Brace yourself for an action-packed 24-hours in Boston! It is one of the most historic and culturally rich cities in the United States. There are so many things to see and do in Boston, your head is probably spinning just trying to figure out where to start planning your trip!
To be honest, one day in Boston simply isn’t enough to scratch the surface of everything Boston has to offer. However, if that’s all the time you have to spend in this bustling city, then this 1 day in Boston itinerary is perfect for you!
Get ready for an exciting adventure as we hop on a duck tour, take in the mesmerizing cityscape, and feast on delicious Boston specialties!
This one day Boston itinerary will take you to the best of Boston in 24 hours.
Table of Contents
Arriving in Boston
If you’re flying into Boston, you’ll most likely be arriving at the Boston Logan International Airport. This airport is located only 3 miles to the east of the city. The close distance makes it super convenient to get to downtown Boston.
You have several options of transportation.
You can either ride the Blue-line subway (known as the T) or hop into a taxi (~$25 to $30). Another option is to take the free silver-line bus to South Station in downtown Boston.
Getting Around Boston
Since you’re only spending one day in Boston, you’re on limited time. You want to get around Boston efficiently.
Well, I got some good news for you!
Downtown Boston is compact and totally walkable. Most of the tourist attractions are within walking distances of each other. I honestly think it’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the historic charm of Boston.
When you’re tired of walking, here are the other ways to get around Boston:

The T
Boston’s public transportation system makes getting around easy and efficient. You can easily take the subway (often referred to as the T) to tour the multiple neighborhoods in Boston.
Did you know Boston has the oldest subway system in the US?
Tapping a CharlieCard (T’s rechargeable fare card) is how you pay the fares for the rides. However, since you’re only in Boston for a day, all you need is a CharlieTicket. A one day unlimited ride pass is only $12. You can grab these at any of the fare vending machines inside the subway stations.
Biking in Boston
Boston is renowned for being one of the top cities for cyclists. You can easily rent a bike through the Blue Bikes’s bike-share program. There are over 200 rental stations all over the city! Just download the app or visit any bicycle kiosks.
Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
Hop on a trolley tour for an effortless way to explore Boston. You can just sit back and relax as you listen to a narrated tour of the city, then hop off at any stop to continue exploring on your own!
These tours are perfect for first-time visitors, or anyone who wants to see as much of the city as possible in a short time.
Driving in Boston
I do not recommend driving within Boston. With all the narrow one-way streets and heavy traffic, driving can be quite a headache.
You’ll also spend the majority of your time trying to find parking in Boston. Which is almost impossible to find, especially if you’re visiting Boston during peak season.
Map of Boston in One Day
Follow the route to see the best of Boston in 24 hours! This Boston itinerary includes activities on both land and water!
One Day in Boston Itinerary
Start the morning in this historic city by visiting the Freedom Trail. This 2.5 mile trail showcases some of the most important historical sites in Boston.
While most visitors start at the Boston Common and make their way to the Bunker Hill Monument. For this one-day itinerary, we’ll be doing something different.
We’ll be starting the day at the Bunker Hill Monument and USS Constitution (the last 2 stops on the Freedom Trail). From there, we make multiple stops at various popular neighborhoods in Boston until we end the day in Back Bay.
Morning: USS Constitution (Old Ironsides)

After breakfast, head to the location of USS Constitution. It is inside the Boston National Historical Park, as part of the Charlestown Navy Yard.
Built in 1797, the USS Constitution (aka Old Ironsides) is the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat today. Every year during July 4, the ship sails the Boston Harbor to maintain the commission status.
There are two parts to this stop: the museum and the ship. Expect to spend 1-2 hours.
Visit the museum while you wait for the ship to open for visitors at 10am. With a wide variety of artifacts and exhibits, the USS Constitution Museum will give you a much better understanding of the ship and its place in history.
After a quick visit to the museum, it’s time to board the ship.
Once you’re onboard, explore the ship on a self-guided tour. Active duty sailors dressed in period uniforms will pose as crew and answer any of your questions.
Museum daily 9am-6pm
Ship Tues-Sun 10am-6pm
In order to board the USS Constitution, all adults need to first show a photo ID (driver’s license or passport) and go through a security screening.
Bunker Hill Monument
After you finish exploring the ship, make your way up the stairs to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument for a breathtaking view of the city.
This 220ft obelisk monument stands as a tribute to the Battle of Bunker Hill, a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. Despite their defeat, this battle instilled a newfound sense of belief in the patriots that victory was attainable.
Because the Bunker Hill Monument is a popular spot for school trips, you’ll need a climbing pass to gain access during the months of April to June. You can grab a climbing pass (first-come first-serve) from the Bunker Hill Museum across the street from the monument.
Go on a Duck Tour (Aquarium Departure Point)
Take a bus or ferry over to New England Aquarium to join a Duck Boat Tour. This is one of the best things to do in Boston. If you’re only spending a day in Boston, make it your highlight!
Duck boats (DUKW) are boat-truck hybrids that can go on both land and water. How cool is that! These amphibious vehicles were also used during WWII to transport troops and supplies.

