Boston Travel Guide (Greater Boston/Eastern Massachusetts/Massachusetts/New England/United States of America/North America)

Boston, the capital city of Massachusetts and one of the oldest cities in the USA, is a perfect destination for history buffs, foodies, sports fans, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is a city with a vibrant past, dynamic present, and a promising future. In this comprehensive travel guide to Boston, we will take you through the best things to do, eat, and see in Boston along with practical information such as safety tips, transportation options, and cultural insights.

Introduction to Boston

Located in Greater Boston, Eastern Massachusetts, Boston is the cultural, educational, and economic hub of New England. The city is also famous for its role in American history, including the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s ride, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Boston is a bustling city with a population of approximately 700,000.

List of Places to Visit in Boston

Boston is a city that has something to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. Here is a list of must-visit places in Boston:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Boston is home to many historical and cultural attractions, including the following museums and historical sites:

The Paul Revere House: One of the oldest buildings in Boston, where Paul Revere lived and started his famous ‘midnight ride.’
The Freedom Trail: A 2.5-mile trail that takes you through 16 historical sites, including the Massachusetts State House, site of the Boston Massacre, and the Old North Church.
The Museum of Fine Arts: The fifth largest museum in the US, with over 450,000 works of art from around the world.
The USS Constitution Museum: Dedicated to the history of the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat.
The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum: An interactive museum that shows the events leading up to the American Revolution and the infamous tea party.

Natural Attractions of Boston: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Boston offers a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views that allow visitors to explore nature and beauty in and around the city. Some of the top natural attractions in Boston are:

The Arnold Arboretum: A botanical garden and research institution that covers 281 acres of land with more than 15,000 plants and trees.
The Boston Common: The oldest public park in the US, dating back to 1634, it is a popular spot for picnics, concerts and ice skating in the winter.
The Public Garden: A botanical garden adjacent to Boston Common, famous for its Swan Boat rides and Victorian-style flowerbeds.
Castle Island: A historic fort in South Boston with a beach, picnic areas, and walking trails.
The Charles River Esplanade: A park along the banks of the Charles River with paths for running and biking, picnic areas, and public art installations.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Boston

Boston has many scenic hiking and biking trails that allow visitors to explore the city’s beauty on foot or by bike. Some of the popular trails are:

The Emerald Necklace: A series of parks and parkways that form a natural greenbelt around the city.
The Minuteman Bikeway: An 11-mile bike path that runs from Cambridge to Bedford, passing through Lexington and Arlington.
The Harborwalk: A 43-mile trail that follows the Boston Harbor shoreline, passing through beaches, parks, and neighborhoods.
The Freedom Trail: A 2.5-mile trail, also suitable for walking, with stops at 16 historic sites.
The Charles River Bike Path: A 23-mile trail that passes through Boston, Cambridge, Watertown, and Newton.

Best Things to Do in Boston: Activities and Tours

Apart from the attractions mentioned above, Boston offers a wide range of activities and tours that visitors can enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Boston:

Catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park: Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in the Major League Baseball, is a must-visit for sports fans.
Attend a concert at the Symphony Hall: The Boston Symphony Orchestra is one of the best in the world, and its concerts at the Symphony Hall are an unforgettable experience.
Take a Boston Duck Tour: A fun and informative ride that takes you on land and water, showing you the best of Boston’s landmarks and historical sites.
Visit the New England Aquarium: Home to over 20,000 animals, including Myrtle, the famous 90-year-old sea turtle.
Take a food tour: Boston is famous for its seafood, clam chowder, and cannolis, and a food tour is the best way to explore the city’s culinary scene.

Week-Long Itinerary for Boston

Here is a suggested 7-day itinerary for Boston:

Day	Activity
1	Follow the Freedom Trail and explore the historic sites of Boston
2	Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, the USS Constitution Museum, and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
3	Take a Boston Duck Tour and explore the city from land and water
4	Visit the Arnold Arboretum, the Boston Common, and the Public Garden
5	Take a day trip to Salem, a historic town famous for its witch trials
6	Catch a Red Sox game or attend a concert at Symphony Hall
7	Enjoy the beaches and natural beauty of Castle Island and the Harborwalk

Food and Drink Scene of Boston

Boston’s food and drink scene is a delight for foodies, with a wealth of fresh seafood, artisanal food products, and a thriving craft beer scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Clam chowder: A creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, and onions, a Boston specialty.
Lobster roll: A sandwich made with chunks of lobster meat, mayo, and celery, served on a buttered bun.
Baked beans: A classic New England dish made with navy beans, molasses, and salt pork.
Boston cream pie: A cake filled with pastry cream and topped with chocolate ganache, named after the city.

