Boston hidden gems offer visitors an immersive and captivating experience, from outdoor activities to hidden nooks and crannies. You will be left mesmerized and mesmerized as you discover everything from culinary theatres to hidden beer bars! These destinations will leave you enchanted and immersed!
Explore Beacon Hill and wander its cobblestone streets adorned with gas lanterns and ivy-covered brownstones adorned with gas lighting. Beacon Hill boasts numerous antique stores for an unparalleled shopping experience.
1. Sam Adams Brewery
Sam Adams Brewery offers the perfect way to explore Boston’s historic Freedom Trail. The famous brewery named for renowned brewer-turned-patriot Sam Adams is widely considered the pioneering force behind American craft beer revolution, offering tours and sampling some of their beers.
Sam Adams Brewery is located in Jamaica Plain, formerly considered to be a hub of major beer production like Napa Valley is for wine. When founded, Jim Koch wanted his brewery to challenge dominant brewing giants while standing out with full-flavored beers that stood out.
He modeled his company on the revolutionary spirit of Samuel Adams. Born and raised among Boston’s working-class artisans, brewers, and distillers, Samuel developed an exceptional rapport with local laborers through speaking their language and using their local watering holes as hubs for organizing revolution. Today, Sam Adams beers remain market leaders and continue to receive worldwide acclaim.
2. Paul Revere House
North Square’s early home of famous silversmith and Patriot Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s midnight ride inspired his 1860 poem is now one of Boston’s oldest houses; built in 1680 it now ranks among its most visited attractions along the Freedom Trail.
Revere supported his family through silversmithing trade, living in this humble house during a pivotal and uncertain era for Boston. He joined Sons of Liberty, often sneaking past Tory neighbors to attend secret meetings held at local taverns.
Following Revere’s death, his house became a tenement, then later host shops like a candy store, cigar factory, and bank. To prevent its demolition it was eventually acquired for preservation purposes and opened as a museum in 1908. Alongside it stands the 1711 Pierce/Hichborn House originally owned by glassworker Moses Pierce before passing onto Revere’s cousin Nathaniel Hichborn and his family who eventually opened both homes as museums open on a limited basis for guided tours.
3. Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library in Copley Square offers more than books – it is also a museum of architecture, sculpture and art. When entering Bates Reading Room – named for one of their early major donors – you are met by impressive paintings, tapestries, architectural details and architectural masterpieces that showcase this great institution.
The Library is a national historic landmark designed by Charles Follen McKim from McKim, Mead & White architecture firm. Charles described his masterpiece as being like a “palace for the people”.
In addition to its grand Renaissance building, Boston Public Library features a Children’s Center and Map Room as well as a high-tech community learning center. Furthermore, its vast historical documents collection – which include books from the Revolution as well as diaries, letters and orders of business from colonial times as well as centuries-old maps – include broadsides from Revolutionary battles; diaries letters orders of business orders of colonial times as well as centuries-old maps. Furthermore, its archives hold materials relating to Boston wartime history such as George Washington’s letter discussing preparations for Battle of Boston as well as records documenting siege and evacuation operations during wartime history.
4. Trinity Church Back Bay
Trinity Church Back Bay is an exquisite church situated at the center of Boston and known for its distinctive architectural design, drawing visitors from around the world. A stunning example of Romanesque style architecture with intricate sculptures and paintings throughout.
This stunning structure was constructed between 1872 and 1877 as a replacement church following its destruction during the Great Fire of 1872. Designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, it stands as one of the greatest works of American architectural style.
This church features four arms extending outward from a central tower that stands 64 m (211 feet). Situated in Back Bay neighborhood which was originally mud flats, it stands on 4,500 wooden piles driven through 30 feet of gravel fill, silt and clay to support itself.
Trinity Church is an Episcopal congregation and one of the most welcoming churches for marginalized groups in the nation, featuring an impressive choir, compelling sermons and outreach programs that serve the city.
