You’ve decided to spend the weekend in Boston. A quaint, sophisticated yet lively city located in the heart of Massachusetts. While Boston seems to often get overlooked by its larger neighbor, New York City, this charming city offers its visitors plenty to do. If you are looking for a destination that checks all the boxes for every member of your trip, Boston is the perfect choice. Boston has amazing restaurants, incredible history, and interesting neighborhoods around every corner.
When to Visit Boston:
If you decide to visit Boston, June, July, August, September, and October are the best time to explore the city. As a native Bostonian, the winter months can be pretty cold and last for many months and, therefore, not the best time to visit. Spring is usually rainy and temperatures are still recovering from the winter months.
Things to Know:
- Boston is located about 10 minutes from Boston Logan Airport
- You don’t need a car when you visit Boston. The best way around Boston is by foot; Boston is a very walkable city.
Top Activities in Boston:
Freedom Trail: The Freedom Trail, a two mile walking path throughout Boston, is one of those tourist attractions that, although extremely popular, is something that you should experience when in Boston. It is the perfect way to discover all the neighborhoods of Boston while learning more about the history of the city. There are both organized tours or self-guide tours.
North End: North End is the authentic Italian neighborhood in Boston. Rather than feeling commercialized, when you walk throughout the streets of the North End, you really do feel like you are part of history. The most famous streets in North End are Hanover Street, Prince Street, and Salem Street where you will find plenty of delicious Italian restaurants such as Bricco, Monica Trattoria, Giacomo’s, and Nando’s. If you want dessert, Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry have world famous cannolis. Neighborhoods close to the North End are Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and Charlestown.
Charlestown/Bunker Hill Monument: Charlestown used to be an Irish neighborhood in Boston but has transitioned to a haven for young professionals and young families. Charlestown and North End are connected by the Charlestown Bridge. In Charlestown, there are beautiful brownstones, quaint cobblestone roads, fantastic restaurants, and a beautiful park with the Bunker Hill Monument. If you are looking to eat while in Charlestown, Zume’s, Monument Restaurant and Tavern, Warren Tavern (one of the oldest taverns in America), Pier 6, and Brewer’s Fork are some great recommendations.
Watch a Sports Game: You shouldn’t leave Boston without seeing a professional sports game. Depending on what time of year you visit Boston, there are plenty of options: Boston Bruins, New England Patriots, or Red Sox. Watching baseball at Fenway Park, the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball, is a favorite past-time for many residents of Boston.
Take a Duck Tour: Boston Duck Tours, which operate both on land and in the water, is a unique way to explore Boston. The tour provides a unique vantage point to see the highlights of the city from both land and water.
Visit the Museums: Boston is known for some of the best and unique museums in the country such as Institute of Contemporary Art and Museum of Fine Arts. Another famous museum in Boston is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum which gained notoriety as the site of an infamous, and still unsolved, museum robbery. If you are looking for a more interactive museum or more family friendly options, Museum of Science and New England Aquarium are great as well.
Rent a Boat on Charles River: Charles River is the main river that runs through Boston and into the suburbs of Massachusetts. While it is definitely not known to be the cleanest river in the world, a popular activity on a warm, sunny day, is to rent a boat, kayak, or paddle board to explore the river.
Faneuil Hall: Faneuil Hall is home to shopping where you can buy souvenirs from the area, eat in the marketplace, and explore.
Visit Improv Asylum: Improv Asylum hosts a variety of improv shows. It is worthwhile to visit if you are looking for a nighttime activity.
Explore Boston Public Market which is located right near Hanover Street. Boston Public Market is home to a ton of different stalls that offer incredible food such as Union Street Donuts, a pasta shop, a bagel store, and so much more.
Visit America’s Oldest Tavern– Bell in Hand.
Back Bay and Beacon Hill: Newbury Street in Back Bay is the most iconic and luxury shopping street in Boston. Within walking distance from Newbury Street, you will be able to visit Boston Public Garden and Boston Common where there are plenty of activities including Swan Boats, Ice Skating on the Frog Pond, and The Ducklings. From Back Bay, it is a quick walk to Beacon Hill, a quiet and sophisticated enclave of Boston. Charles Street in Beacon Hill is the main road in Beacon Hill neighborhood.
Boston is a great city to visit and is one that is often overlooked. There is so much to do in Boston and can be the ideal getaway for couples and families. Please feel free to reach out for more specific recommendations.
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