One’s idea of what constitutes a nice tourist activity largely depends on one’s perspective? – traveling with children? A romantic getaway? Reunion with friends? This list includes something for everyone, whether seeing Boston for the first time or the 40th. And you won’t find shopping centers or malls on this list- you can do that anywhere.

Here is the best list:

1. The Boston Public Gardens

During Revolutionary times this area was filled with grazing cows in a vast field. Today the Boston Common, as this area is also known as, is home to the famous Swan Boats where you can catch a ride around the pond, Frog Pond where you can ice skate outdoors in winter, and the beautiful flower beds in the Public Gardens. Make sure to stop and take photos of yourself next to the famous bronze ducklings from Robert McCloskey’s book “Make Way for Ducklings”.

2. Museum of Science

One of the best museums on the East Coast, the Museum of Science has over 400 interactive exhibits and displays, and IMAX Theatre and the Hayden Planetarium. Whether you spend the day touring the exhibit halls, solving crimes with the forensic science lab, or get on board the Duck tour boat, you are sure to have a fun-filled day.

3. Beacon Hill

Walking through Beacon Hill you will be transported back in time to an age when horse drawn carriages roamed the streets and the gas lamps still light the streets here. The beauty of this neighborhood is filled with charm that is tucked between Back Bay, the Boston Common, and the Charles River. Be sure to stop by the most famous bar on TV- Cheers and the Bulfinch Pub while visiting here.

4. Fenway Park

Summertime is the best time to visit the Fenway Park area and catch a game with the Red Sox. Even if there is not a game the area is bustling with fans and energy. Fenway Park offers tours and is the second oldest ballpark, in use continuously since 1912. You may even get to meet some players or Wally the Green Monster if you are lucky and time it right.

5. JFK Museum

As birthplace to President Kennedy and home to the entire clan, an astounding collection of artifacts charting JFK’s childhood, service years in the war, rise to power and untimely death are displayed in this architecturally unique building on Boston Harbor.

6. Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall

A must visit spot for tourists and locals, summer is the time to stop in. The streets are cobblestone, the food is excellent, the shopping is unique, and the performers in the streets are unforgettable. Quincy Market is energy and Boston itself.

7. North End, Little Italy Boston style

You’ll think you are in Italy, as Espresso Caf’s vie with Gelato vendors for the consumer dollar. No need to choose, try one of each. Hanover Street and Prince Street are the main thoroughfares, but each street offers delightful Italian restaurants, many of them open-air.

8. MIT/Harvard Square

Take the Red Line “T” to Kendall Square to see where many of the world’s high tech wizards were trained. The MIT museum chronicles past contributions, and (weird building) is worth a look. Continue on the Red Line to Harvard Square where John Harvard opened a little school named after him in 1636. Take a tour of the grounds and enjoy the sites and sounds of The Square, a world unto itself. Buy a HARVARD sweatshirt at the COOP department store and pretend you studied there – everyone else does.

9. New England Aquarium and Whale Watch

Spend the day visiting the harbor seals, penguins, sharks, and seal lion show then hop aboard the whale watch vessel to get up close with the whales. The boat captain is expert at finding the whales and the only time you can catch this tour is late spring through fall. To see these amazing animals breech so close to the boat is amazing!

10. Duck Tour

Amphibious vehicles with names like “Fenway Frank” and “Beacon Bertha” hit the street and then directly into he water as you get a unique tour of the hot spots around town. The tour is complemented by a running monologue of wisecracks, anecdotes, and half-truths by the always entertaining drivers. The Duck enters the Charles River near the Museum of Science for a river mini cruise where you might even get to steer if you have been paying attention and can correctly answer the driver’s quiz question. Quack like mad on this fun filled tour.