Now’s the chance to experience a ride on one of these amphibious vehicles yourself! The Boston Duck Tours offers you the chance to see the city of Boston from multiple perspectives.
The guided tour will last for 80 minutes and will take you to some of the most important historical sites and landmarks in the city. You also get to enjoy the stunning Boston skylines during the 20 minute cruise down the Charles River. It’s truly Boston in a day!
Here’s a map of the route! You can book a Duck Tour with either Viator or GetYourGuide.
There are three departure locations for the Duck Boat Tour: New England Aquarium, Prudential Center (Back Bay), and the Museum of Science. The tour departs every 30 minutes from 9am to 6:30pm.
For this Boston itinerary, we’ll choose the New England Aquarium as our departure point. This way, we can have lunch right after the tour.
Freedom Trail By Foot (Alternative Route to Duck Tour)
Since the Boston duck tour is only available during the warmer seasons, I’ve included an alternative route. Taking the duck tour? Click here to jump to the rest of the itinerary.
Take the bus or the T to North End (aka Little Italy). You’ll find the neighborhood jam-packed with Italian delights. Everything from bakeries, cafes, delis, restaurants, and wine shops.
Explore the rest of the morning by visiting the Freedom Trail stops that pique your curiosity. Here are some suggested stops to consider before grabbing lunch:
- Copp’s Hill Burying Ground is the second oldest cemetery in Boston, dating all the way back to 1660. It’s said to be the resting place for over 10,000 people!
- Built in 1723, the Old North Church is the oldest church in Boston. This historic church marks the beginning of Paul Revere’s famous Midnight Ride, where he rode to alert the patriots of the British army’s approach. For a tour of the church, you can check out their schedule online.
- Spend 30 minutes exploring the historical home of Paul Revere (and his 16 children!) in the North End of downtown Boston. The Paul Revere House is a National Historic Landmark, as well as the oldest house in the city!
- Bring home some souvenirs from its gift shop! You can find reproductions of Paul Revere’s silver works, toys from the colonial era, and history books on the Revolutionary War.
If you’re craving for a little snack, check out Mike’s Pastry on Hanover Street (one street over from the Paul Revere House).

- Faneuil Hall Marketplace dates back to 1742 and served as a meeting hall for debates that led to the Revolutionary War.
- The Old State House, built in 1713, is the oldest public building in Boston. The building now serves as a museum and is open for tours. Visitors can tour the historic period rooms and view exhibits of artifacts from the Revolution period.
- Along the Freedom Trail, outside the Old State House, you’ll see a pavement marker that marks the Boston Massacre Site. A memorial of the five colonists who were killed by British soldiers when protesting the British tax policies.

- The Old South Meeting House is a National Historic Landmark in Boston and the start of the Boston Tea Party. It was built in 1729 and is the largest colonial building in Boston.
- The Granary Burying Ground is the resting place of three signers of the Declaration of Independence: Samuel Adams, John Hancok, and Robert Treat Paine. You’ll also be able to find the graves of Paul Revere and the five Boston Massacre victims.
Lunch: Quincy Market
The Quincy Market is a National Historic Landmark located directly behind the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. It’s a super popular spot for both tourists and locals alike. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch on our itinerary.
With a huge variety of food choices, prepare yourself for a culinary adventure! It’s honestly one of Boston’s best places to visit.
Two must haves: the Clam Chowder and the Lobster Roll! Be sure to check out Boston Chowda for some amazing clam chowder! It’s not a perfect day in Boston if you’re missing out on the food!
Waterfront & Long Wharf

