what to do with a few hours in boston
We adore Boston, and I love writing detailed travel itineraries–so you'd think this 2 days in Boston itinerary would accept been fairly like shooting fish in a barrel to write, correct?
Nope!
Every bit information technology turns out, a total summer of living in and exploring Boston in-depth with the intention of blogging about it resulted in having more favorite things to exercise in Boston than tin can exist squeezed into a 2 day Boston itinerary–simply lots of research and writing subsequently, I've managed to whittle down the best of Boston into a 48 hour Boston itinerary.
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From someone who spent three months living there and fell head-over-heels for the city despite assuming that wouldn't happen, hither is everything we recommend you do–plus all the logistics you need to know–to pull of the perfect two days in Boston.
Delicious nutrient, literary interests, American history, pretty neighborhoods, penguins, and more can all exist covered with but 2 days in Boston–but off-white alarm, your anxiety might be a chip sore at the end!
Day 1 in Boston Itinerary
First your morning in the Boston Public Garden.
The Boston Public Garden is one of our favorite places in the city: tranquillity and beautiful, it's a great place to relax, have a walk, and enjoy a bit of peace in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Be certain to bank check out the Make Fashion for Ducklings Statue, put in place for the famous children's volume that features Boston, while yous're there!
If you'd like to enjoy views of the Boston Public Garden from the water, the swan paddle boats in the garden'southward swimming are famously cheap at $three.00/ride.
Head to Back Bay for brunch & beautiful houses.
Back Bay is one of Boston'south trendiest addresses: here is where you'll observe stunning mansions, high-end shopping, and the occasional flare-up of surprising quirkiness (like The Fairy Store, which features oodles of Harry Potter memorabilia and makes my inner eleven-year-one-time quake with joy).
Commonwealth Avenue
Some of the most stylish addresses in Boston tin can be plant on Commonwealth Avenue: stretching into Back Bay from its endpoint at the Boston Public Garden, don't miss the take a chance to walk down this stunning street and gawk at the beautiful homes.
Boston Public Library
In add-on to being exquisitely beautiful, bibliophiles across the USA owe a debt of gratitude to the Boston Public Library for its continuing advances forwards: it was the first publicly funded library, the start library to open boosted branches, the first to lend books out, and more recently, the kickoff to install gratuitous wifi.
In other words, they're pretty cool (and the reading room is a must-meet during 2 days in Boston).
Trinity Church
1 of the virtually beautiful churches in Boston, this 19th-century church sticks out amongst the more modern feel of Dorsum Bay.
Peruse Brattle Bookshop.
Every bit a book lover, I tin't write a two days in Boston itinerary without including the epic Brattle Bookshop!
Dating dorsum to the 19th century and specializing in used and rare books, Brattle Bookshop is located just off Boston Mutual and includes three stories and–my favorite–an outdoor courtyard stuffed to the brim with books.
Even if you don't go far inside, the courtyard is worth seeing: it boasts hundreds of cheap, used books (perfect for a cheap souvenir!) and enormous murals that climb the courtyard walls.
Stroll through Boston Mutual & enjoy views of the Massachusetts Land House.
Boston Common is the middle and soul of Boston: within a few minutes walk you tin be in Buoy Loma, Back Bay, at the Massachusetts State House, at the theatre, shopping at Downtown Crossing (this is where y'all'll detect all the standard chain stores), or exploring a piece of American history.
The park is gorgeous to walk through–be sure to finish by the carousel and to take in the views of the gold-domed Massachusetts State House while you're there!
Pay a visit to Buoy Hill.
Beacon Hill is my favorite neighborhood to explore in Boston.
This is the Boston you run into on postcards: redbrick mansions, blackness shutters, a cobblestone path or ii, tree-lined streets.
It is absolutely stunning to wander through–we recommend walking from Boston Common upwardly to Louisburg Square, which boasts some of the most prestigious addresses in Boston (one-time Secretary of State John Kerry lives here), so taking a quick stroll to Acorn Street to have advantage of one of Boston'south most photogenic spots.
Visit Park Street Church building & Granary Burial Footing.
