There are many activities to do and sites to see near the New England Aquarium!

If you are planning a visit to Boston, the Aquarium offers great lodging deals with our partner hotels. Many are located within walking distance to the Aquarium or a short cab ride away.

When you want to stop to eat, you have many choices. In the Aquarium, the Harbor View Café offers burgers, pizzas, deli sandwiches, soups, salads, beverages, and snacks in a kid-friendly environment. There are no reservations and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Head out on the water with a seasonal New England Aquarium Whale Watch. These three-hour excursions with our partners at Boston Harbor City Cruises leave from the Aquarium’s dock and take you to Stellwagen Bank, a rich feeding ground for marine animals such as whales, seals, sea birds, fish, and others. Buy your tickets online.

You may also enjoy a 80-minute, historically narrated, land and water adventure with the world famous Boston Duck Tours, which departs daily from the New England Aquarium; call 617-450-0068 for current hours.

If you are interested in dining near the Aquarium, there are great choices right near the main building, and additional restaurants just a short walk away in Quincy Market, on the waterfront, and in the North End. Below is a list of some of the options.

There are many Boston attractions within easy walking distance or a short subway ride away. Save 47% off admission to Boston’s top 4 attractions with Boston CityPASS. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over a nine-day period. Also, the Freedom Trail is only a couple hundred steps away.

Boston is a also great town for shopping with many districts nearby. Below is a list of shopping destinations a short walk or subway ride away.

  1. Hotel Packages

    Boston Harbor Hotel logo
    Boston Harbor Hotel (preferred hotel)
    The Kidventures Package includes four tickets to the New England Aquarium, four tickets to the Greenway Carousel, and a DIY cupcake amenity for the children, delivered to your room on your day of arrival.
    Distance: 0.2 miles from Aquarium
    Learn more.

    Battery Wharf Hotel
    Includes accommodations and admission to the New England Aquarium for each registered guest.
    Distance: 0.7 mile from Aquarium
    Learn more.

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    Fairmont Copley Plaza
    Includes luxurious overnight accommodations, four tickets to the New England Aquarium (two adult, two child), two children-sized Fairmont bathrobes, and a hot chocolate and cookie amenity.
    Distance: 1.8 miles from Aquarium
    Learn more.

    Harborside Inn
    Includes 10% discount on overnight accommodations when guest mentions the New England Aquarium when booking a reservation. Offer is based on hotel availability.
    Distance: 0.1 mile from Aquarium

    Learn more

    Hilton Downtown logo
    Hilton Boston Downtown/Faneuil Hall
    Includes overnight accommodations, admission to the New England Aquarium, overnight valet parking, and internet access.
    Distance: 0.04 mile from Aquarium
    Learn more.

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    Omni Parker House
    Includes two adults and two children New England Aquarium and Simons Theatre admission (excludes special presentations), deluxe accommodations, breakfast buffet in Parker’s Restaurant, Omni Kids welcome bag, and more!
    Distance: 0.5 mile from Aquarium
    Learn more.

  2. Dining Near the Aquarium

    When visiting the Aquarium, there are a number of excellent food choices here and nearby. The Harbor View Café, located on the Aquarium’s Level 2, offers seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, our outdoor cafe, Reef Bar, is another great dining option during the summer months, as is Central Snack Bar, which offers a variety of salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, snacks, and beverages.

    If you would like to explore around the Aquarium, here is a brief list of neighborhoods only a short walk away!

    North End
    Boston’s North End, just a short walk from the Aquarium, is known for it’s authentic Italian food (and for being Boston’s oldest residential neighborhood).

    The Financial District
    In Downtown Boston, by Government Center and Chinatown, you’ll find historical landmarks, a food hall featuring 20 Boston restaurants, and even a pedestrian mall on Summer St.

    The Waterfront
    Not only is the Aquarium located on Central Wharf, but you’ll also find the Boston HarborWalk, a continuous public walkway with a view of the harbor. You’ll see parks, public art, and restaurants along the path.

    The Theatre District & Chinatown
    You can catch an array of Broadway shows, dance performances, and stand-up comedy in the Theatre District before heading over to Chinatown to check out the plethora of Asian restaurants and bakeries!