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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Boston

131 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Boston, Massachusetts

Updated July 21, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Boston

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Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Boston

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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

12 Places in Massachusetts Where Literature Comes to Life

Massachusetts is a lit-lover's paradise. From landscapes that have moved writers to wax poetic about beans to story-inspired sculpture parks and shops stacked with volumes new and old, the Bay State would also be aptly named the Book State. Here are 12 places to celebrate writers or the places that inspired them.

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Explore Boston, Massachusetts

Architecture 16
History 14
Statues 13
Architectural Oddities 11
Memorials 10
Monuments 9
Sacred Spaces 9
Plaques 8

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Recent Boston Activity

Stories About Boston

Omni Parker House Hotel

The Omni Parker House: Inside the History of Boston’s Most Iconic Hotel

Charles Dickens once stayed here on a reading tour for ‘A Christmas Carol.’
by The Podcast Team
Fenway Park at night

How Was Your First Trip With Your Significant Other?

When your new partner shows up without luggage, or, worse yet, turns out to be a morning person.
by The Podcast Team
Green-Wood Cemetery, overlooking New York Harbor.

Where Our Team Looked for Joy During Pandemic Lockdowns

Five years after the initial COVID-19 lockdown, the AO team reflects on the places that brought them joy, comfort, and connection during a difficult time.
by The Podcast Team
This photo reveals interviews with James Brown, Annie Lennox, Al Green, Boris Grebenshchikov (the “Grandfather of Russian Rock”), and many more.

Unearthing Gems in a Massive Archive of Rock Star Interviews

“They are unpolished and unvarnished.”
by April White
Red wine, fish, and hardtack were the main ingredients of old-fashioned chowder.

Chowder Once Had No Milk, No Potatoes—and No Clams

The earliest-known version of the dish was a winey, briny, bready casserole.
by Anne Ewbank
British pop singer/songwriter Maisie Peters’s favorite book, Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, inspired an obsession with New England winters.

How 'The Secret History' Conjures Haunting New England Winters

For me as a singer-songwriter, there’s just something alluring about that frigid, seasonal darkness.
by Maisie Peters

Podcast: The Theater of Electricity

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
by The Podcast Team

Podcast: Bell Ringing of Old North Church

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
by The Podcast Team

Lists Featuring Boston

View to Marshall Street from Creek Square.

The 11 Most Interesting Places to Visit Near Faneuil Hall

11

Including AHAC Headquarters, Faneuil Hall Weathervane, and Creek Square

Madaba Mosaic Map
The gallery of maps, showing the ceiling
Great Polish Map of Scotland

13 Marvelous Maps That Go Way Beyond Paper

Charting the world's most intriguing out-of-the-box cartography.

13

Including Madaba Mosaic Map, Gallery of Maps - Galleria delle Carte Geografiche, and Mapparium Globe

The Paddington Bear statue at Paddington station.
The Alice in Wonderland statue in Central Park.
Mrs Mallard and her entire brood.
Dr Seuss, Cat in the Hat, and a book with lines from Oh The Places You’ll Go.

9 Favorite Children's Book Characters, Immortalized in Bronze

Visit Paddington Bear, Ramona Quimby, and other childhood heroes in person.

9

Including Paddington Bear Statue , Alice in Wonderland Statue, and Make Way for Ducklings Statue

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