Best Things to do in Boston's West End Neighborhood

Sports Museum of New England

Sports are a huge part of the life and culture of Boston and this museum is a great example of how sports bring the city to life. With teams such as the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins, there are many passionate fans around town. The city also hosts a number of sporting events including the famous Boston Marathon. This museum is located in the TD Garden, which is home to the Bruins and Celtics, and it covers many aspects of sports in Boston.

Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation

Located at Massachusetts General Hospital, this museum highlights the accomplishments of more than 200 years of research in the medical field. There are exhibits on various medical breakthroughs, as well up frequently updated features on the latest in medical technology. On the third floor there's a roof top garden that offers beautiful views of the Beacon Hill skyline. The Ether Dome is an amphitheater where anesthesia was first successfully used in 1846.

Alfond Memorial Spray Deck

In West End near the Science Museum lies this small park on the water with a playground and spray deck. It's the perfect spot if you need somewhere to take your kids in the summer to cool off, as it's close to everything in the middle of historic Boston.

Boston Garden (TD Garden)

The iconic Boston Garden indoor stadium (currently named the TD Garden) is home to both the Boston Celtics NBA team and the Boston Bruins NHL team. While it's been around for awhile, this stadium is loved by fans from near and afar for it's close, intimate seating where spectators can see all of the action of their favorite teams. In addition to sporting events, the venue also hosts hit concerts and other shows on occasion such as Disney on Ice and famous comedians.

First Harrison Gray Otis House

This 1796 Federal-style house has been fully restored with bright colors, and elegant but timely furnishings. It offers a glimpse at upper class life in Boston during the late 1700s and early 1800s. There's also an interesting architecture museum in the basement.

Charles Hayden Planetarium

Located inside the fantastic Museum of Science, this amazing planetarium features shows that educate and entertain children and adults. While some of the shows are more scientific than others, they offer shows that accommodate a variety of audiences. For example, a Sesame Street; themed show engages young children while teaching them about astronomy, and Descent into Jupiter shows us what the gas giant is made of. Tickets can be purchased at the museum and shows run several times per day when the museum is open.

The West End Museum

This local museum is focused on the history of the West End neighborhood in Boston. It's a smaller museum, but it's a fun and unique place to visit that offers a glimpse into the real West End neighborhood, it's history and culture, and everything that makes it special.

Museum of Science

The Museum of Science runs between East Cambridge and Boston's West End along the Charles River. This is one of the largest science museums in the world and, with more than 700 exhibits, this museum makes a good tribute to a city known for it's contributions to the field of science.