Exploring Boston

Neighborhoods and Restaurants (Looking for an Authentic Boston Bite?)

Here are but a few areas we recommend exploring for an authentic Boston bite.

Back Bay
“Boston’s highest-rent district houses some of the city’s most essential restaurants. Those in the mood for ultra-chic dining can find it within a stone’s throw of Newbury and Boylston, where classics like L’Espalier serve up course after course of creative, seasonal creations. Boston’s celebrity chefs have also set up shop in the neighborhood (Mistral), and hotel restaurants like Uni (where you can get the late-night ramen if you’re budget-conscious), Taj, and Bar Boulud are destinations in and of themselves. We’re also fans of the variety that you’ll find here, from the farm-to-fork philosophy at Post 390 to the stellar desserts at Deuxave. Check out the nouveau American brunches at Friendly Toast and Strip by Strega, and the fun takes on regional cuisine at spots like Mexican mainstay Lolita and Mediterranean Porto.” (credit: thrillist.com)

South End
“This quaint neighborhood of art galleries and brownstones is an exceptionally trendy place right now, and it’s mostly because of the food. Head to any local spot, and you’re likely to find photographers mingling with restaurant publicists, aspiring style bloggers, and business people of all stripes. It’s the perfect place to grab brunch or find a fresh take on a particular culinary tradition. For instance, you can nab Spanish at Toro; Italian at Coppa, Bar Mezzana, or Anchovies; Japanese at Oishii, Latin at Orinoco, Cambodian at Elephant Walk, French at Gaslight, or Greek at Kava, just to name a few. You should also be sure to check out a Barbara Lynch spot like The Butcher Shop or B&G Oysters, and a few South End staples like the Buttery, Blackbird Doughnuts, and Tremont 647. The bar scene is exceptional, with cocktail-centric spaces like Wink & Nod (which also has its own culinary incubator) sprinkled through a landscape of wine bars and bustling nightlife locations (Beehive).” (credit: thrillist.com)

North End
“Italian is king in Boston’s vibrant Little Italy. Whether you’re looking for a chill panini place for lunch or the perfect pasta for date night, you’re bound to stumble on plenty in this cobblestoned neighborhood, and more are opening up every year. Our favorite of-the-moment Italian restaurants include Il Molo and Sfizi, and for those seeking the classics, Giacomo’s. Skip the long line at Mike’s Pastry and get your cannoli fix at Maria’s, Taranta, or one of the many cash-only espresso bars lining Hanover St.” (credit: thrillist.com)

Downtown
“The area surrounding Boston Common is home to a number of fabulous restaurants, some of which are pretty prominent, while others are more on the DL. Among the former are see-and-be-seen, ultra-gorgeous Yvonne’s (known for serving up shareable feasts and inventive, large-format cocktails), Teatro, The Merchant, and MAST (Nutella pizza!). It’s also worth checking out the deliverers of some of the best bacon creations around, jm Curley, as well as hotel bars like the Avery bar at the Ritz (which has an enviable seasonal menu and a fireplace) and Highball Lounge. Don’t discount beautiful brunch spots like Bistro du Midi, which overlooks the public garden, and new-ish Greek eatery Doretta Taverna.” (credit: thrillist.com)

Beacon Hill
“The neighborhood between MGH and Downtown casts a wide net when it comes to cuisine. The area's iconic brick roads and brownstones are surrounded by high-end places that fit the aesthetic, such as Barbara Lynch’s No. 9 Park and wine lovers’ retreat Bin 26 Enoteca. You can also get beautifully prepared exotic meats (with drinks to match) at the Tip Tap Room, and nouveau Italian at Grotto. It’s also an exceptionally pretty part of town to wander around in and see what you find... the pickings are anything but slim.” (credit: thrillist.com)

Shopping

Downtown Crossing
Website: https://www.downtownboston.org/explore-downtown-boston/shopping
Whether you must make a quick purchase or are looking forward to a leisurely afternoon of shopping, you'll find everything you need among more than 200 retailers and 300 independent jewelers in Downtown Boston.

Fanuil Hall Marketplace
Website: https://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is Boston shopping at its best with more than 100 of the finest shops and specialty pushcarts. Locally-owned treasures, nationally recognized retailers, and the Bullmarket...the world's first "fleet" of wholly unique pushcarts featuring New England artisans and their fabulous wares.

