A Beginners' Guide to Boston

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Advisor - Kamila Gomez
Curated By

Kamila Gomez

  • Arts & Culture

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Boston

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

A city skyline with diverse buildings and a sailboat on the water in the foreground.
Curator’s statement

Boston is a refined and beautiful city. There is so much history to uncover, delicious food to try and, of course, so much to learn and see. Every neighborhood has its own unique feel and aesthetic, and some even can transport you to another time period. Everyone should check out what Boston has to offer.

The Fora Difference

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Insider knowledge

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Where to stay in Boston

Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston

Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston is a historic luxury hotel in the heart of Boston, offering timeless elegance and top-notch hospitality.

Fora Perks
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    Hotel / resort credit.

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    Breakfast daily.

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    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Newbury Boston

Polished Boston hotel with stylish rooms located just steps to designer boutiques and art galleries.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 food / beverage credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

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    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Revere Hotel Boston

A chic urban retreat where contemporary style meets historic charm, offering modern accommodations, rooftop pool views, and a central location for a sophisticated and vibrant stay in the heart of Boston.

Boston Harbor Hotel

A Boston mainstay at Rowes Wharf, with oversized rooms and a popular waterfront restaurant.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • ★

    Welcome amenity.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Unlock perks by contacting Kamila to book your trip.

Things to do in Boston

An indoor courtyard with a classical statue surrounded by lush greenery at the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum.

  • Freedom Trail tour
    A must-do for your first time in Boston. This tour covers all the historical aspects of the city in one 90-minute tour.

  • Duck Tour
    A. Duck Tour is a Boston classic. It’s this boat-like truck that takes you around the city, both on land and in the water. It’s super fun and educational for kids and adults alike.

  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
    This museum is actually one of my absolute favorite places in the world — no exaggeration! It’s a museum dedicated to a popular art collector and socialite of the 1800s that includes her mansion, which is just breathtaking.

  • Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA Museum)
    The ICA is by the waterfront, and I highly suggest exploring the area as well. It’s super pretty, and only has one main exhibit on display at a time, so if you find big museums a bit overwhelming, this one is perfect for you!

  • Harvard Arboretum
    The Harvard Arboretum is the perfect place to take a stroll and relax. It’s essentially just a big park with lots of trees, but it’s way more and there are sections that are more secluded.

  • Walk through Beacon Hill
    Beacon Hill is one of my all-time favorite neighborhoods in the world. It almost feels as if you’ve been transported to another world in a way. Almost all brick buildings, winding streets and absolutely gorgeous homes and roads.

  • Versus
    Super fun and trendy arcade bar in Boston. They have lots of different games, a neon gaming aesthetic and a great selection of drinks.

  • Lucky Strike
    Lucky Strike is a Boston classic — a 21+ bowling alley. It’s right in Fenway, across the street from the stadium. It’s definitely my go-to Friday night destination when I can’t decide what to do.

Places to eat & drink in Boston

A restaurant table set for dining, complete with menus and glasses of water, with a black and white restaurant aesthetic.

  • Time Out Market
    Super diverse food market in Fenway that includes places featured in Time Out Magazine.

  • Buttermilk & Bourbon
    One of my favorite lunch/brunch places, their Southern comfort food and vibrant aesthetic is top-notch.

  • Cosmica
    Really cute Mexican restaurant located in the Revolution hotel. One of my favorite places in Boston to get drinks, and their food is great, too!

  • MIDA
    Super cute Italian restaurant in South End. They are famous for their pastas. On Mondays, they have a five pastas for $80 deal, which is really worth it, especially if you are on a date.

  • Terra by Eataly
    This restaurant is so beautiful, with lots of plants all over. All the food is organic and tastes amazing!

  • Bartaco
    This isn’t your regular Mexican food chain — the food and service is absolutely phenomenal.

  • Wally’s
    A classic jazz bar right in the South End. A staple of this Boston neighborhood. A lot of music students in the area play there, as well as local bands.

  • Sonsie
    A Boston staple, the cutest and coziest restaurant, serving delicious new American cuisine. Located right on Newbury Street.

Advisor - Kamila Gomez

Travel Advisor

Kamila Gomez

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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Boston. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Shannon Zelek's guide, The Two Day Guide to Greater Boston.