Tired of predictable things to do in Boston? We are too!

That's why we've got 44 lesser known, fun, cool, weird, different attractions that this great city has to offer.

From a convenience store that turns into a high-end clothing boutique to racing around the Boston Harbor at 40 mph, we're amassing the greatest list of unconventional, lesser known, fun things to do in Boston.

We're tired of 10 Things to Do in Boston lists that all say "go to the Museum of Science" and "see a Red Sox game". Those are obvious. I'm pretty sure everyone who lives in Boston is going to figure those out on their own.

First things first, check out hyper-local event info at The Boston Calendar.

If you're looking for cool stuff to do in Boston within the next couple weeks, The Boston Calendar is a phenomenal resource for events and attractions in the Boston Area. They also run a great weekly series on things to do in Boston this weekend!

And for other fun "goings on" in Boston, check out Secret Boston.

Secret Boston isn't too complicated — it's just a huge following of cool, young people in Boston talking about parties, art, music, lifestyle, fitness and anything else that comes to mind. If you're wondering what to do in Boston, then you should join the community and find out!

And Michelle — founder of Secret Boston — is made of champion stuff. SHE'S THE COOLEST! 

If you are looking for some more conventional things to do in Boston... 

...scroll to the bottom of the page and check out the Go Card Boston from Smart Destinations, which gets you up to 55% off and "no wait" access to some of the more obvious attractions in Boston (Red Sox games, New England Aquarium, etc.).

Now, without further ado, here are 44 unconventional things to do in Boston!

1. Experience Flutter 

Co-founded by Tom O'Keefe — who runs the ubiquitously loved and followed BostonTweet— Flutter creates amazing local experiences that benefit great local charities. For only $10, you can take a chance on a once-­in-­a-­lifetime experience that at the same time contributes to a great local charity. They launched in early June 2015. Definitely check it out — it really is a win for everyone involved (you, them, the community). AWESOME!

Here's an example of a Flutter campaign you can donate to (and the incredible prize you can win!).

2. Go to Bodega 

But that place looks gross!

Yes, it looks like a dingy convenience store, but actually: "Bodega [is] one of the coolest sneaker stores in the Northeastern United States. Situated on a quiet residential block in Boston, the unassuming storefront looks like a classic, fully-functional New York City—you got it—bodega. But walk to the back, trigger a tile in the floor, and watch as the Snapple machine slides away to reveal a sleek dark-wooded retail space, chock full of some of the most sought-after footwear, designer streetwear, and sportswear around." Source: Racked 

See? Now go take a visit. Even if you're not into slick footwear/streetwear, just the experience of walking into a nasty looking convenience store, walking through a vending machine and entering a super-crisp boutique is really cool.

Address is: 6 Clearway St, Boston, MA 02115

And you can check out some of their selection at their online store.

3. Go cut things with lasers at danger!awesome (whaaaat!?)

Source: alumni.massart.edu

Yup. I'm debating whether to even tell you more or just let the intrigue of laser cutting take you away upon the clouds of imagination.

Check out danger!awesome's upcoming events here (read below + click to sign up!): 

 

4. Find the Keytar Bear

OK, I understand how a keytar player who wears a bear mascot suit all the time might sound perhaps TOO unconventional. But KB has become one of the most beloved street performers in Boston — so much that when some horrible people attacked KB, his supporters started an Indiegogo campaign that raised over $5,000 from over 250 backers to help him out.

It really is a treat to find yourself within the speaker range of the twang of KB's soulful keytar — if you hear him, check him out!

Just listen to KB tear it UP Michael Jackson's "Beat It" (and the guy whistling along isn't too bad either).

5. Boston Calling 2016 (May 27, 28 + 29)

Boston Calling just wrapped up their summer set, but they wasted no time in hyping the next Boston Calling — coming September 2015.

Boston Calling is without a doubt Boston's premier music festival, hosted at City Hall Plaza and drawing some killer performers. Check out the details below.

I mean, here's a reel showing the lineup for September 2015's Boston Calling.

And this was the full set list. Kaboom!

