10 Things You Need To Experience In Boston Before You Die

In such a large city, it can definitely be hard to decide what to do, as the options are overwhelming! This list is perfect for the adventurous soul, and an absolute bucket list for every Boston-goer. Here are 10 things you need to experience in Boston before you die!

1. Catch Hypothermia

No, don’t really catch hypothermia, but do make your way down to the harbor on New Years Day to participate in the annual polar plunge! A New Years Day tradition like no other, the polar plunge of south Boston draws hundreds of participants and even more onlookers. Despite below freezing temperatures and the icy cold waters of the harbor, this tradition still draws quite the crowd. A must-do before you die, the polar plunge will undoubtedly be something you always remember.

2. Watch the Boston Marathon (#BOSTONSTRONG)

The Boston Marathon is a time honored tradition, and every year thousands of onlookers come to watch ~30,000 runners traverse 26.2 miles in often-grueling conditions. This year’s marathon featured some icy-cold rain, but nonetheless the marathon is well worth watching and supporting these incredible athletes.

Photo by Mary Schwalm/AP/Shutterstock (9633753d)

3. Eat in Foodie Heaven

Boston’s South End is renowned for its multitude of dining options, and I must say all of them are amazing. From Al Dente to Mike’s Pastry, you can’t go wrong in the South End. Eating in the South End is an entirely new experience, and absolutely a must-do in Boston.

4. Go to Boston University’s Public Night at the Observatory

This annual event is put on by Boston University’s observatory. Members of the general public are welcomed in to view the stars and learn about them from current faculty and students. Amazing views and a unique experience will make this night unforgettable.

5. Take a walk around the Prudential Center Skywalk

The Pru’s skywalk boasts a 360-degree view of the city, and draws thousands of visitors each year. Seeing the entire city of Boston laid out below and around you is a must-see, and definitely makes the list.

6. Take a day trip to the Boston Harbor Islands

Remember planes, trains, and automobiles? Well to get to the Harbor Islands, you can take boats, canoes, and kayaks. The Harbor Islands are great for exploring and an unconventional way to spend your time in Boston.

7. Go on a Duck Tour

As weird as it sounds, these tour buses can be spotted from down the street, standing out from their boring, land-confined counterparts. Boston Duck Tours offers fabulous tours of the city in the replica World War II amphibious vehicles, fondly referred to as ducks for their ability to travel on both land and water. Click here for more information on Boston Duck Tours.

8. Take a trip to Italy

Although traveling to Italy may sound irrelevant to this article, Bostonians need not even leave the city for a taste of Italy. Gondola rides on the Charles river are a great way to escape the city for a few hours and take in the gorgeous scenery along the Charles. Allow one of the amazing gondoliers to serenade you as you enjoy your gondola trip. Gondolas can be booked here.

9. Take a trip around the world

Again, this is not so far fetched. Boston’s mapparium offers a stunning look at what it is like to be inside the globe, with its 3 story stained-glass model of the globe. The mapparium is housed in the Mary Baker Eddy library, and is currently featuring an exhibit on how the mapparium was constructed.

10. Become one with the Irish

Every year, the city of Boston comes together and celebrates its universal heritage: being Irish. St. Patrick’s Day is arguably the most important day of the year in Boston, and must be celebrated by going to the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. You may only consider this day a success if you are asked if you are Irish at least once. Everyone bleeds green on St. Patty’s Day, so join in on the fun.