Boston is a New England city that is full of historic wonder and beauty. To fully understand why many people visit this captivating city, one must place Boston on their must-see travel list. From the history of walking down cobblestone streets while learning about Paul Revere and the North Church, drinking at the oldest bar in America, visiting a sports game while in town, or even taking a ride to the cape to enjoy the views of nature. Boston offers something for everyone to enjoy for a short stay in the city.
Getting There
Most people who travel to the city outside of the New England area fly into Boston Logan International Airport or the other option of taking a train from surrounding areas into the city. Regardless of how you get into Boston, my advice is to avoid renting a car while staying in the downtown area. The cost of parking is costly and Boston, in my opinion, has one of the best transits to get around.
Once you arrive in Boston, get familiar with Boston’s mass transit, also known as the “T.” Downloading the MBTA commuter rail app will help you figure out how to navigate around the city with schedules and stops. To make your life easier, be sure to buy a ticket for the length of your stay for the “T.”
Public transit may be overwhelming to some at first but, trust me, in no time at all, you will be a pro at getting around Boston. Suppose you have never been on a subway before. In that case, a quick tip is to understand that “inbound” means going toward the city center and “outbound” means going away into Boston’s surrounding areas. It seems easy, but it can be mentally taxing for those who never jumped on a subway of any kind before. I had learned from our mistake when my husband and I rode the “T” the first time.
Accommodations
Staying in the downtown area of Boston is pretty expensive. The first time I was almost sticker-shocked at how much one night cost, but if money allows, I highly suggest staying near the Boston Commons area. However, if this isn’t an option, look at hotels or Airbnbs near the North End of Boston or the Harvard and MIT area. My favorite hotel that we have always stayed at during our visits to Boston is the Omni Parker House. Omni Parker House is a beautifully architected and historic hotel that has been around for over 160 years! It is also where the Boston Cream Pie originated. Even if you choose not to stay here during your travels, stop by and try the delicious cream pie and perhaps take an extra one for the road!
The Omni Parker House is a block away from the Boston Commons, steps from the Freedom Trail, and only half a mile away from the “T” Blue and Orange line.
Here is a list of my top 10 attractions in Boston that I think are worth checking out while visiting the beautiful city.
Freedom Trail
You can either do the full Freedom Trail guided tour where the tour is led by 18th-century costumed guides or do a self-guided tour and walk the trail at your pace. The path itself is easy by following the Blue line on the ground. Please note that all entrance fees to historic buildings are included in the cost if you pay for a tour. If you go on your own, you will have to pay for individual entrance fees.
USS Constitution
If you choose to walk the Freedom Trail, the path will eventually lead you to visit the USS Constitution. Walking around the ship is free to enter; all you need is a valid identification card. Please note that this attraction is currently open during the pandemic.
Boston Commons & Public Garden
Enjoy the beautiful afternoon by strolling around the expansive park, and visit the beautiful gardens. Boston Commons is the largest park located in the heart of the downtown area. If you’re traveling during winter, the frog pond is open for ice skating. However, in the summer you’re able to take a relaxing swan boat ride. So whichever season you choose, there is always something to do in the Boston Commons.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace area is the place to be. Many tourists venture over to enjoy and partake in what the entertainers have to offer—once enjoying their time watching, many people venture to nearby shops, restaurants, and bars. The most iconic bar being the Cheers bar. The Cheers bar located in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a replica of the TV Show bar. Although we have never eaten there, it was still a place to explore.
Harvard Yard
A place that should be on everyone’s bucket list to check out the famous Harvard Yard while in town. Harvard Yard is in countless movies, and there’s a reason for it. The architectural beauty quality each building represents is breathtaking. The one unfortunate thing is not going into the Harvard library unless you’re a student. However, once you have explored the grounds, stop by some bars in the area for a lovely afternoon reset.
MIT
Located right on the Charles River is an excellent area to walk around and capture beautiful photos of the grounds of MIT. During our time in Boston, my husband and I took a stroll through the buildings, getting a glimpse inside class labs. It brought out the nerdy side of us, but we loved every minute. Please note that walking into the buildings at this time may not be an option due to the pandemic, but you can take some fantastic photos of the Great Dome.
Fenway
Whether you plan to attend a baseball game or choose not to partake, taking a walk around the stadium is pretty historic in itself. There’s an excellent opportunity for a photo-op of the “Green Monster” from the street next to the stadium. If you’re a Red Sox fan or a fan of fantastic views in general, be sure to stop in at Bleacher Bar. This unique bar is beneath the stadium’s bleacher seating which allows you to have the vantage point of centerfield while sipping on your beer or cocktail. Bleacher Bar is open on the game and non-game days. So definitely stop by and check it out!
