Growing up in the Boston area, I got to experience excellent Italian food in the North End; six Super Bowl wins, and so much culture. Boston is a must-visit city in the USA, home to some of the best universities in the world and gorgeous European architecture.
Boston was one of the first cities in the United States, making it a historic place to visit with so much to learn. In this guide to Boston, I will tell you all of my local secrets, from the best cafes to when to visit; you can find it all in this guide to Boston.
Boston is a lovely destination for families and solo travelers; read my local’s Boston Massachusetts guide.
Best Hotels In Boston
Boston has no shortage of great hotels, from waterfront options to Newbury Street hotels and the financial district. There is an ideal hotel for everyone in Boston.
These are nine of the top-rated hotels in Boston. We’ve organized them below by luxury, mid-range, and budget.
Luxury Boston Hotels
- The Newbury – Located on the lovely Newbury Street is The Newbury Hotel, one of the best hotels in Boston. Offering comfortable rooms, easy access to all of Boston’s most popular attractions, an exquisite in-house restaurant, and more, the Newbury is a beautiful option when choosing where to stay in Boston.
- The Whitney – The Whitney, located in the stunning Beacon Hill, will exceed your expectations. You will find comfortable accommodation at the Whitney. The Whitney offers a Mediterranean and American restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, free bike use, and more.
- The Four Seasons – If you know anything about tourism, then you know that The Four Seasons hotels are one of the most luxurious hotel chains in the world. Boston’s Four Seasons maintains the chain’s reputation with spacious rooms, exceptional staff, and fine dining.
Mid-Range Boston Hotels
- The Seaport Hotel – The Seaport Hotel, located in The Seaport, is an excellent option for a comfortable stay in Boston. You will find stunning views of Boston Harbor, an indoor pool, exercise classes, gourmet dining, and more, all in the Seaport Hotel.
- The Dangy Boston – The Dangy is a newly renovated hotel in Boston’s financial district. Fashioned with modern room decor, The Dangy Hotel is a lovely option when visiting Boston. Enjoy dinner at the in-house restaurant, a yoga class in the gym, and more at the Dangy Hotel.
- Battery Wharf Hotel – You will find everything and more at the Battery Wharf Hotel. Located in the North End, the Battery Wharf Hotel is home to spectacular views of Boston Harbor and is a short walk to some of the best Italian food in the city.
Budget Boston Hotels
- Club Quarters – Just steps away from the first art deco building in Boston, Faneuil Hall, The Club Quarters Hotel is an excellent option if you are sticking to a budget in Boston. Complete with a gym, cozy rooms, and the in-house Elephant and Castle Pub, the Club Quarter Hotel has everything you need.
- The Godfrey Hotel – Located by Newbury Street, The Godfrey Hotel has a gothic vibe and is a perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring. You will find a bar and restaurant at Godfrey, a twenty-four-hour reception, and more.
- Harborside Inn – The Harborside Inn is a boutique hotel in the city’s center. The decor will make you feel like you are staying at a fisherman’s house. You will find comfortable accommodation at the Harborside Inn for a fair price.
Things To Do In Boston
Although it might not be the first destination on your must-visit city list, Boston has plenty to do and discover, with a famous sporting stadium and history steeped around every corner.
Here are nine of the top things to do and see in Boston:
1) Visit Fenway Park
A trip to Boston is not complete without a visit to Fenway Park. Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in the United States. Opened in 1912, the park is still home to the Boston Red Sox if you can, go to a game.
If the Red Sox are not in season or if it is too cold, you can always do a tour of the stadium. Doing a tour will allow you to learn more about the history of Fenway. This tour is excellent.
2) Take a Stroll Down Newbury Street
Whether looking to shop or just admire European architecture, visiting Newbury Street is never a bad idea. Start your stroll by The Newbury Hotel; you will find designer stores such as Dior and Chanel on this end of the street. On the other end of Newbury Street, you will find more affordable stores, such as Urban Outfitters and Brandy Melville.