6. Check out Masa's "Brunch Fiesta"

It absolutely PAINS me to reveal this secret to the public, but Masa in the South End offers the best brunch special imaginable. Their "Brunch Fiesta" costs about $10 (AFTER tip) for limitless coffee and two courses of delicious brunch with complimentary corn bread to boot.

It's a feast fit for a king, but priced for an unpaid summer intern.

Here's the menu — scroll to the bottom and look on the right.

Brunch Hours: Sat 10am-3pm (Fiesta Special available) / Sun 9am-3pm (Fiesta Special available until 11am)

Address: 439 Tremont St. Boston, MA

CORRECTION! Not a huge change, but I just checked the online menu again and it looked like the Brunch Fiesta now costs $8.95 (not $7.95 as it appears below — old picture!).

7. Watch a Red Sox Game at Bleacher Bar

NOTE: Yes, it's not baseball season, but this is still an awesome one to keep in mind. The Red Sox home opener for next season will be on April 13th against the Washington Nationals. Let the countdown begin!

Lying beneath the bleachers in center field at Fenway Park, Bleacher Bar not only offers great food and drink, but an  unbelievable baseball viewing experience. With a window that looks directly through centerfield and into the park, it is the only view of its kind.

The trick? You've gotta get their early on game days (like 12pm early), to snag a spot before the place gets jammed. Of course, you can enjoy the food/drink when the Red Sox aren't playing as well — still a sweet venue.

Address: 82A Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215

8. Check out Brooklyn Boulders (Somerville, MA)

Brooklyn Boulders (BKB) Somerville is a 40,000 sq. ft. rock climbing and fitness facility in Somerville, Massachusetts that offers a new type of community space that blends state-of-the-art climbing terrain with art, culture, music, and entrepreneurship.

Hours: 10 AM - 11 PM Every Day

Address: 12A Tyler Street, Somerville, Ma 02143

Contact:

• Phone: 617-623-6700
• Email: [email protected]

9. Pick up some skills at Artisan's Asylum

Ever wanted to learn a new, awesome skill like bike building/maintenance, glass/lampworking, metalworking or other crazy stuff?

Artisan’s Asylum is a non-profit community craft studio dedicated to supporting and promoting the teaching, learning and practicing of craft of all varieties. They've got you covered.

OR if you already have a sweet skill you can teach your class there.

Bottom line, just check it out — it will probably be a really enjoyable use of your time.

Hours: Monday - Thursday, 12pm - 10pm / Friday-Sunday, 10am - 6pm

Address: 10 Tyler Street, Somerville, Massachusetts, 02143

10. Explore some "secret garden spots"

Boston.com put together a list of "secret garden spots" around the city that are worth investigating for sure. Here they are!

Cambridge Center Roof Garden

The Marriott in Kendall Square (Cambridge) has an awesome rooftop garden that offers a nice respite from the towering pharma labs and tech offices in the area. The roof garden gets  positive vibes on Yelp too!

The observation deck at the Custom House

The Custom House in Downtown Boston — now owned by Marriott — features an open-air observation deck that offers phenomenal panoramic views of the city and harbor. Located on the 26th floor!

Address: 3 McKinley Square, Boston, MA 02109

The Healing Garden at Yawkey Center

Heads up — this garden was designed for patients and their visitors. However, anybody can head up to the eighth-floor garden, right across from the Charles/MGH stop.

11. Sam Adams Brewery Tour

This is definitely more tourist-y, but I personally don't see any shame in touring one of the most popular beer brands in the United States, founded and headquartered in Boston, MA. AND you get beer!

How much?

Suggested donation: $2.00, all donations to benefit local charities.

When?

Monday - Thursday: 10:00am - 3:00pm — Last tour starts at 3pm.

Fridays: 10:00am - 5:30pm — Last tour starts at 5:30pm (gift shop and tour center closes at 6:30pm)

Saturdays: 10:00am - 3:00pm — Last tour starts at 3pm (gift shop & tour center close at 4:00)

Where?

Address:  30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130

12. Get your wine tasting on at Central Bottle

Beer not your thing? There's free wine too!

Every Thursday evening from 5 to 9pm, Central Bottle  hosts free wine tastings tastes. Doesn't get much simpler than that. Check it out! They also sell wine (and cheese).

