Has anyone been to Boston? We are going next week and I am just wondering if there are any "must see" places that you can recommend. We are going to be there for only 4 days, so I want to be able to get as much in as possible!
I wanted to thank everyone for the great tips and advice on what to do and where to go in Boston! We had a great time and are planning to go back, because 4 days not nearly enough time for a city that is packed with so much history. We were able to get a pretty good feel for the T and where things are. I can't say enough about all of the food that we had while we were there... the North End was amazing! We ate at 2 different Italian restaurants, Mother Anna's and L'Osteria, and they were both outstanding. The architecture of the old buildings is breathtaking, I wish I had remembered to pack my camera's battery charger because I didn't get as many pictures as I had planned on! If anyone is planning on going there, I would highly recommend taking a Duck Tour. You get to hear about the history and see things in the city that you might not otherwise get to. We've even done the Duck Tour in Seattle and my husband, who was born and raised in Seattle, learned things that he didn't know!
I think the most "must see" place I would recommend is the park. I can't remember what it is called, but it is the big main park. You can hand feed the birds and squirrels.
http://www.cityofboston.gov/visitors/thingstodo.asp
I lived there in college and my mom is from Concord. A few places in the city are: Fanuel Hall (this is like the Pike's Market of Boston). You should try to eat at the Bell in Hand Tavern for lunch (great clam chowder) as it's a historic landmark. Newberry Street is great shopping - loads of boutiques and beautiful old buildings. A treat to walk up and down. Cambridge is worth a T ride - visit Harvard (it's gorgeous) and there's also good shopping there too. Copley Square has a beautiful church, but you should really walk part of the freedom trail. This is a red line that goes all throughout boston; it will take you to the graveyard where Mother Goose is buried and see the old north church. Boston Common is gorgeous, and the North End is great for dinner - great Italian food there and it's very historic. Beacon Hill is nice if you like old beautiful buildings and residences, but there's not a lot to see. However, you could do that and the Common in a nice walk. Bring your great walking shoes b/c if it's nice out you're going to want to walk everywhere. It's a very good city for that.
I know you only have a few days there but if you get a chance to go to Concord, go. it's an adorable town with tons of historic places to visit; walden pond, luisa may alott's house, the bullet house, etc.
have fun! it;s a great city to visit!
I agree with walking the Freedom Trail. If you do make it to Little Italy, you must have a cannoli from one of the local bakeries. Amazing! When my mother and father in law visited us there, they couldn't do a long walk and if you are in that situation, I would recommend the Duck tour. It was actually pretty good and you get to see all of the must sees. If you do this first, then you can decide what to see in more depth later. Most kids like being in cars/busses - just bundle up if you sit on the top.
1. the freedom trail. i suggest going to boston commons and getting a guided tour by one of the people who are dressed up in revolutionary time outfits. it's just more fun.
2. the uss. constitution. it sounds cheesey but it is really cool. it is the oldest navy ship we have. it was sailed in our revolutionary war. it looks very pirates of the carribean.
3. if you like art or science they have museums for both. i loved the fine arts museum
4. fenway feild. it is the ball park for the red sox. even if you're not into baseball, take the tour. it is cool.
5. eat in the north end!!! it is the italian district and the food in incredible!
Hope this helps:)
Boston is such a beautiful historic place. There is a trail of red paint throughout the city that if you follow it, you will see a lot of the must sees. The cemetery where historical figures are burried, statues, monuments, and some historical buildings. You can do as much or as little as you want. Its a nice walk. Traffic is always a nightmare there so its good to avoid driving.
Fenway is also a great place to check out.
Have fun.
Brookline is beautiful - lots of mansions and beautiful streets. Mystic seaport is a must-see too.
Liz
I lived outside of Boston for 3 years. Walk the freedom trail. It can be a cold walk but gets all the historic points in on your own time. You can also go back to see specific spots if you want. I also enjoyed the USS Constitution. I don't remember the season for whale watching, but drive north of Boston 45 min to Gloucester which is a big fishing town and they will have whale watching tours. Gloucester is a fun town to walk along the waterfront.
J.
The walking tour (the Freedom Trail) is great (esp. if the weather cooperates)---it sounds like your child is maybe a little young for the Boston Children's Museum (which is really cool), but that would be something for the future if you want to go back. It's a great city just to wander around---the Boston Commons, Faneuil Hall (which is indoors), and one of my favorites is to go to the North End (the Italian section) to eat fresh mozzarella and all kinds of REALLY YUMMY things!
Have fun---it's one of my favorite cities that I've been to in the US!
There are a ton of places to visit. We loved the New England Aquarium and the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Have fun!
I agree, the freedom trail is pretty neat. If you have time I also think the Kennedy Museum is a must see, it's very well put together. My husband also liked going to the Sam Adams brewery tour. We didn't make it to Little Italy, but it's my understanding that it's a "must eat" I also really enjoyed Harvard Square.
Have fun!
Definitely see Boston Harbor where the "tea party" happened. I was with a group and the leader told us the history which made the visit quite meaningful.
There is a whole lot of history that happened in Boston. I was there 30 years ago and have forgotten most of what I saw. I think Boston is where our Declaration of Independence was signed; where Betsy Ross sewed our first flag. Paul Revere's ride is related to Boston.
If you're at all interested in history, I recommend taking a guided bus tour and stick close to the guide so that you can hear him/her.
Hi L.
My name is P.. I just went to Boston in August and we had a very good time. One of the things that we didn't do is the city walking tour. The city has so much history and if you do the walking tour you can get a closer look at sites that the trolley will take you near. The trolley is a good idea too then you can see which places you would like to stop at. The train system there is very usual friendly and if you get a chance you can go to Harvard and take a tour. I know that you are only going to be there a few days but if you can rent a car and go either to Maine or Rhode Island both places are beautiful. I am not sure if they will be doing whale watching tours but that was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. For eating there is a central market that has a variety of food and you do not have to worry about getting hungry. I do hope you have a wonderful time. We spent 5 days there and I would love to go back. If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to write back. ____@____.com fun! P.
