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Into Colonial History At Old South Meeting House
From Market District, venture south again along the Freedom Trail. In less than a 10-minute walk, youll land at the Old South Meeting House. Built in 1729, this National Historic Landmark was the largest building in Boston in colonial times.
Old South set the stage for many of the protests that led to independence for the colonies. The meeting hall was even the site where the Sons of Liberty organized the infamous Boston Tea Party.
Nowadays, the Old South Meeting House is one of the most important colonial-era museums in the United States. Visit the site and feel the presence of the great people who led America to freedom from British rule.
Union Oyster House Union Street
Right across the street from Americas oldest tavern sits Americas oldest restaurant, which has been serving up seafood since 1826.
We didnt eat here personally, and reviews are mixedsome say the food is excellent, some say it is just okay. Most agree that youre paying a bit more to eat at a historical location, which is not surprising.
Regardless of the ups and downs, though, I couldnt bear to leave it offeven if you just snap a photo of the exterior as you walk by on the Freedom Trail, its worth being aware of this landmark during your 2 days in Boston.
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Best Hostel In Boston: Hi Boston Hostel
Boston has added a few hostels over the past few years, and the best one Ive seen so far is HI Boston Hostel. Here you have single-sex and mixed dorms in addition to some private ensuite rooms. The building was designed for environmental sustainability and they are currently awaiting LEED certification. There is a comfortable common room on the ground floor and there are Bostonian touches everywhere, like shower curtains with the map of the T on them.
If youre looking to meet people, this is a great place because there are so many group activities! Join your fellow travelers for a Harvard campus tour, a day at the Museum of Fine Arts, a walk along the Freedom Trail, a brewery tour, or even Boston Movie Night. There is also an emphasis on community outreach and volunteering.
HI Boston Hostel is located in the Theatre District, very close to Boston Common and Chinatown and a short walk from the South End and Back Bay.
Other recommended Boston hostels:
Explore The Museum Of Science Stop #4
Home to both a planetarium and IMAX theater, the Museum of Science is fun for all ages. The museum features the worlds largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator in the Theater of Electricity, among other educational and interesting exhibits about dinosaurs, nanotechnology, the moon and much more.
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Savor A Delicious Dinner In The Seaport District
With your tour of Boston in 24 hours winding down, grab a taxi and head to the Seaport District. Located in South Boston, the former industrial district is one of the citys hottest areas. Its chock-loaded with hip restaurants, rooftop bars, and glossy hotels overlooking Boston Harbor.
If youre looking for a flash of Boston cuisine, check out Legal Sea Foods Harborside. The Seaport District location of the popular local chain is one of the most coveted.
For a casual seafood dinner, seize a table on the first floor. Choose between signature dishes like Portuguese seafood stew, clam chowder, white clam pizza, and the Poor Mans Surf and Turf.
Once youve devoured your meal, retire to Legals chilled-out rooftop bar. Enjoy relaxing cocktails to lovely views over Boston Harbor.
Overview Of Where To Stay In Boston
The city of Boston is the capital and most populated city in Massachusetts. Its much smaller than many other cities in the States and covers an area of 89 square miles . This means its relatively easy to get around!
The city lies on Massachusetts Bay, which heads out into the Atlantic Ocean. It lies sheltered within a basin that was largely shaped by glaciers in the last ice age.
If youre wondering where to stay in Boston, youll have endless choices. The city is split up into 23 neighborhoods, and each one offers something unique for travelers.
This guide is going to dive into the 8 best parts of Boston to stay in, and why they attract so many tourists from across the world. When it comes to choosing where to stay in Boston, there are a few things youll need to consider.
Your budget is one of the main ones! Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the States when it comes to hotels, so youll need to keep this in mind. Of course, there are ways to save some dollars like choosing a more cost-effective neighborhood such as Downtown Boston.
Public transport is another factor youll want to think about when choosing where to stay. There are plenty of ways to get around the city including the subway, local buses, and even water taxis. Finding a hotel with great public transport links makes exploring the city so much easier!
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Gorge At Faneuil Hall And Quincy Market
In a lot of ways, Faneuil Hall reminds me of Borough Market in London . Its filled with loads of little food carts and
Combine your love for history with your love for shopping at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Consisting of four buildings, the Faneuil Hall, North Market, South Market, and Quincy Market, this historic marketplace is full of unique shops, chain stores, street performers, and tons of food stalls and restaurants.
Even if you only end up window shopping, its a fun place to spend a couple of hours.
Read more: Best places to visit in Massachusetts
North End Great Area For History Buffs
Located immediately north of Downtown, Boston North End is one of Bostons oldest neighborhoods.