Subsequently enjoying a bit of time in Beacon Loma, head back downwards to Boston Common and pay a visit to the Park Street Church and Granary Burial Ground, which are correct next door to the Mutual.
Y'all'll notice a large monument with a very familiar name in Granary Burying Ground: Benjamin Franklin's parents are buried here, and a monument to the family is erected toward the centre of the cemetery.
Stop by Rex's Chapel & Burying Basis.
The King'due south Chapel is my favorite church in Boston to go inside–non because information technology is ornate, but because it is and then unique among US churches.
Congenital originally equally an Anglican Church in the 18th century, the church has enclosed "boxes" instead of rows of pews. Originally, prominent families who were members of the church building would take a box of their own that they would sit in each Sunday.
The King'southward Chapel however has an active congregation–only these days, instead of Anglicans, Unitarians call the chapel home.
Eat the original Boston Creme Pie at Omni Parker Business firm.
Think y'all demand to make a reservation and sit down to a meal to eat the original Boston Creme Pie?
You lot definitely don't!
The Omni Parker House has a small shop on the start floor selling the delicious cakes, and nosotros recommend stopping to pick one upwardly.
If you lot want to also try the original Parker House rolls (which are, in fact, delicious), consider planning a meal–home to i of Boston's many historic restaurants–at the Omni Parker House as well.
Take a peek at the Old Corner Bookstore.
The former dwelling house of Anne Hutchinson has acted as a bookstore, apothecary, dwelling, Boston Globe gift store, diamond store, and now a Chipotle: talk nigh evolution!
The building is notwithstanding worth a nod as you go past, though, and besides happens to be set correct beyond from the Irish Famine Memorial–a striking statue worth taking a wait at during your ii days in Boston.
Pay a visit to the Old Land Business firm & the site of the Boston Massacre.
Every bit you wander your way through Boston on your way to the Old State House, be sure to annotation the Old S Meeting House along the way!
The One-time State House and the site of the Boston Massacre that is right out front end is the perfect final sightseeing terminate on your get-go mean solar day in Boston.
As the oldest surviving public building in Boston, the Old State House has seen more than its fair share of American history: information technology was once the seat of the colonial government, and so became the seat of the Massachusetts state regime and somewhen Boston Urban center Hall.
The One-time Land Business firm has been a museum since the 19th century, after more 100 years in public service and a brief stint every bit a commercial building.
Day ii in Boston Itinerary
Brainstorm in the Market place District.
Boston's marketplace commune is all nigh the food, so come hungry (merely ignore the hideous city hall that's across the street).
Boston Public Market
Looking for some New England specialties, whether to devour immediately or to take home?
Boston Public Market is the perfect spot for that: featuring exclusively New England-based products and companies, yous tin can option up annihilation from produce to donuts to crafts here.
This is i of my favorite spots in Boston–and not just because of how good the water ice cream is!
Haymarket
If you're lucky enough to have your two days in Boston overlap with a Friday or Saturday, be sure to swing past Haymarket (located right in front of the Boston Public Market) to check out a fabulous farmer's market!
Faneuil Hall Market
Made upwards of closely located Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market place, South Market, and Northward Marketplace, this is the middle of Boston'south historic market district–and likewise i of the most touristy places in the Us.
While we definitely feel it's worth stopping by during your 2 days in Boston to capeesh the markets and the history behind them (Faneuil Hall dates back to the 18th century), unless crowds, chain stores, and overpriced nutrient are your thing, you won't need to stick around long.
Stop by the New England Holocaust Memorial.
Correct in between the Boston Public Marketplace/Haymarket area and the Faneuil Hall Market sits the sobering New England Holocaust Memorial.
It takes very little time to walk through–no line, no entrance fee–simply is absolutely worth taking a moment to slow down and appreciate.
Head into the N Finish.
Boston's North Stop (also known as "Little Italy", though you won't catch a local calling it that) is the oldest neighborhood in Boston and a fascinating sort of place: once a neighborhood popular with Italian immigrants, today it is more than popular with tourists.
It'southward home to tons of Italian food (from the very good to the very bad), cute architecture, several noteworthy spots in American history, and a couple of very famous pastry shops.
Paul Revere Firm
The oldest remaining building in downtown Boston once belonged to none other than Paul Revere!