After lunch, digest your food by strolling along the Waterfront and the Long Wharf, the longest wharf in the world.
The Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park is a great place to relax and people watch. The park is a popular field trip destination, as well as a popular picnic spot during the summer months. There’s also a rose garden in the park.
Chinatown
Our next stop on the Boston travel itinerary is Chinatown!
Ride the T (subway) at the Boston Public Market to Chinatown. If you have time, take a slight detour to experience the only year-round indoor market that exclusively showcases goods from local vendors.
A quick five minute subway ride, you’re now in Chinatown!
Fun fact: Boston’s Chinatown is the third largest Chinatown in the United States!
While it’s called Chinatown, you’re not limited to just Chinese food. It’s the best spot in Boston if you’re craving Asian food. You’ll find a variety, including dim sum, Vietnamese food, Thai food, etc. Grab a bubble tea while you’re at it!
If you didn’t take the duck boat tour in the morning, then take this time to walk around Boston Common and the Boston Public Park.
Boston Common
It’s the oldest public park in the United State, as well as the starting point of the Freedom Trail for many visitors. Not surprising to say it’s a popular hangout spot for both locals and visitors. During the summer, you’ll find free Shakespeare shows here in the evening.
Boston Public Garden
This is the first public botanical garden in the US. One of the most captivating things to see in Boston during the spring will be the blooming of the 35,000 tulips.
For a fun and cheap activity, check out the swan boats in the Boston Public Garden. For a couple of dollars, you can leisurely paddle through the lagoon during April-August.

While walking in the garden, you may stumble upon the renowned Make Way for Duckling Statues!
It gained fame from Robert McCloskey’s cherished children’s book, now recognized as the official Children’s book of Massachusetts! The statues is also the meeting point for the free walking tour of the Boston Public Garden that runs from June to Sept.
Evening in Back Bay
End the day in Boston at one of the city’s best shopping and entertainment neighborhoods.
Make a quick stop at Copley Square to look at the three impressive surrounding buildings: Trinity Church, Boston Public Library, and 200 Clarendon Street.
Trinity Church is considered one of the ten finest architecture in the US. Free tours are offered throughout the week. If you come on a Friday you can even enjoy a free organ recital!
What makes the Boston Public Library stand out is the fact that it’s the first public library in the USA where patrons are allowed to borrow books and take them home. The library also offers free guided art and architecture tours from the entrance hall throughout the week.

And lastly, the 200 Clarendon Street, formerly known as the John Hancock Tower, is the tallest building in New England at over 60 stories tall.
Once you’re done checking these buildings, enjoy dinner at one of the countless restaurants in Back Bay. Make your way to Newbury Street if you prefer to indulge in some fine dining and upscale shopping.
Let loose and spend the rest of the evening on a shopping spree, browsing through the multiple shops that stay open late.
Still not tired yet? Make the most out of your 24 hours in Boston by going on a ghost tour!
A Little More Than A Day in Boston
If you have two days in Boston, here are few more activities and tours you can do with the extra time!
Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of the most popular day trips from Boston. If you have more than one day in Boston, definitely check this experience!
New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium attracts crowds with its 70+ exhibits of aquatic animals around the world. Since it’s one of the top things to do in Boston, it is recommended to avoid going during the midday when it’s at its busiest.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Including the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum in your Boston itinerary is an absolute must if you’re seeking to learn the history of Boston in an immersive way. This one-of-a-kind museum provides a unique experience to relive the events of the Boston Tea Party through re-enactments. Participate in throwing tea overboard, just as the colonists did over two centuries ago!
You can also visit Abigail’s Tea Room to sample 5 historic teas that were thrown overboard. Check out the South Boston Waterfront if you have more time!
Food Tours
Save Money on Attractions
If you’re planning on visiting multiple paid attractions during your one day in Boston, check out CityPASS Boston or Go City Boston Pass. It’s one of the best ways to save on the attractions in Boston. These passes give priority access so you don’t have to waste time waiting on line.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Boston

If you want to experience the bustling energy and vibrant atmosphere of this historical city at its peak, then summer time is the best time to visit Boston. With great weather and countless summer activities, such as outdoor concerts and festivals, there’s never a dull moment in Boston during the summer months.
While in the fall, Boston offers pleasant weather with colorful foliage, making it perfect for outdoor activities like strolling through the historic streets or enjoying a picnic in one of its many parks.
As a result, peak season for Boston last from July to October. You’ll find yourself surrounded by large crowds and paying higher prices for accommodations.
For a more tranquil experience in Boston with fewer crowds, plan your visit between January and April. However, be prepared for the chilly winter weather with temperatures above freezing point. Snow is a common sight during this time, but on the bright side, you can take advantage of amazing hotel deals during the off-peak season while exploring Boston.
Where to Stay in Boston
To make the most out of your time in Boston, find accommodation near downtown Boston. It’s one of the best areas to stay in since it’s the heart of Boston where you’ll have easy access to all the major attractions.
You’ve only got a day in Boston after all, best not to spend it in transit!
Here are some of the best places to stay in Boston during your visit:
Hostel
Hotels in Boston
Final Thoughts
Boston is undeniably a city that offers something for everyone, whether its rich history, the delicious food, or simply its charming streets.
There are so many amazing things to see and do that you can easily spend 24 hours in Boston.
So pack your bags and start planning your visit to this incredible city – you won’t want to miss out on all the excitement that awaits you!
Pin for Later!
