Boston — Travelrags

Condé Nast TravelerJul 9, 2026

22 Best Museums in Boston for Historic Tall Ships, Expansive Gardens, and Contemporary Galleries

You can nab a world-class education visiting these fine institutions.

40 things in this story

Gibson HouseMuseumA time capsule of domestic life from the mid-nineteenth to early-twentieth centuries.
William Hickling Prescott HouseMuseumhistoric home on Beacon Hill
Gibson House MuseumMuseumintact Victorian brownstone in Back Bay
deCordova Sculpture Park and MuseumMuseumcontemporary art and sculpture garden
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic SiteMuseumhome and office of landscape architect
Old State HouseMuseumoldest public building, served as colonial government seat
Isabella Stewart Gardner MuseumMuseumVenetian-style palazzo with art collection
USS ConstitutionMuseumworld's oldest commissioned warship still afloat
USS Constitution MuseumMuseumoffers insights into 'Old Ironsides'
Harvard Museum of Natural HistoryMuseumfeatures glass flowers and dinosaur hall
Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston (ICA Boston)Museumconnects city to global contemporary art scene
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and MuseumMuseummonument and memorial to the 35th president
Museum of African American History (MAAH)Museumfocuses on 19th-century African American community
African Meeting HouseSightoldest Black church still standing
Abiel Smith SchoolMuseumnation's oldest public school for African American children
Boston Children's MuseumMuseumthree floors of experiential learning areas
Martin’s ParkSightpublic playground behind museum
MassArt Art MuseumMuseumBoston's only free contemporary art museum
Museum of ScienceMuseumone of the world's largest science museums
Museum of Fine Arts, BostonMuseumhouses nearly 500,000 works of art
Boston Tea Party Ships & MuseumMuseumrecreates iconic revolutionary event
Boston AthenaeumMuseumhistoric library and museum
Nichols House MuseumMuseumhistoric house museum
Harvard Art MuseumsMuseumcollection of art spanning centuries
MIT MuseumMuseumNerdy in the best way possible, this museum devoted to STEAM—science, technology, engineering, art, and math, i.e.,…
The Paul Revere HouseMuseumhistoric home of Paul Revere
Cathedral of San Juan BautistaMuseum
Castillo San Felipe del MorroMuseum
Castillo San CristóbalMuseum
La Casita de RonesRestaurant
El YunqueTrail
El PortalSight
La Coca FallsSight
Yokahú TowerSight
Longaniza TrailTrail
Lechón TrailTrail
Hacienda MuñozSight
Hacienda San PedroSight
Mosquito BaySight
Flamenco BeachSight

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Condé Nast TravelerJul 6

35 Best Restaurants in Boston for Inventive Thai, Old-School Steakhouses, and Lots of Seafood

Lobster rolls and fried clams are just the beginning.

28 things in this story

Puritan Oyster BarRestaurantcreative dishes like caviar cones, shrimp toast
El CentroRestaurantneighborhood restaurant with outdoor seating
Woods Hill Pier 4Restaurantfarm-to-table poetry, decadent caviar service
MahaniyomRestaurantcreative dishes inspired by Bangkok bars
La PadronaRestaurantmodern Italian fare and bar snacks
Comfort KitchenCaféglobal comfort food, African and South Asian diasporas
KaiaRestaurantmodern Greek offerings, mezze and fish
Phở PasteurRestaurantbrothy, warming pho and Vietnamese dishes
ToninoRestaurantpillowy sheet-pan pizzas and handmade pastas
Cafe SushiRestaurantexcellent sushi, kelp-cured branzino
MooncusserRestaurantcreative, modern preparations of New England seafood
CelesteRestaurantPeruvian spot with big flavors and local seafood
Yoshida OmakaseRestaurantever-changing omakase menu with fresh catch
SeaportSuburbWith all of its new glass high-rises, it's easy to think that the Seaport is the object of some real estate developer's…
Fox & The KnifeRestauranthandmade pastas and Emilia Romagna cuisine
Grill 23 & BarRestaurantStart us off with an overview.
Yume Wo KatareRestaurantRamen fanatics come from far and wide to worship at this high altar of ramen in Cambridge 's Porter Square.
SarmaRestaurantAn unassuming metal door off of a busy Winter Hill thoroughfare near Somerville's Union Square gives way to the…
Brassica Kitchen + CafeRestaurantBrassica Kitchen + Café was founded to provide creative and comfortable cuisine to our beautiful community in Forest…
O YaRestaurantGiven the larger-than-life reputation of the cult-classic sushi and omakase here—it’s a popular pit stop for…
Bar MezzanaRestaurantbar mezzana coastal italian restaurant south end boston…
Eastern Standard Kitchen & DrinksRestaurantA bustling, sophisticated brasserie with moody lighting, dark-wood-paneled walls, sweeping ceilings, and a full dining…
Field & VineRestaurantLook around the tables and you're likely to see Somerville hipster types debating which pét-nat will pair well with…
Wusong RoadRestaurantWhen it came time for chef-owner Jason Doo to open a restaurant of his own, he felt inspired by the American-Chinese…
Bistro du MidiRestaurantA second-floor dining room with Public Garden views, offering à la carte dishes, Chef Sisca’s Tasting Menu, and…
Puritan & Co.Restaurant
Shawmut AvenueNeighborhood
ZuritoRestaurant

