Looking for the best things to do in Boston for young adults?
Whether you're a local or just visiting, Boston is brimming with exciting activities that cater to every interest.
From historic sites and cultural experiences to vibrant nightlife and outdoor adventures, this city offers endless possibilities for young adults looking to explore, unwind, or have a great time with friends.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, hidden gems, and must-do experiences in Boston, perfect for anyone seeking to make the most out of their time in this dynamic and historic city.
And just so you know, nobody pays us to be listed here. They’re just places we’ve been or experiences we’ve had that we want to recommend to you, so you can find the best things to do in Boston. No affiliate links!
Best Things to Do in Boston for Young Adults
Do a Scavenger Hunt Through Boston
Location: 📍Various
Looking for things to do in Boston for young adults that require next to no planning at all? Give this scavenger hunt a try.
This interactive experience will have you and your friends uncovering hidden gems, solving puzzles, and learning fascinating tidbits about Boston’s rich history. It’s a perfect way to explore the city, whether you’re a local or just visiting (seriously, locals: you’ve been sleeping on a bunch of stuff without even realizing it). Plus, you can compete with friends to see who’s the ultimate Boston sleuth!
Practical information: Available daily; prices start at $20 per person. The hunt takes approximately 2-3 hours. Start and pause the game whenever you like.
Catch a Game at Fenway Park
Location: 📍4 Jersey St, Boston
Brief description:
Have you even been to Boston if you didn’t visit Fenway Park?
Experiencing Boston’s passion for baseball at the legendary Fenway Park is up there on most people’s bucket lists–and for good reason. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just in it for the snacks, catching a game here is a must. It’s the home of the Red Sox, and, love ‘em or hate ‘em, they’re responsible for some pretty awesome feats in the sport’s history.
Plus, who doesn’t love the chance to belt out "Sweet Caroline" with a crowd of thousands?
Practical information: Game times vary; tickets start around $30, depending on the matchup. Check the Red Sox schedule for details.
Walk Around the Boston Public Garden
Location: 📍4 Charles St, Boston
Boston is a city of firsts, and if you wanted to, you could make your whole time here an itinerary of visiting places that made history–and it’s not all about the Boston Tea Party, either.
Boston Public Garden is America’s first public botanical garden, and it’s got everything you could ask for: lagoons, swan boats, plenty of space to hang out and some pretty cool statues (I love the iconic Make Way For Ducklings statue).
If you just want somewhere nice to chill out, or if you want to take a romantic walk, this is the place to do it.
Practical information: Open daily from sunrise to sunset; free entry. Swan boats operate from April to September, with rides costing around $4.50.
Make The Most of The Nightlife – The Boston Way
Location: 📍Various
Yep, I guess most of you came here looking exclusively for this. I’m going to tell you straight: nightlife in Boston isn’t like nightlife elsewhere in the country.
What does that mean? Well, a couple of things: bars, clubs and diners close earlier here. NYC might be the city that never sleeps, but Boston sleeps. Even the trains stop running earlier.
But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. You can find awesome bars. There are places to dance your butt off. We do have a music scene. You’ve just gotta know where to find ‘em,
Here are my recommendations:
- In the city: Lansdowne Pub, Cheeky Monkey, Loretta’s Last Call (Has live country music and line dancing, it’s epic)
- Central Square (Cambridge): Phoenix Landing, Middle East, Brick and Mortar
Practical information: Open daily, though nightlife picks up after 7 pm. Trains stop around midnight, so make sure you plan ahead.
Check Out Newbury Street
Location: 📍Newbury Street, Back Bay
Indulge in some retail therapy or simply soak up the vibes on Boston’s most fashionable street. From high-end boutiques to quirky thrift shops, Newbury Street has it all.
And when you need a break, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can refuel and people-watch.
Practical information: Shops and cafes have varying hours; free to wander, but your wallet might get a workout.
Go to a Concert at the House of Blues
Location: 📍15 Lansdowne St, Boston
Looking for things to do in Boston for young adults that involve some good tunes? Head to the House of Blues.
Don’t be fooled by the name–whether you're into indie bands, hip-hop, or classic rock, this spot delivers an unforgettable concert experience. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, stick around for the after-party at their Foundation Room (VIP-only.
Practical information: Showtimes and ticket prices vary by event; check their website for the latest lineup. Doors usually open at 7 pm.
Fun Things to Do in Boston for Young Adults
Tour the Samuel Adams Brewery
Location: 📍30 Germania St, Boston
Location: 30 Germania St, Boston
If you’re over 21 and looking for things to do in Boston for young adults, you’ve almost got to tour a brewery.
Boston is pretty much beer heaven, so if you’re into your hops-based beverages, you’re in luck. You’ll find out how beers are brewed, some secrets behind Boston’s most famous beers, and, most importantly, do some sampling of your own. Cheers to that!
Practical information: Tours run Monday to Saturday; tickets are $10 and include a tasting glass. Advanced booking is recommended, especially on weekends. Check their website for tour times and special events.
Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Location: 📍306 Congress St, Boston
C’mon, you can’t visit Boston and not do something related to the Tea Party.
Relive the event that sparked a revolution at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. This interactive experience lets you toss tea into the harbor, meet historical reenactors, and even take home your own souvenir tea chest (mini-sized, of course).
Practical information: Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm; admission is $32.99 for adults, with discounts available online.
Stroll Along the Charles River Esplanade
Location: 📍Boston, along the Charles River
Ok, so this probably isn’t the most “exciting” idea on this list of things to do in Boston for young adults, but it’s absolutely one of the prettiest.