Boston Public Market
Website: https://bostonpublicmarket.org/
The first and only locally sourced market in the US. Everything sold at the market is from local New England vendors.

Newbury Street
Website: http://www.newbury-st.com/
Boston's most enchanting street. Eight blocks filled with salons, boutiques, and fabulous dining. Boston's Newbury Street has something for everyone.

Video Tours

If you prefer a visual learning experience, here are a few short videos discussing the fun possibilities you can have in Boston:
Expedia- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5cm2SDuHxA
Travel Guru- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV5gnDKvLzY

Attractions

The Freedom Trail
Website: http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/
Are you interested in history and love the outdoors. Look no further than the Boston Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile, red-lined route that leads you to 16 historically significant sites — each one an authentic treasure. Explore museums and meetinghouses, churches, and burial grounds. Learn about the brave people who shaped America and discover the rich history of the American Revolution, as it began in Boston, where every step tells a story.

Fenway Park
Website: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/index.jsp
Hallowed ground to baseball purists, this cozy, quirky park has been the Boston Red Sox home field since 1912. The most distinctive feature of this classic baseball park is the 37-foot-tall left field wall, known as the "Green Monster."

Boston Public Commons and Garden
Website: http://friendsofthepublicgarden.org/
Whether it's a summer picnic in the grass or winter ice-skating on Frog Pond, Boston's oldest public park is the perfect escape from the bustle of the city.

Samuel Adams Brewery
Website: http://www.samueladams.com/brewery-and-craft/brewery-tours
You’ll learn all about the history of the Samuel Adams brand, experience the entire craft brewing process, taste the specialty malts and smell the Hallertau hops used to brew Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and, of course, sample a few of their award-winning beers.

The Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory
Website: http://www.prudentialcenter.com/shop_detail.html?id=64
Visit the Skywalk Observatory, Boston's only sky-high vantage point for sweeping 360-degree views of Greater Boston and beyond. Let your eyes and ears do the walking as you experience the exclusive state-of-the-art Acoustiguide audio tour detailing the city's many points of historic and cultural interest.

Bunker Hill Monument
Website: https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/bhm.htm
The Bunker Hill Monument was erected to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill, which was among the first major battles between British and Patriot forces in the American Revolutionary War, fought there June 17, 1775. The 221-foot (67 m) granite obelisk was erected between 1825 and 1843 and has 294 steps to the top.

The USS Constitution
Website: https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/ussconst.htm
Visit the oldest commissioned warship in the world. Admission and guided tours are available for a suggested donation.

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
Website: https://www.bostonteapartyship.com/
Relive December 16, 1773, the famous day when American Colonists opposed British rule (and steeped the Harbor with liber-tea).

Institute of Contemporary Art
Website: https://www.icaboston.org/
Located on Boston’s waterfront, the picturesque museum is home to works of contemporary art from the past 65 years.

Museum of Fine Arts
Website: http://www.mfa.org/
The museum features many exhibits and galleries, including one of the world's largest Asian art collections in addition to one of the most important Egyptian collections both in breadth and depth.

Museum of Science
Website: https://www.mos.org/
From butterflies to nanotechnology: the interactive museum features hands-on exhibits and even a planetarium. Great place for any family to visit.

Trinity Church
Website: http://trinitychurchboston.org/visit/tours
With its unique architecture, Trinity Church sits at the heart of Boston and is a true sight to behold.

Boston Opera House
Website: https://www.bostonoperahouse.com/
The venue is full of French and Italian styles, and is a great example of the design from the vaudeville era. They host the region’s most active program of top touring Broadway shows, Boston Ballet performances and other high-quality cultural presentations and concerts in New England’s most magnificent theater. The Boston Opera House will be hosting the play Aladdin during the month of July, providing an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a classic tale.

Harvard University
Website: https://www.harvard.edu/on-campus/visit-harvard
Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, established in 1636 and situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, its 5,000-acre campus houses 12 degree-granting schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, two theatres and five museums. It is also home to the largest academic library in the world, with 20.4 million volumes, 180,000 serial titles, an estimated 400 million manuscript items, 10 million photographs, 124 million archived web pages and 5.4 terabytes of born-digital archives and manuscripts. Well known for its beautiful, and iconic, campus, Harvard is a must see if you have the time.