Embrace the winter wonderland of Boston with a curated list of 12 things to Do in Boston when it’s cold. From ice skating on Frog Pond, visiting world-class museums, admiring the charm of the many neighborhoods, or warming up with a warm beverage or sweet treat. Boston has something for every type of traveler. Seeing the historical streets and landmarks dusted with snow truly adds to the city’s appeal.
We are lucky enough to have friends who live in the Boston area who gave us the true Boston experience (thanks Justyn and Addison!). Listed below are the best things to do in Boston during the winter.
Common Questions About Things To Do in Boston When it’s Cold
Is winter a good time to visit Boston?
Winter is a great time to visit Boston when you know what you are getting yourself into. Average temperatures range between 20-40ºF and snow is very common. This is also a great time to visit if you are wanting to save some money as the winter months are the cheapest times to visit.
How many days in Boston is enough?
I would say 2 full days is enough to see all of the major sites, but with the endless list of things to do, you will not be bored if you have a few more days.
What do I need to know before traveling to Boston?
Boston winters are COLD with average temperatures ranging from 20-40ºF Fahrenheit. Dress accordingly so you can make the most of your time in Boston this winter.
The cheapest month to visit Boston?
December to March is the cheapest time due to the cold weather. Take the opportunity to find a good deal on flights and lodging!
Is Boston a walkable city?
Yes! Boston is extremely walkable with very convenient public transport.
What is Boston’s most famous thing?
There isn’t necessarily one specific famous attraction in Boston, but majority of the attractions can be grouped around the American Revolution and early colonization.
12 Things To Do in Boston When it’s Cold
1. Ice Skating at Frog Pond in Boston Common Park
Ice Skating in Boston Common Park adds to the winter charm of Boston as you skate around in America’s oldest park. I love ice skating and think that is such a unique activity in the winter.
- Admission: $10 for anyone over 58 inches and free for anyone under
- Rentals: $15 for adults, $10 for kids
2. Frog Pond at the Boston Public Garden
This was a surprising activity that was not initially on our list. The Frog pond in the Boston Public Garden completely freezes over in the winter and you can walk on it! As someone who is from North Carolina, I was amazed by this and had so much fun exploring the lake and the little island.
The Frog Pond in the Public Garden was initially maintained for ice skating until a dedicated rink was created in the Boston Common Park.
3. IsabellA Gardener Museum
What better way to escape the cold than by visiting the Isabel Gardener Museum? This museum has pieces from popular artists such as Rembrandt, Whistler, Titian, and Botticelli.
- Admission: Adults $22, Children 17 and under free
Another interesting fact about the Isabel Gardner Museum is that some pieces were stolen in an unsolved art heist in 1990. I watched the Netflix documentary “This is a Robbery: The World’s Biggest Art Heist” specifically about this museum and it was fascinating!
4. Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is a quintessential neighborhood in Boston known for its quaint streets with colonial charm. There are several independent shops and cafés throughout this neighborhood. I recommend visiting the Beacon Hill Books and Cafe, a tall multiple-story bookstore with different genres on each level.
Make sure to check out Acorn Street, which is one of the most preserved streets in Boston. It has a cobblestone path that is a reminder of colonial history.
5. North End
One of the best things to do in winter around Boston is to warm up from the cold with a cozy plate of pasta. The North End of Boston is known as being the city’s Little Italy. We went to Al Dente and it was DELICIOUS. The pasta is handmade and we had a great experience there.
Another delicacy in the North End neighborhood is to try both Modern and Mike’s pastry shops. There is a long-running debate about which is better so you need to try them both and decide for yourself!
Note: Mike’s and Modern Pastry are cash-only, so remember this when visiting the pastry shops.
6. Shopping on Newbury Street
A shopping day is a great way to escape the cold! Newberry Street offers a wide range of stores from Hermes to Princess Polly. Along the street, you will also stumble upon several galleries and churches that are also a great way to save some money and take advantage of the indoor things to do in Boston.
7. Boston Freedom Trail
You can’t say you visited Boston without exploring the sites on the Freedom Trail. Even though this is mainly an outdoor activity, there are several churches and monuments you can tour to get breaks from the cold. This is the main attraction for things to do around Boston as it is pertinent to the American Revolution!
Tip: Want to spice up the Freedom Trail? Make it boozy! With so many pubs and bars, you can easily turn the Freedom Trail into a bar crawl.
8. Boston Public Library
This was a highlight of our winter Boston itinerary. The Boston Public Library’s architecture is stunning, and it is so cool to wander through the various rooms admiring the art painted on the walls and all of the detail within each room.
9. Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market
This is a great lunch stop if you are traveling with a group since Quincy Market is a food hall with SO many different food options.
10. Admire Bostons Architecture
Another cool thing to do in Boston in the winter is to walk around and admire the architecture. From colonial to modern you could spend hours wandering around the city just to simply look at the buildings.
11. Boston Tea Party Experience
The Boston Tea Party experience is an interactive museum that provides reenactments of the start of the American Revolution. There is also a replica of the ship where colonizers dumped the tea into the harbor.
Also, check out Abigail’s Tea Room where you can try the various teas that, historically, were thrown in the harbor.
Admission: Adults $35, $26 for children
12. Sports Game
Whether it’s the Bruins or a Celtics game, Bostonians take their sports very seriously! Going to a sports game is a perfect indoor thing to do in Boston winter and will give you a glimpse of the sports culture.
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