Creative Things to Do in Boston
Whether you’re a native Bostonian or a curious tourist looking to try something new in the eclectic city of Boston, there are no shortage of opportunities for a good time. Boston offers a diverse array of activities, eateries, bars, museums, and venues among its scenic skyscrapers, parks and harbors.
Not sure where to start? Not a problem. We’ve crafted a unique list of fun experiences for you to try when you’re feeling like the urge to spice up your routine. Regardless of if you are flying solo or responsible for entertaining an entire crew or people, these ideas are sure to keep you occupied, intrigued, and in high spirits.
If You’re a Foodie...
Selfup Cooking Classes are a must! As a world-class culinary destination, Boston offers countless places to discover both local and ethnic delicacies. But why not take it to the next level and learn how to cook a jaw dropping, mouthwatering dish from scratch? Selfup gives you firsthand experience on cooking gourmet cuisine from start to finish from top chefs in the Boston area. They have dozens of team building activities to help your employees or friends work together in new and exciting ways. The best part? You get to reward yourself for your hard work with the cuisines you made from your bare hands, such as homemade dumplings, savory chicken marsala, or sweet and moist tiramisu.
Whether you’re looking to bond with your partner, build relationships with your team members, or simply learn anew recipe so you can wine and dine yourself, cooking classes are a fun and engaging way to try something new whilst reaping the benefits of your creations. You’ll leave Selfup feeling satiated and accomplished with a newfound skill and irresistible dishes under your belt so you can woo your partner or future dinner guests.
If you're looking to relax and leave the cooking to the professionals, explore CafeArtScience to get an out of this world culinary experience. Quite literally a laboratory for all things food, CafeArtScience probes the concept of food as art, creating avant-garde dishes for open-minded food lovers. If chic interiors, sensational flavors, and artful dishes sound like your type of party, this is a place you do not want to miss.
Are you a history buff? Does architecture turn you on? Bites of Boston Food Tours is a wonderful way to integrate a healthy dose of history and cultural information into your day while simultaneously indulging in scrumptious eats. They have tons of tours for whatever mood you're in - arts & eats, sweet & savory eats, Chinatowns Culture and Cuisine, or classic bites of Boston to try some lobster, chowder, Boston cream pie, and other Boston staple culinary dishes. Mixing adventure and pleasure has never been easier.
The historic Quincy Market, established in 1826, is another popular venue for food lovers and avid shoppers, with enough eateries to send you into a food coma. Need to get baked goods for a friend's birthday? Or perhaps a deli sandwich to take with you to munch at Columbus Waterfront Park? Maybe you’d like to get souvenirs or artisan crafts to decorate the walls of your home. Whatever the case may be, Quincy Market has all the quintessential goods you need.
With 40 retailers and eateries, you could spend all day there!
If You Like to Get Active…
Bike the Esplanade from the North End to Cambridge. Bluebike has tons of bikes sporadically placed along the 3 mile path, but the Esplanade is also a lovely place to take a stroll. Enjoy the scenic route away from the hustling and bustling of cars, and pack a hearty lunch if you’d like to picnic along the picturesque Charles River. Brownie points for bringing a date here as an easy way to charm your way into their heart.
If you’re big on being close to a body of water, Paddle Boston offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals along the Charles River. The serene nature of the surrounding area makes for a tranquil activity no matter what hour of the day.
If You Want to be Entertained…
Head on over to TD Garden to watch a Celtics or Bruins game, or even catch a concert. “The Gahhhhden” as some may refer to it is the perfect place to get into the team spirit and guzzle down burgers and beers. No place is more passionate about its teams than Boston and no one will ever let you forget it! Pick a team, any team and root your little heart out, but be prepared for a little healthy competitive banter among diehard sports fans.
If you’d like a good laugh from Boston locals, Improv Asylum is your one stop shop to see hilarious standup and improv comedy. Looking for a team building activity or solo improv classes? Look no further as Improv Asylum offers classes for you to step out of your comfort zone and test your ability to think and act fast.
Laugh Boston is another great option if you’re looking to get some giggly in. Boston’s premier comedy club features stand-up from renowned comedians, unique events such as Drag brunch, and private event rentals (if that tickles your fancy).
If You Want to Dance…
In the middle of seaport lies The Grand, a spectacular place to catch live performances and dance the night away. The Grand offers a wrap-around 70ft LED wall around the dancefloor, and features iconic artists from around the globe.
