Boston, MA — One Girl, Two Passports

When the idea to visit Boston came to mind I was not very excited. Of course, I’d heard about this city. But it was simply never on my list of must-see places. However, after spending only 3 days in this amazing city I was ready to move in. We visited during Labor Day weekend and the weather was perfect. The food was delicious. And the city was alive with people from all likes of life.

If you are heading to this city soon or are on the fence about visiting, then keep reading for the top things to do in Boston, MA.

Boston Hotels:

Like any other popular city, hotels here can be expensive. Thankfully, they’ve got options for all budgets. When choosing where to stay I always look at a city map and pick a hotel close to the area I’ll spend the most time in. Boston can look overwhelming in a map, but walking in this city is very easy and nothing is more than a 20 min walk away. If all else fails, there is always Uber.

Club Quarters Hotel - My boyfriend and I stayed at this hotel. And it was perfect. We were within walking distance to all the major attractions and a metro station as well.
- 4 star hotel, average price per night $190 (will change based on season)
CitizenM Boston North Station Hotel - This hotel is brand new and very technology oriented. It is also located next to the North End neighborhood, so if you are planning to spend your nights in the Little Italy neighborhood then this is the place for you.
- 4 star hotel, average price per night $180 (will change based on season)

Transportation in Boston

The airport in Boston was one of the smoothest experiences I’ve ever had. We arrived to Boston around 10am and it only took us 15 minutes to get off the plane and into an Uber that took us straight to our hotel. From the baggage claim area you’ll see easy-to-follow signs for the type of transportation you are looking for.

Uber - My boyfriend and I took an Uber to and from the Logan International Airport. The pick up and drop off locations were very easy to find from the baggage claim area and the cost was approximately $15 each way.
MBTA Blue Line to/from the airport - From the baggage claim area look for signs for the LMA blue shuttle bus. This bus will take you to the MBTA Blue line that will take you to city center. A single fare ticket is $2.75.
Public Transport (MBTA) - Boston’s public transportation system is very easy to use, however you might not have a need for it. While visiting, we were able to walk everywhere. Except when visiting Harvard. If this is the case for you, then you’ll need to take the T line outbound in order to move from city center to Harvard University. Expect to pay approximately $3.00 each way.

Top Things to do in Boston, by Neighborhood:

The Harbor Area

Faneuil Hall Marketplace - Includes three historic granite buildings (North Market, Quincy Market, and South Market). Here you will find different stores and restaurants. At nighttime you can find street artists playing instruments or singing.
- Hours: Mon thru Thu from 10am to 9pm, Fri and Sat from 10am to 9pm, Sun from 11am to 7pm. (Hours might change per season)

Fort Point

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum - Located on the Fort Point Channel this museum offers guided tours of the museum and 18th century vessels stationed there. Tours last approximately one hour and run between 10am and 5pm. They also have tea rooms and a souvenir store that is free to visit.
- Cost: $28.45 (online) or $29.95 (on site)
Lookout Rooftop Bar - Located in the Envoy Hotel. This bar offers amazing views of the Boston city skyline. There is no cover charge and drinks will cost an average of $15. You can visit after spending the day exploring the city since they have no dress code.
- Hours: 4pm to 12am (weekend) or 11pm (weekdays).

North End

Old North Church - located along the Freedom Trail. It is the oldest standing church in Boston and offer guided tours daily for $!0.
Little Italy - This is Boston’s oldest neighborhood. Its two main streets (Salem St. and Hanover St.) are filled with restaurants. I recommend you go early in the evening or later at night because all restaurants tend to have a lengthy waiting list around dinner time.
The Prado / Paul Revere Mall - small park located off of Hanover St. (past Tileston St.) with a view of the Old North Church and the Paul Revere Statue.

