Things to do in Boston: A Travel Guide
via wikipedia.com
Boston is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and is one of my top favorite places in the world. From the food, to the bars, to the beautiful scenery, here is a guide for the next time you go to Boston. Boston was also rated one of the coolest cities in the world by The Huffington Post. A lot of these places are accessible using public transportation – either via the subway or with a bus connection.
Click to Skip To:
- Boston Bars and Nightlife
- Where to Eat in Boston
- Boston Breweries
- Boston Museums
- Places to Visit in Boston
- Transportation
Boston Bars and Nightlife
Drink
This bar is located in Fort Point, and in most people’s opinions, is one of the best cocktail places on the Eastern Seaboard. It made one of Esquire’s lists, along with the Pegu Club in SoHo, NYC. The training process for the bartenders is long and they specialize in pre-prohibition era cocktails. It’s the type of place where you just tell the bartender some flavors that you like and they make something just for you, typically a deep cut from their extensive library of classic cocktails.
Back Bar
This bar is a similar situation with the drinks, but smaller, and hidden within Somerville’s Union Square! It’s a cozy place with late night food and are famous for their ramen as well as pork and eggplant buns. They also have an awesome boutique ice cream maker you don’t want to miss out on!
Where to Eat in Boston
Mr. Bartley’s Gourmet Burgers
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The Lady Gaga, the iPhone and the Democrat, are just a few of the names of the delicious burgers at this famous restaurant. This place is a definite must go when visiting Boston. They have an infinite list of burger concoctions and even have gluten free buns. They are famous for their onion rings so make sure to try those as well!
Penny Packer’s Fine Foods
This place started out as a couple of food trucks (which is still a new thing in Boston) serving up freshly prepared foods, with a constantly changing menu. They recently upgraded to a store front in Magoun Square, Somerville. The only thing that is constant on their menu is the porchetta sandwich, which is one of the most incredible things you will ever eat. The rest of it changes daily based on the season as well as the creative whims of the chefs.
Pauli’s
via eatandsipinthecity.com
A great joint to get lobster rolls- a MUST DO in Boston. Located along the Freedom Trail, in the North End, this place is a good alternative to the pricier sit down spots such as Neptune. They have counter service, and is therefore cheaper than the others, yet the lobster is just as good if not better. They have very generous portions.
Redbones
via thrillist.com
If you’re looking for some awesome BBQ in a fun setting, then this is the place to go. Located in Somerville in Davis Square, this spot has two floors with three different rooms: a bar, an upstairs dining room, and a downstairs dining room/bar combo featuring a lounge feel (dimmed lights, colorful art). You definitely get what you pay for. Another plus: They have a huge beer selection.
Mike’s Pastry
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One word: cannoli. This is a definite go to spot if you are visiting Boston and just about everyone knows it. Located in the heart of the North End. Orders are carefully wrapped up in pastry boxes and tied up old school style with twine.
Sunset Grill and Tap
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Located in Allston, just by Boston University. They have a huge selection of beers. This is the perfect place to have a few (or a few too many) beers and eat some good bar food. The atmosphere is very casual with TVs around the dining room and at the bar. The food is also amazing. They have a really extensive selection of beers and a fun environment.
The Gallows
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This restaurant is located in the South End of Boston. They have a large selection of food and beer, including their famous scotch egg, which is a shelled boiled egg, wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried.
Boston Breweries
Sam Adams
Smallish brewery located in Jamaica Plain. They have a free tour, which includes a tasting afterwards and completes with discussion about the (usually 3) tasting selections. Afterwards take Jason’s free party shuttle (disco ball and stripper pole included) to Doyle’s Pub. Order a pint of Sam Adams on tap, and keep the specially designed Sam Adams mug. All current tapped varieties of Sam Adams on tap, including the locally famous Brick Red, which you can only get in Boston on tap.
Harpoon
Larger brewery facility located in the fort point/south Boston area (double check on a map to see where they draw the line). The tickets are $5, but the tasting is much more extensive, consisting of 20 minutes in the tasting room where they have every one of their brews on tap. They basically start the timer and encourage you to have as much as possible. They also have a very large restaurant area made up of picnic benches running through a very large room, serving only large pretzels freshly baked, with your choice of sauces. Another opportunity to have any of their brews on tap.