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BBC TravelJun 26

The US that World Cup fans didn't expect to love

From roadside convenience stores to lonely landscapes, travellers are discovering little-known slices of Americana away from the host cities.

13 things in this story

Route 66TrailChicago, United StatesRoad known for kitschy roadside stops.
Zion National ParkSightSpringdale, United StatesPark with golden orange arches.
Grand CanyonSightGrand Canyon Village, United StatesThe Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile.
Buc-ee'sRestaurantLake Jackson, United StatesConvenience store, restaurant, petrol station, supermarket.
Waffle HouseRestaurantNorcross, United StatesSouthern US institution for breakfast.
US National Park systemSightWashington, United StatesSystem of parks with majestic landscapes.
Louisiana's lowland swampsSightNew Orleans, United StatesDiverse landscapes to marvel at.
Beaver NuggetsPlaceLake Jackson, United StatesPetrol station food.
WalmartPlaceBentonville, United States
Bass Pro ShopPlaceSpringfield, United States
CostcoSightIssaquah, United States
Dunkin' DonutsRestaurantCanton, United States
Jamba JuiceRestaurantFrisco, United States

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Condé Nast TravelerJun 17

A Summer Guide to the South End of Boston

Stroll through some of the city’s most beautiful architecture on your way to celebrate Pride, the World Cup, or just a weekend in town.

31 things in this story

KaiaRestaurantCoastal Greek cuisine with inventive mezze
Union ParkParkOffers best townhouse architecture and shady spots
Lekker HomePlaceShop for mid-20th- and 21st-century pieces
HudsonPlaceShop for traditional items and accessories
More Than Words BookstoreMarketUsed books and records, plus gift items
Sault New EnglandPlaceShop for workwear- and outdoor gear-inspired duds
Viola LovelyPlaceShop for modern women’s wear
Michele MercaldoPlaceShop for contemporary handmade jewelry
SoWa (South of Washington) districtNeighborhoodGalleries and artists’ studios in former warehouses
SoWa Vintage MarketMarketSubterranean market for thrifting finds
SoWa Open MarketMarketOutdoor market with local vendors and food
Boston Center for the ArtsArts centrePuts on colorful exhibitions and studio residences
Underground at Ink BlockParkOutdoor art venue with massive murals
Theater DistrictNeighborhoodDirect walking route from Underground at Ink Block
Myers + ChangRestaurantCreative takes on Taiwanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese food
South EndSuburbNeighborhood with Victorian-era row houses
Flour Bakery + CafesRestaurantIndispensable for lunch or picnic supplies
ToroRestaurantBarcelona-style tapas and pintxos
SRVRestaurantVenetian-inspired small plates
MidaRestaurantSeasonal Italian dishes in Scandi-chic setting
Black LambRestaurantOysters, crudos and martinis
BeehiveRestaurantCocktails, live music, bistro-style dining
Cathedral StationBarLGBTQ+ hangouts with pool tables and terrace
Tremont StreetNeighborhood
Columbus StreetRestaurant
Washington StreetTrain station
Harrison StreetNeighborhood
Shawmut StreetNeighborhood
Shawmut streetsNeighborhood
Blackstone SquarePark
Franklin SquarePark

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Smithsonian MagazineFeb 2

Here Are 250 Places to Visit to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday. How Many Have You Been To?

