35 Fun & Best Boston Date Ideas to Impress Your Other Half

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Boston is a well-known city in the New England area of the US. The destination notably has many things for couples to do together. Whether you live in the city with your partner or are visiting, there's certainly no shortage of fun things to do!

Some of the best Boston date ideas include taking cooking classes, going on a sunset cruise in Boston Harbor, and checking out trendy bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. Keep reading for 35 of the best things for couples to do in Boston.

Heading to Boston and planning last-minute?

Book your Boston accommodations and experiences early! Here are some top choices to make your trip enjoyable.

🏨 Top accommodations in Boston

• Aloft Boston Seaport District (relax by the pool)
• The Colonnade Hotel (rated highly)
• Seaport Hotel Boston (4-star rating)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Boston

• Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour With Cruise Along Charles River (likely to sell out)
• Martha's Vineyard Daytrip From Boston With Round-Trip Ferry & Island Tour Option (very popular)
• Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran (very popular)
• Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour With 14 Stops (very popular)
• Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission

35 Romantic Things to Do in Boston for Couples

Fun Things for Couples to Do in Boston, MA

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Admire artworks at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

A must-visit spot for couples that love art is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Founded in 1903, the gallery houses a vast collection, including paintings, sculptures, and even rare books. After viewing the artworks, you can visit the pretty courtyard filled with plants and flowers.

☂️ Join a tour to see the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

• Boston City View Bicycle Tour by Urban AdvenTours (highly rated)
• Go City - Boston All-Inclusive Pass With 45 Attractions & Tours

🏨 Stay in close proximity to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

• Hilton Garden Inn Boston Brookline, ma (scored highly by guests)
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Brookline-Longwood Medical (4-star rating)

Explore Boston Public Market

Boston Market is an indoor market that hosts a variety of vendors. One of the most fun Boston date ideas is exploring the market with your date. You can get a variety of dishes and baked goods, as well as shop for produce and drinks, like coffee, fresh juice, and even cocktails.

☂️ Experience Boston Public Market with a tour

• Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour With Cruise Along Charles River (highly sought-after)
• Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour With 14 Stops (a top tour)

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Boston Public Market

• Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf (lounge by the pool)
• Hampton Inn Boston Seaport District (highly acclaimed)

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Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art

There are various Boston nicknames that relate to the city's history as a cultural hub, so it's not surprising there are many museums and galleries to visit. Another art gallery to go to with your date is the Institute of Contemporary Art.

The gallery has a variety of modern art exhibitions, including lots of temporary exhibits, meaning you get to view new works even if you've visited before! The venue also hosts events and offers free admission on Thursday evenings.

🏨 Accommodations near the Institute of Contemporary Art

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport District (rated highly)
• Seaport Hotel Boston (very highly rated)

See the Boston Symphony Orchestra

The Boston Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest of the five major symphony orchestras in the United States. If you and your partner like classical music, spending an evening watching the Boston Symphony Orchestra is a perfect date idea. The orchestra performs at Symphony Hall, which also hosts other musical acts throughout the year.

☂️ Visit the Boston Symphony Orchestra with an experience

• Boston Shore Excursion - Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

🏨 Places to stay close to the Boston Symphony Orchestra

• Revere Hotel Boston Common (4-star)
• Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall

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Go to the Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library has multiple locations across the city, but the most famous is the Central Library. This Renaissance-style building is stunning to see and is a fun place to explore with your date.

Once inside, you can view a range of books and publications and admire the grand reading room. You and your date could also each pick a book and hang out in the impressive library while you read.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Boston Public Library - Central Library

• Oasis Guest House (highly acclaimed)
• Cambria Hotel Boston, Downtown-South Boston

Experience a cocktails and cannoli tour

If you and your date like sweet treats and good drinks, book a cocktails and cannoli tour. On this excursion, you'll explore Little Italy, visiting bakeries and bars. Before tasting some delicious signature cocktails, you can try dessert samples, including cannoli and gelato.

🏨 Accommodations nearby 191 Hanover St

• Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor
• Boston Park Plaza

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Cheer for the Red Sox at Fenway Park

The Boston Red Sox are one of the most well-known teams in MLB. So if you and your partner are sports fans, a fun Boston date idea is watching the Red Sox play at Fenway Park.

You can see the team during the regular season between the end of March to the start of October. Boston locals really love this team, so the atmosphere at games is very exciting and memorable!

