Boston is a city of contrast! Let me try to explain. The capital of Massachusetts is a place where Beacon Hill’s cobblestone streets lined with old brick buildings pair perfectly with hip cocktail bars and independent breweries. Being one of the oldest cities in the US, it is a city that many tourists visit for its historical attractions. At the same time, Boston is popular with young adults searching for old-school flea markets, DIY studios, and workshops.
To sum it all up, whether you wish to visit iconic attractions such as the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park or dig deeper and discover lesser-known spots such as the Trillium Beer Garden and Coolidge Corner Theatre, Boston is an ideal destination for young adults searching for adventure.
1. Have a Beer or Two at the Trillium Beer Garden
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Really cool spot with great beer, especially in summer! Local young professionals will probably tell you how the Trillium Beer Garden on the Greenway is one of Boston’s best hidden gems among beer lovers. It is literally a summer patio located a stone’s throw from the office buildings.
On the menu, expect to find a great selection of beers, including plenty of IPAs. While the beer garden doesn’t serve food, there are a few food trucks and restaurants nearby. In terms of décor, both wooden picnic tables and high tops are available.
2. Visit the Best Comedy Club in Boston: Improv Asylum
Boston’s premier spot for live improv comedy, the one and only Improv Asylum! It is a small, yet charming venue with weekly performances by both local comedians from Boston and outsiders. The space is perfect for crowd involvement, especially with how close guests are to the “stage”.
There is a bar just outside the main room that serves drinks. Shows at Improv Asylum typically start at 7:30 pm, while tickets range from $20 to $30. To catch the latest improv comedy performances at the Asylum, check out their Instagram page.
3. Listen to Live Music and the Iconic House of Blues
Young adults in Boston searching for a cool venue for live music can check out the city’s legendary House of Blues club. It is literally right across the street from Fenway Park, so parking might be difficult when there is a game going on.
The venue itself is gorgeous. It has three floors of seating/viewing places. On the first floor, you will find a band merchandise area and a few bars. The second floor is much smaller, while the third floor offers seating areas. What I like about the House of Blues is that the sound is always spot on and that they offer a decent selection of beers, especially from some of the local Boston breweries. Doors usually open at 7 pm.
4. Watching Old-School Movies at the Coolidge Corner Theatre
This theatre has been around for a while. You can tell by its old main halls with retro chairs colored in bright red and art deco details on the walls. What makes Coolidge Corner Theatre different from other cinemas in the Boston area is that it does screenings of old movies like Escape from New York and Sleepless in Seattle.
They recently did some renovations and even added new, smaller movie rooms. This means that now you can watch everything from foreign movies and B-grade productions to indie films and new Hollywood blockbusters in various movie halls at Coolidge. The only thing visitors dislike about this theater is the quality of the popcorn. For some reason, it is covered in weirdly thick butter.
5. Eat Like a Local at Quincy Market (Faneuil Hall Marketplace)
Young professionals searching for delicious food in Boston will find everything they need under one roof! Meet Quincy Market, the largest and oldest dining hall in the state of Massachusetts. With Roman-style Doric columns and a beautiful central dome, the building itself looks spectacular.
Step inside to find dozens of restaurants and food stands that offer everything from Japanese and Italian cuisine to local favorites such as lobster rolls and clam chowders. There are also burgers, fried chicken, hot dogs, pizza, salads, tacos, bubble tea, and much more. Quincy Market is usually busy and a little touristy for my liking, but the vibes are great and the food is delicious. Try the following places and you’ll thank me later:
- Boston & Maine Fish Company: For Lobster Rolls
- Regina’s: For Boston-style Pizza with a thin crust
- Boston Chowda: For Classic Boston-style clam chowder and seafood
- FoMu: For Vegan frozen desserts and ice cream
6. Book a Tour of Samuel Adams Brewery
Boston is pretty much a beer heaven. One of the best places in the city to experience the beer culture is the Samuel Adams Brewery. Sam Adams is probably the finest mass-produced craft beer on the Boston market. You will find it in the vibrant Jamaica Plain neighborhood.
