Rock out at the OG House of Blues, sip beers at dive bars, and learn about Boston’s less-celebrated historical landmarks.
Boston , aka The Hub , the City on a Hill , and perchance less flatteringly , Beantown ( due to the popularity of baked beans among its early colonist ) , is an easy - to - navigate city made up of curious district and vibrant neighborhoods , each well worth planning a trip around — in other words , it ’s the perfect city for your next trip . Downtown Crossing , the Financial District , Chinatown , Fenway , Beacon Hill , and more hold a preserved national account while attest their very own look and feel . Boston may be the butt of many jokes , but that just means it ’s one of the most underrated metropolis in the nation .
“ One of my favorite parts of Boston liken to other city is just how manageable everything is — you could take the air most places across downtown / central Boston and it never feels overpowering or too big to comprehend like some other city , ” saysSophie Rae , an artist and graphic designer base between NYC and Boston . “ For being such a large urban center , Boston has a true ‘ town ’ sense to it that is so consoling wherever you are . ”
While it ’s insufferable to pinpoint every destination deserving impose across the city , in particular those spots outside of the touristy average ( we ’re looking at you , Swan Boats ) , we ’ve put together an travel plan approve by local experts that know Boston inside and out and have an appreciation for all there is to do in and around the city , whether that ’s tailor-make to the museum - goer or seafood aficionado . disregardless of what drives you to Boston , you ’ll discover that the city is a mecca for live the onetime and new simultaneously — century - old eatery with modern - solar day menus , historical construction turned acclaimed hotel , and museums boast work of artists both illustrious and emerging .
Photo by Faizal Westcott, courtesy of Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Boston is a goldmine for those that love to research and uncover hidden gems , and we strongly intimate venture off the vex path at time to experience the metropolis ’s true character .
Don’t leave Boston until you…
See : The world famous museums , like theIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum . Boston is rest home to quite a few famous museums that will vellicate both your historical and nontextual matter - loving phantasy . Outside of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum , which domiciliate a remarkable ingathering of Venetian paintings and archival object ( it ’s also love for have the individual largest property theft in the world ) , there ’s theICA Boston , MFA Boston , Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum , Museum of African American History , Boston Children ’s Museum , and even theMuseum of Bad Art . “ Keep in head that certain days of the calendar month there can be reduced or offer devoid admission , like MFA ’s ‘ First Fridays ’ , ” saysBret Clancy , a Boston - free-base lensman .
tactile sensation : The Green Monster atFenway Park . This iconic odd subject field rampart was designed in the early 1900s to keep lover outside the parking area from see Red Sox game for spare . Now , it ’s nothing forgetful of Fenway ’s most democratic attractor where devotee can not only sit , but if you ’re within touching length , you may filch your hand across for good chance .
olfactory perception : The Atlantic . Technically , what you ’re smelling is Massachusetts Bay , which is part of the Gulf of Maine , and thereby a projection of the Atlantic Ocean . no matter , Boston ’s spectacular waterfront is a can’t - young woman . While you ’re perusing , you might also get a whiff of theNew England Aquarium , which pose right along the water . ( FYI , you do n’t have to get a ticket to see the seals — their exhibit is right outside the aquarium for your viewing pleasure ) .
Acorn Street|joe daniel price/Moment/Getty Images
Hear : Keytar Bear . If you ’re a occupier , you ’ve likely been serenaded by Keytar Bear on the MT — or he ’s pop up in place like Copley Square . raiment in a less - than - pristine bear costume from the movieTed , Keytar Bear plays a mean keytar ( a keyboard and guitar all in one ) , and they ’ve been doing this for more than a decade now .
predilection : Your way aroundthe North End . A vicinity fit for the pizza and pasta lover , the North End has no dearth of delicious carbs . Key streets to strike up , let in Hanover , where eating place likeGiacomo’sandCarmelina’ssit , and Salem , where you ’ll findLa Famiglia Giorgio’sandAntico Forno . You should also give yourself time to try outMike ’s PastryandModern Pastryon Hanover Street to determine who has the supreme cannoli .
Things to do for the history buff
Boasting historical and home landmarks on what palpate like every recess , Boston is a dream for those who ca n’t get enough of compound computer architecture and tangible slice of the past . “ When you ’re walking around , you ’ll quickly notice Boston is fill with all kinds of history , ” says Clancy . “ People first suppose about the Freedom Trail , for example , but take a stroll up Acorn Street or ride the thyroxine from Park Street Station ( the oldest subway in the US ) and you ’re already submerse in history . The quondam construction interspersed with raw also make for a decent contrast , ” adds Clancy .
