Boston is one wonderful historic city that no one wants to miss. The city is rich in culture, amazing people, great seafood, number of museums and world renowned universities. So when I got a long weekend during a perfect summer, I chose to fly to Boston and experience all of it.
Where to stay: I suggest to stay in and around Fenway/Downtown area because most of the attractions are close by and obviously downtown makes it happening place.
For budget options: There are a good number of hostels and you can book them via www.booking.com or www.hostelworld.com. I chose to stay a night at nearby Fenway since my friend graciously offered me stay for the rest of the nights at her apartment. So for a night, I chose to stay at nearby hostel (budget problems I say) called Boston Fenway by Found. I got stay for $38 and nothing can beat that price for the location I guess. It’s right opposite to T station and walking distance to Public library, garden and Hynes convention center.
For moderate budget: Go for Airbnb or hotels for reasonable prices listed on Priceline or whatever site you chose to. Let me tell you, Boston is expensive to stay, so if you want to choose Airbnb, please book at least 3 weeks prior. The best options book up pretty quickly. Choose for places accessible to public transport. Driving in city is messy.
Must haves for budget travelers:
● Buy 7 day Charlie link pass for T (covers all buses, silver line, T stations, ferries, zone 1A commute) – $22.10
● Go City Boston card – $126 for 3 days (preferable to take 3 day or more to cover premium locations, details below)
Now let’s get to my travel story and itinerary.
Day 0:
I reached Boston at 10:45 PM and Airport has good public transport. Get 1 or 7 day Charlie Ticket (link pass) at any of the subways. This covers all subways, T, buses, ferry. Charge: $22.10. You may get reduced prices for official holidays like Labor Day and July 4th.
Day 1:
Take T and reach public garden. Walk by the lake, enjoy duck tour (included in Go City and otherwise $4) and have little chat with children fighting over climbing the giant ducks at “make way for ducklings” statue.
Go for walk (2.3 mile) on freedom trail. It was a good decision to come to Boston during the first week of September and the weather was wonderful. Don’t miss walk behind soldiers memorial statue where hundreds of sparrows fly around in groups while children chase them.
If you have more time, walk by Beacon Hill neighborhood. Acorn street is considered the most photographed street in Boston and it’s worth the hype.
Take T at Arlington station and get to Copley station to reach Boston public library.
This historic building is full of rich architecture and the building amazes you from your first step. The grand cellar and backside garden and absolutely stunning. The book collection is quite old and makes all nerds damn excited.
Left to library is The Old South church which completed 350 years in 2019. The architecture and glass work inside the church is phenomenal and it’s open for all. The Church’s history claims that it worked really hard for inclusion and diversity.
Opposite to Public library is another historic church called Trinity church and it’s open for all to do prayers but ticket if you are there only for sightseeing.
If you got Go Boston card for 3 days or more, please go visit Blue man group show that’s about 0.6 miles away from Public library. The box office is open from noon and closing times depends on day you go. Please call them prior to know show times. The show runs for about 1.5 hours and its fun show with paint splashes, music and comic skits.
Head to The Salty pig for unique pizza or Thinking cup for beautiful coffee and heavenly tasting muffins.
Head to Boston Skyline at Prudential center. It is included with Go City Boston card and otherwise entry is around $21.Either way, do not miss the sunset at this location. I have been to a bunch of skylines in several cities, I must admit that this is the best skyline view I have seen so far.
Day 2:
Since all spots were full on Day 1 for Whale watching, we reserved our slot on Day 2. Since we had more time before the whale tour, we parked our car at Cambridge, used T and reached Museum of Arts.
Go. To. Isabella Gardner Museum. This museum is a personal collection of couple who started collecting paintings and collectibles from Europe after they lost their 2- year old son and found peace and way out of depression by possessing these collection. Although there is no detailed descriptions and collections close to each of them, they are guided tours that explain the history behind each of them. The highlight of the place is definitely its stunning cellar and garden. The views are absolutely stunning.
Head to Museum of Arts. This gem of a place is considered one of the must go to museums in USA.
If you are in the mood to grab some interesting food options, head to Time out Boston market which is like 0.5 mi away from Isabella Gardner museum.
Head to New England Aquarium and the Go City card is included. Enjoy the views of relaxing sea lions, giant tortoise, African penguins and baby sharks. It’s 3 storied spiral aquarium and filled with amazing variety of aquatic animal species in tons of filtered water. Honestly, I am not a fan of aquariums or zoo that restrict animals to a certain zone but I see point of education and research that can help kids. And, I didn’t feel like the aquarium is worth $35 entry, again, just a personal opinion.
If time permits before your Whale tour, walk to Institute of Contemporary art which is 1 mile away from Aquarium. ICA has very interesting art collection.
Reach Whale watching Cruise at least 15 min prior to departure. I recommend having food prior to the cruise because it’s a long 4 hour journey and food options on board are pretty basic. There are a ton of upscale restaurants right in front of Aquarium.
Whale watching is one life time experience. 1 hour into cruising far away from the coast, you will witness dolphins flying around, back hump whales teasing you with their tails and deep dives. Of course, it is purely based on luck and we were lucky to have witnessed them all. We saw multiple pairs of whales and dolphins. There are in house guides that help you spot them and explain you why/how whales behave and their life span. The cruise companies do not own/feed the whales so all of the animals are in their natural habitat.
Day 3:
Head to High Flyer Zipline at Foxwoods resort. Remember this place is 2 hours away from the City and you may have to rent a car. The whole zipline takes about an hour. Please make sure to reserve the spot way before you plan the trip. There are chances that might cancel service if weather doesn’t support. Also the service is open only for weekends.
And finally, do not leave Boston without trying famous Boston Cream Pie. Also Mike’s pastry for most amazing desserts.
The main attractions to not miss are Boston cream pie, Boston cream donuts, Whale watching (harbor actually), blue man group show,Isabella Gardner museum and freedom trail.
Other places to consider:
Faneuil hall marketplace – Quincy market: It’s an indoor and outdoor market place with variety of foods to try and is also a great experience for shoppers
Boston tea party museum: Well I guess most of you know this historic rebellion led to American revolution and if you want to relive the history, this is it.
Fenway park: If you get Boston Go CIty – day or more days pass, and if the games are scheduled on your days of visit, go head to the park and enjoy baseball game with game lovers of America. The cheer and energy is fictitious
Let out what all you can cover on Go City Boston card and I am sure you may be interested in a few more attractions there, especially things like duck tour or utilize hop on and off the bus to save some time from T.