When it comes to Boston, putting together everything that you should see as a visitor is really hard– almost impossible– to narrow down. The number of restaurants that I would suggest alone could keep you here for at least a week. But, that just means there’s a little something for everyone on your next weekend or extended stay in this New England city.
As someone who lives, works in, and truly loves, the city of Boston, putting together everything to see as a visitor is really hard– almost impossible– to narrow down. The number of restaurants that I would suggest alone could keep you here for a week at least. But, that just means there’s a little something for everyone on your next weekend or extended stay in this New England city.
What I really love about Boston is how each neighborhood is very different, yet it’s also small enough to really walk it entirely if you’re able; there’s a lot of different things to see and do, and on a manageable scale.
Looking for traditional Boston architecture and history? Wander through Beacon Hill. Want to see modern art and shop cool new brands in real life? Head over to the Seaport. So, pack comfortable shoes and some layers for unpredictable New England weather, and get ready to explore. Here’s my Boston travel guide.
To Stay
- XV Beacon
- The Liberty Hotel
- Hotel Commonwealth
- Envoy
- Ames Hotel
- Airbnb – some of my favorites in the South End, North End, and Downtown Crossing
To Do
- Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum
- SOWA Vintage Market
- Boston Public Library
- Duck Boat Tours
- Boston Public Gardens
- Institute of Contemporary Art
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Harpoon Brewery
- The Freedom Trail
Shopping
- Niche Plant Shop
- Olives & Grace
- Third Piece
- Charles Street – Follain, December Thieves, Paridaez
- Flock
- Seaport Boulevard – For Now, Outdoor Voices, Away
- Newbury Street – high end designer shopping and other big brand stores
- Bodega – This men’s streetwear store is highly curated shop hidden behind the facade of a vending machine in a convenience store. Worth visiting just for the experience of finding it.
To Eat
- Mida – dinner, particularly on Mondays for all-you-can-eat Mangia Monday
- Toro – Spanish tapas, no reservations. Part of the experience is bumping elbows at the bar while you wait! Very worth it.
- Coppa – lunch or dinner, Italian
- Bodega Canal – lunch or dinner, Mexican and some of the best margaritas ever
- Pabu – dinner, upscale sushi and Asian cuisine
- Tatte – breakfast or lunch, a true Boston staple with locations all over the city
- Bistro du Midi – dinner, great location and view of the Commons
- Mistral – brunch or dinner, French
- Envoy, drinks, rooftop bar with an awesome view, open all year and offering ‘igloos’ in winter
- Bricco – lunch or dinner, classic Italian in the historic North End
- North Square Oyster – lunch or dinner, a more refined and modern North End offering. Oysters and tuna tartare are musts!
- Yvonne’s – drinks, an upscale speakeasy that you’ll have to find.. behind what appears to be a hair salon.
- Banyan – dinner, Asian-inspired tapas, super unique menu.
- Frenchie – brunch or dinner, French tapas in a super cute and intimate spot in the South End
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