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Boston at a glance

Cruise portFlynn Cruiseport Boston, Seaport District
To downtownAbout 2 miles (3 km)
Getting aroundSilver Line, taxi, rideshare or on foot
CurrencyUS dollar
Best forHistory, markets and harbour walks
Time you needA full port day
Amy Davoli, CTA, Travitude Travel Group travel consultant
Amy Davoli, CTATravel & Cruise Consultant

“I can certainly see another trip to Boston in my future.”

Top Things to Do in Boston

Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.

Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall

Amy’s pickFood and shopping

On a gorgeous, warm, sunny day in port, Amy decided to just walk around for a few hours and explore, and ended up at Quincy Market, which was busy and happening, with street performers out entertaining the crowds. Quincy Market and historic Faneuil Hall make up Faneuil Hall Marketplace, with a food hall, shops and patios in the heart of downtown.

From the port
About 2 miles (3 km)
Cost
Free to browse
Find
Food hall, shops, street performers
Good for
Lunch and people watching
Tip: Grab lunch from the food hall, then find a spot outside to watch the street performers.

A Sunday outdoor market

Amy’s pickLocal finds

Amy’s port day was a Sunday, and while walking she found herself in the middle of a free outdoor market, with tons of vendors and people out enjoying the sunshine. Weekend markets pop up around downtown Boston in the warmer months, so keep an eye out if your ship is in on a weekend.

Cost
Free to browse
When
Weekends in the warmer months
Find
Local vendors, crafts and food
Bring
A little cash for small vendors
Tip: If your ship is in on a weekend, ask us which markets will be on that day.

Walk the harbourfront

Amy’s pickEasy walk

Amy also walked around the harbourfront and stopped for a drink and some nachos. The waterfront and the Seaport District near the cruise port are clean and modern, with green spaces, patios and lots of places to stop for a bite.

Cost
Free to walk
Find
Patios, green spaces, harbour views
Near
The Seaport District and cruise port
Good for
A relaxed afternoon
Tip: Save time for a drink on a patio by the water before heading back to the ship.

More Things to Do in Boston

Popular things to do that we book for clients.

Freedom Trail map sign in downtown Boston, MassachusettsWalk the Freedom Trail

Follow the red line through downtown on this 2.5-mile (4 km) trail past 16 historic sites, including Boston Common, the Old State House, Faneuil Hall and the Paul Revere House. You can walk it on your own for free, or join a guided tour.

Red brick buildings on a street in Boston's North EndExplore the North End

Boston’s Little Italy is full of narrow streets, red brick buildings and Italian bakeries and restaurants. It’s also home to the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church.

Swan boat on the lagoon in the Boston Public Garden, MassachusettsRide the Swan Boats

A classic Boston experience: a gentle ride on the lagoon in the Public Garden aboard the famous Swan Boats. They run seasonally in the warmer months.

Free Things to Do in Boston

Great ways to enjoy your day without spending a thing.

FreeBusy outdoor patios with red umbrellas outside Quincy Market in Boston, photographed by travel consultant Amy DavoliBrowse Quincy Market

Wander the food hall, shops and street performers at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. It costs nothing to look around.

FreePark Street Church and the fountain on Boston Common, MassachusettsStroll Boston Common

America’s oldest public park is the starting point of the Freedom Trail, with walking paths, fountains and historic Park Street Church nearby.

FreeThe Boston Public Garden pond with weeping willows and city skyscrapersVisit the Public Garden

Right beside Boston Common, the Public Garden has a pretty lagoon, weeping willows, flower beds and statues, and it is free to explore.

Know Before You Go in Boston

  • Getting downtown: The MBTA Silver Line runs between the Seaport District and downtown, or take a taxi or rideshare.
  • Comfy shoes: Boston is a walking city, and the Freedom Trail alone is 2.5 miles (4 km).
  • Bring a layer: Harbour breezes can be cool, even on sunny days.
  • Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).

Boston FAQs

Quick answers for your day in port

What is there to do in Boston on a cruise?

Browse Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, walk the harbourfront, follow the Freedom Trail, explore the North End or relax in Boston Common and the Public Garden.

What are some free things to do in Boston?

Some of our favourite free things to do in Boston are browse Quincy Market, stroll Boston Common and visit the Public Garden. Wander the food hall, shops and street performers at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. It costs nothing to look around.

How far is the Boston cruise port from downtown?

Flynn Cruiseport Boston is in the Seaport District, about 2 miles (3 km) from downtown. Take the Silver Line, a taxi or rideshare, or walk it in about 35 minutes.

Is the Freedom Trail free?

Yes. The 2.5-mile (4 km) trail is free to walk on your own. Some sites along the way charge admission, and guided tours cost extra.

Do I need a passport for a cruise from Boston?

Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.

Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?

No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has been to these ports and can help with shore excursions.

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