It is bordered within Route 93, the Rose Kennedy Greenway, and Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. You can easily across the water to get to East Boston and Logan International Airport via the Sumner and Callahan tunnels.
North End is an area known for its collection of historic buildings and attractions, with the Blackstone Block Historic District located at its core.
The Freedom Trail winds through the North End, on its way from Boston Common to Charlestown. Dotted along it are some of the most historic buildings in the city, most of which are walking distance apart, making it a great place for a stroll for history buffs.
For starters, North End is the location of the Old North Church . The North Church was built in 1723 and is the oldest church in Boston. It features a bust of George Washington considered the most accurate likeness in existence.
North End is also the location of the Paul Revere House, the former home of the American revolutionary. It has been converted into a museum, allowing visitors to learn about people and events that would have stood and occurred in the very spot they currently occupy.
You can also find the Copps Burying Ground, which dating back 1650s. This Bostons second-oldest cemetery is the final resting place of thousands of people, .
Accommodations in North End are mostly mid-range hotels including 4-star hotels, 3-star hotels, and apartments.
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South End Where To Stay In Boston For A Local Experience
Nestled behind Back Bay and just a 10-minute drive from Downtown Boston lies a cozy neighborhoodfull of bars, restaurants, and art galleries called South End.
Things move at a slow pace in the South End, which is why it is a perfect neighborhood for families or couples who want a more local experience. This artsy residential area is where you will find the young and hip crowd in Boston and has a beautiful sense of weekend calm and relaxation.
South End is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Boston. It is home to a wide variety of people coming from different social and economic backgrounds, creating a unique culture and international vibe. This neighborhood is also filled with the typical Boston Victorian-style houses and parks, but what makes this area unique is its quirky art, experimental theatres, and independent boutiques.
There is a range of different accommodation options in South End to suit all different budgets, but I have narrowed down the top 4 for you here:
- Marvel at the International Poster Gallery
- Discover the South Boston hipster culture by wandering the streets
- Head down to the neighboring theatre district to catch a show
- Enjoy an afternoon people watching from a cafe
Beacon Hill One Of The Most Expensive Areas In Boston
Known as the neighborhood of Federal-style rowhouses, Beacon Hill is located immediately west of Downtown Boston. This is one of Bostons oldest neighborhoods which is considered to be one of the most expensive areas to live or stay in Boston.
The name derives from the fact it is the location of the Massachusetts State House. Traditional federal buildings surround it, with gas lamps and brick sidewalks completing the distinctly historic feel of the neighborhood.
Perhaps nothing symbolizes what Beacon Hill is all about better than the old Charles Street Jail. Located on Charles Street, it was built in 1851 and housed a number of infamous prisoners. It operated until 1990, before being closed due to being considered unconstitutional.
In 2007, it was renovated and reopened as the luxury Liberty Hotel. One of the best hotels in the area, it perfectly combines the style and history Beacon Hill is renowned for.
In the Beacan Hill, you will find the oldest public park in the country, Boston Common. This 50-acre green oasis hosts many cultural events. It has an old-fashioned carousel, and the adjacent Frog Pond in summer, an ice-skating rink in winter.
You can also take the Guided Freedom Trail tours that start in front of the Visitor Information Center. This 2.5-mile Freedom Trail will give you a chance to see 16 historic sites including Kings Chapel, Faneuil Hall, and the Bunker Hill Monument.
Best places to stay in Beacon Hill:
Read More:
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What To See And Do In Boston On Vacation
There are SO many fun things to do and see in Boston. Check out my post Top Things to See in Boston on Vacation for my complete breakdown of Boston Must-Sees. We also have a weekly guide of current weekend events in Boston thats worth checking out!
Heres a few highlights:
Freedom Trail:
The Freedom Trail is my #1 recommendation of things to see in Boston on vacation and many of the stops are free and all others are pretty affordable as well. and follow along the red painted brick on streets in Boston. Note that a few historical places close around 4-5PM, so plan accordingly. You can start at any point and chances are youll end up on the Freedom Trail a few times during your visit without trying. You can also pay for a guided tour, but doing a self-guided tour at your own pace is fun and free.
- Bunker Hill Monument, Free
- USS Constitution, Free tours every 30 minutes of the boat . *You will need proper ID and go through a security check for the boat*
Take a Tour:
A tour is a great way to see a lot of the city in a small amount of time as well as learn a little bit of history as well. Boston Duck Tours and Old Town Trolley Tours are probably the two biggest tour companies in Boston. The Boston Duck Tours will go on land and water where you can hop on and off the Old Town Trolley and see things on bus and foot at your leisure.
