A free, fun day in Boston
Don't feel like booking a tour? Here's a fun way to spend a day in Boston, whether you're visiting from far away or have lived here your whole life: collect the city's most iconic photos.
Check off each stop as you snap it, and this page will remember your progress on your phone. The top 10 are listed in walking order, so you can do them all in one full day. Then go for the bonus round.
Photo: Seasider53, CC BY 4.0
Start in the Public Garden in the morning and finish in Harvard Square by dinner. Comfortable shoes recommended.
Public Garden, near Charles and Beacon Streets
Sit down next to Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings from the classic children's book. Locals dress them up for holidays, so you never know what they'll be wearing. Count them: Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack.
Photo: Numbered, CC BY-SA 4.0
Beacon Hill, between Willow and West Cedar Streets
Often called the most photographed street in America: cobblestones, brick row houses and gas lamps. Go early in the morning for the shot without the crowds, and remember people live here, so keep it quiet.
Photo: Seasider53, CC BY 4.0
Faneuil Hall Marketplace, downtown
The "Cradle of Liberty," where colonists met to protest British taxes. Get the Samuel Adams statue out front in your shot, and look up for the golden grasshopper weathervane that has topped the building since 1742. Then wander through Quincy Market next door.
Photo: Daderot, CC BY-SA 3.0
Paul Revere Mall, North End
Line up Paul Revere on his horse in the foreground with the Old North Church steeple behind him, where the lanterns were hung: one if by land, two if by sea.
Hanover Street, North End
Hold up the famous white box tied with string from Mike's Pastry. Bonus points for a cannoli in the other hand. (A local might tell you to fill the box at Modern Pastry across the street. See our cannoli guide.)
Photo: Tim Sackton, CC BY-SA 2.0
Charlestown Navy Yard
"Old Ironsides," launched in 1797, is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat, and it's free to visit. Walk across the bridge from the North End along the Freedom Trail, or take the water taxi.
Photo: Fletcher6, CC BY-SA 3.0
Copley Square, Back Bay
Stand in Copley Square and line up 1877 Trinity Church with its reflection in the mirrored glass of the 200 Clarendon tower (the old John Hancock Tower). It's Boston's most famous architecture photo: old and new in one frame.
Photo: Rizka, CC BY-SA 3.0
Boylston Street, in front of the Boston Public Library
The blue and yellow finish line is painted on Boylston Street all year. Strike your best finishing pose, safely from the sidewalk or when the light is red.
Photo: Bill Morrow, CC BY 2.0
Jersey Street and Gate B, Fenway
Pose with the Teammates statue of Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Johnny Pesky and Dom DiMaggio outside Gate B, or take the ballpark tour and get your photo on top of the Green Monster.
Photo: Zoke, CC BY-SA 4.0
Harvard Yard, Cambridge
Rub his left shoe for luck like millions before you (that's why it shines). Ask your guide why it's called "the statue of three lies." Take the Red Line to Harvard to finish your day in Harvard Square.
Photo: Jessica Williams, CC BY-SA 3.0
You collected the top 10! You've officially seen Boston. Share your badge, then try the bonus round.
Creates a picture of your progress to post on Instagram, Facebook or send by text.
Your checklist is saved only in this browser on this device. Please be respectful when taking photos on residential streets like Acorn Street.
