America, be sure to check out our USA travel guide page.
• For a complete itinerary of both the US and Canada, check out: One Month in USA & Canada: A Backpacking Itinerary without Cars.
• Looking for more travel guides for North America? You will find more over at our North America page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.