United States
Massachusetts (MA)
Boston
Places to visit in Boston
Waterfront
See all things to do

Waterfront

See all things to do
See all things to do
Waterfront
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
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Top ways to experience Waterfront and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown
The largest area of the city, Downtown is rich with historical and iconic sites in Boston. Stroll through one of Boston’s most famous green spaces, the Boston Public Gardens, check out and make way for duckling statues, picnic under a beautiful tree overlooking the pond, and walk over the iconic footbridge where, during summer time, you will catch a swan boat toting children and eager tourists through the pond. Have your camera ready to capture its peaceful beauty in the middle of a bustling city. Continue on through the Gardens and take in some open green space at the Boston Common, where you can spend time throwing a frisbee, sitting on a park bench, or, in the winter time, skating on the frog pond. Head north from the end of the Common to see the golden dome of the State House, and travel through government center to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, both a historic and popular destination worth a quick visit for a first time to Boston. Head to Long Wharf to visit the Aquarium, or catch a boat to Charlestown or even Cape Cod.
How to get there
  • South Station • 5 min walk
  • Downtown Crossing • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,319 within 5 kms
James Hook & Co.
1,765
0.3 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Quick Bites • American • Seafood
Sam LaGrassa's
1,591
0.5 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • American • Fast food • Deli
Mr. Dooley's Boston Tavern
560
0.3 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Irish • Bar • Pub
Cafe Bonjour
200
0.6 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • American • Cafe • Healthy
Bostonia Public House
1,370
0.5 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • American • Bar • Wine Bar
O Ya
323
0.4 km₹₹₹₹ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Kane's Donuts
140
0.2 km₹ • Bakeries • American • Gluten Free Options
Fin Point
228
0.3 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • American • Bar • Seafood
Luke's Lobster Downtown Crossing
178
0.4 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Quick Bites • American • Seafood
Smith & Wollensky - Boston
468
0.3 km₹₹₹₹ • American • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options
See all
Attractions
590 within 10 kms
Boston Lyric Opera
4
0.2 kmOperas
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
6,830
0.4 kmShips • History Museums
Freedom Trail
17,814
0.7 kmHistoric Walking Areas
Rose Kennedy Greenway
570
0.5 kmParks
Federal Reserve Bank Building
2
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Norman B. Leventhal Park
23
0.3 kmParks
Independence Wharf
9
0.3 kmMarinas
Museum of African American History
86
0.3 kmSpeciality Museums • Churches & Cathedrals
Old State House
1,404
0.5 kmHistoric Sites • History Museums
Shrine of Saint Anthony
21
0.3 kmChurches & Cathedrals
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,846 reviews
Excellent
1,110
Very good
626
Average
97
Poor
11
Terrible
2
Nat D
2 contributions
Never rains @ the Waterfront!
Jul 2023 • Family
It never rains at the Waterfront!
Fantastic people, great staff, delicious food
Griffith n Ningi Lots of love

❤️ Meg & Andy
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT2,064 contributions
Pleasant way to spend a day
Jul 2023
This super busy, pretty waterfront area is a wonderful place to enjoy the water and appreciate the breadth and scope of the city. Walk along the 43-mile harborwalk, take a harbor cruise from the pier, enjoy a summertime concert at the Leader Park Pavilion, eat at one of the numerous restaurants bordering the waterfront, or just soak in Boston's bustling activity. The New England Aquarium, which is a Boston must-see, is also on the waterfront, and there are plenty of other museums nearby as well.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K P
Des Moines, IA194 contributions
Gorgeous views of the city
Jun 2023
We walked about 20 minutes of the waterfront planning to hit the seals at the aquarium which are in view from the street (near the admission office). It was a beautiful walk in the evening before dinner.
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BER0416
Chattanooga, TN693 contributions
Take in the harbor sites and sounds
Jun 2023 • Couples
Bustling with activity, the waterfront is a great area for a stroll along the harbor front, watch the ferries come and go, take in local entertainment, and get a bite to eat from the many establishments nearby. The aquarium also has an outdoor harbor seal exhibit.
Written 24 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christopherbO9687MP
Acton, MA668 contributions
Recommend the walk along Atlantic Avenue to see Waterfront
Mar 2023
I recommend the walk along Atlantic Avenue to see the Boston Waterfront; particularly from the North End down to Congress Street. Lots of parks, restaurants, and reconditioned wharves.
Written 7 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ritchie Taylor
Old Colwyn, UK4 contributions
Boston Vist
Sep 2022
Sunning views when entering from the river , Night time is the best time to take photos when entering on a water taxi . Everyone is friendly on the port
Written 23 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rnmassage
130 contributions
Beautiful and Very Fun!
Aug 2022
The waterfront is not to be missed! So much to do and see and the place where much of what one would want to see in Boston is located!
Written 28 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine S
Atlanta, GA115 contributions
A Must-See
Aug 2022
It's a great way to see the functioning harbor with good picture taking opportunities. No public restrooms, but plenty to seating to enjoy the waterfront. Unless you are visiting the Aquarium, be prepared to have a meal nearby otherwise, you will not be able to use the restroom unless you buy a meal in a restaurant.
Written 23 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick S
Davie, FL1,255 contributions
Beautiful
Aug 2022
We're staying in the harbor and the activity is great. Everything is in walking distance of the boat. Plenty to see and do.
Written 15 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChanceMan00
Orlando, FL283 contributions
See where the tea landed
Aug 2022
It's worth taking a boat tour to understand the architecture and history of Boston Harbor. It was a wreck for so many years and now it's coming back with new construction and commerce.
Written 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Waterfront (Boston) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

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