Here are some ways to save on Boston Duck Tour tickets:
- Discount tickets available through Goldstar Boston
Visit a Museum for Free:
Watch A Red Sox Game At Fenway Park
I grew up in Massachusetts, so when I think of Boston the first thing that comes to mind is baseball.
Bostons favorite boys of summer play in the historic Fenway Park. Built in 1912 its one of the oldest ballparks left in the United States and it a bit of a baseball mecca. When entering the park its a bit dark and dingy, but once you walk up the ramp the bright green of the Green Monster, the tall wall in left field, will take your breath away. At least it did for me the first time I saw it.
While the good seats arent cheap I usually find pretty good ones for around $35 . Once youre in your seat grab a beer and a foot-long hot dog and youre good to go!
Not in town the baseball season or cant catch a game? Not a problem. Take a tour of Fenway Park instead. With many different kinds of tours offered youre sure to get the full Red Sox experience. Times vary and tour reservations should be made in advance.
*Check out more fun tours of Boston here, including bike tours, movie & TV tours, food tours, and so much more!
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Best Boston Neighborhood For Sports Fans: Fenway/kenmore
Boston is a city that lives and breathes based on what the Red Sox are doing! Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in America, and even if youre not a Boston sports fan, its worth visiting for the cultural experience. Ideally, you should go to a game , but there are tours of the park year-round. Kenmore Square is located adjacent to the Fenway neighborhood and as such, Fenway/Kenmore is often referred to as a single neighborhood.
This is the best neighborhood for sports fans because not only is it home to Fenway, its home to some of the best sports bars in the city. Even if youre not going to a Red Sox game, you can always enjoy the atmosphere on Landsdowne Street and Yawkey Way or get drinks at the Bleacher Bar, which is practically on the field at Fenway but open to non-ticket-holders.
Fenway is also a cultural neighborhood its home to several colleges and universities like Northeastern University, Berklee College of Music, Emmanuel College, Simmons College, and the edge of Boston University. Its a good option if youre planning a college research trip to Boston.
Some of the best museums are here, like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra plays in the neighborhood too. Add the beautiful gardens of the Back Bay Fens, part of the citys Emerald Necklace of parks, and this neighborhood might just have it all.
Where To Stay In Boston: 10 Best Areas
What are the best areas to stay in Boston for tourists? The answer depends on what you plan to do when you get to Bean Town.
Do you want to dive into Revolutionary War history, check out record stores with graduate students, shop along Newbury Street, pose with the famed bronze duck sculptures at the Public Garden or watch boats rowing down the Charles River?
This city is a college town, a startup capital, a maritime center, a hotbed of innovation and a slice of living history. Its no wonder why so many people from around the world love to visit Boston.
Youll feel the story of Boston in your bones whether youre gazing up at the 52-story Prudential Tower or visiting sites from the Revolutionary War.
Boston isnt a city with a single personality. It is actually comprised of several neighborhoods that each have their own histories and vibes. Take a closer look at whats waiting in all of the different areas of Boston to determine the best place to stay in Boston.
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Ristorante Euno Salem Street
Many Italian restaurants in the North End are duds.
Ristorante Euno is not one of themin fact, this is the only restaurant in the USA we have eaten in that even begins to approximate having dinner in Italy.
We ate here with a big group and had the opportunity to taste everything from several kinds of pasta to veal to steak to we-stopped-counting-at-some-point amounts of wine, and it was all delicious.
Hotel/hostel Recommendation: Kimpton Onyx Hotel
Kimpton Onyx Hotel is actually located on the side street of the North End district. But it still makes a great accommodation for those families strolling around the West End as the area is only a few walks away from the North End and Downtown neighborhoods. It is also near the famous TD Garden as well as the North Train Station, making it a convenient place to stay.
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Dont Visit Boston Without Travel Insurance
A lot of people think travel insurance is an unnecessary expense I couldnt disagree more. Travel insurance is vital. Its saved me hundreds of dollars and for a few of my friends who seriously injured themselves abroad, theyve saved hundreds of thousands of dollars.
If your wallet is stolen at a bar, travel insurance will refund you what you lost.
If you slip and break your ankle or get appendicitis while in Boston, travel insurance will cover your medical costs, which could run into the tens of thousands. This is especially vital for people visiting Boston from outside the United States.
If an immediate family member dies while youre halfway across the world, travel insurance will help you get home immediately.
These are unpleasant things to think about, but its so important to be prepared for the worst.
I use and recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance. Theyre a great fit for almost every traveler. Take a look at their policies before you buy to make sure theyre right for you.