Dance the night away with some spicy salsa lessons and Havana Club. Not only is Havana club a great place to learn Salsa and Bachata, but it is also a great way to mingle. Who knows, you might meet your future lover there. They offer beer, wine, and cocktails in the case you need to fight off nervousness round your two left feet.
If You Like Games…
A4cade offers a unique vibe of retro games for those 21 and over. In addition to arcade games, this speakeasy-style bar offers a selection of eats and fancy cocktails. Their drink names are in theme with the games they offer, such as “Princess Peach's Downfall” and “Morty’s Mind Blowers.” Get your pacman on and enjoy some healthy competition with friends over grilled cheese.
Want some real hands-on action? Check out Trapology Boston for a suspenseful challenge that tests your endurance and ability to think on your toes. Boston is home to dozens of escape rooms, but Trapology is Boston's only outdoor escape room experience. Enjoy the crisp air as you work with strangers or your team to solve problems and make your great escape.
A more down to earth option would be The Lawn on D, a seasonal outdoor venue by South Boston Waterfront District. Grab a book and sit at one of their illuminated seating options, or play around with bocce with some friends and family. From time to time they will feature interactive art exhibitions within the aesthetic outdoor space. Due to the cold temperatures in the Winter and Spring, The Lawn on D is open May to November annually.
If You Want Craft Cocktails with a Vibe…
Brick & Mortar, a speakeasy cocktail bar nestled in Cambridge, offers a sleek ambiance that will make you feel infinitely cooler just by walking into the space. They offer light bar snacks but their bread and butter are the craft cocktails with iconic names like “electric kool-aid acid test” and “dto - daiquiri time out.”
If you want to get bougie at a posh rooftop restaurant and bar, Deck 12 @ Yotel should be your go to. Offering indoor and outdoor seating year round with delicious weekend brunch and dinner dishes, Deck 12 is bound to impress, no matter if you go for business or pleasure. The
glass-enclosed design gives off I’m-in-a-snow-globe vibes.
Create Cocktail Lounge is yet another alternative to feel important and sip on frilly drinks from top notch mixologists. Create Cocktail Lounge doubles as an art gallery in Bow Market that boasts pop up exhibits, draft cocktails and hipmusic from local djs.
If You Dig Art...
Check out the Museum of Bad Art in Somerville for an entertaining afternoon. The name says it all, but you’ll have to see for yourself the strange, not so masterful masterpieces to get the full experience. It’s quite humbling. I mean, how often is it that you get to gawk at failed artwork that
is actually painful to look at? If you’re looking for something to do that is free 99 and just downright silly, Museum of Bad Art is calling your name.
Need a new picture for the gram? Head on over to the alleged “most photographed street in Boston” in Beacon Hill. Acorn Street is full of brick and brownstone buildings that are the perfect backdrop for a fun photoshoot (be in a thirst trap, a professional headshot, or a photo op with the fam).
If You Like Mixing Education With Pleasure…
Hit the Freedom Trail History Tour and Pub Crawl to learn about America’s formative years while getting a nice buzz going. Hit some of the top pubs and some of the oldest taverns in the city, while also learning about 16 diverse historical sites in the North End. This is an iconic way to traverse Boston through the lens of local and craft beverages, and historic landmarks. There is also the option to do a food crawl too if you need some drunchies to sober you up a bit.
Paint and throw your own pottery at Clayroom in Brookline, 20 minutes southeast of Boston. Learn the basics of using the potter’s wheel or get crafty and paint an assortment of pots, plates, plant holders, or mugs. The holidays are right around the corner and what better gift to give your loved ones than something handmade, useful, and authentic?
Learn to make your own wine, relish in an educational wine tasting, or indulge in a savory food and wine pairing at the Boston Winery. Discover what wines go best with quesadillas, ravioli, or seasonal eats like pumpkin pie.
This list by no means comes close to sharing all the exciting things there is to do in Boston, but it’s definitely a start! As you can see, the possibilities are endless and Boston caters to all audiences with diverse interests.
Selfup has plenty of more ideas in store to make your time in Boston as memorable as it gets, so stay tuned for additional exciting experiences by signing up for our newsletter. If you’re looking to book a team building event, browse our website for more options for cooking classes.
If You Want to Discover More Boston..
From Boston’s secret jazz spot to the tea on Boston’s neighborhoods, the city contains hidden gems even locals might not know about - check this article
Whether you’re renting a house in Boston, looking for a place to call home in the city, or searching for an apartment to rent in Boston, check out this Rent.