Local Beverages

Sam Adams: A Boston-based brewery that produces a variety of craft beers, including the famous Boston Lager.
Harpoon Brewery: A brewery that produces a variety of beers and ciders, with a lively beer hall for tastings.
Dunkin’ Donuts: A chain of donut shops famous for its coffee and other beverages.

Where to Stay in Boston: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Boston offers a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets and tastes. Here are some top options:

The Fairmont Copley Plaza: A luxury hotel in the heart of Boston, with elegant rooms and a historic ballroom.
The Liberty Hotel: A boutique hotel housed in a former jail, with stylish rooms, a rooftop bar and a restaurant.
HI Boston: A centrally located hostel with shared and private rooms, a game room, and a kitchen.
The Gryphon House: A bed and breakfast located in a historic Victorian mansion, with beautifully decorated rooms and gourmet breakfasts.
The Verb Hotel: A retro-style hotel in the Fenway neighborhood, with a music-themed decor and a rooftop pool.

What to Buy in Boston: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Boston is famous for its seafood, artisanal products, and local handicrafts. Some of the things you can buy as souvenirs are:

Maple syrup: Massachusetts produces some of the best maple syrup in the world, and you can find it in specialty stores across Boston.
Lobster-related accessories: From lobster-shaped keychains to lobster claw oven mitts, there is a wide range of lobster-themed merchandise available in Boston.
Sports merchandise: Boston is a sports-crazy city, and you can find souvenirs related to the Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins at most souvenir shops.
Handcrafted items: Boston is home to many artists and artisans, and you can find handmade jewelry, pottery, and other crafts at local markets and boutiques.

Local Culture and Customs of Boston

Boston is a city with a unique culture and customs, shaped by its history and geography. Here are some insights into Boston’s local culture:

Bostonians are proud of their city’s role in American history and may be quick to correct any historical inaccuracies.
Bostonians are known for their love of sports and may be passionate about their favorite teams.
Bostonians are direct communicators and may come across as blunt or unfriendly to some visitors.

Best Time to Visit Boston

The best time to visit Boston is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm, and the city is alive with outdoor festivals and events. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Alternatively, you can visit Boston during the fall (September to November) when the foliage is at its peak and the crowds have thinned out, or in the spring (March to May) when the weather is mild, and the flowers are in bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Boston

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Boston:

Do:

Walk the Freedom Trail.
Try the seafood.
Visit the public parks, including the Boston Common and the Public Garden.
Take a Boston Duck Tour.
Visit the Harvard University campus.

Don’t:

Call it ‘Beantown.’ Bostonians do not like this nickname.
Jaywalk. Boston drivers are notorious for not stopping for pedestrians.
Wear Yankees gear. Bostonians are fiercely loyal to their Red Sox.

Safety and Health

Boston is a relatively safe city, but as with any major city, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions. Here are some safety and health tips for visitors:

Safety in Boston

Avoid walking alone at night.
Keep your valuables close to you in crowded areas.
Be aware of pickpockets.
Trust your instincts and avoid any areas that make you feel uncomfortable.

Health in Boston

Drink bottled water if you are unsure about the quality of tap water.
Wear sunscreen to protect against the sun’s UV rays.
Be aware of ticks if you plan to hike in wooded areas.
Boston has world-class medical facilities if you need medical attention.

Getting to Boston: Transportation Options and Logistics

Boston is well-connected to the rest of the US and the world, and there are several ways to get to Boston:

Airports Near Boston

Boston Logan International Airport: The primary airport serving Boston, located just outside the city.
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport: Located about an hour’s drive from Boston, this airport serves regional destinations.

Bus Stations Near Boston

South Station: The primary bus station in Boston, serving destinations throughout the Northeast.
North Station: Serves destinations in Maine and New Hampshire.

Other Options

Amtrak train: Amtrak provides train service to Boston’s South Station from several major cities in the Northeast and beyond.
Car: Boston is easily accessible by car, although parking can be challenging and expensive in the city.

How to Get Around in Boston

Boston has a well-developed public transportation system that consists of buses, subway lines, and commuter rail lines. The subway system, also known as the ‘T,’ is the most convenient and affordable way to get around the city. Visitors can also use ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft, or rent a bike to explore the city at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Boston: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Boston is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding areas of New England, with several destinations and excursions worth considering:

Cape Cod: A popular summer destination with beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and seafood shacks.
Martha’s Vineyard: An island off the coast of Massachusetts, famous for its maritime culture, historic sites, and natural beauty.
Newport, Rhode Island: A historic town with stunning mansions built by American tycoons during the Gilded Age.
Salem: A historic town famous for its witch trials in the 17th century, with several museums and attractions related to the witch trials.

Conclusion

Boston is a city with a rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty, offering visitors a wide range of attractions and activities. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a sports fan, Boston has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip to Boston and make the most of your visit.