5 Ways To Have Fun In Boston
Boston is a big city. Rich with history up and down every street. That might feel a little overwhelming when you think about what to do in the city. Here are five ways to have fun in Boston.
The Parks
Boston is home to several fantastic parks. The Public Garden, Franklin Park (My personal favorite, just saying), Joe Moakley Park. Speaking honestly, these parks can offer a great romantic moment, or you can walk through them alone and just breath in the nature of the area while being surrounded by all of the strangeness of the city.
Personal note, the street musicians that set up in Franklin are worth every second. Especially over on the bridges. Nothing but smiles and music. And what more does life need to be? Actually, smiles music, and a warm pretzel. That’s all life needs to be.
If music isn’t your thing, the park is large enough for you to walk the grounds in silence. Well… as silent as you can get downtown. The City will provide the background noise for you. You know what that all is a perfect recipe for? That’s right… a great way to have fun in Boston.
2. The Haunted Scenes
This one isn’t going to be for everyone but hear me out. If you, like me love to soak up anything paranormal, Boston has you covered. From The Factory Of Terror all the way to The similarly titled Chamber’s of Terror, you will get your fill of ghosties and ghoulies, and long legged beasties.
The biggest draw for Boston’s haunted scene is of course, The Omni Parker House. Standing on the far side of 100 years old, this hotel is allegedly Haunted by, you guessed it, Harvey Parker. (Did you actually guess it?) I won’t spoil it for you, but this hotel claims a series of sightings all the way back to 41. I cannot suggest it enough.
If “Real” haunted houses (or hotels) aren’t your thing, you can try Boston’s Ghost Tours, where you can observe all of the sites from the comfort of a large and neigh unstoppable bus. Always remember you won’t be alone either, as Boston has a large community of fellow paranormal fans. You’ll never be in low company. Ghost Tours are a great way to….have fun in Boston.
3. The Museum of Fine Art
Boston is home to one of the oldest art museums in the country. This museum has art pieces from the indigenous cultures in North, South and Central American. But that actually isn’t everything, it also features contemporary Art from artists like Edward Hopper. That’s not even mentioning the classics like Monet, Renoir and my personal favorite, Rembrandt. I was always a sucker for realism. I could never see the appeal in Picasso.
Did I mention the museum features Picasso as well? It’s always a great way to have fun in Boston, and while you’re doing that, you can be surrounded by some of the greatest art in history.
4. The Cheers Bar
If you are aware of television, it is likely not a far stretch to think that you are by extension aware of the Ted Danson classic, “Cheers”. Did you know however, that the exterior shots of that bar is a real place? Enter the Bull & Finch pud. Founded in 1969, the famous show used this bar for it’s establishing shots, seen in every episode. Owner Tim Kershaw re branded the bar in 2002 in order to help tourists find it, as they only knew it as “Cheers”. In 2001, they were able to open a second location in August. This location was built with a modernized version of the set from the show.
I’m a huge fan of Cheers. I’ve spent many nights watching it on Netflix. It’s a great dose of nostalgia and a genuinely fun Atmosphere. Everyone there might not know your name (See what I did there?), but I promise you’ll remember every time you visit. It’s a great way to have fun in Boston.
Obviously, Boston has a plethora of different restaurants and Bars, but just as Detroit is associated with Robocop (Robocop fans are still a thing right?) Boston in my opinion will always be associated with Cheer’s. Well… that and The Departed.
5. Bukowski’s Tavern
Named after the German poet Charles Bukowski. This bar’s original location is over in Cambridge, but I am referencing the one in Boston. Obviously. It’s sort of located in a blink and you’ll miss it on the side of the road, built around a paring structure. There is a lot to say about good atmosphere and this place has it in DROVES.
The moment you walk in you are aware that it’s an entirely different kind of place. Like the great poet it’s name is derived from, it’s external look has no hint of the brilliance inside. From the red carpet in the front, to the back bar with wooden shelves in the rear, for such a thin floor plan this bar makes use of every inch. Once again, it’s a great way to have fun in Boston.
Charles Bukowski was a gruff looking man who exposed his beautiful heart on his inside through his writing. The bar is not dissimilar. An unassuming outside revealing a wonderful inside. Bukowski’s should be the first thing to do when you arrive. And here we are at the end of number five. What was this a list of again? Oh that’s right. Great ways to have fun in Boston.
This list is not everything Boston has to offer, in fact it doesn’t even come close. I implore you to walk the city yourself and go towards what grabbed you. You are attracted to what matters, and this city has enough pull for everyone. My lists only involves brief mentions of the vast quantities of things to do in Boston. If you can’t find something to do here, I weep for the whole desperate lot of you. No matter what you decide to do in the city remember this, be kind and have fun.
Eric Anderson is a fledgling, (but passionate) journalist and photographer for Society 19 and Marker. What began as a hobby is now a driving force for a new career path. He lives and continues to write non-stop in Boston. His first article was published in 2022 by Society 19. Reach out to him today.