The brewery is small, a one-room type of place. During the tour, you will find out how their beers are brewed, learn about the history of the brewery, and sample a few of their best craft beers on tap. The Vixen is an incredible beer with a rich and creamy flavor. The brewery has a great indoor seating area as well as a nice outdoor area where you can bring your dog. Advanced booking is recommended, especially over the weekends.
7. Castle Island
For a laid-back day outdoors, visit Castle Island. From scenic views and walking along the water’s edge to enjoying a picnic, there is so much to do on this lovely island. The place is totally free to visit with complimentary parking.
While you are on the island, book a table at the legendary “Sullys”, Sullivans restaurant. This dining establishment is famous for its tasty clam strips, lobster rolls, clam chowder, and other seafood delicacies.
8. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum for History Fans
Young adults interested in history will want to pay a visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. It is a recreation of the December night in 1773, when the Boston Tea Party took place. What I find absolutely gorgeous about this museum is that members of the staff dress in colonial clothing and remain in character the entire tour.
You will have a chance to see the replica ships and enjoy tea tasting in the Abigail’s Tea Room. The teas are incredibly tasty and flavorful, especially the green one without milk. Feel free to explore the ships that carried English tea. You can also throw tea containers just like the patriots did back in the 18th century.
9. Explore Fenway Park
The iconic Fenway Park is probably one of Boston’s signature tourist attractions. I mean, they don’t call it America’s Most Beloved Ballpark for no reason. Whether you are a baseball fan and wish to purchase a ticket to watch the Red Sox play or you are interested in going on a tour of this baseball field, a visit to Fenway Park in Boston is simply a must.
The stadium also hosts a bunch of concerts throughout the year. As for the guided tour, it includes a tour of the grounds and a visit to the players’ dressing room.
10. Visit Rooftop at the Envoy for Cocktails and Epic Views
This awesome rooftop bar is a perfect place for young adults looking for things to do in Boston in the evening. You will find it at the top of the prestigious Envoy Hotel. Most people visit for the epic views of Boston Harbor and downtown buildings.
You can order a creative cocktail or two and get something from their small light fare food menu. It is not the cheapest place in the city, definitely. You’re looking at $20+ per cocktail. However, the spectacular views of the Boston skyline are worth every cent. Keep in mind that it gets a little crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, but the wait is worth it.
11. Catch a Show at Citizens Opera House
Young adults into performing arts will want to catch a show at the Citizens Opera House. Ornately designed with old-style chandeliers, it is one of the most beautiful theaters in all of Massachusetts. The acoustics are spot on, the seats are comfy, and there is no bad seat in the entire venue.
If you have a chance, book a ticket to watch the famous Boston Ballet. You can also catch a bunch of cool musicals, such as Jersey Boys and Hamilton, here.
12. Stroll through Boston Common
It would be a shame not to visit the oldest public park in the US while exploring Boston as a young adult. With a few historical landmarks, nicely maintained pathways, beautiful greenery, and a big lake, Boston Common offers a lot!
Check out the monument dedicated to Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King, see Shakespeare in the Park in summer, and watch geese play in the small pond. Being close to both the AMC and Red and Green Line train stations, the park is easily accessible from all parts of Boston.
13. Explore Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is one of the most beloved neighborhoods in the city. It is probably because of its picturesque, narrow streets lined with historic federal-style homes and stunning architecture. What I like most about Beacon Hill is that many of the narrow streets in this Boston neighborhood are still paved with cobblestone.
Go down Mount Vernon Street and visit one of the most photographed areas, Acorn Street. To sample tasty pastries at the Tatte Bakery & Cafe, make your way towards Charles Street. If you are looking for tourist attractions in the area, visit the Museum of African American History and the Boston Athenaeum.