10 am - Reenact story by throw afternoon tea into the Boston Harbor . You’re reading that right field . At Seaport’sBoston Tea Party Ships & Museums , you ’ll have an chance to take part in act out some of the city ’s most iconic moments in history . Open throughout the workweek , aticket to the museumwill grade you a fully direct experience provided by an enthusiastic costume voice along with access to an eighteenth C replication vessel . you’re able to also grab a snack to use up or a cold Sam Adams atAbigail ’s Tea Room & Terrace .
11:30 am - see the birthplace of the Boston Abolitionist Movement . Right in Beacon Hill , you ’ll chance the magnanimous African American story and culture museum in New England . TheMuseum of African American History , open Tuesday through Sunday , span two restored buildings : The African Meeting House , a registered National Historic Landmark , and theAbiel Smith School , the old public schooling in America build for educating African American students in Boston . The museum shares the important stories and voices within Boston ’s pitch-dark community of interests from the colonial menstruum through the nineteenth hundred and beyond . you could also embark on theBlack Heritage Trail , a 1.4 - knot track through Beacon Hill , which showcases former secret residences and community buildings that made waves during and after the Civil War .
Acorn Street|joe daniel price/Moment/Getty Images
1 phase modulation - process yourself to dessert at Parker ’s Restaurant , the place of origin of Boston Cream PieLocated inside the iconicOmni Parker House , which has welcomed hotel invitee from Charles Dickens to Judy Garland , is the award - winningParker ’s eating house . First established in the late 1800s , the restaurant is famous for its ornate interior decoration and bridge player - chip at woodwork , but more importantly , it ’s renowned for whipping up one of the country ’s favorite desserts : Boston Cream Pie . The afters is still on the menu after all these year along with their Parker House Rolls dubbed “ America ’s first soft dinner bankroll . ”
6 pm - hold on by The Liberty Hotel , aka the former Charles Street Jail . Head back to Beacon Hill for a aspect insideThe Liberty Hotel . The hotel excellently dish as a slammer from 1851 until 1990 , then in 2007 , it was officially converted into a 298 - elbow room luxe hotel . To arrest out the hotel ’s historied past , you do n’t even need to be an overnight client . you may make a mental reservation or swing by the hotel ’s on - land site eating house and bars , includingScampo , Alibi , CLINK . , or the lobby cake .
9 pm - Have a pint at 21st Amendment . After stroll the street ( verify to pop by Acorn Street , one of the most photographed street in the worldly concern ) lay off for a dry pint at21st Amendment . pay homage to the end of Prohibition , this lowkey tap house will take you back in time with its previous - timey pub esthetic and no - nonsense food and drink menu . We also recommendTeddy ’s on the Hill , where The Red Hat formerly sat before it formally closed in 2021 . Prior to closure , the renowned bar , which help as a veridical speakeasy during inhibition , had been in business concern for over a century .
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum|Photo Courtesy of Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Things to do for the arts and culture enthusiast
While the city is revered for its historical touchpoints and landmarks , there ’s a tidy sum to be said for Boston ’s artistry and culture scene . “ It ’s boom if you have a go at it where to wait , ” enounce Rae . “ With so many students flowing in and out of the dozens of schooltime in Boston , the city also does a respectable job of catering to the immature and open - minded community of interests , ” add Rae .
10:30 am - Tour the Boston Public Library ’s principal building , the McKim Building . TheBoston Public Librarywas one of the first destitute , municipal library to be established in the United States , and still run as such today . Its McKim Building double as a museum filled to the rim with history , robust architectural innovation , and Renaissance - inspired artwork . For example , the edifice ’s lobby , where you ’ll find its grand staircase , is surrounded by murals said to be the only works commission outdoors of France by Felis concolor Pierre Puvis de Chavannes , one of the greats of the nineteenth century . You ’re free to tramp the library and unveil all its gem on your own , including Bates Hall Reading Room and the out-of-door courtyard ( just verify you ’re respectful to those utilizing the quad ) or you canschedule a free tourany twenty-four hour period of the hebdomad except Wednesday .
12 pm - Check out Graffiti Alley in Central Square . Central Square in Cambridge is hip in comparison to its affluent similitude , Harvard Square . Here you ’ll find eating place by day and basement clubs by night , likeThe Middle East , orThe Garment District , a massive habiliment warehouse replete with vintage , contemporary , and costumey alternative . But more significantly , Central Square’spublic art scenehas some of the best work in Boston , peculiarly in Graffiti Alley . The 80 - base alleyway place at 565 - 567 Massachusetts Ave is one of two legal sprayer painting walls in Massachusetts , where it attend as a colorful canvass for local and travel artists likewise .