Journey around the nation with this interactive map, divided by region or category, and discover American history in a way you’ve never seen before

25 things in this story

Old North ChurchSightlanterns hung for Paul Revere’s Ride
Elsewhere
Grand Ole OpryTheatreNashville, United Statesmarked revolutionary moments in music history
Little HavanaNeighborhoodMiami, United Statesethnic heritage place of convergence
Independence HallMuseumPhiladelphia, United StatesThe building, which is the centerpiece of Independence National…
sequoiasSightCalifornia, United StatesCalifornia's great sequoias
Platte RiverSightNebraska, United Stateswitness migrating sandhill cranes
International Cryptozoology MuseumMuseumMaine, United Statesquirky attraction
Pez Visitor CenterSightConnecticut, United Statesmust-visit attraction
Sonic drive-inRestaurantStillwater, United Statesfirst drive-in
birthplace of the Buffalo wingSightBuffalo, United Statesbirthplace of the Buffalo wing
Pequod’s PizzaRestaurantChicago, United Statesclassic Chicago deep dish
Field of DreamsSightIowa, United Statesmarked moments in television and film
FallingwaterSightPennsylvania, United Statesmarked moments in the arts
Touro SynagogueSightNewport, United States18th century place of convergence
Little League World SeriesFestivalWilliamsport, United Statesathletic place of convergence
Pearl HarborSightOahu, United Statesmournful site
Ground ZeroSightManhattan, United Statessite of historical significance
Greensboro lunch counterSightGreensboro, United States
NASA’s Mission Control CenterSightHouston, United States
Walden PondSightMassachusetts, United States
Erie CanalSightNew York, United States
Harriet Tubman MuseumMuseumMaryland, United States
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and MuseumMuseumSimi Valley, United States
Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and MuseumMuseumMansfield, United States
Golden Gate BridgeSightSan Francisco, United States

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Condé Nast TravelerJan 10

Your 2026 Sports Travel Bucket List, From Milan to Mexico

From Wimbledon to the Melbourne Cup, here’s your month-by-month guide to the year’s must-see sporting events around the globe.

24 things in this story

Boston MarathonFestivalWorld's oldest annual marathon embodying perseverance and heart.
Elsewhere
Six Nations RugbyFestivalLondon, United KingdomEurope's premier rugby tournament uniting six storied nations.
Australian OpenFestivalMelbourne, AustraliaKicks off the year's tennis calendar with sun-splashed courts.
Hard Rock StadiumSightMiami Gardens, United StatesHosts the coronation game of the college football season.
X GamesFestivalAspen, United StatesHosts skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobile athletes.
Australian Grand PrixFestivalMelbourne, AustraliaFormula 1 season opener with high-speed drama.
Final FourFestivalIndianapolis, United StatesCulmination of March Madness, college basketball.
Masters TournamentFestivalAugusta, United StatesElegant rite of spring marked by meticulous course conditions.
Kentucky DerbyFestivalLouisville, United StatesMost recognizable event in American horse racing.
Champions League FinalFestivalBudapest, HungaryCulminating match of European club football.
French OpenFestivalParis, FranceOnly Grand Slam played on clay courts.
2026 FIFA World CupFestivalMexico City, MexicoFirst edition to feature 48 teams across three countries.
NBA FinalsFestivalNew York, United StatesDetermines the league champion through a best-of-seven series.
US OpenFestivalSouthampton, United StatesOne of golf’s four major championships.
WimbledonFestivalLondon, United KingdomOldest tennis tournament in the world defined by traditions.
British Grand PrixFestivalSilverstone, United KingdomOne of Formula 1’s longest-running races.
PalioFestivalSiena, ItalyHistoric horse race contested between Siena’s districts.
WNBA All-Star WeekendFestivalChicago, United StatesHighlights the league’s top players and women's basketball growth.
Commonwealth GamesFestivalGlasgow, United KingdomEvent structured around shared histories, bringing athletes together.
2026 Winter OlympicsFestivalMilan, ItalyAlpine, skating, and ice competitions set against Dolomites.
Super Bowl LXFestivalSanta Clara, United StatesAmerica's unofficial national holiday, sport and cultural showcase.
T20 World CupFestivalMumbai, IndiaCricket's fastest format with explosive batting and stadiums.
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter GamesFestivalMilan, ItalyShowcases athletes competing in six para-sports.
Tour de FranceFestivalParis, FranceSpans 21 stages across varied terrain.

