BOStoday City Guide Live Banner

Boston’s most iconic landmarks

Consider these our Hollywood signs.

The Citgo sign has been blinking over Boston for 50+ years. | Photo by @jcagba

The Citgo sign has been blinking over Boston for 50+ years.

Photo by @jcagba

Table of Contents

We’ve all been there: Someone’s trying to give you directions by describing 10 lefts, 20 rights, and a jumble of cardinal directions. Isn’t it easier to just point out a landmark?

That’s exactly what we’re doing. We’re sharing 12 of the most recognizable Boston landmarks — from Fenway Park to the Pru. Not only are these local icons easy to remember, but they’ll also get you where you need to go in a jiffy.

Citgo Sign

Nearby: Fenway Park and the Green Line’s Kenmore stop

The “Northern Star” of the Kenmore neighborhood, the sign stands at 60x60 ft and shines bright with LED lights. Fun fact: When Boston Marathon runners see this sign, they know they are just one mile away from the finish line.

Custom House Tower

Nearby: Downtown Boston in the Financial District

The original building dates back to 1837 and is part of the Custom House District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Fun fact: The Greek Revival structure resembles a four-faced Greek temple and features 36 fluted columns that are each carved from granite from Quincy.

Fenway Park sign on a sunny day.

Peep the new MassMutual signature signage above the scoreboard.

Fenway Park

Nearby: House of Blues and MGM Music Hall in the Kenmore neighborhood

Also known as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark,” Fenway is easily one of the top landmarks in our city. The iconic MLB park is home to the “Green Monster” — a popular nickname for the 37-ft-2-inch-high left field wall, which is 310 ft from home plate.

Old State House

Nearby: Downtown Boston

Dating back to 1713, the landmark served as a merchant’s exchange on the first floor and the seat of state government on the second floor. Steps outside this landmark, visitors can see the site of the 1770 Boston Massacre.

George Washington Statue at Boston Public Garden

When you see the statue of George Washington, you’ll know you’ve made it to the oldest public park in the country.

George Washington Statue

Nearby: Boston Public Garden

It’s hard to miss the bronze statue of the country’s first president on horseback. Washington spent time in Boston during the early months of the Revolutionary War and the work by Thomas Ball in 1869 is considered one of the best equestrian statues in the US.

A distant view of the Bunker Hill Monument during golden hour in Charlestown.

You can take the 294 steps to the top of the monument.

Photo via @tste_jl

Bunker Hill

Nearby: Charlestown

This monument opened to the public on June 17, 1843 after taking 15 years to build and costing $120,000+ at the time. Today, visitors can explore the Bunker Hill Museum, the Lodge, and the base of the monument. Bonus: Check out the view from the top of Bunker Hill Monument by climbing up 294 stairs in the spiral stairway.

The floor to ceiling windows from The View at the top floor of View Boston.

Take in the city from the elevated viewing platforms at The View on the top floor of View Boston.

Photo by BOStoday

Prudential Center

Nearby: Back Bay

The landmark is a 3.6 million-sqft mixed-use urban center made office space and retail space. The 52-story tower was built in 1965, and recently View Boston has opened to allow visitors a 360-degree view of the city from the top.

Harbor Trellis

Nearby: Christopher Columbus Park and Long wharves

Just steps away from Faneuil Hall, the trellis is known for its proximity to the waterfront and for the signature blue lights at the holidays.

John Hancock Tower

Nearby: Back Bay

Bostonians will always know 200 Clarendon as the John Hancock Tower. This 60-story, 790-ft skyscraper is the tallest building in New England. Bonus: The former Hancock building has the beacon lights on the top will signal the weather forecast: Steady blue for a clear day, flashing blue means cloudy weather, the steady red light calls for rain + flashing red is for snow.

The Massachusetts State. House- on a sunny day in Boston.

There’s a lot going on at the gold-domed State House.

Photo by @bimbolie

Massachusetts State House

Nearby: Boston Common and Beacon Hill

It’s hard to miss the iconic gold dome atop the Commonwealth’s capitol building. The historic building sees over 90,000 visitors each year. Pro tip: Tours are free and last about 40 minutes.

Boston University Bridge

Nearby: Boston University campus and Cambridge

Originally known as the Cottage Farm Bridge, the steel truss arch bridge connects the Boston University campus to Cambridge.

Make Way for Ducklings

Nearby: Charles and Beacon Streets

The “Make Way for Ducklings” statue is one of the most popular sights in the Public Garden. Local sculptor Nancy Schön designed the bronze duck sculpture that is inspired by Robert McCluskey’s book about Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their adventures.

Check out our other Guides
BOS-Underground-Ink-Block
13 murals around Boston 🎨
Take an artsy adventure around the city to locate these murals.
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Boston, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
From lifting weights, indoor rock climbing, personal training, dance fitness, boxing classes, and martial arts programs — we’ve rounded up 26 gyms and fitness offerings around Boston.
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Boston has to offer — complete with museum experiences, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
We could be in for a “scorcha” of a summer. The service’s Climate Prediction Center predicted warmer-than-average summer weather in Boston.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
As Boston continues to grow, we’re keeping an eye on upcoming developments and recently opened businesses.
Plan your summer with plenty of festive events happening outside all summer long in Boston.
We’re highlighting the best parks that Boston has to offer — complete with athletic courts, dog areas, and waterfront views.
BOStoday phone
Good news for Boston.
Get the best local news & events sent to your inbox, for free.