Abiel Smith School. Boston Museum of African-American History Black Heritage Trail sign|Craig F. Walker/Boston Globe/Getty Images. Paul Marotta/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
2 phase modulation - chit-chat the ICA along the waterfront . Founded in 1936 as a baby institution to New York ’s MoMa , theInstitute of Contemporary Art(ICA ) in Boston has showcased contemporaneous art by issue and found artists for nearly 90 long time . you’re able to well spend all good afternoon exploring the works of visual art , performance , film , telecasting , and literature — not to name the building is art in itself . The 65,000 hearty - foot place , designed by award - winning architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro , sits along the water ’s edge , “ produce shifting perspectives of the waterfront throughout the museum ’s galleries and public spaces , ” according to ICA ’s web site . In other words , this is a view you do n’t want to miss during your Boston travels . “ The gift shop class is amazing too ! ” Rae adds .
5:30 pm - snaffle dinner party and drunkenness at Yvonne ’s in the Theater District . A long mean solar day absorbing Boston ’s art prospect call for a top - notch dinner party . After spiff up up , head over toYvonne’sfor a worldwide dining experience adjust in business district Crossing . strike cue from the early beginnings of supper clubs , Yvonne ’s voluptuous , pallidly lit 160 - year - honest-to-goodness interior is decorated with stunning idiom of marble and mahogany , with comfortable seating room environ by bookshelf and brick walls . The menu has mass to choose from with small plates and snack to Feast options as well as a cocktail leaning that takes inspiration from the classics . ( lease it be known , you may get a jolly mean Espresso Martini here . )
8 pm - See a show at The Wilbur in the Theater District . close down out the night with a hot show atThe Wilbur , the C - old arts theater that hosts nightly events from your favorite comedians to podcasters . With seating limited to 1,200 client , the turn can be considered more on the internal side so there should n’t be a bad tail end in the house . you may also snag a drink ( beer or wine ) and some bite before the show starts .
The Liberty Hotel|Photo Courtesy of The Liberty Hotel
Things to do for the food- and drink-focused traveler
From classic New England transportation to crafted cocktails , Boston is idealistic for the traveler with an ambitious palate . Outside of the North End , which is a given for those come to Boston with an appetence , there are plenty of other quality spots to consider . “ When dining out in Boston , visitor can have a bun in the oven an amazing diversity of options , ” say Jeremy Sewall , chef and cobalt - owner ofRow 34 . “ If you are here and desire to experience the best of New England seafood , we have that . seem for pizza that rivals NYC or Chicago ? We have that . We also have fantastic restaurants in the surrounding vicinity and towns so do n’t be afraid to explore . ” Sewall also adds that “ Ten years ago , it felt like Boston had certain pockets of good food for thought in certain neighborhoods — now no matter what neighborhood you are in , you wo n’t be far from an incredible eatery . ”
10 am - Fill up at 3 short Figs . While we could advocate jump your twenty-four hours off the authentic New England mode ( a hot or iced coffee berry from Dunkin ’ ) , your travelling deserve something a bit more sophisticated . Plus , Boston is nursing home to a variety of astral ( and local ) coffee chains , fromPavement CoffeetoThinking Cup . However , if you ’re a real stickler when it get along to the perfect roast and breakfast goody , we extremely recommend3 Little Figson Highland Ave in Somerville . you could get there by style of the Red Line , and spend the rest of your morning or afternoon exploring the shop around Porter or Davis Square .
1 atomic number 61 - eat on and drink in your way throughout Bow Market . Union Square’sBow market place , also in Somerville , is a food and drink lover ’s aspiration . The two - story , candid - air market is home to more than 30 humble businesses , with options like award - advance Christopher Fry , poutine , and dipping sauce fromSaus , orHOTBOX’spizza and roast squawk , the sister restaurant of the famedMike & Patty ’s , which also has a brick and mortar at Bow Market . you could also visitRemnant Brewingand wine barRebel Rebelbefore scoping out the different retail shops .
Boston Public Library|Blake Nissen/Boston Globe/Getty Images. Danielle Parhizkaran/Boston Globe/Getty Images
3 pm - Score a flight at Harpoon Beer Hall . Boston ’s craftsmanship brewery lineupis tough to take from — there’sSam Adams Breweryin Jamaica Plain with a taproom downtown , Trilliumin Fort Point , Fenway and along the Greenway , Night Shift Brewingin Lovejoy Wharf , Lamplighter Brewing Co.in Cambridge — we could go on and on . But at the top of that list , we haveHarpoonin Seaport . Its beer hallway , undefended Monday through Sunday , has plenty of space and seating , and a strong leaning of seasonal and craft beer on tap . They also host live bands and some pretty fun events and festivals throughout the yr , like theirOctoberfestandDogtoberfestin character you ’re traveling with a furred champion .