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Atlas ObscuraJan 6

A. Philip Randolph Statue in Boston, Massachusetts

Back Bay is one of the busiest train stations in Boston. Serving the commuter rail, the orange line connecting to North Station, and a stop for Amtrak, there is no shortage of foot traffic. Within the waiting area for Amtrak departures, there is a large statue of a man in a sitting pose with informational guides posted nearby. Most commuters probably don’t notice it, but the man depicted played…

16 things in this story

A. Philip Randolph StatueSightStatue of man in sitting pose at Back Bay station
Back Bay stationTrain stationIt is located just south of Copley Square in Boston's Back Bay and South End neighborhoods.
Brotherhood of Sleeping Car PortersPlaceFounded in 1925, it was the first labor organization led by African Americans to receive a charter in the American…
Pullman CompanyPlaceThrough rapid late-19th century development of mass production and takeover of rivals,…
Martin Luther King Jr.PlaceMartin Luther King Jr.
Back BaySuburbConstruction began in 1859, as the demand for luxury housing exceeded the availability in the city at the time, and the…
New York CityNeighborhoodNew York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States.
Franklin D. RooseveltPlaceFranklin Delano Roosevelt, also known as FDR, was the 32nd president of the United States, serving from 1933 until his…
The MessengerPlace
Cookman InstitutePlace
The Souls of Black FolkPlace
W.E.B. Du BoisPlace
HarlemNeighborhood
Chandler OwenPlace
Harry TrumanPlace
March on WashingtonPlace

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Atlas ObscuraNov 5, 2025

‘Good Will Hunting’ Bench in Boston, Massachusetts

At first glance, this bench looks identical to the many others scattered throughout Boston Public Garden. Made of wood and set on tiles, it bears a small plaque reading, “A place for Barbara and her pups to pause.” From appearances alone, nothing sets it apart, but sharp-eyed movie buffs may recognize it as the setting of one of the most memorable scenes from Good Will Hunting. Released in 1997…

3 things in this story

Boston Public GardenParkBench is setting for memorable scene from Good Will Hunting
Good Will HuntingPlaceIt stars Damon, Affleck, Robin Williams, Stellan Skarsgård, and Minnie Driver, with Casey Affleck and Cole Hauser in…
‘Good Will Hunting’ BenchSight

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Atlas ObscuraNov 5, 2025

Scarlett O’Hara House in Boston, Massachusetts

Beacon Hill in Boston is one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods, filled with red brick buildings and streets that feel like a trip back in time. At the end of one alleyway is what appears to be a large mansion in the distance. It might seem peculiar that such a large home could exist in the middle of downtown Boston, but this elegant-looking house is not a home at all, it’s a clever opti…

4 things in this story

Scarlett O’Hara HouseSightclever optical illusion covering an alleyway wall
Beacon HillSuburbhistoric neighborhood with red brick buildings
Rollins PlaceSightalleyway with a faux Greek Revival-style home
Twelve OaksSightmansion from the film Gone with the Wind

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 31, 2025

10 Best Boston Winter Activites, From Curling to Rooftop Happy Hour in Igloos

From soul-warming mugs of cocoa to wood-fired saunas, Boston has no shortage of seasonal delights.

20 things in this story

Beacon HillSuburbThis shop is our love letter to Boston.
Liberty HotelHoteloffers a curling experience
Charles StreetNeighborhoodmain thoroughfare for antique shops
Upstairs Downstairs HomePlaceFeel free to contact us with any questions!
Elegant Findings AntiquesPlaceElegant Findings Antiques specializes in antique porcelain, stemware, rare antiques and decorative accessories.
Beacon Hill Books & CafeRestaurantbrowse stacks, sit for afternoon tea
Frog PondSighticonic winter ice skating spot
Boston CommonParkoldest public park in the US
Frog Pond CaféCaféoffers hot chocolate, coffee, snacks
Sacco’s Bowl HavenPlacecandlepin bowling, wood-fired pizza
L.A. Burdick ChocolatesCafébest gourmet drinking chocolate in town
Rooftop at the Envoy HotelRestaurantrooftop bar with igloos
TutulandPlacecraft day, rug tufting
MokiPlaceoutdoor wellness villages, saunas
SnowportFestivalwintry takeover with events, shopping, food
Snowport Holiday MarketMarketfeatures over 120 small businesses
Coolidge Corner TheaterSightbeloved independent cinema
Fabled AntiquesPlace
Boston Antiques and Lamp ShadesPlace
Bridge Antiques and Fine ArtPlace

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 30, 2025

11 Best Boston Winter Seafood Restaurants

The city’s chefs reach peak creativity in winter, giving the city’s famed lobster rolls and fried clams a welcome rest.