🏨 Stay nearby Fenway Park

• The Royal Sonesta Boston (unwind poolside)
• Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge (rated highly)

☂️ Visit Fenway Park on a tour

• Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark (widely sought after)

Try delicious dishes on a Boston food tour

If you and your date are foodies, one of the fun Boston dates you have to try is going on a Little Italy food tour. This excursion will take you to the best eateries in the area, where you can sample pizza at three top pizzerias and try a variety of other Italian dishes and snacks, including cannoli.

As you walk between each spot, you can see some Boston landmarks and learn some Boston facts from your guide.

🏨 Places to stay close to 263 Hanover St

• The Boxer
• The Revolution Hotel

Shop at Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Another marketplace in Boston to visit with your date is Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The marketplace building was constructed in 1742 and today hosts a range of vendors. Things on offer range from crafts and souvenirs to produce and gourmet food items.

For those visiting the city, a trip to Faneuil Hall Marketplace definitely has to be on your Boston itinerary.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Faneuil Hall Marketplace

• InterContinental Boston (5-star rating)
• The Colonnade Hotel (highly rated)

☂️ Visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace with an experience

• Freedom Trail - Small Group Tour of Revolutionary Boston (popular with most)

Dine at the Fairmont Copley Plaza

The Fairmont Copley Plaza is a luxury hotel in Boston that's a great place to stay with your partner when visiting the city. If you live in Boston or have other accommodation, you can still experience the hotel by dining at its restaurant, the Oak Long Bar + Kitchen.

This stylish eatery serves breakfast, brunch, and dinner and offers classic American dishes with a contemporary twist. You can accompany your meal with craft cocktails or order from an extensive wine and liquor list.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Fairmont Copley Plaza

• Harborside Inn
• Sheraton Boston Hotel (unwind poolside)

Sail through Boston Harbor at sunset

Sailing through Boston Harbor at sunset is one of the most romantic things to do in Boston for couples. It's also one of the best things to do at night in Boston!

Once aboard the vintage-style sailboat, you'll cruise through the harbor, admiring the sunset and the Boston skyline. There's also a cash bar on board, and you can view the starry night sky as you sail back toward land.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Central Wharf

• Boston Harbor Hotel (rated 5-stars)
• Hilton Boston Downtown Faneuil Hall (4-star rating)

Cook new dishes at an Italian cooking class

Do you and your other half love Italian food? Instead of going to an Italian restaurant, why not learn to cook fantastic dishes yourself?

When taking an Italian cooking class, you'll be given step-by-step instructions on how to make favorites like handmade pasta, chicken marsala, and tiramisu. This course offers a great way to bond with your date, learn new skills, and enjoy delicious dishes!

🏨 Places to stay close to 19 Kingston St

• W Boston (unwind poolside)
• InterContinental Boston (5-star rating)

Wander around the Charles River Esplanade

The Charles River Esplanade is a waterfront park with trails, gardens, and more. It's the ideal place to go for a romantic walk with your date. Other things to do in the park include boating, jogging, and attending events together, like outdoor yoga sessions.

🏨 Accommodations near Charles River Esplanade

• The Liberty (5-star rating)
• The Westin Copley Place (well-rated)

Discover the best donuts in Boston!

Going on a donut tour is one of the most fun things to do in Boston for couples that have a sweet tooth! This tasty tour will take you to multiple donut shops where you can taste samples and buy boxes of your favorites. As you explore, you'll find shops and taste flavors that you likely wouldn't have discovered alone.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to 90 Oliver St

• Club Quarters Hotel in Boston
• Omni Parker House

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Stroll through Boston Public Garden

Another beautiful place to go for a walk with your date is Boston Public Garden. Located adjacent to Boston Common, the 24-acre space features a lagoon, colorful flower gardens, and lots of greenery. Along with going for a walk, you can hang out on the lawns or rent swan boats to sail on the lagoon.

🏨 Stay nearby Public Garden

• Found Hotel Boston Common
• Moxy Boston Downtown

Tour the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery

The Samuel Adams Beer Company is well known in the US and has its headquarters in Boston as part of the Boston Brewing Company. The city also houses a brewery that's open for tours.

On a Samuel Adams Boston Brewery tour, you and your date can learn more about the brewing process and taste samples. You can then head to the patio to enjoy a pint or two of your favorite brew.

🏨 Place to stay close to Samuel Adams Boston Brewery - Jamaica Plain

• Perkins Inn (top-rated)

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Look around the Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts is a renowned art gallery founded in 1870. It's the 20th largest art gallery in the world, covering over 600,00 square feet, and has a collection of 450,000 pieces. As you explore, can view a range of art mediums on display. You'll also be able to see many iconic artworks by world-renowned artists.

