Looking for the most Instagrammable places in Boston? My picturesque hometown of Boston is a photographer’s dream come true. From the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill to the historic brownstones of Back Bay, there is no shortage of photogenic scenes to fill your Instagram feed. Before you set your camera loose on the streets of Beantown, check out my local photographer’s guide to the most Instagrammable places to visit in Boston.
Acorn Street, Beacon Hill
Acorn Street in Beacon Hill might just be one of the most photographed streets in Boston. With its red brick row houses, quaint cobblestones, and gas-lit street lamps, it’s easy to see why. Be sure to get there early to snag a shot before it gets crowded with tourists.
Pro tip: Acorn Street might be the most famous, but I find the lesser known back alleys of Beacon Hill to be just as adorable and way less crowded.
Louisburg Square, Beacon Hill
Just a few blocks from Acorn Street, Louisburg Square has beautiful, Greek revival homes that once housed the upper class of Beacon Hill in the 19th century. It’s a much quieter spot than Acorn Street, so take your time admiring the architecture (and dreaming of one day owning a home here).
Pro tip: The best time to photograph Louisburg Square is in the springtime, when purple wisteria vines cover this beautiful corner house.
Boston Public Garden, Back Bay
Stroll through America’s oldest public park and you’re sure to stumble upon a photo op or two. There’s really no bad time to visit (unless you can’t stand the cold), but one of the most popular seasons is the spring, when the tulips draw tourists from around the world.
Pro tip: Even if you don’t have a DSLR camera, you can capture some really nice, close-up shots of flowers with an iPhone’s portrait mode. If you are ready to invest in pro tools, I highly recommend the Canon EF 100mm Macro Lens.
Make Way for Ducklings Statue, Back Bay
Any Bostonian will tell you not to miss the Make Way for Ducklings Statue located in the Public Garden. This adorable bronze sculpture is lighthearted reminder to not take life too seriously. You’ll often find a line of kids in tow hugging, climbing, and feeding the ducklings.
Pro tip: Definitely research your destination ahead of time for the most photographed spots (you’re way ahead of the curve with this guide!) But also allow yourself time to discover unexpected, in-the-moment shots.
Charles River Esplanade, Back Bay
The Charles River Esplanade in Boston is one of the best spots to snap a stunning cityscape. This lovely pedestrian path runs along the Charles River, which separates downtown Boston from Cambridge. Head here for a morning stroll and you’re in for a treat, especially in the springtime when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Pro tip: It gets crowded in warmer weather, so try going on a weekday, early morning, or a rainy day. Overcast lighting is way better for photos anyway!
Commonwealth Avenue, Back Bay
Often compared to Paris’ picturesque boulevards, Commonwealth Avenue in Back Bay is one of my favorite spots to photograph urban scenes. This parkway divided at the center by a wide grassy mall begins at the western edge of the Boston Public Garden and continues west through Back Bay to the Fens, dotted with statues and lined with stunning historic homes along the way. It forms the narrowest link in the Emerald Necklace, a series of urban green spaces designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Worcester Street, South End
This unassuming brick abode has been deemed “the most Instagrammable house in Boston” by all who have stumbled upon it. Tucked between the sleepy Worcester Street Community Garden and bustling Columbus Ave just under the shadow of the Prudential Center, it perfectly captures the “old meets new” charm of the South End. The quaint facade invites you to wonder at the story of those who have been lucky enough to call it home. In fact, the resident occupying the apartment above the cluttered garage workshop has lived there since childhood. Please be respectful of his privacy when you visit.
Boston Harborwalk, Seaport District
If you’re in Boston, you can’t miss visiting its famed harbor. The Boston Harborwalk is a near-continuous, 43-mile linear park along Boston’s shoreline. My favorite stretch of it is in the Seaport District, where you can get epic views of Boston’s waterfront and skyline, particularly stunning at dawn or dusk.
Harvard University, Cambridge
One of Boston’s most well-known and oldest universities, Harvard’s campus is a quiet respite from the city (especially during the summer when school’s not in session). The beautiful, historic brick buildings (many dating back to 1636!) are the perfect backdrop for an Instagram-worthy photo shoot.
Pro tip: When the perfect photo op presents itself, don’t stress about having the right equipment or lighting. The best camera is the one you have with you!
Have any favorite photo spots in Boston that I missed? Feel free to leave them in the comments!
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