Address: 196 Massachusetts Avenue. Cambridge, MA 02139

Contact:

• Phone: 617.225.0040
• Email: [email protected]

13. Have a drink at the Top of the Hub

Top of the Hub isn't really a secret, but lots of people who live in Boston never actually go. So I'd urge you to definitely check it out — even for just an impromptu/shake-things-up kind of evening.

But, don't expect the bar with best view in Boston to be cheap — in fact there is a $24.00 per person minimum in the lounge after 8pm. If you're looking for a really classy, fun venue, Top of the Hub is awesome. Located 52 floors up in Boston's Back Bay, you can imagine the vistas you'll drink in when wining and/or dining here.

Hours: Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner with the kitchen serving continuously from 11:30am–1:00am and Sunday brunch beginning at 11:00am.

Address: 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199

14. Take a tour of Fenway Park

Most other lists of "Great Things to Do in Boston" will tell you to go to a Red Sox game. Duh...of COURSE you should do that.

But actually getting a tour of the park and going on the field is a different story — and something not every resident of Boston actually does.

How much?

Adult	$17.00
Senior	$14.00
Child (3-15)	$12.00
Student	$12.00
Military	$12.00

When?

Starting April 1, 2014: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (last tour departing at 5 p.m.). Tours are available year-round and depart at the top of the hour.

How to get tickets:

• Call: 617-226-6666
• Email:  [email protected]
• More information: here's the website.

15. Visit the Mapparium

Visit the “middle of the world” inside a giant, stained glass globe. Crazy stuff. This world-famous, three-story, stained-glass globe is one of the key attractions at the Mary Baker Eddy Library.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Monday Closed)

The Mapparium is available for view on a tour only. Tours of the Mapparium run every 20 minutes, lasting 15-20 minutes. The first tour of the day starts at 10:20 a.m., and the last tour starts at 4:00 p.m

Tickets: General Admission is $6.

Address: 200 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

Get more details on their website.

16. The Skywalk Observatory

The Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory offers a one-of-a-kind 360-degree panoramic view of the Greater Boston area and beyond. It's another attraction in Boston that a lot of people write-off as a "touristy" thing to do, but it's really cool. Check it out!

How much?

• Adults $16.00
• Seniors (62 and above) $13.00
• Children under 12 $11.00
• University Student (with ID) $13.00

Hours: 

• The Skywalk Observatory & Exhibit is open 7 days a week.
• Winter Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Summer Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (last admission at 9:30 p.m.)

Contact:

• Phone: 617-859-0648
• More information on the website.

17. Get your urban fishing on (say whaaaat!?)

Yup. Boston Bass Adventures takes you on the Charles River to snag bass out of that Dirty Water. Probably not for everyone, but if you like fishing or you like doing new things that involve nature and aren't too far from the city, give it a whirl!

Bass fishing trips and equipment rental are available from May 15 thru the end of the fall.  Fishing trips are by appointment from 5:30am-8:30pm 7 days per week.  All guided bass fishing trips include boat, guide, rods, reels, and tackle.  If preferred you can supply your own equipment and tackle. Once your trip is booked your guide will contact you to discuss the details of your trip including pick up and drop off location.  Downtown Boston pickup is available.

Packages range from $175-800, depending on how much time you want to spend on the boat!

18. See a film at Coolidge Corner Theater (Brookline)

Shake up the usual routine by checking out a contemporary art house or independent film at the Coolidge Corner Theater. This independently operated theater gives you a chance to take a break from Marvel movies and rom coms — which can actually be a pretty fun experience.

The theater is also supported by The Massachusetts Cultural Council.

So go get some culture!

Address: 290 Harvard Street, Brookline MA 02446

19. Boston University’s Public Open Night at the Observatory

The Public Open Night at the Observatory is a chance for people to come observe the night sky through telescopes and binoculars and see things they otherwise might not get to see, and learn some astronomy as well. The Open Nights are held most Wednesday evenings throughout the year, weather permitting.

It is open to everyone. Starting times are 7:30pm during the fall and winter, and 8:30pm during the spring and summer. The program lasts about an hour. Feel free to call 617-353-2630 to confirm whether it will run on a given night or follow @BUObservatory.

http://www.bu.edu/astronomy/events/public-open-nig...