☂️ Discover Museum of Fine Arts, Boston on a tour

• Boston Private City Tour

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

• The Verb Hotel (highly acclaimed)
• The Inn at Longwood Medical

Listen to live music at Scullers Jazz Club

If you're planning a date night and you and your partner want to listen to live music, going to Scullers Jazz Club is a must. Known as "Boston's #1 Jazz Club," the bar hosts shows by well-known and up-and-coming jazz musicians. As you enjoy the performance, you can order drinks, including signature cocktails and mocktails, plus a variety of appetizers, main meals, and decadent desserts.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Scullers Jazz Club

• The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square
• Hyatt Regency Boston Cambridge

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Learn something new at the Boston Tea Party & Ships Museum

One of the most unique attractions to visit with your date is the Boston Tea Party & Ships Museum. The museum is housed in a replica of an 18th-century ship and covers the famous Boston Tea Party.

When visiting this Boston landmark, you may also see historical reenactments. Buying admission tickets for the Boston Tea Party & Ships Museum in advance is recommended.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

• The Westin Boston Seaport District (unwind poolside)
• The Godfrey Hotel Boston

Get ice cream at Taiyaki NYC

Treating yourselves to some ice cream is a date idea that's sure to please! A popular place to get frozen treats in Boston is Taiyaki NYC.

This Japanese-inspired ice cream shop sells a variety of flavors, from classics like chocolate and strawberry to red bean and roasted matcha. No matter what flavor you choose, you can opt for a cute fish-shaped cone, or an ice cream tub with teddy bear faces on it!

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Taiyaki NYC - Boston

• Aloft Boston Seaport District (spectacular waterside views)
• Element Boston Seaport District

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Spot marine life at the New England Aquarium

Going to the New England Aquarium is one of the laid-back and fun dates in Boston, MA, for those planning to hang out during the day. The aquarium is home to 15,000 marine animals of 600 species.

Creatures to see range from tropical fish and jellyfish to sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions. As this attraction is popular, buy New England Aquarium tickets before you arrive to avoid waiting in line.

🏨 Accommodations nearby the New England Aquarium

• Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston Waterfront
• Hotel AKA Boston Common

Bar hop on a history pub crawl

Boston has a rich history and lots of fantastic pubs and breweries. A fun way to combine these two things is by going on a Boston history pub crawl.

Your guide will take you along the Boston Freedom Trail, stopping at historic sites and offering more information on their significance. You'll stop at popular pubs between historical landmarks where you can get some drinks.

🏨 Places to stay close to 6 Faneuil Hall Sq

• Onyx Boston Downtown
• Hotel Indigo Boston Garden

Search for whales on a whale-watching cruise

Experiencing a whale-watching cruise together is one of the best dates in Boston, MA, especially if you want to do something very memorable. The cruise will take you to areas within the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary that are known to be home to fin and humpback whales.

You may also see white-sided dolphins while on the water. May to October is the best time to visit Boston to spot whales as they migrate to the warm Atlantic waters for the summer and early fall.

Have a coffee date

Simply getting coffee together is one of the cute dates in Boston, MA, to add to your date ideas list. A cool spot to check out is Ogawa Coffee. This Japanese coffee chain serves a variety of hot and cold drinks, including those with fantastic latte art.

Dare to explore Boston after dark on a ghost tour

A unique date night idea is joining a Boston ghost tour. You and your partner will visit a range of haunted sites, including Copp's Hill Burying Ground and Boston Common. You'll hear spooky tales of eerie events and paranormal sightings at each stop.

🏨 Stay nearby Copps Hill Burying Ground

• Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill

Relax at the Mandarin Oriental spa

Going to the spa is the ideal way to unwind, and it's also one of the most romantic things to do in Boston, MA, with your partner. To really treat yourselves, book some treatments at the Mandarin Oriental spa. Treatments include facials, massages, and body treatments like scrubs. Spa guests also have access to saunas and pools.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston

• Boston Marriott Copley Place (well-rated)
• Newbury Guest House (4-star rating)

Luxuriate on a brunch cruise

A fun way to have brunch with your date is by going out on the water on a brunch cruise. This two-hour scenic boat ride will take you through Boston Harbor and past landmarks like the Bunker Hill Monument and Castle Island. As you sightsee, you can enjoy a three-course brunch, and drinks, like mimosas, are available for an additional cost.

