As the epicenter of New England, Boston is rich in colonial history, boasts a lively waterfront, and features beautiful neighborhoods lined with cherry blossoms in spring and foliage in fall, set among Federal-style brick rowhouses and brownstones. Like many large cities, it has enclaves for its historical immigrants, mainly Irish and Italians.
I first visited Boston with my grandparents when I was a teen, but now I live only an hour away. My oldest son goes to college there and is helping me write this guide to Boston, Massachusetts.
With so much to do in this smallish big city, how does one decide what to do? Read on as I cover the basics of Boston.
Even if this isn’t your first visit to Boston, it may give even a veteran tourist a few ideas for new things to do and see in Boston, as I find unique things to do each time I visit.
Boston for Beginners
I previously said Boston is a small, big city. New York City is 468 square miles, while Boston is only 89, making it a much easier city to explore in a few days.
What is Unique about Boston’s Neighborhoods and What Should I See in Each?
The North End
The Italian area of Boston boasts many outstanding restaurants, as well as a rich history. The North Church is here, as well as Paul Revere’s House. It is the oldest residential area in the city, having been first settled in 1630.
One of my favorite North End activities is dessert and a cappuccino at Cafe Vittorio. It is cash only.
Our favorite restaurants here are Strega, Euno, and Bricco.
Beacon Hill
Right off the northern corner of the Boston Public Garden, Beacon Hill is the most charming of Boston’s neighborhoods. Walk along Charles Street to see the gas lanterns alit on the brick rowhouses lining its narrow cobblestone streets.
I recommend taking in a high tea or supper at Beacon Hill Bookstore and Cafe. The bookstore is also adorable to wander through.
Back Bay
Back Bay is where to go for high-end shopping. The broad Newbury Street is also lined with cafes and restaurants, such as Saltie Girl. Copley Center is a large indoor mall.
Fenway
The area around the baseball stadium also features concert arenas and numerous pubs.
Seaport
Boston’s busy and commercial seaport is in South Boston.
The Waterfront
Right next to Fanueil Hall is the Waterfront. It boasts an aquarium and Legal Seafood Restaurant. Even if you don’t go into the aquarium, be sure to say hi to the seals at the entrance.
Downtown Boston
There are numerous attractions within walking distance in Downtown Boston. Faneuil Hall is one of the city’s oldest meeting halls, now featuring street performers, shopping, and a large food hall.
We love a full Irish breakfast from The Black Rose.
Some of the best sushi outside of Japan can be found at Santouka and Tora.
Be sure to stroll through the Boston Commons and check out the Massachusetts Statehouse during the daytime. It is not a safe place after dark.
The Boston Public Garden is one of my favorite places in Boston. Its wandering paths, fountains, flower beds, Swan Boats, and lake are very peaceful, and it is a great place to see Bostonians enjoying the city.
Read more about spring in the garden.
How to Get Around Boston
There are three primary ways to get around Boston: Uber, walking, and the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, also known as the T or the Metro).
Walking around Boston
I always feel that walking is the best way to experience a city. Unless I am going too far, this is my preferred method of getting around Boston.
Uber
It is easy to call an Uber or Lyft in Boston. The disadvantage will be traffic.
Boston Metro Guide
I used Google Maps to direct me on the best trains to take and in which direction. The trains are generally safe, but I would advise against traveling on empty trains or stations after dark.
(I started my first trip to Paris with a tour guide who explained the subway system. It made all the difference for my family to navigate the system easily in a foreign language.)
Things You Don’t Want to Miss on Your First Trip to Boston
A Duck Tour
The first thing you need to do in any city is get an overview. The best way to do that in Boston is to go on a duck tour. This semi-aquatic vehicle will take you around town and into the Charles River. We took my god-daughters on this when they visited us, and they enjoyed it.
Walk the Freedom Trail.
By following the red bricks on this 2.5-mile trail, you will see 16 of Boston’s most famous historical monuments.
Take a walking tour to best learn the history along the Freedom Trail.
See the seals at the Boston Aquarium.
Eat a meal in the North End.
Try a Boston Cream Pie and a Lobster Roll.
Boston Public Gardens
Museums
Whether you’re interested in art, history, or science, Boston has a museum to suit your interests.
The Mapparium
Although it is part of a religious institution, stepping inside a vast, glass globe is truly eye-opening to the grandeur of our world. I highly recommend visiting this attraction.
Boston Harborwalk
Check out this map of the 43-mile paved trail that follows Boston’s waterfront from Dorchester to Charlestown.
When to Visit Boston
You can’t beat Boston in the fall, especially as the start to a foliage road trip around New England. If you visit in the spring, Beacon Hill and the Boston Public Gardens will be in full, glorious bloom. In summer, the city will be alive with activities, and you can even take a day trip to some of our lovely islands, like Martha’s Vineyard.
Where to Stay in Boston Your First Time
I highly recommend staying inside Boston, although it will be expensive. You will save money by staying in a suburb, but you will miss the energy and ease of the city.
Here are a few places I have stayed and enjoyed the location.
Located in Downtown Boston, this upscale hotel is only a block away from the Boston Commons and a few blocks from Faneuil Hall.
This hotel is attached to the Copley Mall in the Back Bay.
Located right on the water next to the aquarium.
Where to Eat in Boston
I have mentioned many restaurants we love to eat at throughout this article, but here is another restaurant recommendation:
Elephant Walk South
We return again and again to this fabulous Cambodian-French fusion restaurant in the South End. We have just returned from Cambodia, where we also enjoyed the local cuisine.
If you have any questions, comments, or recommendations, please share them in the comments section.
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If you’d like help planning your trip to Boston (or anywhere else), my travel agency, Adventurous You Travel, would be happy to plan your trip for you (paid for by the vendors, not you). Visit my site or email me at [email protected].
