As one of the oldest cities in the United States, no visitor will be at a loss for things to do around Boston. From history buffs to sports fans and foodies, Boston makes for a perfect long weekend trip to take in some of the best sites, locations, and restaurants. Keep reading for your Boston travel guide.
1. Visit the Boston Public Garden
Established in 1837, the Boston Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in the United States. Maintaining the Victorian style after which the garden was designed, it features many varieties of unique plants, sure to satisfy everyone from the casual observer to a knowledgeable botanist. In addition to its inherent beauty, visitors can admire monuments, fountains, and the Lagoon. For a fun activity, you can take a Swan Boat ride around the lagoon. The boats have been in operation since 1877, so even they are historical. Be ready to take photos around the garden, as there are countless picture-perfect spots.
2. Walk the Freedom Trail
When walking the Freedom Trail, you won’t have to look far before you find a piece of our nation’s history. You can start this 2.5-mile-long path through downtown Boston either in the Boston Common at one end of the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.
Along this historic walk, you’ll find famous locations such as the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, the King’s Chapel and Burying Ground, Benjamin Franklin statue and former site of Boston Latin School, Old Corner Bookstore, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Site of the Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, and the USS Constitution.
3. Check Out Arts & Culture Sites
Boston has a wide range of places to choose from for travelers who love art and culture activities.
At the Museum of Fine Arts, you can explore galleries containing over 450,000 works of art. As the fifth largest museum in the U.S., you probably won’t see everything, but you won’t be disappointed.
For even more artwork, you can visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and find paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and decorative arts.
If you’re into a contemporary feel, the Institute of Contemporary Art features major exhibitions, leading contemporary artists, new commissions, and introduces emerging artists.
For gorgeous architecture, consider exploring the historic Boston Public Library, with murals by John Singer Sargent.
One final suggestion: if you’re a movie lover, you may know that Boston is famous for quite a few movies filmed around the city. You can take an official tour, or simply take a tour of your own choosing. You can visit sites where scenes were filmed from The Departed, The Social Network, Fever Pitch, Good Will Hunting, and many others.
4. Visit Universities in Cambridge
Could Cambridge be the origin of some of the greatest minds in our history? Just maybe. Particularly known for Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), it’s worth a trip a little bit outside of Boston to see these beautiful campuses.
At Harvard, you can visit the famous Harvard Square and begin a tour around campus. Whether you opt to take an official tour through the admissions office or take a self-guided tour, grab a snapshot with the iconic John Harvard statue in Harvard Yard.
Visitors will traditionally touch his left shoe for luck, but if you’ve ever heard the rumor that students and visitors have “relieved” themselves on the statue, you might not want to do that. Aside from the statue and taking in the scenery, you can also visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Plus, there are quite a few restaurants in the area if you get hungry.
At MIT, you’ll find even more to explore with Killian Court, the MIT Museum, public art around campus, and more.
5. Take in a Game or Tour at Fenway
For sports fans, you won’t want to miss your opportunity to stop at the oldest ballpark in the MLB. If you’re lucky enough to take your trip while the Red Sox are in town, you can catch a game and experience the stadium as it bustles with Boston fans.
If you can’t catch a game, you can still take an hour tour of this historic stadium year-round, with hours varying during different seasons. If you don’t have a full hour and happen to be at Fenway on a game day, you can also take a fifteen-minute tour.
6. Eat at Some of the Best Restaurants
Last but not least, you can’t visit Boston without checking out some incredible restaurants and food. In the North End, which is Boston’s Little Italy, you’ll find countless Italian cuisines as you explore the streets making up this neighborhood. You may have heard that Mike’s Pastry is the place to go for cannolo (the plural of “cannoli” if you didn’t know), but there are numerous bakeries in this neighborhood where you can find delicious cannoli.
Beyond the North End, if you love seafood, you’re in the right place. A few ideas to consider include Neptune Oyster (located in the North End), the Barking Crab, Alive and Kicking Lobsters, and many more.
Finally, while not fine cuisine, for fans of Cheers, take a stop at the iconic Cheers_Restaurant on Beacon Street and grab a photo with the _Cheers sign, check out the set bar, and if you feel so inclined, grab a burger and a drink in the restaurant.
Follow the Boston Travel Guide and Book Your Trip Now
While in Boston, you have countless options for transportation, from renting a car (if you can brave Boston driving), using the T System’s trains, walking, ride sharing, or even taking a water taxi. However, before choosing your transportation in the city, you’ll have to get there. If you’re ready to take on Boston, book your trip with BusTickets.com. Our service provides the best routes, lowest prices, and easy booking.
References
https://www.boston.gov/parks/public-garden
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Trail
https://www.masslive.com/entertainment/2016/06/best_films_shot_in_massachuset.html
https://onlocationtours.com/boston-tours/boston-movie-mile/
https://www.mlb.com/redsox/ballpark/tours
https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/best-seafood-restaurants-in-boston/