Boston Museums
Museum of Fine Arts
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Student discounts are offered. It has a very nice selection of permanent and visiting exhibitions. There is an incredible musical instrument room. Lots and lots to see. It is free to everyone every Wednesday night from 4-10 PM. The tour is one hour and is a great amount of time to get in all the information you need.
Isabela Stewart Gardner Museum
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Everything in this museum is from a private collection. It is an absolutely beautiful museum and is very well decorated and preserved. Even if you are not into art, you should check out this museum. The museum does not allow any photos or allow people to carry anything on their back. If you plan on wearing a backpack, be prepared to hold it throughout your visit.
Institute of Contemporary Art
Modern art museum that often has other multimedia events. It has two of the greatest views of the water and surrounding area from spots inside the museum.
Museum of Science
via familyfriendlyboston.com
Cost of admission is $23 for adults. This museum is supposed to be very interesting and has numerous exhibits you can check out.
Places to Visit in Boston
Public Garden/The Boston Common
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This is basically the Central Park of Boston. One leads into the next and they connect a few neighborhoods. There have been many films shot here due to the beautiful background it presents. It is a great place to take a stroll and experience the beauty that Boston has to offer.
Symphony Hall
Home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Boston Pops (depending on the season). They have a very good orchestra with great programming.
Jordan Hall
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Venue connected with New England Conservatory but often the location of other professional orchestras such as the Boston Modern Orchestra Project. This is fun for those interested in a more adventurous and less expensive classical music experience.
American Repertory Theatre
Located in Cambridge, in Harvard Square, so you can grab dinner/drinks before or after. It is a great theatre that often has cutting edge works. There is a great view of the stage no matter where you are seated. It is a smaller theater, so much more quaint and cozy. This theater does serve alcohol.
Theatre District
Several different theaters downtown in this area. Broadway bound shows sometimes. You can see them before they hit New York City.
The Harbor
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This is a nice place to walk around the water and grab some delicious seafood.
Harvard Square
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There are a lot of nice places to eat and hang out in this area. Go down to the river and hang out while reading a book or just taking it in. Raven Bookstore has a location here and is an amazing used and new bookstore (also a new location on Newbury St. in Boston). Cool record stores as well. Plenty of good food and drink along Mt. Auburn St. and Brattle St. Plenty of shopping options as well.
Newbury Comics
Several locations including Newbury St. and Harvard Sq. This place is a great spot for comics, records, CDs, T- shirts, apparel, etc. It is a local spot that makes the area a cool place to check out.
JP Licks
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JP stands for Jamaica Plain. They have amazing ice cream. There are locations in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville, often in the most prominent neighborhoods.
Christian Science Center
via christianscience.com
Located near the heart of Boston. The center has huge outdoor water table and a dramatic cathedral. It is a lot of fun to walk around outside. There are beautiful buildings and gardens, a fountain, and a reflecting pool. It also has its world famous Mapparium, which is basically a planetarium for Earth.
Transportation
The T
Boston’s subway system and associated bus and ferry lines and goes just about everywhere in the Greater Boston area and beyond.. Boston’s public transportation system is operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, but locals know it simply as the “T”. Take it, it is easy and cheap, especially if you buy a week pass. The pass covers everything on the T line. To ride the T, you need to purchase a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket. Fare is $2.10 and the link pass is $75. Subway stops are color coded – Red Line, Green Line, Blue Line, Orange Line or Silver Line.
Taxis
Taxivservice is available throughout the city. From Logan International Airport to most hotels in Boston and Cambridge. The current fares are approximately $25-$35.00, one way.
Walking
A lot of things are walking distance from each other, so put some running shoes on, and walk to your next destination.
Biking/bike sharing
Hubway is a bike sharing system providing over 100 stations and 1,000 bikes available in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville. You can get a bike near your hotel and bike to your next attraction, shopping trip, or to visit friends and family.
