Cultural Attractions
Downtown Boston’s atmosphere is a mix of history, creativity, and vibrant energy. You can take in a show, stroll historic streets, explore galleries, or grab a coffee and people-watch. It’s the perfect neighborhood to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Architecture & History
Featuring four centuries of architecture, Downtown Boston boasts a rich collage of structures, styles, and motifs. From colonial-era icons to Art Deco theaters and state-of-the-art towers, our neighborhood’s built environment is endlessly fascinating. Site of the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party, with historic shrines galore, Downtown’s historic attractions are legendary.
Destinations
Beyond tours, there’s always something interesting to do right around the corner! Numerous parks, plazas, and squares offer respite from the daily hustle-and-bustle, while new museums welcome visitors to explore thought-provoking exhibitions.
Theaters
Downtown Boston’s thriving arts scene offers a dynamic blend of world-class performances, cutting-edge exhibitions, and intimate productions that celebrate both local talent and global artistry. Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or a curious newcomer, here you’ll find big shows and indie productions happening in venues with historic, jaw-dropping architecture that’s as captivating as the show itself. You can also see the latest movies and go to film screenings and festivals that celebrate diversity, and up-and-coming talent.
Schools & Services
Site of the oldest public school in America, Downtown Boston features a robust higher-learning scene. Its four colleges—Babson Boston, Emerson College, Suffolk University, and Urban College of Boston—attract tens of thousands of students, enlivening the neighborhood with a diverse and cosmopolitan population. Bracketed by City Hall and the Massachusetts State House, our neighborhood also hosts numerous advocacy groups and social services.
Religious Institutions
Downtown Boston’s houses of worship are as diverse and richly historic as the rest of its cultural institutions. Its four churches welcome many different congregations, offering a broad array of services and programs.