5. Charles River
The Charles River serves as an unofficial border between Boston and Cambridge, boasting beautiful parks, iconic buildings, and modern attractions along its course. Take a sightseeing cruise or simply stroll along its banks for a delightful tour that takes in Beacon Hill Victorian mansions, the gold dome Massachusetts State House, Back Bay shops and restaurants, plus much more.
Each spring, thousands of diadromous fish (fish that migrate between fresh and salt water) migrate from Lake Charles into its lakes, ponds, and tributaries to spawn. These include Alewife Herrings, American Shads, Blueback Herrings, Rainbow Smelts, Striped Basss and White Perches – just to name a few!
On Boston’s side of the river, The Esplanade sprawls for miles with footpaths, ponds, playgrounds and an amphitheatre for summer concerts. A popular place for walkers, runners and bikers looking for urban-nature connections; also featuring public art including a giant bust of Arthur Fiedler (former conductor of Boston Pops Orchestra).
6. Speakeasy Bars
Speakeasy bars capture the allure and glamour of Prohibition-era Boston. These hidden spots promise an exciting night out with friends!
Brick & Mortar, located in Downtown Crossing, is a hidden neighborhood bar with an air of mystery and sophistication. Guests must descend a dark stairwell to reach this sultry cocktail lounge decorated with pop cultural references and featuring communal high tops. Try one of Brick & Mortar’s special cocktails like “A Good Idea,” which comes served inside an LED lightbulb that emits fragrant citrus smoke fragrance!
Stanza dei Sigari has transformed from cigar bar to speakeasy since its opening as an underground venue in North End’s secret staircase, with classic prohibition-era decor such as leather couches. Order drinks with an edge from its extensive list of over 150 whiskeys and cocktails!
7. Kayaking on the Charles River
Paddle the tranquil waters of Boston’s Charles River for an unforgettable experience! This lesser-known gem provides an escape from crowds while giving you an opportunity to see Boston from a new angle with scenic vistas along your journey.
At Wang Theatre’s Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame, this unique exhibition honors Chicago’s rich musical legacy with exhibits that showcase legendary artists like Keb Mo’ and Joan Baez. Guided public tours as well as private ones can be enjoyed, or bring in your own group for an entirely customized experience!
Skip the crowds on harbor cruises and opt for an adventure on the Charles River with Community Boating’s kayak rentals from April through October, which offer kayak adventures of the Charles. As you paddle, you’ll be able to see attractions such as Museum of Science, Boston University (BU), Hatch Shell and many other popular landmarks without jostling for space in crowded harbor cruises.
8. South End Antique Shops
Even though online shopping has become an increasingly popular trend, nothing beats the thrill of hunting down and finding that ideal vintage item at one of your local antique stores. From historic maps to reclaimed wood furniture or (even stranger) eyeball sculptures – antique stores provide everything needed to find that special vintage find!
At Beacon Hill in Boston lies this eclectic shop that houses an exquisite collection of high-quality items. Curated by owner and namesake Spindler who believes beauty comes in all forms and periods.
This multi-level behemoth features 150 booths filled with nostalgic items, antique furniture, decorative textiles and more – everything from antique lace to bakelite jewelry is here – not forgetting its vast collection of period pieces like mahogany sideboards and 18th-century blanket chests that serve as part of production set designs in movies like Hocus Pocus 2, Little Women and Ted. The store even works closely with production set designers for films like these!
9. Trinity Church Back Bay
Established in 1733, this historic church is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and considered an outstanding example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Inside are stunning stained-glass windows and an impressive organ. Additionally, John La Farge painted several amazing murals inside this incredible place of worship and it also houses notable pieces of artwork by other noted artists.
Trinity Church was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and stands as one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in America. A masterpiece in both architecture and religious history, Trinity is also an embodiment of Boston’s resilience after suffering its catastrophic Great Fire of 1872.
Trinity Boston offers three services on Sunday and a weekly sung Compline service, as well as hosting interfaith and special events, such as its service in response to 9/11 and numerous funerals and consecrations of bishops. In addition, Trinity Boston actively engages in community outreach through various programs that have since become part of Trinity Boston Foundation – a separate nonprofit that assists youth programs.
