Boston is one of US most interesting cities and although it’s often associated to a city to visit during summer, there are plenty of things to do in Boston in the winter. Cobblestoned streets covered in snow, great food, cultural activities and more. Boston is the perfect destination for your next winter getaway!
If you need help for planning your itinerary read: 3 days in Boston
In this post you will find:
The best things to do in Boston in the winter:
1. Go ice skating
Ice skating is a great activity for both adults and kids and guarantees hours of complete fun. There are many ice skating rinks in Boston but the most popular is The Boston Common Frog Pond. It is open daily from November to March and they offer skate rentals for $18 (adults) and $2 (kids). Admission price is $21 for those over 58-inches and free for skaters under that height.
2. SoWa Winter Festival
If you’re lucky to visit Boston during the holidays, don’t miss a stop at SoWa Winter Festival, one of the best Christmas markets in US. It is the biggest winter shopping village and holiday festival in Boston. Here you can find handmade gifts and enjoy delicious foods and drinks.
SoWa Winter Festival opens around November 28th to December 18th. Entrance is $10.
3. Boston Common
Boston Common is one of my favorite places in the city. The historic Boston Common is one of the oldest public parks in the USA. Head to the park the day after a snowstorm to have fun in the snow by sledding, snow ball fights and just enjoying the park covered in white.
Don’t miss a stop at the “Make Way for Ducklings” bronze sculpture to see their outfit of the day!
4. Visit Acorn Street
Acorn Street is located in Beacon Hill, one of the most beautiful Boston neighborhoods. This historic neighborhood has authentic English vibes: brick houses, cobbled streets, lanterns, trees perfectly aligned. Acorn Street, is one of the most famous and photographed streets of the USA. It is a narrow street with cobblestone that takes us back in time to the colonial Boston in the nineteenth century, when it was inhabited by merchants and craftsmen.
5. Enjoy delicious food at Quincy Market
Quincy Market is a historic market is located in downtown Boston. Its interior is beautiful and the atmosphere of the place is unique. There are artists singing or playing instruments while people eat at community tables. At Quincy Market you can find a great variety of food including local specialities like the Boston cream pie, lobster rolls and clam chowder.
6. Boston Public Library
One of the most incredible buildings in Boston that you can’t miss is Boston Public Library. Founded in 1848, it was the first public library in the United States. The main reading room is breathtaking and definitely a good place to avoid the cold weather outside.
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7. Visit Boston museums
If it’s too cold to walk around outside, I recommend visiting some of Boston’s museums:
- Museum of Fine Arts: The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is one of the most important art museums in the United States. Admission is included with the Go City Boston pass.
- Museum of Science: The perfect museum for those traveling with kids. Here you can learn all about science, technology, and the human body. The museum is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is included with the Go City Boston pass.
- Boston Children’s Museum: A museum dedicated to children’s education. Admission is included with the Go City Boston pass.
8. Enjoy the views from the Skywalk Observatory
For the best views of the city, head to the Skywalk Observatory which is 50 floors up in the Prudential Building, offering a 360° view over the city of Boston. I recommend going up at sunset. You can also enjoy dinner at Top of the Hub, located two floors up.
The Skywalk Observatory is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM during the winter.
- Admission is included with the Go City Boston pass.
9. Take a Guided Tour of Boston
Take advantage of a sunny day to dive into the city’s history and join this guided tour of Boston, where you’ll visit the main monuments and historic buildings with a professional guide.
10. Walk Around the Seaport District and the Boston Harborwalk
The Seaport is one of Boston’s most modern neighborhoods and, even if it’s cold, it has a special charm in winter.
You can walk along the Boston Harborwalk, a waterfront path that stretches along much of the harbor. Even though the wind can be freezing, it’s one of the loveliest places to watch the sunset. After your walk, step into one of the cafés or bars in the Seaport to warm up.
11. Watch a Celtics Game
Going to TD Garden is a classic American experience. The arena is indoors, so it’s a great nighttime activity. Even if you’re not into sports, the atmosphere alone makes it worth it. The Boston Celtics are the city’s professional basketball team—one of the most historic and successful in the NBA. You can buy tickets to see the Celtics here.
Weather in Boston in winter
The average temperature in January is -1ºC, so I recommend bringing warm clothing. Thermal layers, comfy wool sweaters, waterproof boots, gloves, a hat, a scarf, and a heavy winter jacket are essential. Snowstorms are common, and the wind can make the real-feel temperature several degrees lower.
You can read my guide on what to wear in New York in winter, since the weather in both cities is quite similar.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Boston in Winter
Boston is a small, walkable city, but in winter it’s important to choose a central area or somewhere close to the subway to avoid walking too much in the cold. Here are some recommendations:
- Aloft Boston Seaport: I stayed at ths hotel and would definitely stay here again. It is located in Boston Seaport which is a bit remote area if you stay here during winter but it is still close to downtown. The hotel has a really cool and modern design. Prices for Aloft Boston Seaport in Booking.
- Newbury Guest House: A really nice hotel located on Newbury Street. It is an old typical Boston house which now works as a hotel. A unique hotel with an unbeatable location. Prices for Newbury Guest House in Booking.
- YOTEL Boston: I stayed in YOTEL New York and loved it. YOTEL Boston has a great terrace with panoramic views. Prices for YOTEL Boston in Booking
I hope this information will help you plan your trip and enjoy Boston in the winter!
Other useful posts:
- What to do in 3 days in Boston
- Best things to do in New York in winter
- New York Winter Packing List
- The best Christmas markets in US
- 4 days in Chicago
- The best things to do in New York
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