Back Bay

Boston Public Library - Massive public library located in the heart of the Back Bay neighborhood. Their main reading hall (pictured below) and courtyard are popular places for locals and tourists alike. Free entrance.
- Library hours: Daily 9am to 9pm (Except for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; closes at 5pm)
- Map Room Tea Lounge - picturesque tea room located in the first floor of the library, offering tea seatings throughout various times Wednesday to Sunday. Check their websites for specific hours.
Boston Common - This is the oldest city park in the United States dating back to 1634. It is also where the Freedom trail begins. My favorite part of this park was the Public Garden, when I visited in September all the flowers were in full bloom.
Beacon Hill (Acorn St.) - I am including this picturesque street in this neighborhood because they are very close and no visit to Boston is complete without snatching a picture here. This neighborhood has steep lined streets with Federal-style and Victorian brick row houses all lit with antique lanterns.

Cambridge

Harvard and the Hahvah Tour - My boyfriend and I did the Hahvah tour when visiting Cambridge and we both loved it. This was a student-led tour, which means you get to learn about the experience of these students and some of the secrets you only learn from being a student here. Our tour guide, Matthew was very informative and funny! I really recommend it!
- Hours: 10am to 4pm
- Cost: $14 per person

Places to Eat in Boston…

Boston is full of historic taverns and delicious Italian food, so finding a good place to eat is not difficult.

Green Dragon Tavern: dates back to 1654, oldest historic Boston bar. Around the corner from Faneuil Marketplace.
Warren Tavern: oldest pub still in its original building and location. Operated continuously since opening.
Bell in Hand Tavern: built in 1795, America’s oldest continuously operating tavern. Located around the corner from the Green Dragon.
- If you want to experience the tavern, go for lunch, afternoon drinks and appetizers, or dinner.
- At night it turns into a dance club with 2 floors and 5 bars. One of the liveliest nightspots in the Faneuil Hall area. Attracts mostly college students and 21-to-30 something crowd.
- TIP: had a great lobster mac n cheese here plus clam chowder.
Union Oyster House: claims to be the oldest restaurant in Boston since 1826.
- Best oysters and perfectly cooked fresh seafood, also offers classic Boston clam chowder.
- Post-Colonial decor
Modern Pastry: sells a bit of everything, but is also popular for its cannolis. Located in North End.
- Visited this place and ordered a traditional cannoli. A lot of people are always here and in the North End overall, so I recommend ordering your cannoli and taking the cute little to-go box to the Rose Kennedy Greenway located nearby.
- Rose Kennedy Greenway also offers beautiful views of the city skyline and has swings and tables to sit at and enjoy a picnic or a cannoli to go!
Pauline’s; italian dishes like ravioli and tortellini at around $12. Famous lobster rolls (huge!) and cost about $40 (but you can share them).
Galleria Umberto’s: famous for thick slice Sicilian pizza. They close once they sell all the pizza they made for a day (usually happens around 2:30pm). Get there before lunch since the lines can be quite long at 12pm.
Mike’s Pastry: across from Umberto’s across Hanover St. Known for their multi-flavors of cannoli. Good for dessert.
- The Boston Cream Pie (official dessert of Massachusetts).
- Popular tourist place in North End.
Giaocomo’s; Italian-Sea Food. No reservations. Opens @ 5:00 pm, lines can start outside since 3:30 pm
Florentine Cafe: popular place according to the lines outside. Nice decor with big windows that allowed for people watching.
- Food smelled and looked great.
- Did not personally try it.
The Daily Catch: popular according to the lines outside, sells sicillian style pasta and seafood.
Trattoria II Panino: traditional italian meals served. Has ample space for sitting
Tatte Bakery & Cafe: located all over Boston, these are cute modern cafes that serve breakfast and lunch.
- Full cafe bar, breakfast menu, and pastries.
- Pastry sample basket comes with 2 croissants, 2 other pastries, jams and butter plus orange juice or coffee ($9)
Thinking cup: modern coffee house with inside and outside sitting area located on Newbury St.