Enjoy cocktails at a trendy bar

There are many bars in the Boston area to choose from when planning to get drinks together. If you and your date like cocktails, there's also no shortage of excellent cocktail bars.

Backbar is one spot just outside Boston that you have to visit. This popular and stylish bar serves a variety of unique drinks, like a gin, strawberry, and almond mix, and a drink called "Big Bird" that includes sesame oil! Yvonne's is another cool spot with a fantastic interior, delicious beverages like sharing cocktails, and a full dinner menu.

Hang out at Boston Common

Boston Common is a park in downtown Boston that's the oldest city park in the United States. It's the ideal place to spend some time in the fresh air with your date, going for a walk, chatting on the grass, or having a picnic. In the winter, you can also visit the Boston Common Frog Pond ice skating rink.

🏨 Accommodations near Boston Common

• The Newbury Boston (5-star rating)
• Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston (top-rated)

Fun Things to Do Near Boston on a Date

Plan a day trip to Salem

A unique day trip to plan with your other half is going to Salem. The city, known by most for its witch trials in the 1600s, is located just 45 minutes from Boston when driving. You can also take a boat from Boston to Salem and back, which takes about an hour each way.

Once in this fascinating town, you'll discover many things to do in Salem, MA. Activities include learning more about the witch trials, shopping at supernatural-themed stores, and wandering along the waterfront. There are also a variety of interesting tours to book in Salem.

🏨 Places to stay near Salem

• Hampton Inn Salem, ma (highly acclaimed)
• Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites (4-star)

Check out the breweries in Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a peninsula in Massachusetts known as a coastal getaway destination. Located just under two hours from Boston, it's a tranquil place to go with your partner for a day trip or weekend getaway.

One of the best things to do in the area is visit the many breweries on Cape Cod. You'll find a variety of breweries that serve local craft beers and ciders and offer tastings. After visiting breweries, be sure to go to some of Cape Cod's beaches and seafood restaurants.

🏨 Places to stay close to Cape Cod

• Cape Winds Resort, a VRI Resort (take it easy by the pool)
• Hyannis Travel Inn (rated highly)

Watch a movie at Coolidge Corner Theatre

A movie date is a classic idea, but to make it a little more unique, take your partner to the Coolidge Corner Theatre. Opened in 1933, today, the vintage movie theater shows independent films, plus some classic movies and a few newer releases.

🏨 Accommodations near Coolidge Corner Theatre

• The Arcadian Powered by Sonder
• The Coolidge Corner Guest House - A Brookline Bed & Breakfast

Road trip to Providence, Rhode Island

A fun place to go on a mini road trip with your date is Providence, Rhode Island. This New England city is located about an hour from Boston and features beaches, scenic parks, and many other attractions.

You and your date will also be able to visit an array of Rhode Island landmarks like the Rhode Island State House, and you can book some unique Providence excursions.

🏨 Accommodations near Providence

• Omni Providence (lounge by the pool)
• Residence Inn Providence Downtown (highly acclaimed)

Spend a day in Martha's Vineyard

Another of many amazing destinations close to Boston for a day trip is Martha's Vineyard. Situated about two and a half hours from Boston, the island features stunning beaches, coastal trails, and classic New England seaside architecture.

You and your date can drive yourselves or opt to join a Boston to Martha's Vineyard day trip tour.

Experience a performance at the American Repertory Theater

Located on the campus of Harvard University, the American Repertory Theater is an iconic theater company in Massachusetts. If you and your partner are interested in seeing a show here, you'll have many genres to choose from. Performances include iconic plays, shows based on literature, and those that cover significant events and societal issues.

🏨 Places to stay near American Repertory Theater

• Hotel 1868 (scored highly by guests)
• Le Meridien Boston Cambridge (4-star rating)

In Conclusion

This list covers all the most romantic things to do in Boston, Massachusetts and more unique and quirky date ideas. No matter what you and your other half enjoy doing, you can find an activity for you in Boston!

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Learn more about Boston:

• 19 Nicknames for Boston and the Reasons for Them
• Best Time to Visit Boston for Weather, Prices, and Crowds
• Long Weekend in Boston - A Perfect Boston 3 Day Itinerary
• 21 Fun Things to Do in Boston at Night
• 20 Famous Landmarks in Boston, Massachusetts You Must Visit

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• 25 Famous Landmarks in Massachusetts to Visit
• 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Massachusetts State to Know
• 35 Fun & Best Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts

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