20. Check out any of these 40 awesome sledding hills (Winter)

Source: Boston.com

• Flagstaff Hill on Boston Common(near the baseball diamond)
• The Bowl in Boston next to Jamaica Pond
• Larz Anderson Park in Brookline which offers both huge and more modest hills and parking.
• Weld Hill at Arnold Arboretum, corner of Walter and South streets in Roslindale with parking on South street and various side streets.
• Cory Hill Park in Brookline
• Dorchester Park off Adams Street in Dorchester
• Spy Pond Park in Arlington
• Oakley Country Club in Belmont
• Prospect Hill Park in Waltham which features some long runs.
• Tufts in Medford. A nice hill in the back of the school.
• Elm Hill Preservation off Route 16 at Wellesley/Natick border
• Severance Hill at Wellesley College behind Davis Museum
• Warren Park at Wellesley Rec Dept, Route 16 Washington St
• Schofield Elementary School, Park at 27 Cedar St. in Wellesley
• Kelly Memorial Field om Elmwood Road adjacent to Bates Elementary in Wellesley
• Hillview Country Club on North Street in North Reading
• Mount Hood Golf Course in Melrose
• Glendale Park in Everett
• Seven Bump Hill in Malden
• Cable Hill in Ipswich
• Jericho Hills, Brigham off Clover Hill Rd, off Forest in Marlborough
• DeNormandie Dairy Farm in Trapelo Road in Lincoln
• Mount Hood in Melrose
• Lynch Park in Beverly
• Dane Street Beach in Beverly
• Wheatlands Hill in Topsfield
• Benjamin Hill on Benjamin Road in Acton
• Woodsom Farm on in Amesbury
• Norfolk Golf Club in Westwood
• Pete’s Hill in Sharon, located near Sharon center.
• South Shore Country Club in Hingham
• Coast Guard Hill in Marshfield
• Gaffield Park in Norwell
• First Parish in Norwell
• D.W. Field in Brockton
• Borderland State Park in Easton/Sharon (behind the Ames mansion)
• Ponkapoag Golf Course in Canton
• Higashi School in Randolph
• Furnace Brook Golf Course in Quincy
• Scituate Country Club in Scituate
• Strawberry Valley Golf Course in Abington
• Coakley Middle School, Norwood

21. Independent Film Festival of Boston (IFFB) — April 27 - May 4 2016 

Independent Film Festival Boston (IFFB) was started in 2003 to provide Boston with the type of film event it had been looking for: one that discovers emerging talent and celebrates the leading edge of cinematic story tellers.

Past guests of the festival include Sir Ben Kingsley, Michael Cera, Kevin Kline, Steve Buscemi, John Waters, Albert Maysles, Chris Cooper, Lili Taylor, Will Arnett, Bill Pullman and  hundreds more.

Year-round screenings are also held at area theaters. Past guests at festival year-round screenings include Danny Boyle, Josh Brolin, James Gunn, Jim Sturgess, Chalrene Yi, and Lynn Shelton to name a few.

Get all the details on their website!

22. Get free museum passes with the Boston Public Library

Yup!  Thanks to the City-Wide Friends of the Boston Public Library and various Friends groups of our neighborhood branches, you are able to borrow passes to museums and other local attractions for single-day use. With the online reservation system, you may search for available passes at any Boston Public Library location.

Check it out! 

23. Check out the Museum of Fine Arts for free (students only)

Say what?? That’s right! If you’re a full-time undergrad/grad student at participating colleges and universities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire or Maine, you can show your college ID and get into the MFA for free.

Eligible schools in Boston include:

• Art Institute of Boston
• Berklee College of Music (undergrad only)
• Boston Architectural College
• Boston College
• Boston Conservatory
• Emerson College
• Emmanuel College
• Harvard University
• Lesley University
• MIT

24. Hang out at an outdoor pool

Magazine Beach Bath House & Pool (free!)

Large public pool. Great for a hot summer day. Positive vibes on Yelp.

Hours: 

Mon	11:30am - 5:30pm
Tue	11:30am - 5:30pm
Wed	11:30am - 5:30pm
Thu	11:30am - 5:30pm
Fri	11:30am - 5:30pm
Sat	11:30am - 5:30pm
Sun	11:30am - 5:30pm

Address: 719 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139

More information here.