14. Try a DIY Experience in Tutuland in Allston
Young adults will find many DIY studios and workshops in Boston that reflect the youthful vibes of the city. A rather interesting activity is tufting your own custom rug.
The best place to do this is Tutuland in Allston. At this craft store, you can select your design, choose the colors, and learn everything about the tufting gun technique. The final product is a handmade rug that you can take home.
15. Go Bowling in Dorchester
Fans of bowling in their 20s and 30s can head out to Boston Bowl in Dorchester. Step inside this amazing bowling alley and experience its vintage/retro charm and decorations. It basically feels like you are transported in a movie from the 1980s.
Boston Bowl in Dorchester is open 24/7, so you can visit anytime you like. Shoe rentals are available, and bowling prices start around $8 per game.
Romantic Things to Do in Boston for Young Couples
Boston is a great place to visit for young couples looking for romantic activities. The Cradle of Liberty is full of beautiful parks, jaw-dropping gardens, and neighborhoods with pretty cobblestone streets.
Below, you will find a short list of the best things to do for couples, from visiting one of the most photogenic courtyards to seeing hundreds of roses in a small, hidden park.
1. Admire the Beauty of Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
There is nothing more beautiful than a picturesque courtyard adorned with a beautiful building that resembles a Venetian palace. Young couples can pay a visit to the charming Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, one of Boston’s finest hidden gems.
With its lush plants, the courtyard is one of the most romantic green areas in the city. Step inside the museum to find Isabella’s collection of rare artwork, furniture, and other collectibles.
2. Go Kayaking/Canoeing on the Charles River
Couples in Boston can consider kayaking or canoeing on the Charles River. There are several rental locations along the river, which makes getting a kayak or a canoe extremely easy.
The best time for this activity is in the afternoon, right before sunset. Enjoy magnificent views of the city’s skyline from the water with that special someone.
3. Stargazing at the Boston University Astronomical Observatory
If you are looking for a date idea in Boston, consider visiting the Boston University Astronomical Observatory during stargazing nights. The so-called “Open Nights” are held most Wednesday evenings throughout the year.
You and your partner can view everything from distant galaxies and stars to planets in our solar system through the on-site telescopes. Starting times are 7:30 pm during the fall and winter, and 8:30 pm during the spring and summer.
4. Smell the Roses at the Kelleher Rose Garden
Such a hidden gem in the city! Welcome to James P. Kelleher Rose Garden, a small but beautiful spot tucked away near the Fenway area. Couples can take photos next to the flower-lined fountain and admire the beauty of hundreds of different kinds of roses.
The smell of the roses is amazing when they’re in full bloom. Keep in mind that this beautiful rose garden is open until 5 pm.
5. Stay in a Hotel with a Private Hot Tub
Young adults looking for accommodation in Boston can consider staying in a hotel with a private hot tub. Nothing beats a relaxing bath after a day filled with activities. One of my favorite spots is the Battery Wharf Hotel, which is known for its gorgeous views of the harbor.
You will have access to the amazing Exhale Spa, which features a sauna and a hammam. Once you get hungry, go to the hotel’s Battery Wharf Grille, which offers everything from lobster rolls to grilled Atlantic salmon.
Some of the rooms at this boutique hotel are fitted with private hot tubs. I recommend the Harbor Suite that offers a master bedroom with a king bed and a luxurious granite bath.
Fun Things to do in Boston for Young Adults: FAQ
What are the best neighborhoods for young adults here in Boston?
For student vibes and vibrant nightlife, I recommend Fenway. Young adults who are into waterfront views and rooftop bars can stay in Seaport.
Is Boston a good place for nightlife?
Yep. Visit Cambridge for live music and Allston for student bars. If you prefer posh cocktail bars with harbor views, go to Seaport.
Where do locals in their 20s and 30s hang out in Boston?
Some locals spend their time strolling around Boston Common, while others are relaxing in the South End. Students typically hang out at indie coffee shops and eateries around Allston and Brighton. For after-work drinks or a night out with friends, many locals visit the Seaport District.
