Massachusetts - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

The state of Massachusetts contains a selection of attractions and destinations that reads like a list of the most important places in America. At the top of the list is the town of Plymouth, where the first Pilgrim settlement was established. From there, you can visit Salem (famed for its witch trials), Lexington and Concord (where the first battles of the American Revolutionary War were fought) and the state capital, Boston (where the famous Tea Party incident kicked the whole thing off).

More than 4 centuries of history have certainly left their mark on Massachusetts in the form of beautiful old cities, but the rural areas are no less remarkable. Places like the Berkshires and Cape Cod are the most famous, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Top destinations in Massachusetts

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Martha's Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard is an iconic island in Massachusetts just south of Cape Cod, famed as a summer colony filled with quaint harbour villages, lighthouses, sandy beaches and entertainment. This island is accessible only by boat or air and offers a...
Boston
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts in the Northeast of the US. Its pioneering role in shaping the history of...
Cape Cod
Cape Cod, one of New England’s most well-known beach destinations, boasts 40 miles of beachfront offering a variety of experiences....

What to see & do in Massachusetts

Featured stories & fun stuff

11 Best Things to Do in Boston
Boston, the capital of Massachusetts and one of the oldest cities in the United States, is among the best places to uncover America’s storied history. Start off with evocative sightseeing along the popular routes, with plenty of landmarks peppered throughout. Families...
10 Famous Movie Locations in Boston
You'll find many famous movie locations in Boston. Fondly referred to as “the Beantown,” many Hollywood blockbusters were shot on...
10 Best Beaches in Cape Cod
The best beaches in Cape Cod create a summertime paradise that ranges from warm water and white sand to wild...
10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Boston
This guide to the most popular neighbourhoods in Boston will help you discover some of the best parts of the...
10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Cape Cod
This guide to the must-visit small towns in Cape Cod includes all the best places to visit on the peninsula...
10 Most Instagrammable Places in Boston
Instagrammable places in Boston are everywhere, and if you're looking to fill your social media feed with history, stunning architecture...
10 Best Historic Things to See in Boston
Boston is full of historic sites, making it a popular destination for history buffs, whether they're interested in the American...
10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Massachusetts
Boston might be Massachusetts' main attraction, but the state has a multitude of endearing small towns that are just as...
8 Best Things to Do for Couples in Boston
The best things to do for couples in Boston make the most of this very old and beautiful city, with...

Where & what to eat in Massachusetts

10 Best Local Dishes from Boston
Boston’s best dishes often contain locally sourced seafood delights such as lobster, oysters and clams. But with its nickname of "Beantown," Boston is about much more than just delicious maritime cuisine. Meat feasts, Italian-inspired desserts and famous American comfort food...
10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Boston
Boston's local restaurants are part of what has made the city a foodie heaven, offering everything from steak houses and...
10 Great Restaurants in Boston
Great restaurants in Boston can be found on just about every street and around every corner, from down-home American cooking...

Where to shop & what to buy in Massachusetts

10 Best Shopping centres in Boston
Boston is known for being one of the top shopping destinations in the northeast, and Boston shopping centres offer the best of luxury, big name, boutique, and bargain goods in one spot. When you're looking to get your shop on...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Boston
The best places to go shopping in Boston offer just about any item you can imagine among its quaint boutiques...
10 Best Markets in Boston
Many of the best markets in Boston are held in historic locations or glorious outdoor settings and offer delicious local...

Where to go & what to do at night in Massachusetts

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Boston
You'll find numerous things to do in Boston that extend into the night past sundown, as the city is home to a thriving nightlife offering bars, clubs, distilleries, and more. The city has as much life at night as it...
10 Best Bars, Live Music, and Nightclubs in Boston
The best bars, live music venues, and nightclubs in Boston cater to all partygoers. That's whether you’re looking for a...
10 Best Things to Do in Seaport Boston
The best things to do in Seaport include enjoying contemporary art, waterfront dining, and upscale shopping. Boston is both a...

Useful information

10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Boston
This guide to the most popular neighbourhoods in Boston will help you discover some of the best parts of the city. The capital of Massachusetts has a rich history that's best explored on the self-guided Freedom Trail, which takes you...
10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Cape Cod
This guide to the must-visit small towns in Cape Cod includes all the best places to visit on the peninsula...
10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Boston
The mistakes people make when visiting Boston often come from misconceptions about the city. Boston’s known for a lot of...

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