Attractions

Whether you want to immerse yourself in the colonial era or just cruise around the harbor, you can do it -- and plenty more -- in Boston. Throw out your preconceptions of the city as an open-air history museum (although that's certainly one of the guises it can assume), and allow your interests to dictate where you go.

It's possible but not advisable to take in most of the major attractions in 2 or 3 days if you don't linger anywhere too long. For a more enjoyable, less rushed visit, plan fewer activities and spend more time on them.

Mergers and budget cuts have slashed corporate and government contributions to many cultural organizations. Admissions fees and hours in this chapter are current at press time, but establishments that rely heavily on outside aid may cost a bit more or be keeping shorter hours by the time you visit. And prices for attractions that use fuel -- such as tours and cruises -- are subject to changes or surcharges depending on the fluctuating oil market. If you're on a tight budget or schedule, check ahead.

For security reasons, some attractions require adult patrons to show ID before entering. Double-check that you have your license or passport before you leave the hotel.

The city's newest attraction, which received international attention when it opened in 2006, is the relocated Institute of Contemporary Art, on the up-and-coming South Boston waterfront. At press time, the nearby Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum (tel. 617/269-7150; www.bostonteapartyship.com), which closed after a fire in 2001, was scheduled to reopen in late 2008. Plans called for the construction of two more ships, doubling the size of the museum, and addition of a tearoom. Also in 2008, two of the three Harvard University Art Museums will close for renovations. Check ahead for details about the greatest-hits displays concentrated in the one that is to stay open, the Arthur M. Sackler Museum.

The attractions in this section are easily accessible by public transportation; given the difficulty and expense of parking, it's preferable to take the T everywhere. Even the Kennedy Library, which has a large free parking lot, operates a free shuttle bus that connects it to the Red Line. To maximize your enjoyment, try to visit these attractions during relatively slow times. If possible, especially in the summer, sightsee on weekdays; if you're traveling without children, aim for times when school is in session. And if you're in town on a July or August weekend, resign yourself to lines and crowds.

Let's Make a Deal

As you plan your sightseeing, consider these money-saving options:

If you concentrate on the included attractions, a CityPass (tel. 888/330-5008; www.citypass.com) offers great savings. It's a booklet of tickets (so you can go straight to the entrance) to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Kennedy Library, the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science, and the Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory. If you visit all six, the price gives adults a nearly 50% savings -- which feels like an even better deal on a steamy day when the line at the aquarium is long. At press time, the cost was $40 for adults, $22 for youths 3 to 11, subject to change as admission prices rise. The passes, good for 9 days from the date of purchase (except in the winter, when they're good for up to 3 1/2 months), are on sale at participating attractions, through the website, from the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (tel. 800/SEE-BOSTON; www.bostonusa.com), and at some travel agents and hotel concierge desks.

The main competition for CityPass is the Go Boston Card (tel. 800/887-9103; www.gobostoncard.com). The original Go Boston card includes admission to more than 60 Boston-area and New England attractions, plus dining and shopping discounts, a guidebook, and a 2-day trolley pass. If you strategize wisely, this card can be a great value. It costs $49 for 1 day, $79 for 2 days, $109 for 3 days, $149 for 5 days, and $169 for 7 days, with discounts for children and winter travelers (some of the included businesses close in the winter). A spin-off, the Explorer Pass, lets you select three of the nine included attractions and is good for 30 days. It costs $59 for adults and $39 for children -- a potentially good deal, but do a little math before committing. Cards and passes are available through the website; at the Visitor Information Centers on Boston Common and at the Prudential Center; from the BosTix booths in Faneuil Hall Marketplace (closed Mon) and Copley Square; at many concierge desks; and as part of numerous hotel packages.

The MBTA's 7-day LinkPass (tel. 877/927-7277 or 617/222-5218; www.mbta.com) can be a good deal -- but only if you plan to use public transit often enough.

A Note on Online Ticketing -- Many museums and other attractions sell tickets online, subject to a service charge, through their websites or an agency. This can be handy, but it can also cost you some flexibility and perhaps some money. If there's any chance that your plans will change, make sure you understand the refund policy before you enter your credit card info -- you may not be able to return or exchange prepaid tickets.

On Top of the World

The Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory, 800 Boylston St. (tel. 617/859-0648), offers a 360-degree view of Boston and far beyond. From the enclosed observation deck on the 50th floor of the Prudential Tower, you can see for miles, even (when it's clear) as far as the mountains of southern New Hampshire to the north and the beaches of Cape Cod to the south. Away from the windows, interactive audiovisual exhibits chronicle the city's history. The admission price includes a narrated audio tour, available in versions targeted to adults and children. Wings Over Boston, a dramatic aerial video tour of the city, shows in the on-site theater. Also here are fascinating exhibits from the defunct immigration museum Dreams of Freedom, including video presentations about refugees and the history of immigration to Boston. Call before visiting, because the space sometimes closes for private events. Hours are 10am to 10pm daily. Admission is $11 for adults, $8.50 for seniors, and $7 for children under 12; adults must show a photo ID to enter the building.

Eyes in the Skies

For a smashing view of the airport, the harbor, and the South Boston waterfront, stroll along the harbor or Atlantic Avenue to Northern Avenue. On either side of this intersection are buildings with free observation areas. Be ready to show an ID to gain entrance. The first, on the 14th floor of Independence Wharf, 470 Atlantic Ave., is open daily from 11am to 5pm. The other, Foster's Rotunda, is on the ninth floor of 30 Rowes Wharf, in the Boston Harbor Hotel complex. It's open Monday to Friday from 11am to 4pm.