I am planning a last minute 3 day trip to Boston in a few days and wanted to ask if anyone is familiar with Boston or from Boston.

What are the best things to do? I have already started googling museums and places to go but I wanted to make sure I do not miss anything that is truly good.

Where are the best places to eat (preferrably < $20 a person) ? I know Boston is famous for clam chowder, but what else?

I also wanted to go to the water, where would the best views of the river or bay be?

A bit selfish blog but thanks for helping and Happy Memorial Weekend!!

farvacola

United States18840 Posts

May 23 2014 21:55 GMT

Make sure you don't miss out on the cream pies.

micronesia

United States24745 Posts

May 23 2014 22:11 GMT

I was there a few months ago. The Constitution is kind of cool... it's an active Navy ship... with sails. See http://www.history.navy.mil/USSconstitution/

I took a ferry from that area which landed right next to the New England Aquarium... I didn't go in but it seemed pretty popular.

I also walked around the Market St area West of there, then continued on into some of the historic buildings in the area.

The only thing I can't offer you any help at all on is parking if you have a car, because I parked on the Boston Coast Guard Base lol

edit: You might consider walking the Freedom Trail... you will see the painted line and you can just follow it if you want:

http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/

lantz

United States762 Posts

May 23 2014 22:14 GMT

Cool, I looked up Mike's Pastries for cream pies

And I will look into the ships and acquarium. Thanks!

I know Boston is really expensive, anyone know what I should do with my car? Pay 1 day somewhere and ditch it or drive around the sights? I fear the price of parking :O

Ideal26

United States185 Posts

May 23 2014 22:39 GMT

I loveee Boston, have fun!
I highly recommend ditching the car and walking, downtown Boston is easy to walk around and driving there is terrifying.
For tourist-y stuff, there's something called the Freedom trail that you can walk by foot. It brings you by all the historical sights and stuff that are pretty cool to see. It's kind of a workout, but the first time I went to Boston we climbed up the Bunker Hill monument and the view is more than worth it. The Boston Commons is pretty, too.

Drizzle

United States3 Posts

May 24 2014 03:07 GMT

Boston is pretty cool, there are plenty of historical and educational things to do and see there. Quincy market is a must see. It’s a long building with a lot of different food vendors and it’s surrounded by a lot of stores if you want to do some shopping. The museum of Science is also pretty good. The Aquarium is pretty cool but its kinda expensive. Could always check out Harvard and MIT. Harvard Square has shops and food. The north end is great, that's where Mike’s Pastries is. And I would say ditch the car and just ride the T, you can just ride the red line and see a lot by doing that.

docvoc

United States5491 Posts

May 24 2014 06:19 GMT

Just don't mention the Habs and you won't get hurt

lantz

United States762 Posts

May 24 2014 07:38 GMT

Thanks for all the responses! You reassured me that ditching my car is a good idea.

I might also check out the universities since it's summer time so it's less crowded!

ConductUnbecoming

7 Posts

May 24 2014 11:01 GMT

Boston's best foods imo, are:
1) Steak tips. If you eat beef, these are somewhat unique to the Boston area. Cubed hunks of flap meat (a tender cut of meat near the tri-tip) marinaded in italian dressing for up to 5 days so they become very tender then usually basted in a bbq or bbq / italian hybrid sauce on the grill. Undisputed best in Boston (but ask any local and you will find a great alternative): http://www.newbridgecafe.com/reviews.html
2) Anything seafood, especially chowdah, haddock or, of course lobster. My pick: http://thedailycatch.com/northend.html
3) Italian food in the North End (also the best place to get seafood.) My pick: Walk in to any pastries shop, italian place, or pizza place, and be happy to know you are getting the tastiest food you can get. Best Pastry in Boston: http://www.mikespastry.com/ The almond cookies are fantastic (a short walk from Quincy Market.)

Boston is a great walking city with a very good train system. I haven't been in years, but the boston museum of science is rated one of the best in the usa. And grab a brochure of all the great historical sites related to the found of America.

Additionally, although a bit touristy and expensive, I highly recommend the Duck Tours: http://www.bostonducktours.com/ Nothing beats it on a nice day.

There are also free concerts on at the hatch shell (Esplanade,) on the Charles River across from MIT / Harvard on Saturday nights. They usually feature the Boston Pops Orchestra. (In high school, I went to every single concert at the Esplanade. Most featuring famous Conductor John Williams. Keith Lockhart currently conducts the Pops.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Pops_Orchestra The events calendar is down for me, anyone from Boston know it?

usedtocare

United States243 Posts

May 24 2014 17:36 GMT

#10

Unfortunately, Boston is one of the places where you have to live for some time in order to "get it". There is nothing there that will amaze you visually, unless you are easily amazed. Aside from museums there really is nothing that you can't find in any large US city (and that's generous). Boston has its unique flavor but its an acquired taste.

I agree with the Duck Tour suggestion, as silly as it sounds it will be informative and might give you a much better idea about the city. Nightlife is almost non-existent; there are many good bars and restaurants though. Try Silvertone, you should see what the local crowd looks like and the place itself is pretty neat.

North End is nice and if you have time just walk around - this is about the best thing you can do anyways.

Darkhorse

United States23455 Posts

May 24 2014 22:14 GMT

#11

The Maparium is pretty neat and only takes 20 minutes to see. Overall it's just a cool city. Not a ton of tourist attractions but good dining and generally safer than other cities to walk around at all hours. Have fun!