Whether you head inside for a tour or simply adore the facade as you walk past during your 2 days in Boston, be sure to notation this piece of American history sitting in the North End.
Old Due north Church building
And speaking of Paul Revere…
The whole "1 if by state, ii if by sea" story? That lantern was said to have been hung hither, at the Onetime North Church building.
Copp's Colina Burying Basis & Spite House
Boston's second-oldest cemetery holds more than 1200 marked graves that include plenty of notable burials from the colonial era… simply that'southward not the only reason to visit.
Right across from Copp'southward Hill Burial Footing sits the Spite House (as well known as the Skinny Firm), which is home to 1 of my favorite Boston stories.
As the story goes, two brothers inherited land from their begetter. While one was abroad serving in the American Civil State of war, the other brother congenital a large domicile, taking over part of the soldier'due south inheritance.
When the soldier returned home, he congenital the "Spite House"–incredibly skinny, and yet incredibly effective at blocking his blood brother's view.
The legitimacy of the story is somewhat questionable, only it sure is a classic Boston tale.
Mike'southward Pastry & Modern Pastry
If you've heard one thing about eating cannoli in the North Terminate, it'due south probably most how succulent Mike'south Pastry is.
If you've heard two things, information technology's probably that Modernistic Pastry is better and more "unknown".
Hither's what nosotros tin tell you firsthand: Modern Pastry is tasty, and the line at Mike'due south Pastry was always too long for us to bother with (though nosotros've heard from others it dies down sometimes–if you visit in the offseason, you might become lucky!).
Regardless of where you lot choose to go 1, nosotros practice certainly recommend eating a cannoli or two during your 2 days in Boston.
Pay a visit to the penguins at the New England Aquarium.
The New England Aquarium is 1 of the best aquariums we have e'er been to at that place'southward a huge emphasis on conservation, the exhibits are hit and education-focused, and the aquarium's location on the harbor means that it is even able to use the natural seawater for some of its exhibits!
Though the five-story sea tank, complete with an ancient sea turtle named Myrtle, is incredible, the real showstopper for us is the penguins.
We adore penguins, and the New England Aquarium is home to several species.
If you want to see something truly adorable, visit the aquarium at 9:00am or 2:30pm–aka penguin feeding fourth dimension.
Want to avoid waiting? Purchase askip-the-line aquarium ticket before you go there!
Take a stroll forth the Harborwalk.
At effectually 43 miles long, you lot definitely won't see even a quarter of the Harborwalk with only 2 days in Boston–but this continuous trail forth Boston's coastline is definitely worth checking out for a picayune bit.
Luckily, the New England Aquarium is located correct on it, making it easy to go for a walk before or after your visit.
Bask the sunset from the water with a harbor prowl.
The perfect stop to a ii day Boston trip isn't in Boston at all–it's in the water, staring back at the city that boasts one of my favorite skylines in the globe.
We recommend taking a harbor cruise effectually sunset to enjoy the terminate of the twenty-four hours–cruises are available at literally all cost points, from a bones grouping cruise in a shared boat to a private sailing experience complete with dinner and wine.
For a less expensive harbor prowl,this sunset prowl is a great option!
But what nearly the Freedom Trail?
If you know 1 affair about Boston, it's probably the Freedom Trail: the famous two.5-mile trail covers xvi historical sights related to American history in Boston, and is hands one of the most popular things to exercise in the metropolis.
So don't worry–it's definitely on the list!
In fact, 14 of the 16 sights on the Liberty Trail are covered in this ii days in Boston itinerary, including Boston Common, Park Street Church, King'southward Chapel, Faneuil Hall, every historical sight I discuss in the Northward End, and more.
If you follow this Boston itinerary on your weekend in Boston, yous'll spend quite a bit of time walking the Freedom Trail, and yous'll take tons of opportunities to check out the brick markings that denote where it leads!
Rather than simply list something so vague and malleable on our 2 days in Boston itinerary, though, we wanted to exist sure to give specific suggestions–afterward all, the trail can be seen in any society and doesn't need to be done all at once.
Don't want to walk? Consider a Duck Tour.
Cheesy? Aye.
