In this article I want to share with you some of the highlights of Boston.
I lived in Boston for years and I would say Boston is one of those places that you must visit at least once in your life.
Annually, Boston welcomes millions of tourists. It’s located in Massachusetts and is one of America’s oldest cities. And, Boston is also often mentioned as one of the prettiest cities in the US.
The city really is beautiful, with its many brick buildings and narrow streets. But while old, Boston has a lot of modern aspects as well, like the Langham Boston Hotel.
As you probably expect, this city is not cheap, so get ready to make a budget plan. Accommodation can cost as much as $500 per night, and you’ll have to add to that the costs of transport, food, and entertainment.
However, a budget plan and the right preparations can help you experience Boston to its fullest and will make sure you won’t miss any of the Boston highlights.
Here’s a guide about where to stay, what to do, and what to visit in this amazing city.
Highlights of Boston – A Practical Travel Guide
Where to Stay in Boston
There are plenty of hotels in Boston to choose from. From very basic to extremely luxurious and from modern to historic. To search hotel options in Boston, check out Booking.com.
As mentioned before though, a temporary home for your vacation in Boston can be expensive. Therefore, make sure you do your research and plan your budget.
My Recommendations for Places to Stay When Visiting Boston:
1. Element Boston Seaport District
Element Boston is great as it’s family-friendly and close to many entertainment locations.
It is located 30 minutes away from the Aquarium and there are several restaurants just 10 minutes away. Close to it, there are many events taking place, such as venues to watch movies outdoors.
The hotel offers many facilities like an indoor pool, good WiFi, and a workout room. During the week, there’s a happy hour with many delicious snacks and drinks.
2. Omni Parker House
The Omni Parker House is a well-known hotel located in downtown Boston.
The hotel is historic, built in 1927. It’s also the longest operating hotel in the US.
This is where the Boston Cream Pie comes from, so you definitely have to try this delicious treat here!
3. The Verb Hotel
The Verb Hotel is a great place for having fun.
It is located in the Fenway neighborhood and has an artsy lounge with plenty of space and a cool Japanese tavern for food and drinks.
The neighborhood is best known as the home of the Red Sox and Fenway Park, but it is also one of Boston’s academic and cultural hubs. Students and young adults are drawn to the lively bars and clubs along Lansdowne Street.
Places to Visit in Boston
Boston has many places worth visiting. If you are low on cash, the city even has free attractions. Two of these are the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Boston Public Library.
There are many other nice places to visit in Boston, though. The following list explores the main sites I would recommend:
1. Museums in Boston
If you like visiting museums, you should know that Boston has plenty of them.
Some of the most popular museums in Boston are the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Children’s Museum, and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
You can find an overview of all museums in Boston here.
2. Faneuil Hall Marketplace
This marketplace, located in downtown Boston, steps away from the waterfront, is a must-visit in Boston!
With over 70 retailers, visitors enjoy a great mix of shops while indulging in the worldwide cuisine at several restaurants, pubs, and in the world-famous Quincy Market Colonnade.
The cobblestone promenades are filled with the music and jaw-dropping routines of world-renowned street performers and musicians.
3. Fenway Park
Fenway Park is a baseball park located near Kenmore Square. Since 1912, it has been the home for the Boston Red Sox, the city’s American League baseball team.
For history and baseball lovers, this place is like heaven on earth. Moreover, the park has the power to make you feel part of the city’s community.
4. Boston Public Garden
If you are a nature lover or a romantic person, then you can’t miss out on this place.
Established in 1837, The Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in America.
During the spring, this place is full of tulips. You can also find the statue of George Washington here and take a Swan Boat ride.
The garden is located next to public park Boston Common, which was created in 1634 as America’s first public park.
5. Concert Halls
Boston’s music scene is very lively.
If you’re a music lover, I highly recommend attending live concerts at the Royale, The Sinclair, or the House of Blues. Many bands play in these places.
6. The South End’s Art Galleries & Cafés
The South End is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Boston. It’s creative, diverse, and full of charm.
Spend a few hours wandering around Tremont Street and Harrison Avenue, where you’ll find small independent art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafés.
If you’re there on the first Friday of the month, check out SoWa First Fridays, when local artists open their studios to the public. It’s one of those experiences that makes you feel part of the local scene.
7. The Charles River Esplanade
If you visit during spring or summer, take a walk or bike ride along the Charles River Esplanade.
Locals love it for morning runs, picnics, or just watching the sailboats. It’s a great place to relax and take in skyline views, especially around sunset.
If you’re there in July, this is also where Boston’s famous Fourth of July fireworks take place.
Also Read: The Best Time to Visit Boston
8. Harvard Square (Cambridge)
Technically across the river, but it’s such an easy trip that it deserves a mention.
Harvard Square has a unique mix of history, culture, and quirky local spots. You can walk around the Harvard campus, browse used books at Harvard Book Store, or grab coffee at Tatte Bakery (a local favorite).
It’s a lively area any time of day, filled with students, street performers, and an authentic “Boston energy.”
Where to Eat in Boston
Obviously, you’re going to want to eat in a good restaurant in Boston at least once. Therefore, you should know that Boston has a wide range of restaurants for you to choose from.
Here are some of my recommendations:
1. Union Oyster House
This restaurant is historic and definitely one of Boston’s highlights. It is the oldest operating restaurant in the US.
President John F. Kennedy and Daniel Webster were faithful clients here. You could order some oysters and eat at JFK’s booth, or at the restaurant’s raw bar.
2. The Beehive
If you’re looking for American, Middle Eastern or Eastern European food, then this place is a good choice for you.
The restaurant is located in the South End neighborhood and is very popular due to its affordable and high-quality food.
And while you are here, do explore the neighborhood.
South End is a culturally rich neighborhood with restored Victorian row houses surrounding charming English-style squares. Its popular dining and drinking scene spans family-friendly bistros, trendy eateries, gay bars, and low-key pubs.
3. North End
Italian food lovers will love North End.
North End is a neighborhood in Boston and the city’s oldest residential community, where people have continuously lived since it was settled in the 1630s. It is known for its Italian American population and great Italian restaurants.
If you’re a pizza lover, check out Regina Pizzeria. It offers great pizza for pocket-friendly prices.
4. J.P. Licks
Who doesn’t like frozen treats? They make you feel like you really are on a vacation and help you enjoy it even more.
The ice cream at JP Licks is homemade, and you can choose from many flavors.
Their best products are fresh coffee and frozen yogurt. They’re so delicious that you’d surely want to return to this place as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts About Visiting Boston
Boston is a youthful city with a rich history.
The city is known as the birthplace of the American Revolution. But it’s also home to the world-renowned Harvard University, to the Boston Symphony Orchestra (the best symphony orchestra in the country), and to the Boston Ballet (one of the world’s best ballet companies).
Boston is a unique city that has become a popular place to visit, and rightfully so!
There’s plenty to see and do in Boston, so make sure you put this city on your travel list.
Tip: If you are visiting Boston on a budget, check out CityPASS.com. They offer good deals on many of Boston’s attractions.
Also Read:
- The Best Time to Visit Boston – For Best Prices, Weather& More
- An Insider’s Guide to Things to Do in New York City on a Budget
- 3 States in the USA You May Not Have Thought of Visiting
- The Most Beautiful Cities to Visit in the USA
Or check out an overview of all articles about destinations in the USA.
Map of Where to Stay, Places to Visit, and Where to Eat in Boston
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