Colonnade Rooftop Pool ($40)

It's a sweet venue. It's great for a summer day. On weekdays, it's $40 between 8am-5pm and $15 between 5-10pm. You can also book private functions if you'd like. Details below!

Hours: The Roof Top Pool is Seasonal and is generally open Memorial Day to Labor Day.

• Monday - Friday:
  • 8am - 5pm — $40
  • 5pm - 10pm  — $15 cover fee; open to hotel & public

• Saturday & Sunday: 8am - 10pm (Hotel Guests Only)

Address: 120 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

Contact:

• Phone: 617-425-3408
• Website

25. Codzilla (May - October)

This video explains it all. It’s a crazy, wild, wet ride around Boston Harbor.

How much?

Adults	Seniors	Child
$29.00	$27.00	**$25.00

2014 Codzilla Schedule

• May 10 - May 18
  • Daily - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM
• May 19 - June 20
  • Daily - 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM
• June 21 - September 1
  • Daily - 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM & 6:00 PM
• September 2 - September 21
  • Daily -12:00 PM, 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM
• September 22 - October 12
  • Weekends Only - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM
• Columbus Day - October 13
  • 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM

26. Boston HarborFest — Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships (July 2 - 7)

Be honest — have you ever sailed around the Boston Harbor on a 125-foot schooner before? PROBABLY NOT. And if you have, well you're just cool.

The Liberty Fleet is definitely an underutilized attraction for Boston residents, but one that will give you a really cool experience — especially during Boston HarborFest! Details on their website, but with prices for adults as low as $35, it's a great way to make a lifelong memory.

27. Kayak on the Charles River with Paddle Boston

Yes, another aquatic attraction! You've probably walked alongside or over the Charles River, but have you ever been on it? It's actually pretty fun. And Paddle Boston lets you get a mild workout in the process by kayaking for an hour or two.

They've got five locations in the Boston Area where you can rent a kayak, too. Don't forget the sun block!

28. Check out the Boston Harbor Islands

Get off the mainland and explore the islands around Boston Harbor. You can tour lighthouses, do some sea kayaking, lounge on a ferry ride and sample some fare from a clambake. If anything it’s a way to get away for a bit. Cool things to see — so check it out!

Here's all the information you need about how to get yourself out there! $15 to take the ferry.

Ferry Location: Boston Harbor Islands Visitor Pavilion, 191w Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110

29. Get your farmer's market on

Sure, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Market Basket are awesome, but when you can get THE FRESHEST possible meat and produce (sometimes for really cheap) and support local farmers, why not give it a try? Not to mention you get to shop in the open air instead of in a fluorescent-lighted, air conditioned box.

Check out this website that has all the information about Boston-area farmers markets you need.

30. Castle Island

"Why would I want to see an old fort?" Because it's historic and awesome. Seriously, you can even use it as an "I'm better at Boston than you are" anecdote with your co-workers.

You can get all the history on Castle Island here, or you can check the picture below and pretty much decide if you want to check it out.

It's about a 15 minute drive from Downtown Boston and accessible by a few MBTA bus routes (5, 7, 9, 10, or 11.)

31. Cruise the Charles on a gondola with Gondola di Venezia

A sunset gondola ride on the Charles River? Yeah, it does sound pretty good. Not the cheapest excursion (packages start at $99 for a two-person cruise), but you also won't get a cheap experience. Even the most basic package comes with a basket of cheese & crackers, rich chocolates and recorded classical Italian music.

Boston Gondolas supports and encourages the preservation of the ancient art of gondola building in Venice, and are active members of the Gondoliers Society of America. I didn't even know that was a thing!

Contact:

• Phone: (617) 876-2800
• Email: [email protected]

32. Go to a movie at the Hatch Shell

Despite having one of the ugliest websites in the history of mankind, the Hatch Shell is an AWESOME venue that brings some incredible entertainment to the Boston area. If you've yet to attend a "Free Movie Friday" at the Hatch Shell, you should absolutely go to one this summer. Full list of movies below!