New England Aquarium
If you’re visiting Boston with kids, be sure to check out the New England Aquarium out. Completely kid-friendly and located right off the Boston Wharf is a multilevel spiral walkway that encompasses the giant saltwater tank. Surrounding the vast saltwater tank at the base is where you will find the penguin encounter home to various penguin species. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Shark and Ray touch tank– Currently, due to the pandemic, the touch tank is only viewable at this time. The aquarium, in general, will take about 2 hours to go through; however, add additional time if you decide to do the whale watching tour. Tickets to the aquarium are pretty pricey, so check to see if any deals or promos are going on at the time of travel. Another option is checking out the Boston CityPass and seeing if it’s worth what you plan to do during your stay.
Sam Adams Brewery
If you’re a fan of visiting breweries, Sam Adams Brewery offers an educational and beer tasting tour for a donation price only! One of the best parts of the tour is after the educational section of understanding the behind-the-scenes making of the Sam Adams beer. You’re able to taste various beers for a good half hour. Be sure to check their times before venturing down. The brewery is a roughly 25-minute ride on the Orange “T” line from downtown Boston and another 10-minute walk from there.
Harbor Walk
If the weather is cooperative during the duration of your stay, enjoy a nice walk around Boston Harbor. There is a long path that leads you around various sailing ships and boats. Don’t forget your camera; there are many spots to take beautiful pictures around the iconic Wharf.
Depending on how extended your stay is in the New England area, I highly suggest renting a car and visiting the surrounding areas. Here is my compilation list of places to venture outside of the downtown Boston area.
- Drive to the tip of Cape Cod and do some shopping in Provincetown or grab a bite to eat. Be sure to pull off and get some photo ops on the shoreline.
- Stop in Falmouth, MA, and visit the Woods Hole Science Aquarium, where it is by donations only to enter.
- Stay a night at Mirabeau Resort and Spa in Plymouth, MA. This place will not disappoint! The best part of staying at Mirabeau is the fantastic rooms you stay in and the fact you get to enjoy the Spa facilities (Hot tub, Reflection pool) without having to pay for the actual treatment. However, if the budget allows, I recommend a massage. The ambiance and the massage will make you feel like you’re floating on cloud nine. Let’s be honest you want to feel like this after a long day of traveling around.
- If you’re a football fan, I recommend visiting Gillette Stadium, home to the New England Patriots. The stadium is approximately 45 minutes away from Plymouth, MA. Once you arrive, be sure to visit the Patriots Hall of Fame located right next to the Patriot Pro Shop. The Hall of Fame features educational and interactive things for kids and adults to enjoy. If you’re lucky and snagged a ticket to the game, the tailgating experience is nothing short of an epic tailgating experience. Even if you’re not a fan of the team or football in general, the area surrounding the stadium has so much to offer with dining and shopping experiences.
- If you’re into the supernatural and witchcraft, visiting Salem is a place to go. Between museums and walking tours, it will ensure a spooktacular time!
- Take a drive up the coast and visit Bar Harbor, Maine and hike the Acadia National Park for a few days. This drive is less than 5 hours from downtown Boston, and you will be immersed in the natural landscapes that New England has to offer.
Night Life in Boston
The nightlife in downtown Boston is more relaxed than in some other cities I have traveled to. Sports bars and the North End bars in the historic district will be the places to go. Most pubs and bars will have trivia nights on the weekdays with more club vibes during the weekend. One bar that is one of my favorites was the Alibi Bar. Alibi is a trendy low lit lounge set in a former jailhouse. Here you will sip cocktails while admiring the decor glancing at celebrity mug shots.
Food Adventures
Although Boston is known for its famous New England Clam Chowder and seafood, I, unfortunately, have a shellfish allergy, so I had to rely on my husband’s palate and how he described the taste. Reviews are in, and he said it was the best clam chowder he has ever had, which was not surprising. Check out my Boston Food Adventure Blog for a list of amazing top notch restaurants in and throughout the Downtown Boston area!
Overall Thoughts
Hopefully, this guide will inspire you when planning your trip to the world of Boston and American history, whether you see Boston in spring, summer, fall, or winter. This beautiful city has something to offer for everyone to enjoy. Please reach out to me if you have any further questions when planning your trip!