Entertaining? Absolutely.
Boston'due south Duck Tours are famous for the unmistakable truck-slash-gunkhole contraptions that they cart tourists around in by both land and sea. Corniness aside, if you're looking for an fantabulous way to get an overview of Boston's most famous sights and history without too much walking a Duck Tour might exist the correct selection for you!
The tours do sell out, especially in the summertime, so be sure to book in advance if y'all want to make a Duck Tour office of your ii days in Boston itinerary!
Book your Boston Duck Tour today!
Where to Stay in Boston
With only ii days in Boston, we recommend staying somewhere close to a metro that is virtually the center of the action.
The N End is a tempting option, simply it is fairly difficult to get in and out of. We'd recommend staying somewhere in Back Bay or the Historic Downtown if possible. The Theatre District (near Downtown Crossing and Chinatown) is another solid pick with a keen central location.
If budget is an upshot, you lot may demand to go a bit further out. That's not a trouble–just make sure you're inside walking distance of a metro end!
Here are a few budget-to-midrange (Boston is expensive, there's no getting around it) hotels that we would consider if we were staying in Boston today:
The Copley House (Dorsum Bay)
Boston Park Plaza (Theater District)
If yous're on a strict budget and are open to a hostel, Boston does have a few to cull from.
This i tends to exist rated highly:
HI Boston Hostel (Theater Commune/Chinatown)
The Boston Go Card: Worth the Coin?
The Boston Go Carte is promoted as an all-access pass, allowing y'all to buy several Boston attractions at once.
With this two days in Boston itinerary, you won't need information technology: the 2-day pass won't let y'all to pause even or get alee with the attractions listed here.
However, if you lot're staying in Boston longer, or y'all are interested in participating in a Hop On/Hop Off bus tour, completing a Fenway Park tour, visiting the Skywalk Observatory, or visiting several museums, and so the Boston Go Card is probably the right option for yous.
Discover out more about the Boston Go Card and run across if it's right for you!
More than than 2 days in Boston?
Boston is full of things to do: even after 3 months in the metropolis, we still left with a to-exercise list longer than we would take liked.
If you're lucky plenty to have more 2 days in Boston, consider visiting Revere Beach (it's the oldest public beach in the U.s.!), touring the Samuel Adams Brewery, attending a Boston Red Sox game (or but touring Fenway Park, the oldest baseball stadium in the U.s.a.), taking a walk along the Charles River Esplanade, or heading out a chip farther forth the Liberty Trail to take in the two remaining sights not covered on this itinerary, the USS Constitution and the Bunker Colina Memorial.
If you're a museum fan, Boston has enough to go along you occupied for months: for instance, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is built in the grade of a Venetian palace, holds gorgeous artwork, and is the victim of a heist.
For science lovers, the home of MIT and Harvard has you covered: the Boston Scientific discipline Museum and MIT Museum are both worthy of a visit.
With fourth dimension to program in advance, consider going stargazing at the Coit Observatory.
If you lot're visiting in the summer, a visit to the Harbor Islands is ever a good thought for nature lovers.
I could keep going forever, but suffice it to say: yous can do a lot with only 2 days in Boston, just yous tin can't do information technology all!
Where to Eat in Boston
We are far from experts on Boston cuisine (in fact, we tried to melt at home every bit much as we could convince ourselves to during our 3 months there), but we did end up having some truly stellar meals while in Boston.
Here are a few of the places we enjoyed–consider adding a couple to your 2 days in Boston itinerary!
Buttermilk & Bourbon — Democracy Avenue (Back Bay)
I dear biscuits.
More than that, I love southern biscuits, and I've been eating them all my life, in North Carolina and beyond.
So when I say that Buttermilk & Bourbon serves southern-style biscuits so succulent that I nevertheless think of them fondly a year later, I actually hateful it.
All of the food we had was incredible, and we tin can't recommend their brunch enough (and I presume lunch and dinner are fabulous likewise).
Neptune Oyster — Salem Street #ane (North End)
I'm not a huge oyster fan, but Jeremy sure enjoyed these (and the lobster roll he happily consumed subsequently downing the oysters).