3) Read a Book In The Boston Common
Adjacent to Newbury Street is the tranquil Boston Common. Growing up in Boston, my favorite thing to do was grab a coffee at the nearby Thinking Cup and read my favorite novels on the Boston Common. Not only is the Common lovely for leisure time, but it is also an excellent place for a jog or walking.
In the Boston Common, you will find the Swan Boats. The Swan Boats are closed during the winter, but they are a lovely way to see the common via boat. I remember being so excited to see the swan boats when I was younger, so they are a great thing to do with kids.
4) Eat Your Heart Out In The North End
If you are looking for good food, look no further than Boston’s North End. You will find the best Italian food outside of Italy in the North End.
Some of my favorite spots in the North End are The Daily Catch for dinner and Modern Pastry for dessert. The Daily Catch does not allow reservations, and there is usually a line out the door, so get there early. Try the black squid ink pasta at The Daily Catch.
Opt for the lesser-known Modern Pastry for dessert. Unlike the more popular Mike’s Pastry, Modern Pastry makes all of its Italian pastries in-house daily.
5) Visit The Boston Tea Party Ships
The Boston Tea Party Ships are a great thing to do in Boston, especially with kids. Located on the Boston Harbor, you will find the original restored ships and the Boston Tea Party Museum on a Boston Tea Party tour. The employees wear costumes that people on the boats would have worn, making visiting the Boston Tea Party Ships an authentic experience.
The Boston Tea Party was a political protest that had to do with American Colonists being upset with the British for taxes. If you tour ships, you will learn much more about their history.
6) Get Lost In Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is probably the image that comes to mind when you think of Boston. The cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and charming shops make up the beautiful Beacon Hill. While in Beacon Hill, be sure to stop by the most photographed street in America, Acorn Street.
If you need some coffee while in Beacon Hill, stop by my all-time favorite cafe, Tatte. Try their Honey Havila Latte!
7) Spend a Morning In The Seaport
I have always thought if I moved back to Boston, I would move to the Seaport. The Seaport is perfect for anyone who loves excellent restaurants, workout classes, and exciting events.
Some of my favorite restaurants in The Seaport include Ocean Prime and Nautilus Pier 4. Ocean Prime is a luxurious restaurant that offers fabulous seafood. Nautilus Pier 4 takes the cake for being my favorite; the Asian fusion restaurant offers tapas-style dishes.
The Seaport always has something going on. During the holidays, it is the Snowport, Boston’s Christmas Market. Over the summer, Cisco Brewers‘s beer garden will be open.
8) Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall is located in Boston’s financial district. Known for its many food vendors offering cuisine from all over the world, Faneuil Hall is a must-visit while in Boston. This art deco building is also home to spectacular boutique shopping you cannot find anywhere else in the city.
9) Take a Tour of Harvard
Boston is home to some of the best colleges in the world (Harvard, MIT, Tufts). While I am partial to Tufts (I come from a long line of graduates), Havard is the place to visit. Located in Cambridge, Harvard’s campus is gorgeous and full of stunning sights. The best way to see Harvard is by doing a campus tour; they can be booked weeks in advance, so plan.
Be sure to explore Cambridge and Harvard Square before leaving the area.
Best Tours To Take In Boston
Boston offers a variety of enjoyable tours for exploring the area, taking to the water and visiting historic landmarks. You must take tours in Boston to fully understand the city’s history because there is so much of it.
Here are five great tour options for a trip to the city:
- There is no better way to learn about Boston’s History than on a Freedom Trail tour. This top-rated small group Freedom Trail tour lasts about two and a half hours. You will walk the Freedom Trail (Copp’s Hill Terrace to The North End) during the tour. During the tour, you will learn about Boston from your local guide and visit some of the city’s main attractions.
- No trip to Boston is complete without taking a Boston Tea Party tour. Not only will adults find this tour exciting, but also it is excellent for kids. During this Boston Tea Party tour, you will visit the museum and have a guided tour of the authentically restored ships.
