Five coolest things visitors to Boston can do right now

It’s no secret that Boston sports go hard all year long and, right now, you can witness our athletic prowess firsthand with a game at our city’s downtown arena, TD Garden. The longtime home of both the Boston Celtics and Bruins, The Garden is the place to be for watching all of the action on the court or ice—as well as all of the hardcore fans’ antics in the stands. Fuel up before a big game at one of the nearby Italian eateries in the neighboring North End, be prepared to lose your voice while cheering for our local teams and maybe cap off the whole experience with a late-night show at Big Night Live, located within the immense Causeway Street complex. Just not into sports? You can also experience TD Garden by snagging concert tickets to some of the biggest musicians and bands who play the arena.

While most people flock to Boston during the spring and summer, some locals might argue that The Hub’s historical charm is only amplified during the current off-season. The best way to see all of the rich history and culture that makes our city a national treasure is to walk the Freedom Trail. This 2 ½-mile-long stroll will lead you through cobblestone streets, past stunning, storybook-esque brownstones and to some of our country’s earliest landmarks. Be sure to bundle up ahead of time and, once you’re finished with the walk, warm up at Brewer’s Fork or Monument (if you end your trek in Charlestown), or Bistro du Midi or Select Oyster Bar (if you stop in Back Bay)—or hit up any of Boston’s best restaurants along the way.

Despite the generous dip in temperature this time of year, any self-respecting New Englander knows not to shy away from the great outdoors. Fortunately, a few places around town have made sitting outside more bearable for out-of-towners, offering cozy igloos in which folks can cuddle up while still being able to enjoy the incredible views of the city. Head to The Seaport, where you’ll find places like The Envoy Hotel’s Lookout Rooftop & Bar or Woods Hill Pier 4 erecting these heated seasonal structures and enabling you to drink and dine right on the waterfront—without having to endure the bitter Boston cold. Reservations are required in advance, and be sure to read all of the details regarding food and drink minimums before you book. And while you’re in The Seaport, explore other indoor attractions, like the Institute of Contemporary Art, or brave those harbor breezes at the Boston Tea Party Ships.

Once the last of the fall foliage fades, Boston’s bare landscape can appear a little bleak. Luckily, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum offers a cultural escape from the cold, complete with a lush courtyard on even the grayest of New England days. Once the residence of Isabella Stewart Gardner, this Venetian-style palace-turned-museum features room after room filled with art that the beloved Boston Brahmin acquired over the course of her lifetime (including the empty frames where a number of invaluable works once hung before they were stolen in 1990 during one of the most infamous, unsolved heists that the world has ever seen). Stroll through the collections and pause in the sun-soaked central courtyard, which is decked out in tropical foliage and a rotation of local floral displays (i.e. its current chrysanthemum installation) throughout the year. Take a seat or strike a pose for the ’gram in front of one of the archways—then get back to exploring the palace.

Kick up the cozy factor while visiting Boston by having a hearty, hearthside meal at one of our city’s best restaurants with a fireplace. After a long, cold day of touring the town, there’s nothing quite like coming into the warmth of a neighborhood restaurant, pulling up a chair right next to a crackling fire and enjoying some comfort food—alongside a glass of wine or craft cocktail, of course. Whether it’s a special, romantic occasion you’re looking to celebrate or just the chance to defrost for a bit, there are so many reasons why you should seek out these spots to sit back and bask in their glowing ambiances and homey vibes.