The best things to do for couples in Boston make the most of this very old and beautiful city, with plenty of places for romantic strolls. If you love historical buildings like extravagant theatres and elegant clubs, then you won't be disappointed.

The city isn’t just a giant museum though, and there are some excellent modern attractions to enjoy with your loved one. With the help of our list of romantic activities in Boston, you can add an amorous flair into your visit.

  • 1

    Boston Common and The Public Garden

    An iconic attraction since 1837

    Boston Common and The Public Garden
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • History
    • Photo

    Boston Common and the neighbouring Public Garden rank high on any list of things to do within in the city. Boston Common is America’s oldest park and is a popular stop along the Freedom Trail.

    The Garden is a sight in itself, with lush weeping willows lining a pond that swans call home. The sway of the trees and its quaint suspension bridge helps to make The Public Garden one of the most relaxing and idyllic places in the city. As you walk around both grounds, look out for any historical monuments sitting between lines of trees.

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    Location: 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, USA

    Open: Daily from 6 am to 11:30 pm

    Phone: +1 617-635-4505

    Map
  • 2

    The Charles River Esplanade

    Peaceful riverside views

    The Charles River Esplanade
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Photo

    The Charles River Esplanade is found on the Boston side of the river, which separates the city from Cambridge. This 5 km leafy path is popular with joggers at all times of day, as well as flocks of wild geese. While the geese are pretty to look at, be wary of them as they are easily riled up.

    The best way to take in the charm of the esplanade is to start your walk from the Museum of Science and head towards Boston University. Along the way, you’ll come across playgrounds, marshes, sailings boats for rent and places to buy refreshments. A walk in this urban oasis also allows great views of Cambridge.

    Location: Charles River Esplanade, Boston, MA 02116, USA

    Open: Daily from 6 am to 8 pm

    Map

    photo by L-BBE (CC BY 3.0) modified

  • 3

    The Skywalk Observatory

    Viewpoint with incredible sights and audio tours

    The Skywalk Observatory
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Photo

    The view from the 50th floor of the Prudential Center on Boylston Street takes in the Charles River, Boston Common and much of Downtown Boston. On a clear day, you can see for over 150 km. There are audio tours available to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a museum about the city’s past and the role of immigration on its development. 

    Naturally, the most romantic time to visit is around sunset, though that’s also going to be the busiest time. Take a stroll or bring your camera to record those iconic memories.

    Location: Prudential Center Boston, 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199, USA

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +1 617-859-0648

    Map
  • 4

    A feast of Boston's famous $1 oysters

    A local delicacy and famously romantic

    A feast of Boston's famous $1 oysters
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Food

    Whether or not they’re an aphrodisiac is open to debate, but oysters are certainly tasty and Boston is famous for them. There are dozens of oyster bars around the city, many of which have set days or times when they'll serve up oysters for a dollar each. No one said a romantic meal had to cost you a fortune.

    Among the best options available for you are weekday afternoons at Warren Tavern on Pleasant Street, early evenings at Vialé Cambridge on Massachusetts Avenue and on Thursdays at Publico Street Bistro & Garden on Dorchester Street. Try a few different spots to find your favourite.

  • 5

    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

    A beautiful place to see a varied art collection

    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
    • Couples
    • History
    • Photo

    The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum provides a fascinating slice of Italy in the middle of Boston. Built to resemble a 15th-century Venetian palace, the museum houses a stunning collection of paintings and sculptures from around the world. It’s not a huge museum, so there’s no risk of getting tired of exploring.

    The museum itself is virtually a work of art in its own right, with gorgeous scenery and rooms, especially the central courtyard. Visit on Thursdays and Saturdays and you'll often find a special event or activity to enjoy.

    Location: 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115, USA

    Open: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

    Phone: +1 617-566-1401

    Map

    photo by Sean Dungan (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 6

    Boston Symphony Hall

    The home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra

    Boston Symphony Hall
    • Couples
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife

    The Boston Symphony Hall was specifically designed for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The building’s acoustics provide the best possible experience of the talented and highly respected musicians, allowing you to hear every nuance of the sound.

    There are performances most evenings, usually starting at 8 pm, with special concerts around the year’s major holidays. Be sure to book tickets well in advance because these events are especially popular and fill up quickly. Why not take part in a composing workshop, attend a specialized talk, or go behind the scenes on a tour while you’re here?

    Location: 301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA

    Phone: +1 888-266-1200

    Map

    photo by Joe Lewis (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 7

    The Wang Theater

    Amazing shows in an amazing venue

    The Wang Theater
    • Couples
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife

    Of all the theatres in Boston, Wang Theatre is undoubtedly the grandest and most beautiful. It first opened in 1925 as a movie theatre, but now hosts first-class dramas, concerts, Broadway musicals and other performances. The shows are always sensational, so when you’re planning to be in the city, be sure to try to grab a ticket. You’re bound to have a great night out. 

    Even outside of the shows, the theatre itself is a spectacle. The stage is one of the largest in the country, the hall seats 3,500 people and the theatre’s ceiling is really remarkable, with an incredible crystal chandelier as its centrepiece.

    Location: 270 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116, USA

    Phone: +1 617-482-9393

    Map
  • 8

    Scullers Jazz Club

    Great food and music

    Scullers Jazz Club
    • Couples
    • Nightlife

    Scullers is regarded as one of the best jazz clubs in Boston and hosts some of the greatest musicians around. It’s located inside the DoubleTree Suites by the Charles River and has a very romantic style, with candle-lit tables, mahogany on almost every surface and sultry decor.

    The club doubles as a restaurant, and the food is also very highly regarded so why not consider a dinner package for a truly memorable date? Dine on New England clam chowder and juicy burgers before sharing mini apple tarts to the sound of sweet, soulful jazz.

    Location: 400 Soldiers Field Rd, Boston, MA 02134, USA

    Open: Friday–Saturday from 8 pm to midnight (Closed Sunday–Thursday)

    Phone: +1 617-562-4148

    Map
Ben Reeves | Compulsive Traveler