Boston, Massachusetts
Mapparium Globe
An enormous, inside-out glass globe built in 1935.
The Atlas Obscura Guide to Boston
147 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Boston, Massachusetts
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Do, See, and Listen
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Unique Restaurants & Bars
Union Oyster House
This nearly 200-year-old restaurant's history includes an exiled French prince, JFK, and a very hungry Daniel Webster.
Story
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.
Podcast
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.’
museums and collections
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (The Gardner)
Two thousand artifacts from around the world collected by one woman who loved to travel.
Unusual Attractions in Boston
Off the Beaten Path
Boston, Massachusetts
Brattle Book Shop
One of the oldest used bookstores in the U.S. has been selling antiquarian treasures since 1825.
Boston, Massachusetts
Forest Hills Cemetery
A beautiful Victorian-era cemetery, complete with a miniature village.
Boston, Massachusetts
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (The Gardner)
Two thousand artifacts from around the world collected by one woman who loved to travel.
Boston, Massachusetts
Edgar Allan Poe Square
The Boston square dedicated to the dark poet who was born nearby.
Boston, Massachusetts
Museum of Bad Art
Museum dedicated to awful artwork.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Athenaeum Skin Book
A morbid secret lies hidden within the beautiful walls of the Boston Athenaeum.
Boston, Massachusetts
Empire Garden Restaurant
Dim sum, served in a grand old theater.
Upcoming Events in Boston
Happening Now
Explore the Map
Hidden Wonders
What Do You Want to Do in Boston
Boston Stories
Articles and Podcasts
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It's the Moment to Explore Your BackyardBy Caitlin English , Community Contributor
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Podcast
Why Are There Snowy Owls at Logan Airport?By The Podcast Team , Atlas Obscura
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Podcast
The Omni Parker House: Inside the History of Boston’s Most Iconic HotelBy The Podcast Team , Atlas Obscura
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Podcast
How Was Your First Trip With Your Significant Other?By The Podcast Team , Atlas Obscura
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Podcast
Where Our Team Looked for Joy During Pandemic LockdownsBy The Podcast Team , Atlas Obscura
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objects of intrigue
Unearthing Gems in a Massive Archive of Rock Star InterviewsBy April White , Atlas Obscura
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food
Chowder Once Had No Milk, No Potatoes—and No ClamsBy Anne Ewbank , Atlas Obscura
Lists
Top 25 Food Places that Fed Your Curiosity in 2025
View ListThe 11 Most Interesting Places to Visit Near Faneuil Hall
View List
Itinerary
12 Places in Massachusetts Where Literature Comes to Life
Massachusetts is a lit-lover's paradise.
View Itinerary
Boston Never Gets Old
Book Now
Boston Leaderboard
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Places Visited
Recent Boston Activity
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has been to Faneuil Hall Weathervane
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wants to go to Hood Milk Bottle
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has been to Hood Milk Bottle
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wants to go to North End "Peninsula"
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has been to 'The Embrace'