A friend of ours took u.s.a. hither when she came to visit us in Boston, touting it as ane of her favorite restaurants–and judging by the fact that she looked to be having almost a religious experience the entire time she was eating their oysters, it's a well-earned spot on her list.
Every bit the resident not-oyster eater, I can adjure that their burger was delicious.
Ristorante Euno — Salem Street (North End)
Many Italian restaurants in the North End are duds.
Ristorante Euno is not one of them–in fact, this is the only restaurant in the The states nosotros accept eaten in that even begins to approximate having dinner in Italy.
Nosotros 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-betoken amounts of vino, and it was all succulent.
Tatte Bakery and Cafe — Charles Street (Buoy Hill)
Tatte Bakery & Cafe has several locations effectually Boston, merely the Beacon Hill location is easy to reach as part of your 2 days in Boston itinerary!
Home to delicious sweets, tasty sandwiches (I had a brie and prosciutto sandwich that was incredible), and pastries that look besides beautiful to eat, Tatte Baker is a great place for a snack or quick lunch while you're running around trying to see Boston in ii days.
Bell in Hand Tavern — Union Street (Marketplace Commune)
America's oldest tavern has been pouring ale since 1795, so you lot'd assume that puts them at take chances of being contemporary with mediocre food, but nope!
We never had a bad dish at Bell in Paw Tavern, and their burgers are incredible.
If you're hungry while in the market place district, this is the end for y'all!
Pomodoro — Hanover Street (Brookline Village)
This 1 is located out in our sometime stomping grounds of Brookline Village–and quite honestly, with simply 2 days in Boston, I dubiousness you'll brand it out at that place.
If yous're staying longer, though, I tin can't recommend a wander through Brookline Hamlet enough (information technology's ambrosial!), and would definitely suggest calculation in a cease at Pomodoro while you're there.
We had i of our best meals of the summertime at Pomodoro, and I would dear to visit again and soak up all their delicious Italian food and wine.
There is a take hold of: they only have cash, so come prepared or be fix to march to the ATM downward the street once you finish eating (we may or may have had to do this).
Union Oyster Firm — Spousal relationship Street (Marketplace District)
Right across the street from America's oldest tavern sits America's oldest restaurant, which has been serving upward seafood (and especially New England chowder) since 1826.
Nosotros didn't eat here personally, and reviews are mixed–some say the nutrient is excellent, some say it is but okay. Most hold that yous're paying a bit more than to eat at a historical location, which is non surprising.
Regardless of the ups and downs, though, I couldn't deport to go out information technology off–even if yous just snap a photo of the exterior equally you walk by on the Liberty Trail, it's worth being aware of this landmark during your two days in Boston.
Parker's Restaurant at Omni Parker Business firm — Schoolhouse Street (Celebrated Downtown)
I'll admit: the master dishes hither were adept-not-great for the prices they charge… but gorging ourselves on the original (and succulent) Parker Firm Rolls and Boston Creme Pie made the states glad we experienced the food one time.
If you desire to try out Parker'south House, we recommend going for tiffin or brunch to continue costs downwardly a bit.
Dunkin' Donuts — Literally Everywhere
Okay, this is (mostly) on here every bit a joke–only okay donuts and subpar java aside, there's no denying that Dunkin' Donuts is a true Boston experience.
Getting Around Boston
Boston is consistently rated as ane of the virtually walkable cities in the USA and is also home to 1 of the densest public transportation networks in the land.
During our 3 months in Boston, we relied exclusively on the subway, the occasional bus, and our feet to get effectually the urban center, and we recommend you do the same during your ii days in Boston.
There are two ways to purchase tickets to the metro system: with a CharlieCard (which is gratuitous and reloadable), and individually.
The CharlieCards can be picked up from whatsoever attendant in the subway stations, only they aren't always bachelor.
It's an actress $0.l/ride to purchase a ticket without a CharlieCard, and with just 2 days in Boston, I wouldn't worry also much well-nigh getting i.
Bonus piece of history: if you ride the Green Line of Boston'due south metro system, specifically between Park Street and Boylston, you'll be riding on ane of the oldest metros in the globe (and arguably the oldest one in the United states of america).
Source: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/2-days-in-boston-itinerary/
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