Boston’s a city where things happened first, so we have lots of historically significant sites to explore. However, there are some attractions that offer a little something extra, which ensures they stick in your memory for years to come. Next time you’re looking to mix things up, check out these 9 unique spots in Boston:
1. HarborArts Shipyard Gallery
Free, visually stunning, and thought-provoking, the Shipyard Gallery is a must-see Boston attraction. This underrated spot offers unique sculptures in an industrial setting. It’s located at 256 Marginal Street in Boston.
2. Tres Gatos
At Tres Gatos, you’ll find a bar, delicious tapas, a bookstore, and a retro music store all squeezed into one adorable house in JP. This is an awesome spot if you’re feeling lazy, as you can literally roll a few feet in any direction and reach all of these amenities! Tres Gatos is located at 470 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain.
3. Mapparium
There is literally nowhere else like the Mapparium. This three-story high, stained glass globe depicts the borders of the world as they appeared in 1935. It's lit with LED lights that can change between 16 million different colors! The
Mapparium is located inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library at 200 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston.
4. Ether Dome
Welcome to the place where the first demonstration of anesthesia took place, ensuring we’re all oblivious to pain during medical procedures. I think we can agree that’s an achievement worth celebrating! You’ll find the Ether Dome in Mass General Hospital at 55 Fruit Street (Floor 4) in Boston.
5. Alibi
Let’s raise a glass to spending time in the drunk tank. No really, it’s okay; Alibi is a bar inside what used to be the drunk tank of the Charles Street Jail! Now the building is a hotel that makes the most of the jail theme. See the
Liberty Hotel for yourself at 215 Charles Street in Boston.
6. The Fairbanks House
Visit the oldest wood-framed house in the nation. Dating back to 1637, it’s never had running water, heat, or electricity. Tours of this house – which are seasonal – transport you back through the centuries and let you to imagine how tough life was in days gone by and appreciate modern amenities.
The Fairbanks House is located at 511 East Street in Dedham.
7. Mount Auburn Cemetery
A cemetery may not sound like an appealing attraction, but Mount Auburn is also an arboretum and birding destination. The first rural cemetery in country sprawls across Cambridge and Watertown.
You can also climb the Washington Tower (pictured) for unforgettable city views, admire the Bigelow Chapel, or just amble along winding paths lined with 700 different types of trees. The cemetery is located at 580 Mount Auburn Street in Cambridge.
8. Society of Arts and Crafts
This wonderful place, which is devoted to handmade items, is hiding in plain sight along the Waterfront. Wander through the light, airy space admiring one-of-a-kind creations. Some have museum or gallery price tags, but other items are much more accessible, making it possible to bring handcrafted pieces home with you. The Society of Arts and Crafts is located at 100 Pier 4 Boulevard, Suite 200 in Boston.
9. John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum and Library
Set on ten oceanfront acres, this building’s setting and design is enough reason to visit - the 115-foot-high glass atrium is especially impressive. Inside, exhibits include everything from a replica of the Oval Office (complete with classified and declassified papers) to iconic clothing from the first lady’s closet. This museum and library is located on Columbia Point in Boston.
What one-of-a-kind Boston attractions do you like best? Share them in the comments below! We’re always excited to check out unique spots around the city.
If you like to veer a little off the beaten path, you may also be interested in these 10 intriguing day trips that are just a short trip from Boston.
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