The Ultimate Boston Bucket List

Seven things you must do by May

By Marianna Gavurmadzhyan

Boston has many, many nicknames: “Beantown,” “New York’s sophisticated older brother,” and “The Hub,” just to name a few. And yet, none of these seem to encompass the various activities available in this small, compact city. From Beacon Hill to the Boston side of Chestnut Hill, there is truly something for everyone.

As a college senior who has spent my time at Boston University doing anything but staying in my room, I have tried everything. And I mean everything: festivals, parks, restaurants. You name it, I’ve done it. So I think it’s safe to say that I know the best things to do in Boston. As graduation looms closer and closer, I’ve compiled a list of all the things I want to do one last time for a perfect Boston experience. These are all the things I’m going to miss and that you need to experience before summer vacation, when you’ll be gone for 3 months (or worse…forever).

Without further ado, here’s the ultimate Boston bucket list.

1. Beacon Hill Halloween Decorations

If you’ve been on your phone these past few weeks, you're bound to have seen the giant disco ball ghosts of Beacon Hill. They stand…or float…over the front yard of the property, entertaining people much more than scaring them. The best part of it, though, isn’t the creativity. It’s that nearly every house on the street is decked out in the most extravagant decorations.

Visiting on Halloween is practically a requirement. Grab a friend, get a hot chocolate, and walk around the neighborhood taking in all the decorations. It’s one of those activities that costs absolutely nothing but somehow makes you feel like you’re in a movie. Just be prepared to fight your way through the crowds for a good picture.

2. The Boston Tea Party Experience

As I said, some things are worth splurging on, and the Boston Tea Party Experience is one of these. It’s not every day you get to throw tea into a harbor and pretend you’re participating in one of the most important moments in American history. The museum makes history interactive, with costumed actors, replicas of historic ships, and, of course, the opportunity to toss tea overboard. Even if you’re not the biggest history person, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon and a reminder that Boston is basically the birthplace of American rebellion.

3. Kayaking on the Charles

As a general rule of thumb, everyone tells you to never swim in the Charles. No one tells you to not kayak in the Charles! Which I once took as a full invitation to go kayaking. Rent a kayak on a sunny day and see Boston from an entirely different perspective. You get incredible views of the skyline, the bridges, and the Boston University campus without having to fight traffic or pay for a fancy boat tour. Just make sure you check the weather, bring sunscreen, and maybe avoid falling in. The goal is to enjoy the Charles, not become one of the geese.

4. Ice Skating on Frog Pond

Once the temperatures drop and Boston starts looking like a snow globe, the Boston Common Frog Pond turns into one of the city's best winter activities. Whether you’re an experienced skater or someone who spends more time clinging to the railing than actually skating, it’s worth a visit.

There’s something so quintessentially Boston about skating in the middle of the Common, surrounded by the city’s buildings and holiday decorations. Bring your friends, rent some skates, and finish the afternoon with a warm drink nearby.

5. Sledding Down Boston Commons

If you thought Boston Common was only good for walking around, taking pictures, and skating, think again. When it snows, the hills become prime sledding territory, and suddenly, the city feels a little less like a busy college town and a little more like a childhood winter wonderland.

Grab a sled, borrow one from a friend, or improvise if you’re feeling desperate. In fact, I’ve had people offer me their sleds once they were done! It’s free, it's fun, and it's an excellent excuse to embrace the cold instead of complaining about it. Just make sure you find a safe, permitted hill with enough space to sled without running into other people. Once you’re done, if you have no use for your sled, pass it along!

6. St. Patrick's Day Parade

Boston takes St. Patrick’s Day very seriously. Every year, South Boston transforms into a sea of green as thousands of people gather for the annual parade, complete with marching bands, floats, and plenty of Irish pride.

The atmosphere is chaotic, the streets are packed, and you’ll probably spend more time trying to find your friends than watching the parade itself. But that’s part of the fun. Dress in green, plan your transportation ahead of time, and prepare for one of Boston’s biggest annual celebrations.

7. Marathon Monday

You cannot live in Boston and not experience Marathon Monday. Every Patriots’ Day, runners from around the world take on the Boston Marathon, and the city comes alive with spectators cheering them on.

Head to Commonwealth Avenue or another spot along the route, find a place to stand, and cheer for people you’ve never met before. There’s something genuinely inspiring about watching runners push through 26.2 miles while strangers cheer them on like lifelong friends. Even if you have absolutely no interest in running a marathon yourself, the energy is contagious. And if you're a BU student, having the race pass right by campus makes it even more special.

Boston is one of those cities that grows on you. At first, it might just be the place where you go to school, work, or spend a few years figuring things out. But somewhere between the snowy gray winters, spontaneous afternoons on the Esplanade, and nights out with friends, it becomes something more.

As much as I complain about the cold, the hills, and the price of absolutely everything (and trust me, I do!), I know I’m going to miss this city when I leave. These are the little experiences that make Boston feel like Boston, and they’re the ones I want to squeeze in before graduation.

So whether you’re a freshman just getting started, a senior counting down the days, or someone who has lived here for years, consider this your sign to get out of your apartment and explore. There’s always something happening, somewhere new to discover, or something you’ve been meaning to try.