Things to Do During the World Cup in Boston & Foxborough

Boston hosts World Cup 2026 matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough — about 45 minutes from downtown. America's most walkable city brings colonial history, world-class seafood, Irish pub culture, and some of the best sports-bar atmospheres in the country.

1. 1

   Watch matches at the FIFA Fan Festival on City Hall Plaza

   Fan Zone

   Boston's official FIFA Fan Festival at City Hall Plaza puts giant screens in the heart of downtown, steps from Faneuil Hall and the Freedom Trail. Free entry, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere for every match day.

   Browse Boston fan zones
2. 2

   Catch a match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough

   Attraction

   Gillette Stadium (capacity 65,878) is the home of the New England Patriots and Revolution. MBTA runs nonstop express 'Stadium Trains' from South Station to Foxborough (~1 hour, $80 round trip — book via mTicket app). Driving takes 45-60 minutes with parking at $40-60. Tailgating is a tradition in the stadium lots.

   Gillette is NOT in Boston — it's 28 miles away in Foxborough. Book the MBTA Stadium Train in advance. Post-match traffic on Route 1 is brutal.

3. 3

   Walk the Freedom Trail

   Attraction

   A 2.5-mile red-brick path through 16 historic sites including Paul Revere's House, the Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, and the Bunker Hill Monument. It starts at Boston Common — America's oldest public park — and ends in Charlestown. Free and self-guided.

4. 4

   Eat lobster rolls and chowder in the North End

   Food & Drink

   Boston's Italian neighbourhood is packed with restaurants and bakeries. Neptune Oyster does the best lobster roll in the city — the hot butter version is legendary (tiny space, long waits, worth it). Modern Pastry and Mike's Pastry compete for cannoli supremacy. Giacomo's does unforgettable Italian.

5. 5

   Drink at the Irish pubs

   Sports Bar

   Boston has the strongest Irish pub culture in America. The Banshee in Dorchester is a beloved football pub. The Fours near TD Garden is a classic sports bar. For Fenway area, Bleacher Bar sits literally under the Fenway Park bleachers with a window onto the field.

6. 6

   Tour Fenway Park

   Attraction

   Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox and America's oldest ballpark (1912), offers daily tours of the Green Monster, press box, and field. Even non-baseball fans appreciate the history. If the Red Sox are playing during your visit, catching a game is a quintessential Boston experience.

7. 7

   Walk the Charles River Esplanade

   Outdoors

   The Esplanade runs along the Charles River between Back Bay and Cambridge, with views of the Boston skyline, MIT, and Harvard. Rent a Bluebikes bike-share and ride from Back Bay to Harvard Square. If you're here July 4th, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is legendary.

8. 8

   Explore Harvard and MIT in Cambridge

   Attraction

   Cross the river to Cambridge to walk the Harvard Yard, browse the Harvard Book Store, and see MIT's campus. The area around Harvard Square has excellent bookshops, cafes, and restaurants. Take the Red Line from downtown Boston — 15 minutes.

9. 9

   Eat seafood at the Seaport

   Food & Drink

   The Seaport District (South Boston waterfront) has a growing restaurant scene anchored by Row 34 (oysters and craft beer), Legal Harborside (three floors of seafood), and the Institute of Contemporary Art (free Thursday evenings). Waterfront views and modern architecture.

10. 10

    Day trip to Cape Cod or Salem

    Day Trip

    Cape Cod is about 90 minutes from Boston — beaches, clam shacks, and the Cape Cod National Seashore. Salem (30 minutes north) has the Witch Museum and a walkable harbour town. Both make excellent rest-day excursions between matches.