Boston attracts around 30,000 runners and over half a million spectators each year. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
Make the most of Marathon Monday in Boston
Pounding footsteps. Screaming crowds. Ringing cowbells. Nothing beats Boston’s energy on Marathon Monday. But if you’re busy chasing a personal record – or your favorite runner around the city – exploring may not be your top priority. Luckily, thanks to Boston’s compact downtown and versatile activities, seeing the city doesn’t have to disrupt your race-day plans. These are our favorite ways to make the most of Boston, even if you’re focused on the finish line.
Shake out and explore
Need to stay loose pre- or post-race? Or trying to spectate and see some attractions? Stretch your legs with these things to do around the city:
- Take a walking tour: Walk along the popular Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile red-brick path through Boston’s most historic neighborhoods. Try neighborhood, social history or Revolutionary War tours for an immersive window into Boston’s impactful past.
- Explore diverse neighborhoods: Visit museums, shops and parks in walkable neighborhoods like Bay Village, Chinatown-Leather district or Cambridge.
- Stop along the route: Boston’s marathon runs through eight towns, perfect for exploring and cheering if your timing is right on the commuter rail. The race starts in rural areas, where you can see the historic Farmington Train Station (mile 6) or art galleries in Natick (mile 9). Then, head to the grounds of Boston College and watch the runners take on Heartbreak Hill (mile 20). And, of course, catch the raw emotions of runners breaking through the finish line at Copley Square in the historic center of the city.
Quick Tip
If you’re sore, avoid hilly sections of neighborhoods like Beacon Hill.
Stay off your feet
If you’d rather have a well-deserved rest day, take it slow with these activities:
- Jump on a trolley: Catch a ride to see the city without using your legs. Groups like Old Town Trolley Tours offer a variety of guided hop-on, hop-off tours that stop at the U.S.S. Constitution, Faneuil Hall and Fenway Park.
- Relax by the Charles: The Charles River Esplanade offers peaceful docks and green spaces to lounge, picnic and enjoy a bit of nature right in the city.
- Visit a historic theater: Catch a Broadway show, live music or comedy at Emerson Colonial Theatre, the oldest continuously operated theater in Boston.
Refuel around the city
Looking to explore Boston and prep for the race? Fuel up while you explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene:
- North End Italian: Carb loading is easy in Boston’s North End. As the center of Boston’s Italian American community, the neighborhood brims with pasta and pizza spots like Massimino’s, La Famiglia Giorgio’s or Regina Pizzeria.
- Grab-and-go bites: There’s no need to sacrifice quality for a quick meal in Boston. Check out Chacacero for homemade Chilean sandwiches and lunch combos. Try Florina for a pizza slice (voted best in the city) or a chicken cutlet sandwich (less recognized but equally delicious). Or stumble across Boston’s famous food trucks for local street food like Bibim Box or Chicken and Rice Guys.
- Post-race specials: Some of Boston’s favorite restaurants celebrate runners all week long. Spots like Hojoko, Blue Ribbon Brasserie or Little Whale Oyster Bar have offered marathon specials for spectators and finishers after past races.
If you’re lucky enough to experience Boston this Marathon Monday, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the city – and maybe a shiny new medal.