6 Lesser-known places to go in Boston
Topics Covered:
Best spot to visit for hidden history & culture in Boston: Boston Athenaeum
Best quirky & unique experience in Boston: Mount Auburn Cemetery
A fascinating experience in Boston: The Mapparium
Best local market in Boston: SoWa open market
The best offbeat museum in Boston: MIT Museum
The best outdoor escape in Boston: Shellfishing at the Cape
Boston is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. But beyond the well-trodden Freedom Trail and bustling Faneuil Hall, the city is brimming with hidden gems just waiting to be explored. Whether you're a local seeking to uncover Bostonâs lesser-known treasures or a visitor wanting to go off the beaten path, these six gems in Boston offer one-of-a-kind experiences that you wonât find in most typical Boston travel guides.
1. Best spot for hidden history & culture: Boston Athenaeum
The Boston Athenaeum is a literary gem hidden right in the heart of the city. Founded in 1807, itâs one of the oldest independent libraries in the US and a must-visit for any bookworm or history buff. This historic gem boasts an incredible collection, from ancient manuscripts to contemporary works, alongside stunning art exhibitions. The peaceful atmosphere perfectly escapes the city's hustle and bustle. Whether you're there to read, explore, or just soak in the beauty, the Boston Athenaeum is one of the city's most enchanting spots.
Best time to visit: Weekdays offer a quieter experience
Location & access: 10œ Beacon Street, near Boston Common. Closest T stop: Park Street (Red & Green Lines).
Cost: $10 for Adults (12 and up), $8 for students educators, and military personnel with valid ID, $5 for children.
Recommendations:
Visit the red leather reading room, where you can truly immerse yourself in the library's charm.
The fifth-floor balcony has a breathtaking view of the Granary Burying Ground and cityâs skyline.
Check out the rare books and rotating art exhibitions.
More information: Interested in tours, membership, or dining options? Visit their website for more details!
2. Best quirky & unique experience in Boston: Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery might not be the first place you think of when planning a visit to Boston, but it is truly a hidden gem. Established in 1831, it is the first landscaped cemetery in the US and feels more like an outdoor museum. As you stroll along its winding paths, you'll discover stunning gardens, historic monuments, and breathtaking views, including some of the best vistas of the Boston skyline. It is a peaceful sanctuary that beautifully blends history, nature, and serenity - an experience that is both unique and unforgettable.
Best time to visit: Open year round. Go in the Fall for stunning foliage, or in Spring for blooming flowers.
Cost: Free!
Location & access: 580 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge. Closest T stop: Harvard (Red Line) + bus.
Recommendations:
Climb Washington Tower for a breathing view of Boston.
Keep your eye out for the famous dead, like poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Bring a pair of binocularsâ this is one of Bostonâs best birdwatching spots.
For more information: Visit the official website.
3. A fascinating experience in Boston: The Mapparium
Step inside a three-story stained-glass globe and see the world as it looked in 1935! The Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library is a one-of-a-kind experience where geography, history, and acoustics come together in a truly mind-bending way. With incredible acoustics and a mesmerizing light show, this hidden architectural marvel offers an immersive journey that brings the past to life in a way youâve never experienced before.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds
Location & access: 200 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston. Closest T stop: Symphony (Green Line).
Cost: $6 for adults, free for kids under 17.
Recommendation:
Try speaking inside the globeâ the acoustics create a surreal echo effect!
Take your time absorbing the old-world geography and light show.
Explore the adjacent exhibits on the history of the Christian Science movement.
More information: Visit the website for information on schedules and more.
4. Best local market: SoWa Open Market
Looking for unique finds and a taste of Bostonâs creative scene? SoWa Open Market is the place to be. This lively weekend marketplace is packed with local artists showcasing their work, handmade crafts, and vintage treasures you wonât find anywhere else. Youâll also find some of the best food trucks in the city, serving up everything from gourmet treats to classic comfort food. Whether you're hunting for one-of-a-kind goods, exploring the vibrant atmosphere, or sampling delicious bites, SoWa offers the perfect way to experience the heart of Bostonâs creative community.
Best time to visit: Every Sunday, May 4 â October 26, from 11 amâ5 pm.
Location & access: 450 Harrison Avenue, Boston. Closest T stop: Broadway (Red Line).
Cost: Free! But bring cash for shopping and food.
Recommendations:
Check out the SoWa Beer Garden for local craft brews.
Explore the vintage market for one-of-a-kind finds.
Arrive hungryâ the food truck lineup is unbeatable!
Check out the art galleries in the SoWa Art + Design District.
More information: Visit the official website to find a list of vendors and food trucks!
5. Best offbeat museum: MIT Museum
If you love technology and innovation, the MIT Museum is a must-visit. Showcasing everything from robotics and AI to mind-blowing holograms and kinetic sculptures, this museum brings the cutting edge of science to life in fun and interactive ways. Youâll get a glimpse into groundbreaking inventions and quirky exhibits that highlight how MIT is shaping the future. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about the world of innovation, this spot is guaranteed to leave you inspired!
Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons get you less crowds.
Location & access: 14 Main Street, Cambridge. Closest T stop: Kendall/MIT (Red Line).
Cost (2025):
Adults: $18
Seniors 65+: $15
Youth (18 and under) & College students: $10
Child (5 and under)
Recommendations:
Try the hands-on exhibits in the AI and robotics section.
Check out the holography collectionâone of the largest in the world.
Join a hands-on workshop if available.
More Information: Visit the official website for more information on hours, further directions, and much more.
6. The best outdoor escape in Boston: Shellfishing at the Cape
Few people realize that Cape Cod offers public shellfishing spots where you can dig for clams, oysters, and quahogs, making it one of the most unique ways to experience the region. You could go all-out in the water with a wadder and warm gloves, or simplify and stick to the shoreline with just a rake and bucket. Spend hours exploring tidal flats and harvesting your fresh seafood! Itâs an immersive, hands-on way to connect with the Capeâs coastal heritage, enjoy the natural beauty of the shoreline, and, of course, savor the reward of your hard work with an incredibly fresh, ocean-to-table meal. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned shellfisher, itâs an experience that truly captures the essence of a Cape Cod lifestyle.
Best time to visit: October to March for oysters and bay scallops, September to April for quahogs, soft-shell clams, and mussels.
Location & access: Shellfishing is generally at or around the Cape, like Eastham and Wareham. Hereâs a page with a list of other towns.
Cost: Youâll need a shellfishing permit; costs vary depending on the town in which youâre shellfishing. First, figure out which town youâd like to go to, then look up the townâs website for information about costs and how to apply.
Recommendations:
Dress warm- shellfishing happens in colder months!
Bring a small scrub brush and clean your shellfish by the water before heading home. Youâll look like a pro and prevent sink clogging at home!
Shellfishing is a muddy/sandy affair - bring clean water to rinse if you plan on eating your catch.
More Information: Visit the local townâs website for specific shellfishing rules, permitted hours and costs.