Here's the schedule of "Free Movie Fridays" for summer 2015:

• Friday July 10, Sunset (~8:22 pm) - Paddington (PG)
• Friday July 18, Sunset (~8:17 pm) - Big Hero 6 (PG)
• Friday July 24, Sunset (~8:11 pm) - ET (PG)
• Friday July 31, Sunset (~8:04 pm) - Indiana Jones & Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG)
• Friday August 7, Sunset (~8:04 pm) - Disney’s Cinderella (PG)
• Friday August 14, Sunset (~7:45 pm) - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day (PG)
• Friday August 21, Sunset (~7:35 pm) - Guardian of the Galaxy (PG)
• Friday August 28, Sunset (~7:25 pm) - Maleficent (PG)

33. Go to a "Concert in the Courtyard" at BPL (June - August)

You probably knew there was a SWEET courtyard in the middle of the Boston Public Library, but did you know that from June through August there are bi-weekly concerts? Hayo!

Check out the full list of concerts this summer.

When? Wednesdays at 6 p.m. & Fridays at 12:30 p.m.

34. Check out BostInno's Summer Series List

I'm just waiting on BostInno to drop the new list for summer 2015 — will update when it does!

Click the link above for BostInno's "running list of summer series in the city that you won't want to miss. These occur on a regular, oftentimes weekly, basis, so you'll want to tuck them away in the back of your mind for any night of the week you have free, or make a habit of hitting them up more than once. Because it's just too nice out to spend your evenings on the couch."

 

35. Check out some of Boston's "speakeasy" style bars

Saloon (Davis Square)

Back Bar (Union Square)

Located behind an unassuming door and down a [purposefully] sketchy-looking hallway, Back Bar is a really cool environment that serves some of the best cocktails in the Boston Area (maybe even the galaxy). DEFINITELY worth checking out if you're ever inclined to visit Union Square (Somerville).

Address: 9 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143

Drink (Seaport)

No one describes Drink better than...Drink: A bar entirely dedicated to the craft of the cocktail, Drink blends time-honored techniques and the classic cocktails of the prohibition era with modern innovation and the very best artisanal ingredients.

And a quote from a former bartender at Drink (who shall remain nameless): "Drink is one of three bars where real cocktails were able to weather the storm of the 90s and the age of the Long Island Iced Tea."

Address: 348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

Brick and Mortar (Central Square)

Even though their website is a little janky — the atmosphere is awesome and the drinks are phenomenal. Definitely a popular spot on a weekend night so don't be surprised to find a line to get in.

Address: 567 Mass Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139

36. Memorial Drive Sunday Shutdown

A lesser known fact about Cambridge, MA —  Memorial Drive is closed to cars on Sundays!

Memorial Drive is owned and operated by the State Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). DCR closes Memorial Drive in Cambridge between Western Avenue and Mount Auburn Street.  The closure is in effect from 11:00am to 7:00pm starting the last Sunday of April until the 2nd Sunday of November.

Definitely worth checking out for a leisurely Sunday stroll!

37. Host or attend a Groupmuse concert

Groupmuse is a Boston-based company/website that matches up people who want to volunteer their home for a semi-public classical musical performance with musicians and guests. 

Check out this video that explains the motivation/ethos behind Groupmuse — and get your fancy, awesome in-home concertos flowing!

38. Do some Salsa in the Park (June 9th - August 25th)

Get your salsa on with MetaMovements — a leading latin dance & music organization in the Boston area, led by Anara Frank. Fun, free and full of dancing. No brainer!

Address: Blackstone Community Center Park, 50 W. Brookline St., Boston, MA 02118

When? Mondays (6pm-9pm)

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 1-888-982-META (6382)

39. Tufts Library Roof

There are a lot of place to get a great view of the gorgeous Boston skyline, but few of them are free and accessible unhindered by doormen or viewing hours or crowds of people. Drive on over to Tufts University and check out the library roof (best accessed by parking anywhere near campus and looking for the long, grey building to the right of Goddard Chapel). The library roof offers a breathtaking view of the Boston skyline, including the Hancock and Prudential Towers, the Hood blimp during Red Sox games, and the Fourth of July fireworks. It’s a popular place for students and townies alike so don’t be discouraged by it’s location on the campus. 

