Boston, Massachusetts, is a city rich in history and culture. You can find plenty of well-known attractions, such as Fenway Park, the Freedom Trail, and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. However, there is also plenty of lesser-known or hidden gems in Boston worth exploring. In this blog, we will highlight ten of these hidden gems in Boston that are sure to enhance your Boston experience.
What are things unique to Boston?
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- The Mapparium
- Arnold Arboretum
- Boston Athenaeum
- Castle Island
- Sam Adams Brewery
- The Paul Revere House
- The Boston Public Library
- The Greenway
- The Boston Harbor Islands
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Among many hidden gems in Boston, you should go first to Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a unique and stunning art museum located in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood. Founded by Isabella Stewart Gardner in 1903, the museum features a collection of over 2,500 works of art. If you love arts, this museum surely will take your heart.
So, some of the works of art that you can adore here include paintings, sculptures, and decorative art. In addition to the arts, you can also enjoy the museum’s architecture. The interior design is just as impressive as its art collection. Other than that, you will also find beautiful gardens, courtyards, and a stunning Venetian-style palazzo.
The Mapparium
The Mapparium is one of the next hidden gems in Boston that you must visit. It is a unique and fascinating exhibit that you will love. Located in the Mary Baker Eddy Library in the Back Bay neighborhood, this exhibit features a three-story-tall, stained-glass globe. The Mapparium was built in 1935 and is one of the world’s largest globes of its kind.
Moreover, during your visit, you can walk inside. So, you can experience the world from the inside out. It looks so impressive, so you do not want to miss out on visiting this exhibition. Such an interesting experience to try out, is not it? Also, do not forget to take some pictures of this amazing building.
Arnold Arboretum
The Arnold Arboretum is a 281-acre botanical garden located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood. This one of the best hidden gems in Boston is a part of Harvard University. Moreover, this place is open to the public for free. So, you should not miss out on visiting this incredible botanical garden during your stay in Boston.
In this botanical garden, you can find some things that make you feel at peace. You can enjoy the different colors of flowers, meadows, woods, and thousands of plants from around the world. So, if you are looking for a tranquil place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life in Boston, this hidden gem is a place to go.
Boston Athenaeum
The Boston Athenaeum is a private library and cultural center which is considered one of the best hidden gems in Boston. Located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, this library was founded in 1807. Such an old library features an extensive collection of books, maps, and manuscripts. Moreover, there are also some art exhibits and lectures.
This place is perfect for those who love books, arts, and something educational. Moreover, you can even take a tour of the library’s historic building. This is absolutely one of the best ways to learn about the Athenaeum’s role in shaping Boston’s intellectual and cultural history. So, are you interested in expanding your horizon?
Castle Island
One of the next hidden gems in Boston that you must visit is Castle Island. Castle Island is a scenic park located in South Boston. This park is less crowded compared to other parks in the city. Moreover, this park also features a historic fort, a beach, and walking trails. So, if you want to spend your late afternoon jog, this is the perfect place to do that.
Moreover, Castle Island also offers you beautiful views of Boston Harbor. This is definitely a great place to take some cool pictures of Boston from a unique perspective. In addition to that, Castle Island is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. In fact, you can also explore the fort and learn about its history.
Sam Adams Brewery
Are you looking for a culinary trip in Boston? Then, a visit to Sam Adams Brewery is a must for you. The Sam Adams Brewery is a popular brewery located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood. In this hidden gem in Boston, you can take a tour of the brewery for free! Sounds interesting to participate, right?
Not only that, but you can also learn about the brewing process. And, more importantly, you get to sample some of Sam Adams’ award-winning beers. Moreover, the brewery also features a taproom where you can enjoy a pint or a flight of beer. Does it not sound interesting for you to have that kind of experience?
The Paul Revere House
Boston has a lot of places that hold historical values. So, if you are a history buff, going to Boston on a quest to learn about American history is a perfect choice of destination. One of the examples of those hidden gems in Boston is the Paul Revere House. The Paul Revere House is a historic home located in the North End neighborhood.
Furthermore, this house was the home of Paul Revere. He was a prominent figure in the American Revolution. In addition to that, the Paul Revere House is also one of the oldest surviving buildings in Boston. Inside this house, you can take a tour inside the house, where there are many pieces of furniture and exhibits in which you can learn about Revere’s life and legacy.
The Boston Public Library
If you love books, this is one of the best hidden gems in Boston that you must never miss out on. The Boston Public Library is a beautiful and historic library in Boston. Specifically located in the Back Bay neighborhood, this library was founded in 1848. With such an old age, the library has great architecture that you can adore all day long.
Other than those facts, the Boston Public Library also features an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and artwork. Even more, you can explore the library’s many rooms and exhibits, including the stunning Bates Hall Reading Room. Sounds like every bookworm’s dream, right? So, do not waste your time in Boston by not going to this stunning library!
The Greenway
There is another park in Boston that should be put on the list of the ten best hidden gems in Boston that you must visit. The park is called the Greenway. The Greenway is a 1.5-mile-long park that stretches through downtown Boston. This is one of the best places to relax and enjoy the city’s green spaces in Boston.
Moreover, this park features beautiful gardens which you can enjoy. Besides, you can also find many art installations and public spaces where you with your friends can go for a picnic or just hang out. In addition to that, there are also some events and festivals going on in the Greenway throughout the year. So, if any events are happening in the Greenway, you should go to the Greenway.
The Boston Harbor Islands
The Boston Harbor Islands are a group of 34 islands located in Boston Harbor. This one of the beautiful hidden gems in Boston offers a unique outdoor experience just a short ferry ride away from the city. So, if you want to detach yourself from many people and the crowds of Boston metropolitan, this is one of the perfect places to go in Boston.
Besides, you can explore the islands’ beaches, hiking trails, and historic sites. Even better, you can go kayaking, fishing, and camping if you love some sports and outdoor adventures. In addition, some of the most popular islands in the Boston Harbor Islands that you must visit include Georges Island, Spectacle Island, and Thompson Island.
Overall, Boston is a city full of surprises and hidden gems, and taking the time to explore these lesser-known destinations can make for a truly unforgettable experience. So, do you want to explore more hidden gems in Boston or many other places in the world? Look no further than JoinMyTrip! There are a lot of small group trips offered around the world and guided by our like-minded TripLeaders that will surely take your vacation to the next level. So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip now!