Things to Do

BeaconHill

Discovering the History by Walking

Boston is a walking city, one of a path that you can stroll along starts at Copley station, towards Newbury Street and end at the Boston Public Gardens / Boston Common. Eat a soft serve from the Frosty truck, admire mid-spring florals and foliage. From the gardens, you can walk to the small boutiques in Beacon Hill, grab a bite in Chinatown, or follow the Freedom Trail through Quincy Market to Charlestown.

Another option is a short 2.5-mile trail starts at the Boston Common and ends at the famed Bunker Hill Monument. Along the trail, you'll see the bell Paul Revere rang, the graves of historical figures like Samuel Adams and John Hancock, and go through Boston's historic North End. Some more walking trails


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Shopping

In Massachusetts, all clothing and footwear items under $175 are exempt from sales tax. Items above $175 are taxed at 6.25%, but the first $175 is still tax exempt. Newbury Street is eight blocks outdoor shopping area filled with salons, boutiques, and dining. https://www.newburystboston.com

Within a few minutes walk, Copley Place and Prudential Center are indoor malls with department stores like Barneys, Neiman Marcus, Saks, and a variety of designer boutiques and shops like Sephora, LOFT, Banana Republic, Club Monaco, Stuart Weitzman, etc.

Copley Square farmers market open on Tuesdays and Fridays. Or if you’re by the south end, visit the SoWa art and design district, a vibrant community of artist studios, contemporary art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, design showrooms, and restaurants unified by a passion for creating and curating exceptional artworks, products and experiences. Check out my friend, Zainab Sumu :)

 

boating

Boating Charles River Canoe and Kayak along Cambridge, Kendall Square

If the weather is nice, you can walk or run along the Charles River on the Esplanade path. There are several locations where you can rent pedal boats between The Hatch Shell and Community Boating. Looking for something less physically intensive? Take a Duck Tour or DUKW, are tours that take place on a purpose-built amphibious vehicle that's both land and sea. Visit all the city's major landmarks and a quick float on the Charles River.


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Looking to do a day trip outside of Boston? Take the Boston Harbor Cruises to visit the Boston Harbor Islands, minutes away to natural beauty! Take a speedboat to Cape Cod, Provincetown, Martha's Vineyard, or Nantucket for a true New England vacation.

If you have more time and a car, there are lots to do within a 1-2 hrs drive from the city:

  • Newport, RI: beaches and historical old mansions
  • Middlesex Fells: close by with lots of walking and hiking trails
  • Blue Hills: a little further than Middlesex Fells, hikes with views of Boston at the top
  • Portland, ME: fun small city with great restaurants, close to beaches & outdoor activities

If you are interested in traveling to New York City and visiting the Northeast as a tour, feel free to message Cat and get all the details :D She can help you put together a great itinerary.

 

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Museums & Other Popular Activities

 

Where to Eat

Breakfast & Brunch

  • Jugos – Modern juice & smoothie bar offering a big menu plus vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free snacks. Serving healthy juices and avocado toast.
  • Gaslight – Lively French Brasserie offering classic eats and drinks in the south end.
  • Tatte Bakery - Charming Bakery with multiple locations offering delicious pastries and coffee.
  • Coppa - Intimate enoteca in the quiet street in South End offering small plates by James Beard Award Chefs, offering brunch only on weekends.
  • Area 4 - Casual and playful space for open flame cooking, pizzas, and cocktails.
  • Dim Sum - In the mood for Chinese push carts? Head over to a variety of places in Chinatown area, Hei La Moon, Great Taste Bakery, or Winsor Dim Sum Cafe. 

Lunch & Dinner

  • For quick and easy to go New England Seafood, check out James Hook & Co. (Fisherman's shack), Yankee Lobster, Luke's Lobster, or Tony’s Clam Shop for hot steamer clams. For Cajun-style seafood boil lovers, check out Holly Crab for crawfish, king crab legs, and mussels paired with corn and sausage.
  • Neptune Oyster in the North End has gigantic hot, buttered lobster rolls. Make sure you line up 20 minutes before they open, otherwise the wait could be a few hours. Worth the wait!
  • For a smaller, cozier Italian atmosphere, check out the Daily Catch for their Sicilian Style fresh made pastas, and lobster fra diavolo. Slurp down some delicious oysters at Island Creek Oyster Bar, make reservations in advance!
  • Buttermilk & Bourbon - Southern hospitality in Boston, serving pork cracklings and BBQ.
  • Shabu Zen - Classic hot pot with your choice of meats combo that comes with veggies and noodles.
  • Toro - Spanish tapas style restaurant with delicious paella, oxtail, and Mexican style corn, need to show up early since they don't accept reservations.
  • Alden & Harlow - Located in Harvard Square serving modern comfort American Food.
  • Oak + Rowan - All things Land and Sea, locally sourced seafood and steaks. 

Drinks