12 things in this story

Woods Hill Pier 4Restaurantoffers a lobster popover brunch dish
La PadronaRestaurantrestaurant at Raffles Boston hotel
KaiaRestaurantexcels at Greek seafood, serves whole grilled fish
MooncusserRestaurantknown for local swordfish confit
Row34Restaurantseafood-focused restaurant with multiple locations
Puritan & Co.Restaurantserves scallop crudo with gooseberries
ZuritoRestaurantserves sepia plantxa with chili oil
June BugRestaurantserves Hollander mussels with arugula butter
Eventide FenwayRestaurantoffers a brown butter lobster roll
MoëcaRestaurantserves XL crispy oyster with uni
Nautilus Pier 4Restaurantknown for blue crab fried rice
The Popover LadyPlace

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 17, 2025

The Best Ways to Experience the Burgeoning Boston Nightlife Scene

With support from the City and a groundswell of energy, The Hub is slowly, surely shedding its Puritan roots.

27 things in this story

RoadrunnerSightThe roadrunners, also known as chaparral birds or chaparral cocks, are two species of fast-running ground cuckoos with…
The SinclairSightVenue for major tours in Cambridge
The Stage at Suffolk DownsSightVenue for major tours in East Boston
Piers ParkParkDesigned by Pressley Associates Landscape Architects of Boston, the 6.5-acre (2.6 ha) park was conceived to reclaim a…
BeehiveRestaurantSouth End boîte with live music nightly
Grace by NiaRestaurantLuxe dining room transforms into late-night lounge
The Supper ClubRestaurantDownstairs at Capo with live performances
Yvonne’sNightclubRefined yet playful supper club in a handsome hideaway accented with marble & mahogany wood.
1928 Beacon HillSuburbOccasionally hosts live music and parties
Loretta’s Last CallBarCity’s only dedicated country music venue
Citrus & SaltRestaurantRestaurant with buzzing bar scene after dinner
Wally’s Café Jazz ClubNightclubNurtured city's jazz scene since 1947
88 ClubRestaurantPiano bar in Back Bay
The GrandSightNightclub draws global talent in Seaport
MémoireSightNightclub at Encore Boston Harbor
CaveauSightNightclub experience recalling Paris
ICA BostonMuseumExpect the unexpected.
MFAMuseumMore than 100 galleries of art make the Museum of Fine Arts one of the top things to do in Boston and one of the best…
Boston Public LibrarySightHosts "Night in the Stacks" fundraiser
McKim BuildingSightLandmarked Boston Public Library building
ManRaySightAlternative nightclub reopened in Cambridge
Dani’s Queer BarBarFirst queer women’s bar in Boston in decades
dBarRestaurantOpen 7 days a week, dbar is a full service restaurant that seamlessly transforms into a nightclub and lounge as the…
RoyaleSight
Cipriani Wall StreetRestaurant
MarielRestaurant
BlendBar

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Atlas ObscuraOct 13, 2025

Our Favorite New Places This Week

Each week, we highlight a selection of extraordinary new places submitted by you—our Atlas Obscura community of curious travelers. Where will you go next? Óshlíð On Iceland's northwestern shoreline, along the Westfjords peninsula, are the villages of Hnífsdalur (population 210) and Bolungarvik (population 1,022). For many years, the only route between the two was this winding road at the bottom…

4 sights in this story

Cop SlideSightTwisting slide in Boston's City Hall Plaza.
Elsewhere
ÓshlíðSightBolungarvik, IcelandWinding road at the bottom of a cliff.
Keno Hill SignpostSightKeno Hill, CanadaVestiges of a mining community in the Yukon.
Viking Traffic LightsSightAarhus, DenmarkUnique pedestrian crossing signifiers in Aarhus.

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Atlas ObscuraJul 30, 2025

Obscura Day Summer 2025: In Search of a Unusual Bench

Obscura Day is an Atlas Obscura tradition where the whole team takes a day off to explore—whether it’s a nearby hidden gem or a distant, wondrous site. Check out the places our team visited. Joshua Foer, Atlas Obscura Co-Founder My son and I went in search of a legendary piece of Boston guerrilla art. Back in 2006, a professor from MassArt installed a U-shaped bench—a bench with two backs—along…

3 things in this story

Jamaica PondSightlocation of a unique Boston bench
Jamaica Pond BenchSightU-shaped bench with two backs near Jamaica Pond
MassArtPlace

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