If you just want somewhere to hang out or do some exercise, this is the nicest spot to do it in.
Go for a jog, take a stroll, or just sit down and enjoy the views (it’s also an awesome spot to take a picture of the skyline). During summer, there are also fitness classes you can take part in here (stuff like sunset yoga, zumba, etc), so check out the website to see if anything’s on during your visit.
Practical information: Open from dawn till dusk.
Take a Day Trip to Harvard Square
Location: 📍Harvard Square, Cambridge
Some folks will tell you that Harvard Square “isn’t what it used to be”, and maybe that’s true – but in my opinion, it’s still high up on my list of things to do in Boston for young adults.
Why? Because it’s still where young people hang out!
Apart from the quirky bookstores, historic cafes and the general youthful collegiate atmosphere, there’s a bunch of hidden stuff hiding in plain sight around here. Head over to the Harvard Yard Park (it’s worth seeing) and check out the Widener Library (interestingly named after an ill-fated passenger of the Titanic).
Practical information: Shops and cafes open throughout the day; free to explore, though you might be tempted by a few impulse buys.
Have a “Whale” of a Time–Literally
Location: 📍Boston Harbor
Tea’s not the only thing we’ve got in Boston Harbor, y’know.
San Francisco has sea lions, NYC has an abundance of pigeons, but we’ve got whales. Yep, you can see real-life ocean giants up close on a whale-watching tour that departs from Boston Harbor, and it’s a truly unforgettable experience.
You’ll be taken out to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, one of the best spots in the world for spotting these gentle giants. There’s a chance you’ll see humpback, finback and minke whales, along with dolphins and seabirds.
Perfect for anybody who loves nature documentaries or marine life, or young adults who want to go a step beyond touching grass and connect with nature on a unique Boston experience.
Practical information: Tours are available seasonally from April to October and last about 3-4 hours. Tickets range from $50 to $70, and reservations are recommended to secure your spot. For more information or to book your tour, visit Boston City Cruises.
Attend a Comedy Show at Improv Asylum
Location: 📍216 Hanover St, Boston
There’s way more to Boston humor than just making fun of the accent, you know.
Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at Improv Asylum, Boston’s premier spot for live improv comedy. With quick-witted performers and unpredictable sketches, every show is a unique experience.
Practical information: Shows typically start at 7:30 pm; tickets range from $20 to $30. Booking in advance is recommended.
Hang Out in the South End
Location: 📍South, Boston
Just in case this needs clarifying, the South End is not the same as Southie (y’know, the neighborhood that literally every movie set in Boston mentions).
No, the South End is a vibrant, artsy neighborhood known for its trendy cafes, chic galleries, and the lively SoWa Open Market. It’s a great place to spend some time exploring, eating, and soaking up the local culture (plus there’s some top-notch people-watching opportunities around here).
Practical information: Shops and galleries have varying hours; the SoWa Open Market runs on Sundays from May to October.
Visit the Boston Common
Location: 📍139 Tremont St, Boston
Remember when I said Boston is a city of firsts? Well, here’s another reminder in case you missed it.
As the oldest city park in the U.S., Boston Common is rich with both history and charm. It’s an ideal spot for a casual picnic, a game of frisbee, or just lounging on the grass. During the winter, the Frog Pond transforms into a magical ice-skating rink, so the fun doesn’t stop when the weather turns.
Practical information: Open daily from dawn to dusk; free entry. Seasonal activities like ice skating may have fees.
Walk Around Castle Island
Location: 📍2010 William J Day Blvd, South Boston
You wanna know what’s awesome about Castle Island? Literally everything.
If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Boston for young adults, don’t miss this place.
Castle Island offers scenic views, historic Fort Independence, and plenty of space for picnicking and walking along the beach. It’s a perfect spot for a laid-back day outdoors, complete with ocean breezes and possibly a seagull or two trying to steal your sandwich (ok, only if you’re unlucky).
But seriously. This place is so gorgeous and visiting it is totally free.
Practical information: Open daily from dawn to dusk; free entry and parking. Fort tours are seasonal.
Explore the Boston Harbor Islands
Location: Accessible via ferry from Boston Harbor
Speaking of islands, there’s a bunch of “actual” islands to explore around Boston as well.
Escape the city and explore the natural beauty of the Boston Harbor Islands. With opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and exploring historic forts, these islands offer a refreshing day trip that feels a world away from the urban hustle.
Oh and if you’re trying to avoid touristy things, don’t worry. Somehow, most out of town people get stuck around the Freedom Trail, so oddly enough, you’ll find mostly locals heading out to the islands.
Practical information: Ferries operate seasonally from May to October; round-trip tickets are about $25. Island amenities vary.
Find More Things to Do in Boston with CityDays
So there you have it, 16+ things to do in Boston for young adults!
Hopefully, we’ve been able to satisfy your curiosity for now - but you know, there’s always more out there you can discover about Boston.
Discover Boston’s secret sights and noteworthy nooks by playing one of our Boston walking tours, scavenger hunts and outdoor escape rooms!
All you have to do is team up with your partner, friends, family or whoever to solve riddles, complete challenges and answer trivia to lead you on an unforgettable journey around Boston’s most intriguing streets.
The best part? We’ll recommend top-rated bars and cafés along the way and give your team the chance to earn rewards by competing on our leaderboard!
CityDays gives you total freedom to start and finish whenever you like, take extra breaks if you want or need them, and it’s suitable for people of all ages.
You’re also guaranteed your money back if you don’t have an incredible time - although our previous reviews speak for themselves: we’re rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor and 4.95/5 on Google Reviews!