This rooftop offers a sweeping view of the Boston skyline. Dubbed, "Alex's Place," the roof is dedicated to Alex Mendell, a Tufts student who took his own life in 2003. 

You don’t have to worry about disturbing the students. The roof is only accessible from an outdoor stairwell.

 

Source: Tufts University

40. The Algiers Coffee House (Harvard Square, Cambridge)

The Algiers Coffee House has been a fixture in Cambridge for decades, among all the changes that have taken place all around Harvard Square. It’s a very charming old-world vibe and oddly-tourist-free. Locals and students sit around the octagonal Moroccan tables sipping tea by the pot, eating their middle eastern fare, and enjoying unique salads in a funky, laid-back atmosphere. The coffee is sensational. Service is friendly and unhurried. The Algiers is not wheelchair accessible, and serves beer and wine. 

Address: 40 Brattle Street at Church Street

41. Tim Gearan at Atwood's Tavern — Every Friday at 9:30pm ($7)

8 years into their Friday night residency and going strong, Somerville mini-legend Tim Gearan and his bluegrass band play their hearts out every single time. Not to mention Atwood's is still one of the better kept secrets of East Cambridge - it’s just far enough from Inman Square and a worthy destination. The beer list is thoughtful and expansive and the food is just as good. There is no way not to have an energetic and awesome Friday night. Atwood’s also boasts a sizable outdoor patio for when the weather permits for a secluded al fresco drinking experience. 

42. Go to Restoration Resources

Source: Restoration Resources

"Restoration Resources is renowned nationwide as a retail treasure-trove...showcasing unique artifacts, antique decorative salvage, architectural and ornamental building elements, vintage statuary, and choice old house parts, hardware, and fixtures…all unearthed from historical sites, period homes, Beacon Hill Brownstones, unusual buildings, and churches throughout New England. For more than 20 years, owner Bill Raymer has been 'rescuing', and 'recycling' these timeless trophies, which he carefully displays in a 7000 square foot showroom and warehouse in Boston, Massachusetts. These one of a kind and hard to find time honored pieces are coveted for their Beauty... History... Scarcity... Quality... Authenticity…and more recently...as Earth Friendly and Eco-Conscious design elements."

Now you may be asking yourself, "Is Jumpshell really recommending I go poke around some shop with a bunch of old stuff in it?"....Yup! Unconventional!

43. Escape the Room

Escape what? The room!

Escape the Room is a fun, interactive game taking place in Boston.  While it looks like any other ordinary room, it’s actually a mystery puzzle.  Find the hidden objects, figure out the clues and solve the puzzles to earn your freedom and “Escape the Room.”  You have 60 minutes, so be quick! Come with your friends, family and coworkers and have a great time.

I'm not going to lie, the Facebook ad made this seem way creepier than their website does.

44. Bocce in the North End

Did you know there are public bocce courts at Langone Park on Commercial St. in the North End?? Channel your future twilight years with a leisurely game of bocce and a refreshing glass of Limoncello in one of Boston's most beautiful neighborhoods.

Check out this Google Maps link to see exatly where Langone Park is.

Pro tip: make sure you roll the balls and don’t lob them — the veterans who play here won’t be pleased with dents in the courts!

Image source: northendwaterfront.com

Curveball! Need to get out of the city?

Checkout Getaway!

Getaway is a cool service where you can rent a 160-square-foot wood cabin/house thing for about $99 per night. They drive it out 2 hours from Boston into the wilderness so you're totally secluded and drenched in nature, but still have a working toilet and shower — the best of both worlds. Definitely worth checking out if you need to unplug, recharge, sing with the birds, etc.

Looking for some more conventional things to do in Boston?

Then check out the Go Card Boston from Smart Destinations.

Go Card Boston is a special pass that lets you "visit multiple Boston attractions for one low price. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities and pay nothing at the gate." If you're looking to hit the more notable attractions in Boston (Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, etc.) then it's actually a pretty good deal.

Full disclosure, we get a 6% commission from any Go Cards purchased through the link below. I wanted to be upfront about that, but I honestly wouldn't include it here if I didn't think it was a worthwhile product for people looking to "see the sights" in Boston. It actually blends savings and convenience, so it's worth exploring if you're interested in those attractions.