Boston Travel Guide
Boston, Massachusetts is a favorite city in New England. It is well-known for its rich history, delicious seafood and dining options, shopping, and fun, diverse range of activities with a little bit of something for everyone. Boston is a unique part of the United States where you can visit a cultural museum, catch a Boston Red Sox game or concert, and explore beautiful parks and gardens. What I love about Boston is how each neighborhood is very different, yet it’s also small enough to be walkable; there are many different things to see and do on a manageable scale.
Looking for traditional Boston architecture and history? Wander through Beacon Hill. Want to see modern art and shop cool new brands in real life? Head over to the Seaport. Pack comfortable shoes and some layers for unpredictable New England weather, and get ready to explore. If you are visiting Boston and looking for recommendations for where to stay, what to do, and where to eat here’s my Boston travel guide.
Boston Travel Guide
Where to Stay in Boston
XV Beacon is a luxury hotel located on Beacon Street in the North End of Boston. Conveniently located next to the city’s best Italian restaurants, Boston Common (Boston’s oldest public park), State House, and of course Beacon Hill your premier location for all of Boston’s rich history. Originally the Charles Street Jail, The Liberty Hotel is now beautifully renovated in Beacon Hill. Visiting Boston for a Red Sox game? Base your stay at the conveniently located, Hotel Commonwealth, next to Fenway Park and Common Square. For those looking to stay in the Seaport, The Envoy Hotel overlooks the harbor and has a fun rooftop bar. The Ames Hotel is an elegant boutique hotel located in downtown Boston just 10 minutes walking distance from the New England Aquarium and Long Wharf. Boston has a great selection of Airbnbs as well – some of my favorites in the South End, North End, and Downtown Crossing.
Best Things to Do in Boston, MA
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a European, Asian, and American art museum in Back Bay, Boston. With everything from paintings and sculptures to tapestries and decorative arts– The Gardner Museum will not disappoint.
SoWa Vintage Market
SoWa Vintage Market is a Sunday indoor market with an eclectic mix of vintage goodies, apparel, furnishings, and art.
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library is much more than your average library. This historical landmark has grand renaissance-style architecture with murals by John Singer Sargent. Historians will appreciate the guided tours!
Boston Duck Boat Tours
The Duck Boat Tours are the best way to see all of Boston and learn about the rich history. Even locals love to take a Duck Boat Tour ever now and again.
Boston Public Gardens
Take a stroll in the first public botanical gardens in the United States. The Boston Public Gardens are a beautiful place to find the peace and tranquility of nature amongst a city.
Institute of Contemporary Art
The Institute of Contemporary Art is an art museum and exhibition space on the stunning Boston waterfront. Check out the website to see what’s on while you are in the city.
Museum of Fine Arts
You can’t miss the Museum of Fine Arts–the 20th largest art museum in the world with over 8,000 paintings and 450,000 works of art.
Harpoon Brewery
Take a tour of the brewery and grab a beer at the Beer Hall at Harpoon! Enjoy a wide selection of beers on tap and a fun and lively atmosphere.
The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is 2.5 miles long paying honor to 16 historic locations throughout Boston including: Old North Church in North End and Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.
Harvard University
Paul Revere House
The Paul Revere House is the former home to American Patriot and Founding Father, Paul Revere. Visit for colonial reenactments, craft demonstrations, music, activities, and tours.
Where To Go Shopping in Boston
Boston is home to a network of premier shopping areas from boutiques in Seaport Boulevard (For Now, Outdoor Voices, Away) to high-end designer and brand name stores on Newbury Street. Find 40 local vendors, restaurants, historic buildings, and a promenade at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Charles Street has some of our favorites including Follain, December Thieves, and Paridaez. Quincy Market is another fun spot to explore with 50+ eateries, vendors, and kiosks. This indoor food hall has a diverse range of food and vendors to explore. Other favorite shops include the Niche Plant Shop, Olives & Grace, Third Piece, and Flock. Bodega is a highly curated men’s streetwear store hidden behind the facade of a vending machine in a convenience store. It’s worth visiting solely for the experience of finding it.
Best Places To Eat in Boston
Mida
Mida is a favorite dinner spot and has a few locations in South End, East Boston and Newton. Don’t miss all-you-can-eat Mangia Mondays!
Toro
Toro is a delicious and lively Spanish tapas restaurant. Part of the experience is bumping elbows at the bar while you wait! Very worth it. You don’t need to make any reservations.
Coppa
Enjoy lunch or dinner at Coppa. A favorite Italian spot in the South End.
Bodega Canal
Bodega Canal has my favorite Mexican in the city and some of the best margaritas ever. You can enjoy lunch or dinner there!
Tatte
A favorite for breakfast or lunch. Tatte is a true Boston staple with locations all over the city!
Bistro du Midi
Bistro du Midi is in a great location with views of the Boston Commons. Come here for dinner and enjoy delicious French food.
Mistral
Enjoy brunch or dinner at Mistral, a yummy French-Mediterranean restaurant in the Back Bay.
Envoy
For a fun, lively scene head to the Envoy rooftop bar for drinks and enjoy a stunning view. It’s open all year and even offers festive ‘igloos’ in the winter.
Bricco
Enjoy a classic Italian lunch or dinner in the historic North End at Bricco.
Yvonne’s
Yvonne’s is a fun spot for drinks in an upscale speakeasy that you’ll have to find… behind what appears to be a hair salon.
Banyan
For Asian-inspired tapas head to dinner at Banyan. Their menu is incredibly unique and yummy!
Frenchie
For those exploring the South End, you won’t want to miss brunch or dinner at Frenchie, a French tapas restaurant in a super cute and intimate spot.
Neptune Oyster
For the best Clam Chowder, lobster roll and oysters in the city head to Neptune Oyster. It’s well worth the wait!
Your Boston adventure awaits! Head to this beautiful, historic New England city to enjoy the pleasures of delicious and diverse eats, exciting and educational adventures, and charming stays.
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