- Take a tour of Fenway Park, America’s most beloved ballpark. I grew up going to the magical Fenway Park, and let me tell you, it’s a must-visit. A tour of Fenway will allow you to see the park empty, which is fantastic. A tour of Fenway is also cheaper than buying tickets to a game. Fenway tours will likely sell out, so buy your ticket at least a month in advance. I loved this tour.
- Martha’s Vineyard is one of my favorite places in Massachusetts. You will find stunning beaches, famous gingerbread homes, and excellent restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard. A Martha’s Vineyard Day Tour is an easy day trip from Boston, so if you have an extra day in the city, consider this Martha’s Vineyard day trip.
- One surprising thing you will learn while in Boston is our love for donuts. Boston has a plethora of gourmet donut shops and great Donut tours. This donut tour will bring you to some of the best donut shops in the city, including my favorites, Kane’s and Union Square.
Best Dining Spots In Boston
From local coffee shops to Italian restaurants, Boston has a wide variety of dining options, offering ample cuisines ranging from Italian to tapas and more.
Here are seven of the best restaurants in Fairhope:
Best Coffee and Breakfast Spots In Boston
- Tatte – Tatte is my favorite coffee and breakfast joint in Boston. With multiple locations in the city, you can find everything for breakfast at Tatte. My go-to order is the Havila Honey Latte and the croissant egg sandwich.
- The Thinking Cup – Located on Newbury Street, the Thinking Cup offers cozy seating, coffee, tea, pastries, and sandwiches. Whether you want to get some work done or grab a coffee to go, the Thinking Cup is a lovely option for coffee.
Best Lunch and Dinner In Boston
- The Daily Catch - The Daily Catch is a unique Italian joint in the North End serving authentic Sicilian-style Italian food. Owned by proper Bostonians, The Daily Catch will not disappoint. Try to get there early because there are no reservations, and it will get packed.
- Nautilus Pier 4 – Nautilus Pier 4, Located in the Seaport, serves fantastic Asian food. It is a tapas-style restaurant, so be sure to try everything. I love the crab-fried rice at Nautilus Pier 4.
- Regina Pizza – Some of the best pizza I have ever had came from Regina Pizza in the North End. Regina Pizza has been serving top-notch pizza to Boston for generations, and they are not stopping anytime soon. This brick oven pizza is a must-try while in Boston.
Best Late Night Hangouts In Boston
- Hecate – Hecate is a cocktail bar located in Back Bay. The dark lighting and moody atmosphere make Hecate a relaxing bar to hang out in and engage in lively conversation.
- JJ Foley’s – JJ Foley’s is an Irish Pub in the center of Boston. Boston has so much Irish culture as many of the locals are of Irish descent, so there are many Irish pubs in Boston. JJ Foley’s is a fun place to grab a beer after a day of exploring the city.
Best Time To Visit Boston
You can experience the four seasons in Boston. My favorite time in Boston is the summer because of the warm weather, greenery, and outdoor activities. Many people love Boston in the fall because of the fall foliage and cozy environments such as cafes, bookshops and hotels.
The weather in Boston is cold and grey from January to March, so try to avoid those months. Boston’s weather is unpredictable, so be prepared for rain or snow.
How To Get To Boston, Massachusetts
You can fly straight into Boston Logan International Airport from my cities around the world and the United States. You will not have to worry about getting transportation into the city because Logan is in East Boston.
Trains are a popular way to get into the city as well. Many people will come from New York City for a weekend via train. Whenever I went to New York or Providence, I used Amtrak.
Getting Around Boston
Boston is a walkable city because it is small. Although the weather will not always allow walking, opt for the T if you can’t. The T is affordable and easy to use. In Boston’s subway system, the T, you can find stations and stops all over the city.
Boston is also a very bikeable city. You will most likely find bikes for use at your hotel.
Renting a car in Boston is unnecessary unless you plan to leave the city.
Boston Wrap Up
Boston is an excellent choice when looking for your next city to visit. The culture, food, and architecture in Boston are amazing. I hope that you found this guide to Boston from a local helpful! If you have anything to add, please leave us a comment.
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