Boston's Culinary Delights and Vibrant Activities: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

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Advisor - Gillian Spatz
Curated By

Gillian Spatz

  • Boston

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • USA

  • Arts & Culture

  • History

Boats anchored at the Boston harbor in front of the city skyline.
Curator’s statement

As a traveler, I find Boston uniquely special for its rich historical heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Strolling through the city, I'm captivated by the blend of colonial charm and urban sophistication. Iconic sites like the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park are highlights, and the culinary delights in neighborhoods like the North End are a true adventure. It's the city's harmonious mix of history, education, arts and diverse cuisine that makes my visits to Boston so enriching and memorable.

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Where to stay in Boston

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Things to do in Boston

A view of Boston Common with a trail, park, trees, and pond in the background
  • Boston Common and the Public Garden: America's oldest public park and first botanical garden, offering activities like ice-skating and lounging.

  • Stroll the Greenway: A mile-long park connecting Chinatown Gate with the Zakim Bridge, ideal for strolling and enjoying outdoor activities.

  • Boston Opera House: A beautifully restored space downtown, hosting the Boston Ballet and Broadway musicals.

  • Southie Sunday: Experience local brunch culture in South Boston with long, boozy brunches and day drinking.

  • Try Boston’s lobster rolls: Enjoy this classic seafood treat available in various styles across the city.

  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: An art and design museum in Mission Hill, showcasing a variety of famous art pieces and a beautiful courtyard.

  • Fenway Park: Visit this iconic baseball park in Fenway/Kenmore, offering games and public tours.

  • SoWa Studios: Explore the city’s premier artistic hub in the South End, with open studio events and art exhibitions.

  • Boston Public Library: One of the largest public libraries in the US, located in Back Bay, offering tours and a tranquil courtyard.

  • Franklin Park Zoo: A family-friendly zoo in Roxbury, featuring a variety of exotic animals and a children’s zoo.

  • Candlepin Bowling at Sacco’s Bowl Haven: A unique bowling experience in Somerville, where you can enjoy gourmet pizza and craft brews.

  • Ghost Tours: A thrilling adventure into the city's shadowy past, where eerie tales and historic haunts come alive under the cloak of night, promising a spine-tingling glimpse into centuries-old mysteries.

  • Harvard University: A unique glimpse into America's oldest university, where awe-inspiring architecture, storied halls and a vibrant academic atmosphere converge, inviting you to walk in the footsteps of some of the world's most brilliant minds.

  • Revolutionary Walking Tour: Captivating walking tour that blends engaging storytelling with personalized attention, as you explore both iconic and hidden gems along the Freedom Trail, enriching your understanding of Boston's history and its modern-day allure.

  • Boston Observation Deck: Take in the stunning views of Boston's skyline from the upper levels of the Prudential Tower.

You can also purchase a Go City Boston All-Inclusive Pass, which includes entry to a number of the activities above and even more!

Day trips:

  • Martha’s Vineyard: Visiting Martha's Vineyard from Boston is a fantastic escape into a serene island paradise, offering a charming blend of beautiful beaches, exquisite dining, and a rich tapestry of cultural and historical sites, all just a short ferry ride away from the city hustle.

  • Salem: Embarking on a journey from Boston to Salem whisks you into a captivating world of rich history and mystique, where the infamous witch trials of 1692, stunning maritime heritage and quaint New England charm blend seamlessly for an unforgettable experience. You can also take the ferry to Salem to visit on your own.

Places to eat & drink in Boston

A stack of cream-filled cannolis with candy jars in the background
  • 1928 Beacon Hill: Enjoy Prohibition-era cocktails in a speakeasy-style space, capturing the essence of classic New England American cuisine.

  • Mamma Maria: Offers fine dining in the North End with striking views of downtown Boston, celebrated for its exceptional ambiance and top-notch cuisine.

  • Grill 23 & Bar: A renowned steakhouse in Back Bay, known for its unrivaled steak and seafood, accompanied by a world-class wine list.

  • o ya: A top-tier Japanese izakaya in the Leather District, offering an exquisite menu of sushi, sashimi and omakase.

  • Woods Hill Pier 4: This Seaport District gem offers farm-to-table dining with a focus on organic and non-GMO ingredients for delicious, flavorful meals.

  • Bistro du Midi: A French culinary experience in Back Bay, featuring Chef Robert Sisca’s classic cuisine with delightful views of Boston’s Public Gardens.

  • Krasi: A unique Greek meze and wine bar in Back Bay, emphasizing natural, organic, and biodynamic Greek wines, and a warm, conversational atmosphere.

  • Uni: A vibrant and contemporary izakaya in Back Bay, helmed by renowned chefs, offering global street food-inspired small plates and a wide-ranging sake program.

  • Hecate: An underground speakeasy bar in Back Bay, offering stylish drinks and a sophisticated, New York City-inspired ambiance.

  • HUE: Located in the Copley Square Hotel, HUE is a modern supper club that combines the best ingredients with a fantastic atmosphere.

Advisor - Gillian Spatz

Travel Advisor

Gillian Spatz

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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Tia Santoro’s guide, Where to Eat, Stay & Explore in Boston, MA.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Boston.