6 pm - Dine at Row 34 , a former Boston Wharf Company textile storage warehouse in Seaport . There are plenty of great speckle to indulge in a decadent repast around Boston , but wrangle 34 ’s carte , which offer a modern spin on fresh seafood tie with comfort food for thought , is a can’t - miss . Make trusted tonab a reservation onlineas it tends to tilt on the busier side . You ’ll not only be amazed by the display of your meal ( not to refer the exquisite raw bar ) , but the restaurant ’s industrial vibration makes for an unforgettable and top - snick dining experience .
9 postmortem examination - End the even with a signature tune margarita from Citrus & Salt . If you have room post - Row 34 , then a nighttime ceiling is calling your name . About a three - minute walkway from the restaurant , you ’ll findCitrus & Salt , which relocate from Back Bay to Seaport just this year . The coastal Mexican - inspired eating place has signature cocktail , include the Citrus & Salt Margarita , which comes in flavors like prickly pear and passion fruit , or the C&S Mexican Mule .
Graffiti Alley|Jessica Rinaldi/Boston Globe/Getty Images
Where to stay
The Verb Hotel ( $ ) Adjacent to Fenway Park you ’ll findThe Verb Hotel , a retro , rock ' n ’ scroll - theme boutique hotel . you may choose to bide within the hotel , or there are the 10 client - craftedBackstage trailersinspired by life on the route . Regardless of where you end up sleeping , you ’ll have accession to amenity like their outdoor pocket billiards , capable yr - round , and each room ( that includes Backstage ) provide you with a disk player and compendium of vinyls to rock out to . give the hotel ’s localization , you have your fair percentage of dining and drinking terminus , but we commend , first and first , snaffle a bit to feed at Japanese tavernHojoko , which is conveniently located right next to the hotel , followed byFool ’s ErrandandSweet Cheeks Q , establish by acclaimed Boston chef and restaurateur Tiffani Faison .
The Lenox Hotel ( $ $ ) Located in Back Bay , theLenox Hotelfirst open up its doors in 1900 after the hotelier and owner of New York ’s Waldorf - Astoria set out to create one of the grandest hotels in Boston . meet its fair share of redevelopment throughout the years , the hotel ’s sophisticated charm and elegant detail still struggle , and with an optimal location , you’re able to easy make your path around the city with blockage along Newbury Street and over to the Charles River Esplanade . There ’s also a chic cocktail stripe , City Bar , handily settle on the first floor of the hotel for late - dark bites or drink .
XV Beacon ( $ $ $ ) This voluptuary dress shop hotel , housed in a mend Beaux Arts building in Beacon Hill , features 63 suite that are design with the utmost attention to detail and opulence . Each way has its own hearth , cashmere throws , heated towel rack , and more ( and did we remark its dog - favorable ? ) . If you ’re looking for something divine and unforced to fling , XV Beacon(or 15 Beacon as Edgar Albert Guest call it ) is where you ’ll find your peace . Also , it ’s prime real estate — surround by the diachronic neck of the woods and only steps away from spectacular points along the Freedom Trail , including Boston Common , Granary Burying Ground and Massachusetts State House .
ICA|Photos courtesy of ICA
What to know before you go
How to get aroundBoston is an highly walkable city , but if you ’re hopping around neighborhoods ( think , the South End to Brookline ) you may want to overtake an Uber . The T ( fundamentally the subway system ) is also pretty secure , and you’re able to get to almost anywhere in and around the city by means of the Red , Green , Orange , or Blue assembly line .
When to plan your visitBoston really is a great destination year - round . In the leap , you’re able to catch the blooms throughout the Boston Common and Public Garden . The summertime are fun and rowdy with outdoor beer gardens opening up . The fall is , well , high-minded given New England is do it for its foliage . And in the winter , the metropolis look like it ’s out of a Hallmark movie ( believably because many have been based here ) . But if we had to choose , you ca n’t go untimely claver at the destruction of August into October .
Do ’s and don’ts when visiting BostonDo : Pack walking shoe . Don’t : Rent a railway car — parking is not only insanely expensive but spots are few and far between . Do : Dine around townspeople and make reservationsDon’t : Plan around glad hours — those do n’t exist in Boston .
3 Littles Figs|Photo by Pat Piasecki, courtesy of 3 Littles Figs
Your play Boston dinner party factMarshmallow Fluff is said to have been invented in Somerville . To celebrate this revolutionary breakthrough , each year ( going on its nineteenth year ) the metropolis puts on the beloved “ What the Fluff ” fete , featuring tastings , “ Fluffy ” merch , and games .
Bow Market|Photo by Carlie Febo, courtesy of Bow Market
Harpoon Beer Hall|Photo courtesy of Harpoon Beer Hall
Row 34|Photo courtesy of Row 34
Lenox Hotel|Photo courtesy of Lenox Hotel
